How to Make Donors Feel Special

Here at Philantopia, we’re all about helping nonprofits create unique and unforgettable experiences for their donors. Donors are the lifeblood of nonprofits: they provide community, connection, and funds to help the organizations continue their important work!

 So when a donor steps up and purchases an incredible Philantopia travel experience at your live or online fundraising event, what can you do to show them your appreciation? Today we have some fun ideas that you can easily implement to help ensure that every donor feels seen, heard, and extra special!

Fun Ideas to Connect with Your Donors

Make a Phone Call

Picking up the phone and connecting in real-time with your donor is a classic and undervalued way to express your gratitude. When you take the time to pick up the phone, your donor will know how much you value their contribution.

Yes, it takes a little more effort — but the phone call doesn’t have to be long. It can be a five-minute chat, and that may also be a good time to ask them who they’re planning to take on their exciting upcoming Philantopia vacation!

Create a Video Message

If your donors prefer to communicate electronically, consider taking a few minutes to create a video message. Your script can be as simple as this:

Hi there, Lydia, this is Samantha at the Lakewood County Animal Shelter. Thank you so much for attending our live event last weekend and bidding on our Las Vegas Getaway package at the Wynn Hotel. I’m so excited for you that you’ve won! Your contribution has made it possible for us to feed 50 animals for the next three months, which is incredible.

 Donors will love seeing your face and hearing your voice in the video message!

Spotlight Your Donor(s) on Social Media and Your Website

Some donors prefer to remain anonymous, but many feel excited to have helped your nonprofit fundraiser and would love to be recognized for their efforts. It’s always fun to acknowledge important donors on your website and on social media, and it can be an especially effective tool if you have the ability to tag a specific donor in your social media post.

Hopefully, when they see your post featuring their name, they will feel compelled to share it with their followers, and help raise awareness of your cause.

Send a Handwritten Note

A handwritten, personalized note can go a long way to making a donor feel acknowledged. Do you remember the last time someone sent you a thank-you card? It means a lot!

It can be fun to pick out or create your own special thank-you cards. Consider printing up postcards that are branded on the front with your organization. On the back, you can handwrite a special message for your donor. They’ll love getting something in the mail!

Host a Donor Recognition Event

One of the most exciting ways to recognize donors is by hosting a donor recognition event. It could be a laid-back pizza party or a black tie event — as long as it serves the purpose of helping donors feel seen and understood, you’re doing a great job!

Pro tip: If you choose to throw an event, make sure to have a photographer or videographer present so you can capture the special moments and share them online with your wider donor base.

Philantopia Creates Unforgettable Travel Experiences

Donors love our trips because they offer the opportunity to contribute to a great cause and go on the trip of a lifetime. Check out some of our most popular trips, below:

• Sipping Bordeaux France Vacation Package — Four lucky travelers will spend five nights in the Bordeaux city center, sampling some of the best wines in the world and luxuriating in a seriously romantic setting.
• Telluride Luxury Getaway Package — Spend five nights in a deluxe ski in/ski out lodge in Telluride, Colorado. This residence accommodates up to eight people for an unforgettable winter or summer trip!
• New Orleans Home of Jazz Culinary Vacation Tour — Turn on the fun with this three-night travel package to the Big Easy, filled with riveting music, great food, and a dinner cruise with Creole buffet.
• Mountain Vacation Package in Banff National Park — Nature lovers rejoice! This package is good for four nights at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, where nature meets comfort any time of year.
• Napa Valley Wine Package in Calistoga — Unwind in some of the world’s most iconic wine country. Stroll through vineyards, attend tastings and tours, and spend time with your loved ones on this trip.

Do you need help figuring out the best trips for your event? We’ve got you covered! Reach out to the Philantopia team today for expert advice and fun brainstorming!