Thank you! It’s easy to say it when you mean it.

Thank you: It’s easy to say when you mean it!

Before you wrap up the year, make sure you have a plan to get your year-end messages to your donors, especially if you’re planning on asking for an End of Year (EOY) contribution.

Take a look at our newsletter on why personal thank-you letters are still important.

Have you thanked your staff yet?

Make sure your team knows that you’re grateful for all their hard work. It doesn’t take much, but it goes a long way to write a card, or even just go over and say something face-to-face. Feeling appreciated is a major part of work satisfaction among employees. The skills your development/fundraising staff have acquired, as well as their commitment and loyalty, are not easily replaced. Your thanks will let them know they’re valued at your organization and keep the team going strong in the next year.

You may also want to thank your vendors and professional contacts, especially those who have gone the extra mile to meet a tight deadline or squeeze into a very constricted budget. Don’t forget the security guard in your building who sees you come in early and leave late.

Saying “Thank You” is not just good for relationships – it also does great things for the soul.

Write it

A hand-signed card in the mail still warms the heart. You don’t need to say much, but say it personally. Address it to a person (or name the company/team you work with). Thank them for making your year a success and a pleasure.

Say It

Take a walk through the office and stop in to thank your colleagues or staff personally. Work alone? Pick up the phone and call your top donors or colleagues. Spending a few moments to thank them for their commitment is an important part of keeping that dedication going.

Give It

Work with a small team? Have some Very Important Partners? A little gift, some flowers, a potted plant, even a fruit basket, can go a long way in making people feel especially appreciated. Candles, calendars, mugs, things that are easily used…think of something simple that you’d like to keep on your desk or in your home.

Do It

Feeling thankful is not just once a year. How can you work with others more thankfully? “Show, don’t tell” is a good rule to live by: a simple acknowledgment (“Good job today, you really did well”); or offering to help a colleague in their busiest times; even just remembering a birthday can help you be – not just feel – more thankful in the coming year.