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Saying “Thank You” to your Campaign Donors

Sending out thank you letters is one of the most important pieces of communication you will send to your capital campaign supporters.

 

Thank you letters say so much more than a simple thanks. They are tools your organization can use to make your supporters feel appreciated, communicate how their donation will be used, and interact with your supporters in a warm and personable way.

If you’re not sure where to start with thank you letters for your organization, here are a few tips and samples to help you get started.

 

What to include in your Thank You letter:

  1. Personalized Language

    • If possible, personalize each thank you note to match the gift that was given. Sometimes this isn’t feasible for every donor, but at least address the letter to the supporter by name.
  2. Warmth and Emotion

    • The last thing your donors want is a cold thank you letter that feels like it’s been recycled 1,000 times. Be warm and caring about the supporter you’re reaching out to. They took the time to support your cause, so it’s important to communicate how much their support means to your organization.
  3. A Thank You

    • While it may seem basic, don’t forget to say thank you in your letter or note. A thank you letter is not the time to ask for more donations or to rehash your organization’s vision.
  4. Get to the Point

    • While it might be tempting to send a long letter detailing your organization’s goals and future plans, keeping it short and to the point is best. Don’t make the letter longer than it needs to be.
  5. Be Prompt

    • It’s good, especially with larger gifts, to send out two rounds of thank you notes for each gift. When you first receive the gift, send out a quick email, text, or phone call to acknowledge the gift was received, followed by a formal letter signed by the president, executive director, or board member. Don’t wait to acknowledge a gift. Supporters want to hear that their gift is valued and received!

Expressing Gratitude to Your Political Campaign Donors

Thanking your political campaign donors is crucial for maintaining strong relationships and ensuring continued support. Unlike capital campaigns, where the focus might be on long-term infrastructure or specific projects, political campaigns are often about immediate impact and urgent action. Your thank you letter should reflect this urgency by clearly showing how the donor’s contribution will directly influence the campaign’s success. Personalizing your message, maintaining warmth, and being prompt in your response will reinforce the donor's commitment and keep them engaged in the campaign's goals.

Short Personalized Thank You Sample:

 

Dear David,

 

Your support for our organization has been unmatched. You have given so much of your time and support, and supplied us with invaluable connections. Our team was blown away by your generous check. We are so appreciative of your continued support. With your gift, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of so many.

 

Thanks again,
Real Person’s Name
Title

Formal Thank You Sample:

 

Dear David,

 

Simply saying thank you for your generous gift to our organization just doesn’t seem like enough. Our team considers ourselves truly blessed to have supporters like you. You have enabled our team to continue helping the entrepreneur community.

 

The entrepreneurs our organization helps take a risk when they set out to make their dreams a reality. Through supporting start-ups with networking and education, you are helping these new businesses come alive. Your generous support has enabled us to host more than 300 people who have attended our educational events in the last year.

 

Thank you again for your support. If you have any questions about our organization, please don’t hesitate to contact me via email ([email protected]) or phone, (XXX) XXX-XXXX.

 

Sincerely,
(Real Signature if possible)
Real Person’s Name
Title

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GRATITUDE GUIDE

Discover How to Elevate Your Donor Gratitude Process with Our 15-Minute Video Training

This comprehensive guide, inspired by the holistic donor engagement approach at Above Goal, provides step-by-step strategies to elevate your donor appreciation efforts beyond the basics.

Discover how to take your donor thank you process to the next level. This guide will walk you through creating a multi-step gratitude journey that goes beyond the basics, ensuring your donors feel deeply valued and engaged. Learn practical strategies for building lasting relationships with your supporters.
Start with "Gratitude 101" and unlock the secrets to deepening donor connections and driving long-term success in your fundraising efforts, all in just 15 minutes!

What's Inside:

Practical strategies for personalizing your thank-you process
Techniques to understand donor motivations and build lasting relationships
Step-by-step guidance on implementing a gratitude journey that keeps your donors engaged and valued

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