At Relentless Partner, we believe that gratitude fuels generosity. Your donors are the heart of your mission, and taking the time to show appreciation can strengthen relationships, increase donor retention, and inspire continued giving.
Since Valentine’s Day is all about love and appreciation, we’re sharing 13 meaningful ways to say thank you and show your donors how much they mean to you—not just on February 14th, but all year long!
Handwritten Thank You Notes ✍️
A personalized, handwritten note makes a lasting impression. In a digital world, a physical letter feels genuine and heartfelt. Bonus points if it’s from a beneficiary or leadership team member!
Personalized Video Messages 🎥
Record a short video message thanking your donors for their support. Seeing faces and hearing voices makes gratitude more personal and impactful. Tools like Bonjoro, Loom, or even a quick smartphone recording work great!
Feature Donors in a “Wall of Gratitude” 📸
Create a virtual or physical donor wall that highlights their generosity. Whether it’s a section on your website, a social media post, or an actual wall in your office, recognition goes a long way!
Send a Small, Thoughtful Gift 🎁
A simple token of appreciation—a bookmark, custom sticker, digital download, or even a special coffee blend—can make your donors feel valued without breaking your budget.
Host a Donor Appreciation Event 🎉
Invite donors to a special reception, luncheon, or virtual event where they can meet the team, hear impact stories, and celebrate their generosity together.
Highlight Donors on Social Media 📢
Feature your supporters in a #DonorSpotlight post or a short appreciation video. Share why they give and how their contributions make a difference.
Deliver an Impact Report with a Personal Touch 📄
Instead of just sending a standard donor impact report, include a personalized note that ties their specific gift to a tangible result. Example: "Your donation provided meals for 50 families this winter!"
Call Donors to Say Thank You 📞
A quick phone call from a board member, executive director, or someone impacted by their donation can create a memorable connection.
Surprise Donors with a Valentine’s Email 💌
Send an unexpected Valentine’s Day thank-you email to remind them that their generosity is appreciated and celebrated.
Create a Behind-the-Scenes Look 👀
Invite donors to a behind-the-scenes tour of your organization (virtually or in person) so they can see the direct impact of their contributions.
Dedicate a “Thank You” Post in Your Newsletter 📰
Include a special thank-you section in your email newsletter featuring a donor story, a personal thank-you message, or an update on how their gifts are making a difference.
Recognize Donors in Your Annual Report 📊
Give your top donors a special shoutout in your annual report, listing their names or featuring a story about why they give.
Celebrate Donor Anniversaries & Birthdays 🎂
Track milestones like their first donation date or their birthday and send them a small note or email to let them know they’re special!
Make Gratitude a Year-Round Priority
Donors give because they believe in your mission—but they stay when they feel valued. By incorporating genuine, personalized appreciation efforts into your donor stewardship plan, you’ll create lasting relationships that foster continued generosity.
❤️ How do you show love to your donors? Share your favorite appreciation ideas in the comments!
🔗 Looking for more ways to build meaningful donor relationships? Connect with us!
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