Stewardship: Happy Birthday Edition
Last week, I celebrated a milestone - my 40th birthday. (Hold for applause. Thank you!) Along with the usual birthday wishes I received from family, friends, businesses, with their offers of free coffee, and nonprofits. Yes, I received emails and even a postcard from some of the nonprofits that I support. Yes, you read that right - nonprofits!
It got me thinking: How many times do we, as fundraisers, celebrate our donors’ birthdays? Or do you know your donors’ birthdays? If not, do you have the ability to capture birthday data?
Do not worry, this post is not designed to shame you into securing birthdays from all of your donors. However, this is a reminder to make sure you have a two-way relationship with your donors.
Imagine the good feeling of opening an email from your favorite charity and instead of asking you for money or inviting you to a special event, they just send a quick note of appreciation and recognition.
The Worst Experience for Donors
Picture this: You make a donation to a cause you care about, but months go by, and you hear nothing—no acknowledgment, no thank you. Six months later, you finally get a generic note of appreciation. Ouch! That’s not the best first step in building a lasting relationship.
Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to make your donors feel valued. Here are five super easy and affordable ways to show your appreciation and keep those donor relationships strong:
Personalized Thank You Letters/Emails
Cost: Minimal (paper, envelopes, or digital)
Impact: A personalized, heartfelt letter or email can go a long way. Mention the donor by name and describe how their gift is making a difference.
Tips: Handwrite notes for major donors, and for email, use a personalized subject line.
Social Media Shout-Outs
Cost: Free
Impact: Publicly thank donors on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. This gives them public recognition and can inspire others to give.
Tips: Tag the donor (if they are okay with public recognition) and include photos or a story showing their impact.
Handwritten Postcards
Cost: Low (postage and printing)
Impact: A simple handwritten postcard can add a personal touch, making donors feel special.
Tips: Choose a postcard with a design that reflects your organization’s mission.
Exclusive Updates and Impact Reports
Cost: Free (email) or low-cost (print)
Impact: Regularly send exclusive updates or impact reports to your donors, showing them exactly how their donations are being used.
Tips: Make the reports visually engaging with infographics or photos.
Tchotchkes
Cost: Low (e.g., branded stickers, bookmarks, or handmade crafts)
Impact: Sending a small, meaningful token, like a branded sticker or a card made by someone your organization serves, can create a lasting impression.
Tips: Tie the gift to your organization’s mission to make it more meaningful.
The bottom line? Small acts of recognition can have a huge impact on your donor relationships. Whether it’s a simple birthday wish, a quick thank-you email, or a shout-out on social media, these gestures show that you see your donors as more than just wallets—they’re partners in your mission. And that’s something worth celebrating!