Appreciation.

How to Give Your Supporters What the Most Desire.

The Holiday Season is full of reasons and opportunities to show our gratitude to people in our lives.  The season kicks off with Thanksgiving, where appreciation to others is shown through a shared meal and some kind sentiments.  As we move into December, we enter a time to acknowledge others through cards, emails and gift giving.

One of the most special parts of this time of year is the idea that we are focused on giving without any expectation of reciprocity.  This selfless care certainly strengthens the bonds between people.

In the non-profit world, asking from others is an occupational reality.  Organizations are built and thrive based on the generosity of others’ time, intelligence, monies, resources, etc..  In many cases, the only correspondence or contact people will have with a non-profit includes some type of ask.

It is essential to recognize the importance of showing your supporters how much you appreciate them, just as we do during the holidays – with no expectation of reciprocity.  This gesture is not only earned by your supporters, but is often the single thing they crave most… to be appreciated for their efforts.

As the following tips will suggest, appreciation does not only come in the form of gifts and words,  but also in the action of treating people with thought, care and compassion.

Consider the following tips on appreciating your guests, volunteers, supporters, donors, etc. throughout the year.

1. Find ways to give at your events.Often, we are so busy chasing every dollar, we are hesitant to ‘give’ something away.  This can be frustrating for guests, when every activity at the event has a price tag.  Rather, find ways to give.  For instance:
   • Greet guests with a complimentary drink,
   • Consider an open bar (at least for a portion of the evening) if the ticket price warrants it,
   • Provide a token gift at each place setting,
   • Consider a clever way to give away centerpieces instead of selling them.
   • Provide a complimentary coffee, tea and cookie station while guests wait for their cars at the valet.

   Build your budget so you can achieve your goals, while still doing the above and your guests will feel appreciated.

2. Appreciate your volunteers and committee members before, during and after the event.So often I hear the complaint of how difficult it is to build a volunteer committee.  The reason is simple… it is not because people don’t want to help or do the work.  It is because most people walk away from their committee work feeling unappreciated.  Set a tone of appreciation from the start and your team will have fun, excel and want to return again.
   • Consider the length, location and style of your meetings.
   • Keep your meetings reasonably short and well organized.
   • Create and distribute an agenda so people know what will be discussed and how much time to allocate.
   • Only invite those that need to be at a meeting, so you don’t waste peoples time or elongate the meeting with opinions you’re not interested in hearing.
   • Be sure to provide the opportunity for any one who is in attendance to be heard.
   • Consider surprising committee members with a meeting that is social in nature, with the agenda to better get to no each other; Perhaps include wine a cheese.
   • Do a dry run training prior to your event so all volunteer staff know their jobs and responsibilities.
   • Make sure you think through volunteer breaks and meals.  Also consider where your volunteers will be able to put any personal items (i.e. purses, coats, etc.).  You want them to feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
   • Consider sending your volunteers home with something, whether its’ the same gift provided to guest or something else as simple as a sweet treat they can snack on on their way home.
   • Plan a post event appreciation campaign for your volunteers, from letters and/or certificates of appreciation to a lunch, dinner or other gathering.
   • Personalize all forms of appreciation.  Do not use form letters.
3. Why saying “Thank You” to supporters isn’t good enough.Most organizations do a pretty good job of following up their events with thank you cards or letters, but could they do more?  Consider that it is polite to say thank you when someone gives a gift, so the thank you card or letter is expected.  Therefore, are you really leaving your supporters feeling appreciated?  Also realize that many supporters are giving more than money…they are giving their heart to the cause…what’s the best way to appreciate that?
   • Consider a VIP reception for top financial supporters at your event.  This can be a very simple pre-event gathering and can feature any of the following:
     • a specialty drink, i.e. champagne
     • an intimate thank you from the event chair,
     • an award presentation to key supporters
     • a performance or speech from an honored celebrity guest
   • Consider a post-event thank you party.  This can be a simple gathering, allowing people to come relaxed and casual.  Awards can be presented, gifts can be given, etc. Often, remaining silent auction items are given away at events such as these. This is ideal for volunteers and more internal supporters.
   • Showcase your accomplishments to all supporters after your Thank You card and before you begin asking for next year’s support.  Again, remember your top financial supporters have stepped up because they believe in your cause.  Be sure to find a way to show them where their money is going.  This can be done through a special invitation only gathering, a uniquely prepared DVD presentation or by gathering a distributing photos, letters and/or other materials that tell the story of what’s being accomplished.
4. Making the Holidays ‘Solicitation Free’I have seen many organizations distribute holiday cards or newsletters or throw parties, in which case an ask for donations was made.  With 11 other months in the year dedicated to fund raising, consider making the Holiday Season ‘Solicitation Free’.  Rather, use the Holiday Season to show your appreciation for all of the money, time, hard work and compassion that you have received throughout the year.

These Tips are my New Years Gift to You!  Thank you for all that you do to make a difference in the lives of others.