The Mikuska Group  

How and when to thank donors

The time to thank a donor is when you get a gift. That’s all. No mysterious formula.

It’s not when you get enough gifts in to batch receipts. It’s not really about the receipt, although most people would like one eventually. If the process for creating receipts in your organization are making you wait to thank donors, then get the thank you letter out first and send the receipt later – then work on getting the receipt process changed!

How to thank donors is also quite simple.

  • Be authentic, whether on the phone, in a letter or an email.
  • Just thank. Resist the temptation to brag or to ask for another gift.
  • Praise the donor and remind them of their status as a hero in solving problems.
  • Personalize a thank you letter and hand-sign each one.
  • Enlist your board to help thank donors, by making calls or sending hand-written notes.

Donors are much more likely to give again if they are promptly and properly thanked. So make time to do just that.

Julie Mikuska.

  ·  

Blog Archives

Articles By Category