In this blog let us talk about the “secret sauce” of any long-term fundraising program: keeping your past supporters in the loop. It is much easier to keep a donor than it is to find a new one. All it takes is a little effort to show them that their contribution actually mattered. If you can master the art of the donor thank you note, you will find that people are not just willing to give again, they will actually help you recruit their friends.
Here is your guide to building relationships that last well beyond a single event.
Do not Wait Until You Need Something to Reach Out
The biggest mistake organizers make is only sending a donation letter thank you right after the money comes in. To really stand out, try sending a thank you message for donors about four to six months before your next big push. When someone gets a note out of the blue, it feels like a genuine “thinking of you” rather than a sales tactic.
At this stage, do not ask for a single cent. Instead, focus entirely on the impact they made. Tell them exactly how their money helped. For example, “Because of your help, our team was able to afford a new practice space.” This kind of fundraiser thank you message builds massive trust. You can end with a casual “we will be in touch soon,” which helps them prepare their budget for when you eventually reach out again.
Let Your Supporters Do the Talking
People are much more likely to support a cause if they see their friends doing it. This is basically “social proof,” and it is a huge asset for fundraising campaigns for nonprofits. To get this moving, you need to give your donors the tools to boast about you.
- Shareable Content: Send out a thank you message for a donor that includes a nice graphic they can post on Instagram or Facebook. When they share their personal connection to your mission, it acts as a warm introduction to their entire social circle.
- The Power of Forwarding: If you send a thank you message after fundraising via email, include an easy link they can forward to a friend. Make it clear that “If you enjoyed supporting us, please pass this along.”
- Referral Drawings: Sometimes a little “extra” goes a long way. Let your past donors know that if they refer a new person to the fundraising program, they will be entered into a fun raffle or giveaway.
Give Your Loyalists an “Early Bird” Perk
Your past donors should feel like VIPs. When you start your next fundraising window, reach out to them first. Make them feel like part of an exclusive group by offering a small “thank you” gift for the first few orders or guaranteeing the earliest delivery slots.
By treating your previous supporters with this level of care, you turn a simple transaction into a partnership. A well-timed donation letter thank you or a quick text can be the difference between a one-time giver and a lifelong advocate.
Final Thoughts
Whatever you do, try not to sound like a corporate robot. People give to people, not to spreadsheets. If you focus on a heartfelt thank you message after fundraising, you will build a community that is genuinely excited to see you succeed. With a great team and a solid plan for your donors, your next event is going to be your best one yet!
