Even the most curmudgeonly among us can welcome and enjoy the thoughtfulness of a happy birthday message. 

Why?

A quick Google search tells me:

• Remembering someone’s birthday makes them feel recognized, seen and valued.
• Receiving birthday wishes reinforces social bonds and a sense of belonging whether it’s from family, friends or colleagues.
• Birthdays often trigger positive memories and emotions.
• Simple, positive interactions, like wishing someone a happy birthday, can boost mood and happiness for both the giver and receiver.

Here are a few ideas to celebrate your donors:

1. Send a birthday card with a personal message from you and have it signed by your president and key staff.
2. Send happy 70^th birthday year cards to donors and volunteers with information about qualified charitable distributions. (70.5 is when they can begin making QCDs).
3. Send birthday “presents” like an invitation for a monthly behind-the-scenes tour or offer a curatorial talk.
4. The tried-and-true phone calls and personal visits are wonderful ways to show your donors you are thinking about them on their special day.

Planned giving and donor relations officers know that feelings bind our donors to our mission. I suggest you take advantage of nature’s timetable and use your donors’ birthdays as a reason to be in touch.

We’d love to hear from you! If you have a creative way to celebrate your donors’ birthdays, let us know.