5 Thank You Tips that Might Get You a Second Gift
I knew something was wrong the moment I unfolded the letter.
I couldn’t read it.
Not because it was in another language. Not because I spilled coffee all over it. No, I couldn’t read it because the text was in an 8-point font. I bravely tried to squint my way to see what was on the page but ultimately (gasp), I had to find my glasses. Oh, the wretchedness of it all.
The backstory: I gave, what was to me, a sizable gift to a ministry that I think is based out of a congregation. I was asked to give by a person I highly respect (remember, in most cases, “people give to people”). I felt good about my gift and my person sent a lovely, heartfelt handwritten thank you note. Then the following “formal” thank you letter arrived.
Here, in part, is what I read (my humble comments are in italics):
Thank you [this is the one and only time this letter says “thank you”] for your donations this Year, between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020 of ____ [I only gave once, did anyone notice?]. In this time of “social distancing” we need to be mindful of our neighbors and especially our fellow parishioners [this is not a church I attend; I’m confused]. We also need to be aware of the ongoing expenses of staff and utilities [we do? Why?]. We encourage you to give what you can…[this is a thank you letter? Asking for another gift already? In the very first paragraph?].
Paragraph two is spent talking about pledges. I am assuming this is for the church but I really don’t know. It's followed by this paragraph:
Your support for the (non-profit) and (the Not-to-Be-Named Church) is needed and very much appreciated [OK, so this is a second “soft” thank you but sadly, it is followed up immediately with this:] Please make a pledge for 2020. Your recorded annual pledge for 2020 was [and I kid you not] $0.00. If no pledge is listed and you made one for 2020, please contact the undersigned with the correct information.
There’s more, but I think you’ve got the gist.
Someone assigned the poor Financial Secretary with the task of acknowledging gifts. The F.S. had no idea how important a thank you letter can be. It can make the difference between getting a second gift or never getting another one.
Clearly, there need to be two letters. One to the internal congregants who do or don’t make pledges (for heaven’s sake, get your pledge cards in!). And another, and different letter, for people who sent a donation to the non-profit. Now that the obvious has been stated, here are five tips to put into practice:
1. Use 12-point (at a minimum) and preferably 14-point font. No one should have to hunt down glasses to read a note of thanks.
2. Infuse the letter with gratitude. Say “thank you” or words to that effect at least three times throughout the letter.
3. Explain what the funds will help make possible. How will the world be different because of the donor’s monetary gift?
4. Make it short and sweet. A thank you letter should fit onto one piece of paper.
5. Add any info about specific donations (or your tax-deductible language) either at the end of the letter or on a separate sheet. You don’t want a thank you letter looking like a bill or receipt.
I’ve made my case for the importance of thank you letters numerous times before. Need some examples? Ideas? Here you go:
Four Ways to Write a Right Thank You Letter
A Thank You Letter that Says “Wow!”
Feel Good! Read a Great Thank You Letter
Many people are feeling lonely and isolated during this time in our history. A good thank you letter can minister to people. And an added benefit? They just might be willing to give to you again.