How to Write a Thank You Note for Event Donors

Thank You Note Tips for Event Donors

During the pandemic, we all had to figure out ways to continue our lives despite so much change. Being able to learn and adapt allowed many of us to find new, creative solutions to being stuck in the house, working from home, and having distanced social interactions.

Like all of us, nonprofits also had to find ways to continue serving people and raising funds without relying on in-person events. Thankfully, those live events have returned, making fundraising work easier than it was during the virus. 

And that makes now the perfect time to reconnect with event donors through charity drives, give-back events, and other types of fundraisers.

What Are Event Donors?

Event donors are those who attend nonprofit events and donate money. While they didn’t disappear when fundraisers had to go 100% virtual, they were more difficult to find and connect with. 

Why Should You Write Thank You Notes for Event Donors?

A thoughtful donor thank you note tells them how the funds they gave made a difference and that you appreciate what they did for your organization. Not only does this help them feel good about the donation they already made, but it also encourages them to stay connected with you and make more donations in the future. 

Thank You Note Tips for Events Donors

Along with custom gifts for fundraiser donors, it’s crucial to include a thoughtful, personalized thank-you note. Here are some tips to help your thank-you notes make a lasting impact.

Send Your Letter Promptly

Even donors with the best intentions come down with a case of buyer's remorse post-fundraiser. Sending a prompt thank-you note wards that off and extends the feel-good feeling that comes with giving. Send the thank you note within 72 hours or less of receiving the donation. 

Show Them the Impact of Their Gift

When a donor knows the impact they made, they're more likely to donate again. Since it costs more to acquire a new donor than to have a loyal one, highlighting the difference they made via a thank you card is a necessary part of fundraising. Provide specific numbers and stats about how their gift and the total amount of funds raised will be used.

Make it Personal

A generic thank-you letter for donors communicates that you don't have the time it takes to write a personalized one, even though the donor made a generous contribution to your cause. Personalize the thank you letter by using the donor's full name; including the date and amount of the donation; and referring to a conversation you had at the fundraising event.

Also, it's okay to use a template so long as you customize it to the donor each time you send out a thank-you letter.

Hand-Write Thank You Letters When Possible

Taking the time to hand-write the thank you letter shows the donor how much you appreciate them. While this may not be possible if you have a large number of letters to send, it’s always the best option when the number of thank-you letters is manageable.

Even if you’re not able to handwrite all of the letters, you can handwrite the ones that go to your VIP donors.

Avoid Asking for Further Donations

The thank you letter for donors is a time to express your appreciation, not ask for more money. Stick to the purpose of the note — building a relationship with the donor is as important as asking for a donation. Additionally, this isn't the right time to promote your next fundraiser. 

Include Photos from Your Event

If you had a photographer or photo booth at the event, send a few photos to the donor. While you’re at it, send some photos to the organization you support and your work team, too. You’ll keep the event fresh in everyone’s minds!

More Ways to Thank Event Donors

Looking for even more ways to say "thank you!" to donors? Check out this guide to prepare for your next company fundraising event. Donor thank-you gifts and ideas include asking a donor to speak to the audience, giving gift baskets to donors, and thanking each donor by name in the event's printed program.

Shop Custom Gift Boxes for Donors

Check out our wide variety of MerchBoxes for memorable donation thank-you gifts with your organization’s logo. MerchBoxes revolve around a theme and are filled with our top-choice items, and you can also curate your own MerchBox with the custom gifts for donors you choose.

Contact Us

For more event donor gift ideas and fundraiser thank-you gifts, contact us today! We have the thoughtful customized products that your event donors will remember forever.