Giving Thanks: Strategies for Showing Appreciation

As we make it through the holiday season, we recognize that this is an opportunity for nonprofits to express heartfelt gratitude to those who make their missions possible. In that spirit, let's explore creative and meaningful ways for organizations to show appreciation to their invaluable supporters—donors, volunteers, and community partners alike. Gratitude is a state of mind we can model year-round.  

Personalized Thank You Notes: 

The art of handwritten sentiments is classic. Crafting personalized thank you notes expressing specific gratitude for each individual's contribution demonstrates your appreciation on a personal level. Highlighting the specific impact of donors and telling them how they’ve made a tangible difference lets them know you value their support. 

Gratitude Videos: 

Create short, heartfelt videos featuring staff members, grantees, and volunteers expressing their gratitude. Share these videos on social media and through email to showcase the human impact behind the organization. 

Impactful Infographics: 

Design visually appealing infographics that illustrate the achievements and milestones made possible by the support received. Infographics can convey information effectively and serve as a powerful tool for expressing gratitude. Not only do you get to directly thank your supporters, but they are also able to easily share your impact.  

Exclusive Thank You Events: 

Host exclusive events or webinars as a token of appreciation. Invite supporters to an online event where they can gain unique insights into the organization's work, interact with team members, and see the impact of their contributions firsthand. If hosting an event is not in the cards, try to invite your supporters to any end of year or holiday celebrations. Having exclusive virtual calls or meetings with leaders in your organizations that provide valuable inside track information is a way to keep people engaged and feeling gracious.  

Impact Reports with a Gratitude Focus: 

Prepare impact reports with a special focus on gratitude. Use compelling visuals and narratives to convey the organization's achievements and dedicate sections to expressing gratitude for the collective efforts that make it all possible. 

Gratitude is deeper than a season; it's a mindset that fosters appreciation and unity.  By taking intentional steps to express appreciation, organizations can strengthen their relationships with supporters and build a community bound together by a shared commitment to making a positive impact. As we celebrate the holiday season, let gratitude be the driving force that propels organizations toward continued success and community engagement.  

Fundraising Today: Top 5 Takeaways for Public Charities from Giving USA 2023 Report

Every year, the Giving USA report provides a comprehensive analysis of philanthropy in the United States. This report is a valuable resource for charities, nonprofit organizations, and fundraisers, as it offers insights into donor behavior, giving trends, and the overall state of charitable giving. Understanding the key findings from the Giving USA report can help charities make informed decisions to enhance their fundraising efforts and better serve their missions. Here are our top five takeaways for public charities. 

How the Economic Climate Impacted Giving  

There has been a noticeable decrease in charitable giving in the United States and other parts of the world. In 2022, Americans gave $499.33 billion which signified a 3.4 percent decline between 2021 and 2022 in current dollars, and 10.5 percent when considering inflation. Though declines in giving are rare, factors such as the economy and world crisis can cause them. We experienced the COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in global crisis, unemployment, and additional hardships. Additionally, in 2022 people experienced rising costs and the subsequent declines in disposable income. With factors like the global health crisis and inflation, giving may be impacted.  

Leading Sources and Demographics of Givers 

Individuals were responsible for 64% of giving in 2022. Individuals were followed by foundations (21%) and bequests (9%). The number of millennial donors increased while giving from Gen X and Boomers declined. Despite declines in Boomer giving, they were the generation that gave the most. Understanding the demographics of givers is important because it allows you to have targeted fundraising campaigns and a more personal appeal.  

Technology and Giving 

Technology is ever evolving and so is the way people are able to give. In 2022, there was an increased interest in cryptocurrency and new ways to give. According to Forbes, nearly half of the charities highlighted in their America’s Top Charities of 2022 report accepted cryptocurrency for giving. Beyond the rising popularity of cryptocurrency, people utilized platforms such as mobile sites and Facebook to give online. The future generations of giving will likely utilize technology to do their giving. Adding ways to give electronically could open pathways to innovative and convenient giving.  

Giving to Religion 

In 2022, nearly one-third of charitable distributions were given to religious organizations. This was followed by human services, and education. The increases in giving to religious organizations could be attributed to the shift to address issues related to social justice. During the pandemic people were not only drawn together by the global health crisis, but also through the collective shift to combat injustice. Congregations of all faiths rallied together to raise money for causes ranging to addressing racism to helping alleviate medial debts.  

Moving Forward  

The annual Giving USA report is a vital tool in understanding trends in giving. While there will always be fluctuations in giving and the demographics of those who give, one thing remains the same – giving does not stop. Understanding giving trends provides organizations with the knowledge needed to appeal to a full audience and stay abreast of issues that impact giving.  

