If you are a charity or a fundraiser and you are trying to raise a certain amount of funds for your cause, it's always a good idea to start looking into ways to show your appreciation for your donors. There are actually a few different ways of going about this. The first two options are considered the more "popular," the last option is merely common sense, but it's one in which a lot of people don't even realize is important!
You really want to show your donors that you not only appreciate the money that they contribute, but that you appreciate them as well. An appreciated donor will fund your organization again and again. One that is simply forgotten, probably will donate to your fund again, but it may not be for as much time or money as one would have hoped. Most people don't give money to charities and funds because they are looking for a thank you.
Donor Walls: A donor wall or commemorative wall is a spectacular way to show your contributors what they mean to you. These donor walls can be completely customized with everything from specific types if materials, sizes, artistic features, fonts, colors, etc. This is a really good option for libraries, hospitals, banks, businesses, and museums because of the sheer size of the walls. Donor walls are meant to be used not only as an appreciative token, but they can also be used aesthetically as well for the building you are placing the donor walls in. These walls are great for BIG groups of people that have donated to your cause.
Donor Plaques: This is definitely a cooler option if you have just a handful of people that have donated to your cause. The donor plaques also come in various materials, sizes, artistic features, fonts, colors, etc. One of the most popular donor plaques is the Tree Of Life plaque. This plaque could equally bring in as many donors as the donor walls, but is meant for a much smaller scale of donors. This might be a good idea to start out with if you are just beginning your fund.
Once it gets a bit larger you can then switch over to the donor walls which hole a considerable amount of people. The Tree Of Life plaque is usually bronze plated and the trunk is and gold plated where the leaves are. The leaves are then etched with the names of your donors. I have also seen these Trees Of Life on a much larger scale as well - not AS big as the donor walls, but they can still hold up to around 800 leaves which means 800 people for your tree.
Thank you letters!: For some odd reason, these are always looked over! In addition to the above mentioned options, it's always best to also send out a thank you letter to your donors. Make sure it is completely personalized with their name, how much they donated, and really let them know how much you appreciate them and what they are doing for your fund and your cause. It's a good idea to not only thank your donors after they donate, but also before they donate as well. By thanking them before they donate they are more prone to contribute more money for your cause.
It's also important that you really explain your cause and incorporate any personal reasons behind doing so. People can appreciate a soft heart more than someone that would just go on and on about money money money! And lastly, when you do send in your thank you letter or you call them, make sure they know how the mission towards your cause is going. People usually don't like to just give money and never hear from you again. Chances are if you are passionate about the project for a personal reason, they are as well.
Author Resource:-
At www.jeii.com you can find Donor Walls, Tree of Life, Donor Plaques and other ways to express your sincere appreciation, while encouraging future donations.
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