Though thanking your donors may not be as formal a process as it once was, that doesn’t mean it is any less important. Here are some things to remember for proper planned giving etiquette when you are saying “thank you”:
- Timing is everything. Make a habit of thanking your donors as soon as possible after a gift is received or you are notified of the intention of making a gift.
- Tell your donor what the gift will mean to your organization and what a difference it will make (with examples).
- Nothing takes the place of a handwritten note, especially with your older donors. An acknowledgment of the gift and a personal thank-you are not the same thing. The first is more businesslike; the second is personal.
- Consider acknowledging the longevity of giving and cumulative giving, especially in the case of older donors whose frequently repeated smaller gifts may be a greater indication of long-term interest than a periodic larger gift from a younger person.
Building long-term relationships
Paying attention to your donors once you have received a gift improves the chance that your donor will increase their giving in the future and perhaps even provide the ultimate gift in their estate. ■
Need help creating the perfect custom thank-you note? Reach out to your Sharpe Group consultant.
