Here at DonorLynk, we’re incredibly proud of our southern roots. Even though we’re not all originally from the south, we all agree that we love the culture, the hospitality, and of course, the food. This probably most evident around Thanksgiving.
For much of the south, Thanksgiving is when we defiantly shake off our commitments to healthy eating.
It’s when it becomes acceptable to eat seven biscuits with dinner.
It’s when four kinds of pie isn’t enough.
It’s when the dressing is denser, the mashed potatoes are creamier, and even the turkey is basted in butter.
However, despite the decadence of southern Thanksgiving cuisine, one of the best parts of the holiday is having the opportunity to reflect on the good things that have happened throughout the year. It’s the time to be appreciative of the things you have, and to be thankful for the special people in your life.
So how does this translate to your organization? Although spending time on fundraising campaigns and end-of-year giving is valuable, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to step back and appreciate what you’ve accomplished during the year, and to say thank you to the people who have made your organization what it is. In addition, taking a bit of time from your organization’s normal busy holiday schedule to show your appreciation for your donors and volunteers can have a positive, lasting impact on your organization.
Don’t think you have time to reach out to your supporters? We’ve come up with a few easy ways to show your donors and volunteers that you are grateful for their support. Just remember, however you choose to say thank-you, keep it warm, personal, and authentic.
Use Social Media
If most of your supporters have social media accounts, using Facebook or Twitter to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving is a quick way to connect (particularly if you have a large network of donors and volunteers). The extensive reach of social media also means that most of your network will be able to see what you post. When designing your post, you can use photos from your organization, create an image, or even record a thank-you video.
Whatever you choose, make sure that you keep your focus on saying thank you. Donors don’t particularly want to see a post that is really asking for support, and is only thinly disguised as a Thanksgiving greeting. Instead. work on crafting a simple, meaningful message that conveys how grateful you are for your supporters. The more specific and thoughtful you can make your post, the more likely it is that your donors and volunteers will feel personally appreciated.
Share a Meal
If your organization is smaller, you might consider an in-person activity, like hosting a meal for your donors and volunteers. It doesn’t need to be especially formal or elegant, it’s simply a time to sit down with the people who give their time and their money to your organization. In his article “The Importance of Eating Together,” Cody Delistraty writes that “The dinner table can act as a unifier, a place of community. Sharing a meal is an excuse to catch up and talk, one of the few times where people are happy to put aside their work and take time out of their day.” Eating a meal with the people who sustain your organization can help you to strengthen relationships with the supporters you already know, and you’ll be able to connect with those you have yet to meet.
Write a Note
In today’s digital age, physically putting a pen to paper to show your supporters you care can have a huge effect. With the availability of instant communication, receiving a handwritten note can have a powerful impact on your supporters— and it shows that you believe they are worth time and effort. Writing a note means that you took the time to step away from your busy schedule to think specifically about a person, and that you were moved enough by their contributions to express your gratitude on paper. You may find that your supporters will keep the notes you write long after the holiday season is over.
No time to handwrite a note?
Maybe your organization is simply too large to make writing individual notes feasible, or you’ve filled your holiday season with fundraisers and events and you simply don’t have time to sit down and write hundreds of notes. In that case, donor management systems like ours have the ability to generate and send thank-you emails, which you can customize for Thanksgiving or include pictures from your organization. It’s a quick reminder to your donors that you’re thinking of them, and that you appreciate their support. If you need help figuring out how to send these kinds of personalized notes, you can get in touch with our team— we’d love to help.
Added Benefits
Thanking your donors and volunteers during the holidays can have lasting advantages for your organization. When a supporter feels valued, he or she will have a more positive view of your organization, and will be more likely to stay connected.
Beyond creating lifetime supporters, saying thank you to your donors and volunteers has additional benefits. People who actively practice gratitude in their lives tend to be happier and more optimistic. Being thankful can also improve your social health, you’ll feel less isolated, be more outgoing and forgiving, and have greater compassion for others.
Additionally, practicing gratitude has added physical benefits like a stronger immune system and lower blood pressure. Which means you’ll be able to enjoy that deep-fried turkey with a minimum amount of guilt. So get cooking (literally and figuratively) on your plan to say thanks!
Need more ideas? Need help connecting to your donors? Let us help. Get in touch with our team!