Donor Fatigue vs. the Surprising Half-Life of Gratitude

Donor fatigue is a theory I’ve never fully subscribed to. Largely, because I don’t think people get tired of giving. I believe they get tired of uninspired, cookie-cutter solicitations that lack personal significance. If we’re doing our job poorly, an accusatory finger should be pointed inwardly, not at the general public.

Some things in life never get old. Your favorite movie, a great piece of music. Some things do, though, like a joke you’ve heard one too many times.

One thing humans never tire of is being the recipient of honest, heartfelt gratitude. Like a timeless piece of music, gratitude has an incredibly long half-life. The opportunity to surprise and delight donors simply by saying "thank you" is present more often than you might think.