9 Ways to Give Thanks to Your Donors this Holiday Season
Do your donors know how grateful you are for them?
Of course we want to share the impact donors are making along with your appreciation for their gifts year round but the holidays are an important time to make them feel extra special.
This holiday season, let's make our donors feel truly valued. By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate deeper relationships, inspire donor retention, increase future giving, and create a lasting impact.
9 Ways to Show Donors How Valued They are This Holiday Season
Handwritten note on a postcard or seasonal card:
A heartfelt personalized message is a classic and effective way to share your gratitude.
Personalized video:
You don’t need fancy software or high production value - simply make a quick video on your phone sharing your thanks to the donor. Better yet, have a student, faculty, staff or community member who benefited from their generosity record a video saying the difference their gift has made for them.
Text messages, emails or digital greeting cards:
Even a quick note over email or text highlighting the impact that the donor has made can make a big difference.
Social media post:
Post a message with a photo on your social media channels thanking donors and volunteers and celebrate their contribution to the institution and community.
Photo next to a donor wall or sign:
If the donor has a plaque for a facility/room or their name on a donor wall, take a picture next to it and send it to them with a note saying how you think about them every time you enter the space and how grateful you are for their impact.
Throw a party:
Host a donor recognition event or invite them to a holiday party for the organization.
Holiday performance:
If your institution has a performing arts concert or arts open house invite them to come with free tickets and reserved special seating.
Phone call:
A personal touch and genuine thanks from your own voice or from a board member, academic leader or beneficiary of their generosity goes a long way.
Send a small gift of gratitude:
Staying away from cheesy tchotchkes, think instead of something meaningful for your donor and the institution. Examples are an ornament with the mascot on it, wine glasses with the college seal, student artwork, a signed book from a professor or alum.
Bonus: Expressing sincere gratitude not only benefits your donors but also boosts morale and reinforces your organization's mission among staff and volunteers.
If you have other great stewardship ideas to add to this list I’d love to hear from you.
Need ideas and advice on stewarding donors? Get in touch with me for personalized insights and strategies.
Get in touch with me!
Jen Stirling
Principal Consultant, Brighter Philanthropy —
Fundraising consulting for higher ed and K-12
As your partner, I’ll bring my considerable expertise, high-energy efficiency, optimistic realism, relational approach, and fresh perspective to guide your team and help your institution reach its goals, enabling more students to thrive. I offer support for campaign services, development organization assessments, staff coaching and board development.
