Long after the flowers and cards have been delivered, Valentine’s day remains a good reminder for nonprofit organizations about the importance of building relationships, showing love to target audiences, and celebrating major milestones all year round. This is especially true when it comes to donors. At a time when so many are facing financial challenges, it’s important to show donors appreciation. According to a 2021 report on nonprofit and philanthropic fundraising by Double the Donation:
- Overall giving grew 4.1% over the past year, the 6th consecutive year of growth.
- Online giving grew by 12.1% over the past year.
This year’s celebratory and appreciation events may look different, but it’s in these times when it may be even more important for nonprofits to nurture relationships with supporters and show them you care. Here are some effective and creative ways to thank those who provide the financial support that makes your organization’s work possible.
Record a video
Videos are an excellent way to illustrate the impact of donor generosity. Think about filming activities that show your nonprofit at work and sharing it with your donors. Does your nonprofit deliver food or supplies? Provide affordable healthcare, or tutor children? These activities could be turned into video material used in an upcoming thank-you video, repurposed for social promotion, or even leveraged in media relations.
Contrary to popular belief, a video recording need not be high production or high budget. With simple text and iPhone footage, this video from Google shows us that it’s ultimately the sentiment that matters most.
Socialize your supporters
Social media is a great way to not only thank donors for their contributions, but also showcase their generosity. Use Facebook and Instagram Stories to send a quick video and tag donors or post a nice call-out to your donors on Twitter. If the donor volunteers their time as well as their money, you may want to consider developing an Instagram slideshow and tagging the donors/volunteers in appreciation posts. Of course, it would be important to get permission from donors before sharing their participation on social media.
Show Your Care with a Card
Like children’s artwork or Christmas cards, personalized postcards and letters from nonprofits are excellent material to post to the family fridge. When sending your love via snail mail, consider how you can jazz up a Postcard with an infographic of your donor’s impact, or include a magnet acknowledging the recipient’s status as a donor and thanking them for their contribution.
Regardless of the path or medium you take, the most important thing is that your supporters know at the end of the day that you care and are thankful for them. While people may be initially drawn to your organization’s mission and be impressed by its work, the way you nurture your relationships is the difference between a one-time donor and a lifelong contributor. Don’t forget to let contributors and volunteers know that they matter to your organization and the results it is able to achieve. A good relationship makes all the difference.
