Four reasons you really have to write those thank-you notes
- Mon, November 28 2011
- Filed under: Fundraising essentials
One of my daughters just marked her 13th birthday, and she’s busy writing thank you notes for her gifts. It’s required in our family! I’m a stickler about that kind of thing.
At the same time, I’m in the midst of putting together an in-depth training on wowing donors with better acknowledgments.
Why am I spending personal and professional energy on thank-yous? I’ll give you four reasons they matter so much to our sector::
1. SURVIVAL: The number one reason that donors stop supporting a nonprofit is the way they were treated by the nonprofit. They complain about lack of thank-yous and reporting on the difference they made. Rightfully so!
2. SUCCESS: Your gratitude helps bond a donor to your cause. It’s good fundraising practice.
3. DIFFERENTIATION: Most nonprofits are terrible at it. If you’re good, you stand out. Be the best organization at saying thank-you!
4. MANNERS: Saying “thanks” often and well is simply the right thing to do.
Comments
I agree with them all but number four is my favorite. Whether it’s a donor or a prospective employer, saying “thanks” can make all the difference. And not to toot our own horn (but I’m going to for a second), the Convio team had a blast saying thanks this month. Just check out our super fun video http://youtu.be/GxKbzC3xJUs