Everyone wants to be “known” – I mean understood and respected. How wonderful – as a donor – to be known and understood. Our life partners and friends can do that for us. Our family sometimes.
But how about that place I give my money and my time? How about that nonprofit that I give through to achieve my own aspirations, to fulfill my dreams, to demonstrate my own values?
To be known.
And to be remembered. Yes, that official first thank you that is timely and personal is essential. Hopefully engaging. And that newsletter that is donor-centered, which I receive regularly.
And another thank you later. A board member call. A handwritten note. An alert that I’m celebrating 5 years of giving – or how about 20 years of giving? Thanks, EMILY’S List when you called me to tell me that in just 4 more days, I would be a 20-year donor. I’ve never forgotten that call back in April 2013.
And how about showing me how you used my gift? Maybe the video featuring the activity. Or a spontaneous note because the executive director was thinking of me, the donor, when looking at the great stage production or the cute kid or the kittie or the new building.
To be remembered later. After the initial thanks. To be remembered again and again. See Andrea Kihlstedt’s lovely blog.
