Four Tips for the “BEST” Thank You Process

Sometimes I haven’t gotten a thank you letter from a nonprofit. Don’t be that charity who forgets to send a thank you note. Here are my four tips for the best and easiest way to get thank you notes in your donor’s hands and keep them connected.

1. Acknowledge the donation QUICKLY!

   • Send a prompt, personalized thank-you letter within in 48 hours of receipt of the gift

     • Print preferred: If the donation is made online, determine the threshold with which you will send a printed letter.

     • Remind the donor the impact of their gift: If the gift is for a specific project, provide details on the progress of that project or other information relevant to the intention of the contribution.

     • Determine if leadership, including board members should sign the printed thank you letter

     • Clearly state the tax-deductible amount: For an unrestricted annual fund gift list the full tax-deductible amount; for an event where there is a cost of good and services associated, identify your costs and subtract that from the total contribution amount to determine the tax-deductible amount and include any other relevant information, i.e. tax identification number, contact information for donor to reach out to organization

2. Update Donor Information

   • Update donor profiles and verify contact preferences.

3. Recognize the Donor

   • Publicly acknowledge contributions with donor consent

4. Keep them Connected

   • Subscribe donors to relevant communication channels.