Donations Notes

Donations Notes - Tips

The savviest fundraisers have learned that it’s imperative to send thank you notes to their donors. Not to mention the fact that it’s the polite thing to do. And, many donors will become offended — to the point of denying future donation requests — should they fail to receive one. So, forgetting this simple step could contribute over time to the shrinkage of repeat donor funding.

Whether you need to send a thank you donation note for money, clothes, food, time or for a fundraising event, sending a donation thank you letter or note is your way of showing your appreciation. Remember to:
• Always use the donor's name.
• Use some examples as to how the donation is going to be used.
• Mail your thank you note as soon as possible (within 48 hours is best).
• Make the note more about the giver, as opposed to you or your cause.
• Keep the tone personal.

Some say referring to how much money you helped raise isn't called for in a thank you note, but there is no hard and fast rule. Some donors, if they believe in a cause enough to donate money, may be interested in hearing how much was produced overall. Maybe instead (or in addition to this), you could give details about what services were made possible with the money.

Note that in some cases you might want to send thank you letters, which are more formal and more detailed, and in some situations it makes sense to send a token thank you gift as well, such as a lapel pin or personalized address labels. Very large donations may merit a phone call or a personal visit. Thankster is useful for notes and cards, which will suffice for most of your needs.

It’s imperative to make the donor feel that he or she is a partner in fulfilling your mission, not just a piggy bank for your organization. Keep the message brief and to the point, WITHOUT asking for more funds. Remember that this letter is being sent to say "thank you" only.

Donations Notes - Wording Samples

General

" Many thanks for your kind donation of food parcels for the Day Care Center Raffle. The raffle was a huge success and we are now well on our way to purchasing the much needed care equipment. Thank you once again for your generosity. "

Vendors

" Please accept my heartfelt thanks for your gift donations. Our company picnic was a huge success, in part due to your help. The raffle was a hot item with your gifts as the prize. Thank you for your generosity and your quality products! "

Friends

" I want to express my appreciation for your generosity in support of [insert name of cause]. Your personal commitment was incredibly helpful and allowed us to reach our goal. Your assistance means so much to me, but even more to [name of cause here]. Thank you from all of us."

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" I so appreciate your contribution to the [name of cause here] fundraiser. You truly did a wonderful thing. Your generosity will directly benefit [insert beneficiaries] and their families. If you ever need me to help with a charitable cause of your own, please let me return the favor. Again, thanks so much for all you've done for [name of cause here]. "

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" Thank you for your very kind donation, which we received today. Your generosity will make an immediate difference in the lives of [name of cause here]. The funds raised will go toward [ x ], [ y ], and [ z ]. You are making a difference! Thanks again for your kindness. "

For Raffle

" We would like to thank you and your company for the generous gift to our fundraiser. Our raffle was a huge success, and that raffle would not have been possible without your help. The raffle funds will be used to [ insert use ], so you are truly making a difference in people's lives. Thank you on behalf of [name of cause], and thank you from our group in particular."

For Clothes

" We can't thank you enough for your recent clothing donation. People take undergarments for granted -- until they're in tatters or you don't have any! Please know how much you've helped our cause and how much we all appreciate it."

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" I just had to tell you again how much I appreciate the clothes. It's all great stuff and I know [child's name] will look adorable in them and get lots of use out of them. Thank you for being so generous and thoughtful! "

For Food

" We wanted to let you know how much we appreciate the food you gave us. Our company retreat was a big success, partly due to the delicious meal you enabled us to provide. From the bottom of our hearts (and stomachs), thank you for your generosity! "

For Donating Trip

" Thanks so much for sponsoring the Australia trip. We are very grateful and appreciate all the work you put into setting up the accommodations, flights, meals, and more. You even took care of the theme park entrance fees - we will be set from the moment we step out our door! It's going to be the most memorable experience of my daughter's life. Thank you for making her wish come true. "

For Donating Time

" I wanted to let you all know how much I appreciated your time in the garden the other day. You all did a fantastic job; the garden is beautiful and I know [Friend's Name] would be honored. Thank you so much for your presence, thoughts, and actions. We will all think of [Friend's Name] fondly and often, especially when we visit this wonderful place. "

For Donation in Your Honor

" Thank you for donating to Habitat for Humanity [or insert other charity] in honor of my birthday [or insert graduation, special event]. Knowing that I have a friend so generous and thoughtful is a gift in itself. That you have chosen to share your generosity to celebrate this special occasion makes it that much more of a celebration. Thanks again."

Co-Workers

" I can't begin to express what your gift means to me and my family. The money will be just so helpful to us in this difficult time. But more than the monetary value, I so greatly appreciate the thought behind the gift. The illness has been hard on us, but your actions have really lightened the load, and our hearts. For that especially, I thank you. Please know I won't forget your kind gesture. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. "

For Fundraising

" I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for organizing the charity event last Sunday. With organized fundraising events and support from friends like you I hope for my dream to become a reality. Thank you once again for your kindness, and for the time and effort that you both put into making the event such a huge success. Words cannot express how I feel."

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" Thank you so much for your generous donation. As you know we are planning to purchase a new carpet for the Kindergarten and your donation, which will greatly facilitate that, is greatly appreciated. Thanks again. "