25 Ways to Thank a Fundraiser
A growing body of research suggests that when you share gratitude you not only help others succeed, but it also makes you feel healthier and happier.
Fundraising teams that feel grateful are more likely to press on with challenging tasks and boost their performance. And when you say thanks, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin – two feel-good hormones that help you counter stress.
Experts agree that timely and specific recognition is best. But after that, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution — you have to find a way to celebrate people in ways that are as unique as they are.
That’s why we’ve surveyed fundraisers and put together this list of ideas to help you spur an even stronger attitude of gratitude at your nonprofit.
Declare it Fundraiser Appreciation Day by customizing this fancy proclamation template.
Have their back with the board or staff.
Write them a personal thank you note.
Decorate a parking space that’s reserved in their honor.
Mention their specific contribution at an event.
Organize an informal lunch or happy hour.
Give them a more flexible work schedule.
Surprise them with a treat, small gift, or fun experience.
Give them a raise.
Create an extra day off, early release, or sleep-in day coupon to use anytime they want.
Thank them on our Fundraiser Wall of Fame.
Show you trust them by giving them a fun “stretch” responsibility.
Get a board member to recognize them at a board meeting or in a personal video.
Tell them a story of how their specific efforts helped your community.
Recognize them on your nonprofit’s social media channels.
Use these graphics to create a poster, phone case, coffee mug, luggage tags, and more on a site like Shutterfly, Walgreens, or Costco.
Ask a program officer to recognize them.
Endorse them on LinkedIn.
Buy a decorative box and ask peers to write and place thank you notes inside.
Ask staff to use this Zoom background to surprise your fundraiser in your next meeting.
Take time to discuss their career opportunities.
Bring in a caricaturist to sketch their portrait.
Pay for and/or give them time to attend a continuing education event of their choosing.
Decorate the break room in their honor.
Raise the fundraising savvy of your board or staff by getting them to review How to Set Fundraising Goals That Make Sense or How to Source Inspiring Year-end Stories.
