Saying thank you
I know this must seem blindingly obvious, but…
An important part of external funding ( whether defined as fundraising or development) is simply remembering to properly acknowledge support once received.
I have heard of many cases where a gift or a grant or whatever has never been renewed, because the recipient has got so wrapped up in spending it, they fail to properly report or acknowledge or just say thanks properly.
If we can be creative in finding ways to actually raise money for our organisations, why not be equally creative in ways of showing appreciation afterwards.
The telephone is a fundraising tool many organisations back away from. Because it is intimate, and therefore potentially intrusive. But what about using it only to surprise a donor or a supporter with a few words of gratitude? On occasion why not ask your Chairman , President, Member of Council or other high ranking person to spend a hour ringing round donors to just very briefly thank them. Imagine the long lasting impact on people hardly expecting such a call.
In the cases of big gifts or sponsorships, is there some small but appropriate gift that reflects someone’s generosity not through spending cashm but spending thought..? Is there some token that somehow thematically links the giver’s interests with the organisation’s mission?
Official grant makers will of course request regular reports in the project supported. It is good if , however harried we otherwise are, we can see this as an opportunity to build on the relationship rather than simply an administrative burden.
A creative thanks or feedback offerr an opportunity to consolidate a relationship, it is enjoyable to do, and of course, in simple human terms, the right thing to do.
Very interested to hear of unusual ways in which zoos and similar organisations had expressed their gratitude
John
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