{"id":2558,"date":"2018-01-11T02:39:10","date_gmt":"2018-01-11T10:39:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/?p=2558"},"modified":"2025-12-29T02:33:41","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T10:33:41","slug":"donor-recognition-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/donorbox.org\/nonprofit-blog\/donor-recognition-ideas","title":{"rendered":"Donor Recognition: When and How to Appreciate Your Supporters"},"content":{"rendered":"

When we think of donor recognition, we usually think of holidays or after large campaigns. Donors are flooded with thank-you cards and gala dinner<\/a> invitations during Thanksgiving and Christmas. <\/span>However, it’s important to show donors you appreciate them throughout the year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are ten ways to show donors your appreciation for their gifts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

10 Creative Donor Recognition Ideas for Nonprofits<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Donor appreciation helps build strong donor relationships, encourages repeated giving, and makes your supporters feel connected to your mission. Here are ten creative steps to add to your donor recognition process.<\/p>\n

\n

1. Call your donors<\/span><\/h3>\n

This is a simple, yet effective, donor recognition idea. Hearing a real voice over the phone helps build connections and establish trust. <\/span>To make this idea happen, try mobilizing volunteers to call and thank donors for their gifts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

For an even more impactful approach, get your board members or leadership members to place the calls. Be mindful of your board members\u2019 schedules and only have them do this once or twice a year, calling 15-20 donors each.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Schedule some donor appreciation phone calls into your team\u2019s calendar every week. Or, organize a thank-a-thon<\/a> \u2013 an office \u201cdonor calling\u201d event where you can spend an entire day calling donors to thank them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

2. Create a \u201cthank you\u201d video<\/span><\/h3>\n

Nonprofits usually associate this donor recognition idea with the end of the year. However, videos are impactful because they help donors connect to the volunteers\/staff\/beneficiaries more powerfully. <\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, videos are generally quite shareable, which helps with distributing them and publicly appreciating your donors (if that\u2019s what you intend to do). <\/span>Chances are, you have someone on your team in possession of a good-quality camera (in fact, some phone cameras will do the trick) and someone who has basic video editing knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

The options with this donor appreciation gift idea are endless. Get your creative juices flowing! The only \u201cmust\u201d is to thank your donors. The rest is optional.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can opt for an animated video such as this one.<\/span><\/a> or a video like this one<\/span><\/a> in which you feature staff members, volunteers, and\/or beneficiaries. The second one might involve more individuals, but is generally easier to edit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

3. Write a \u201cthank you\u201d letter<\/span><\/h3>\n

Although videos and phone calls generally create a more personal connection between your nonprofit and your donors, sometimes letters can provide a personal yet professional touch when thanking donors for their gifts. Sometimes, letters are preferable or more achievable given the size of your nonprofit\u2019s donor base.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although handwritten letters add a more personal touch to your donor recognition, especially in today\u2019s digital age, sometimes handwriting all of your letters simply isn\u2019t feasible. In case you\u2019re running against the clock, create a heartfelt email \u201cthank you\u201d. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a small nonprofit or just starting one, consider the handwritten \u201cthank you\u201d letters<\/a> now that your donor base is likely small and you need to grow it.<\/span><\/p>\n

An interesting twist to this idea is sending postcards, especially if a lot of your donors live abroad.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bonus Resource:<\/strong> Watch this short video with tips and ideas for your donor thank you notes or letters:<\/p>\n