Grantees: Five Ways to Build an Impactful Relationship with your Funder

Building impactful relationships is critical for securing funding, establishing relationships, and furthering an organization. Communicating the work that your organization does is key to building trust and fostering long standing relationships. Making the effort to build a stand out as a grantee allows for continuous improvement, expansion, and more opportunities for funding.  

1) Engage With Aligned Funders  

Funders are eager to give to organizations aligned with their values. Engaging with funders and leaving a lasting impression is key to not only securing funding but crucial for creating long impactful relationships. You should seek funders whose values and goals match the goals of your organization. Funders who have similar goals are more likely to support the work you do. Engaging in meaningful conversations and cultivating a relationship is how you can leave a great impression on a potential funder.  

2) Tell Your Story 

Telling your story and how your organization came to be is imperative to leaving your mark. Having a compelling narrative enables people to see the “why” behind the work you do. Humanize your cause by showing root causes and opportunities for success through the stories of the individuals you serve. Telling your story can be done on a variety of platforms. Having a strong digital presence and creating annual reports are a great way to do this in the digital age. Crafting your narrative and showing your impact and outcomes is helpful in distinguishing yourself as a leader in your area. 

3) Communicate with Your Funders  

As you secure funding and opportunities, it is important to communicate with your supporters. Being responsive to any requests for updates and reporting is crucial to leaving a good impression on the funders. Maintaining a true relationship and practicing transparency develops a shared level of trust between you and a funder.  Addressing issues and concerns promptly is equally important as sharing highlights. Funders need transparency in order to feel confident with continuing to support your work. Also, be sure to thank any donors when they contribute to your organization. A bit of gratitude and appreciation goes a long way.

You have to be transparent in everything from your financials to your decision making. Educating funders encourages understanding about the challenges you face as you do the work. Being transparent builds trust and offers accountability. Transparency allows your funder to see the expenditure of funds and other opportunities for growth. Sharing updates (whether good or bad) to your organization makes the work you do tangible and shows funders exactly how you are leveraging your funds. 

5) Keep a Track Record 

Keeping a track record is another way to engage with funders and the outside world. Being able to provide funders with specific amounts and quantifiable outcomes allows you to show the impact Being able to quantify the work you do shows a dedication to continuous improvement and powerful outcomes. Keeping a record of all of your wins demonstrates that you have a long-term vision and can be an innovative partner. 

Annual Reports 101: For Nonprofits/Public Charities

 Annual reporting season is among us, and you may be wondering if your organization should publish one. At BV, the answer to this question is always YES! Not only are annual reports a great way for people to see the good your organization does, but they are also an opportunity to potentially attract more donors and funding. 

Your annual report will include information about your organization's mission, accomplishments, and finances. A great way to start the report is with a letter from the CEO and/or Chairperson summarizing the year and thanking donors. It is crucial to show gratitude for all those that help you continue your mission. Opening with a warm, insightful letter inclusive of thanks sets the tone.  

Next, you should identify your accomplishments in the past year with emphasis on key programs, partnerships and IMPACT. This is the place for you to show the world exactly what you’ve been up to. Tangible accomplishments may be large (breaking ground on a new building) or more modest (hiring a new Program Director). If it is one of the top actions that helped you to fulfill your mission and goals, consider including it.  While you should distribute relevant photos throughout the report, this is a perfect space to include images of your organization in action. In addition to photos, having impact statements and quotes from participants and donors are also a nice touch! 

 
Including your finances is also an important part of this project. Clearly displaying your funds and their respective sources not only gives your organization credibility but also a strong sense of transparency. This can be done by including charts and graphics that highlight your bottom lines. 

Finally, be sure to acknowledge your donors, funders, in-kind partners and volunteers. List donors and funders by name, confirming preferences and spelling. Follow the donor preference rather than a set format for listing names. Name preferences and format matter to donors. You can break this section down by size of contribution, contribution area or type of funding. For example: Capital Campaign or Endowment gifts may be listed separately from General Operating Gifts. Similarly, Legacy Gifts or Bequests may be listed under a certain Donor Recognition Society.    

There are several formats to choose from when creating your annual report. Organizations typically have a PDF version linked for easy access on their website. More recently organizations have shifted to even creating separate websites and webpages dedicated to their annual report. While many organizations have gone digital, BV still recommends printing copies and mailing them to key donors and foundations. Receiving a physical copy adds a personalized touch and further sparks interest in your organization’s cause.  

Here are some examples BV’s clients and their awesome annual reports:  

• Ready to Succeed  

• Children of the Night