How do You Express Gratitude to Your Benefactors?
by Colleen de Keratry, Senior Consultant
Petrus Development
Ever catch yourself acting more like a drive-thru banking customer utilizing benefactors as ATM machines? Or do you show your gratitude for interest and support of your organization by focusing on the person behind the ‘machine?’
In this month in which we recognize St. Valentine as the Patron Saint of Love, it’s fitting that we might stop and think about how we nurture and cherish the relationships we have with those whose financial gifts are a testament to the love they have for God and building up His kingdom. So how do we do it?
First, we must be good stewards of the resources given to us to help make the harvest plentiful. Follow through on commitments to spend revenue as promised. Create accountability in your own actions and in the actions of those around you. Don’t be afraid to track quantity and quality of programming. This is a great way for staff to help build a culture of philanthropy in your organization. Challenge each person to think of ways to enhance their own stewardship of the role and responsibilities they have. Empower them to think outside the box, to brainstorm ways they can take what they are given and multiply the impact of their work. In many non-profits, we often think we’re masters of making things work on a shoestring budget. But is “making it work” really just burying our coin in the ground so that we end up with the same coin? Or are we challenging ourselves to take that coin and multiply it? Isn’t that what stewardship is all about?
Second, be sure to keep benefactors apprised of all the “good news!” Let them know how their gift is being utilized. You might send your top benefactors, whether it’s three or fifty-three, a handwritten note letting them know their gift made it possible for perpetual adoration to begin, and the difference on campus is palpable. Ask another on your staff to take photos of ministry in action (not just smiling faces) for a newsletter that truly illustrates the impact of an investment in your organization. Invite people who benefit from your organization – directly or indirectly – to visit your site. Then ask them to share their enthusiasm for what they witnessed with others. Recognize benefactors by celebrating Mass in their honor. Send a benefactor an email to let her know you passed a student in the hall on his way back from helping at a soup kitchen and thought of that particular benefactor who helped make it possible for this student to join others in an inviting facility so they may discuss their experiences and how God is calling them to work in the world.
What am I getting at? Show your organization’s love for benefactors and they will show their love for your organization. We all want to be part of something special. Why shouldn’t that something special be your organization?