Thank You Already?

One simple question: What is the first thing your organization send to first time donors, a receipt or a Thank You? When I said thank you I'm not saying any of those one of the many cold and remoted standard computer printout thank you letter attached to the official receipt but a personalized, emotional one. Remember, this could be the very first items they've ever received from you since they nodded to support and associate with your organization. So, think really hard about what the first impression you want to give and how you would love to have this relationship developed subsequently. Or does it necessary to be a ‘letter' after all? There is no limit of what you are sending, only that it is something that allows you to express your gratitude, it is personalized enough, able to engage your donors, and help in stewarding the relationship meaningfully and sustainably. There is no successful formula of what that might be, it all depends on your creativity as well as the cause that your organization is trying to address. Oh, of course your budget too! I have once received a personalized thank you from an environmental protection group which was clearly uncycled from a piece of garbage that they collect from the harbour. Similarly, I still have the first tiny booklet I received 10+ years ago from a charity which provides emotional support service. Meanwhile, I’m aware that an organization is emailing out a video link to first-time donors to say thank you. How about yours? If you are still sending out simply identical, impersonal thank you letters, it's time to sit down and brainstorm something unique that helps differentiate and reinforces your organization's purpose of existence plus facilitate your relationship building with supporters.