Small and medium-sized nonprofit organizations may not have the opportunities or resources to organize appreciation events or give out lavish gifts to their donors. However, nonprofit organizations of any size can acknowledge donors without spending much.
In this post, we have compiled budget friendly ways to show appreciation to your donors.
Programs: Donor Recognition Programs usually exist for two reasons. The first reason is for the sake of recognition while the other is for stewardship and fundraising. The donor Recognition Programs and donor Engagement Programs when executed properly create an opportunity to honour donors for giving at a certain level or for a particular behaviour that the organization will like to see perpetuated. This program usually come with perceived benefits associated with being a member. These benefits may be access to exclusive information, print recognition or special event invitation.
Receipting: Providing prompt and accurate documentation of a gift should be one of the first action a nonprofit organization takes when recognizing the generosity of a donor. Do not wait for 4 weeks before acknowledging a donation and try as much as possible to send a mail which acknowledges a receipt. If for any reason the receipts are delayed, it is good practice that your organization recognizes the gift by phone call, postcard or email so that the buyer knows that the gift has been received.
Acknowledgment letters: Sending out acknowledgment letters can be part of your recognition program because letters are more convenient to send. When writing an acknowledgment letter, ensure that it is personalized to make the donor know that you appreciate their gift and it has a huge impact on your nonprofit.
Newsletters: Newsletters can be customized to provide your donors with information about your activities and can also be a means to recognize their gifts.
Special events: Organizing an Events is easiest way to meet your donors and have one-on-one communications with them. Your nonprofit can organize a gala evening, beach day, picnic or a simple cocktail party depending on the mission of your organization. This is a good idea that will strike a balance between socializing and promoting your non-profits.
Capital project recognition
- Naming opportunities: It is possible to name walls, offices or physical items after your donors. Nonprofits can present plaques, electronic displays or wall tags to their donors. It is important that such events are planned at least one year ahead so that the donors will be informed.
- Web/print recognition: There are several ways to appreciate donors on the web. Donors can be recognized on your website, social platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, Wikipedia, mobile phone apps and LinkedIn. You could also make print pieces like donor honour rolls.