7 Tips to Connect With Donors at Thanksgiving

Some tips
It is appropriate, then, to use this special season to deepen your connection with donors by showing your appreciation for them. With just over a month before Thanksgiving, now is the time to make your plans. Here are seven tips for showing gratitude to donors at Thanksgiving.

1. Send a Thanksgiving card to donors and volunteers. Make it personal with a handwritten signature and note wherever feasible.
2. Assign volunteers and staff donors to call with a brief "thank you" message during the week of Thanksgiving, when business slows for most folks.
3. Send a Thanksgiving-focused e-mail blast.
4. Utilize your social-media sites, as well as those of your volunteer and staff team, to amplify your message of thanksgiving and have conversations with donors.
5. Include appropriate Thanksgiving messages on your website homepage.
6. Think of donors who might be homebound or not able to participate in holiday activities, and strategize how you might reach out to them.
7. Consider sending an appropriate gift (hand-delivered if possible) that relates to your mission. For example, a handmade gift by those you serve (i.e., students, residents, campers or patients), homemade bread or other goodies from your top staff or leading volunteers, or a small basket of healthy snacks.

It's a natural fit to take advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday by saying thanks to those who have been generous to support your organization. Taking time to give thanks to them can be a simple way to grow relationships that last well past the holiday season. It will be meaningful to them and fun for you!