Say "Thank You" Before Asking for Another Nonprofit Donation

Posted by Molly Schar Sep 24, 2009

Whatever it is that someone has contributed to your organization, it's a good rule of thumb to thank them at least three times. This doesn't mean you have to send three separate thank you notes (though you could, I suppose).

Thanking donors is at the heart of the stewardship phase of the development cycle. Demonstrating your genuine appreciation helps build your relationship with the donor. The stewardship principles can be applied to other stakeholders, like volunteers and board members.

Read more about strengthening your donor thank you letters and be sure you include the elements of effective acknowledgements.

Also consider ways to thank your volunteers and board members, including helping volunteers with job hunting in this tough economy.

A final word of advice: don't let a thank-you become a thinly veiled appeal. For a thank-you to "count," it must be free of any kind of request. People can tell when you're asking for something, even if you dress it up as gratitude.

Have a question related to stewardship or appreciation? Comment below!