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.