Skip to content
30th Anniversary Logo for DSA30th Anniversary Logo for DSA
  • About
  • Services
  • Resources
  • Contact Us
30th Anniversary Logo for DSA30th Anniversary Logo for DSA

Receipting: Gift Acknowledgement

Receipting: Gift Acknowledgement

Thank you! Thank you for everything you are doing to help your organization achieve your goals and fulfill your mission. You are part of what is right in this world!

How does it feel to be thanked? Deep down we all want to feel that our accomplishments have been acknowledged. And your donors are no different. In fact, study after study has identified more than one third of all donors who quit giving to an organization say they did so because they felt unappreciated.

But what does a thank-you look like?

It is done in a timely manner. It is the first piece of communication all donors should receive following a gift and should be sent within 24 – 48 hours of gift receipt (and immediately for digital gifts).

It is personalized. You are recognizing the individual that just thought enough of your organization to give their hard-earned dollars. Say her name, recognize her gift amount, start or continue building a relationship with her.

It says “Thank You.” These magic words have a psychological effect on the donor, letting her know you truly appreciate her partnership in your cause.

It is focused on the donor. She is giving because she believes in your cause and wants to be a part of it. She needs to see how her gift is making an impact, not necessarily how your organization is making an impact. It’s a subtle difference, but one that goes a long way in building relationships.

It occurs in every channel the donor can give through, online, in the mail, on social, through the phone, etc.

If it’s a first gift, take a look at Wiley’s column this month for some pointers on activation (getting that second gift).

A proper thank-you will help you get that all-important second gift from a new donor, and it will also keep your current donors giving year after year.

More from this issue of Donor Focus
Subscribe to Donor Focus
Post Tags: #Communications & Messaging#Fundraising Performance#Fundraising Strategy & Planning#Ideas & Tips#Year End Giving

Related articles

Subscribe to Donor Focus
  • More Than Just Work

    As a young Christian professional navigating the conundrum of aligning my beliefs into a purposeful career, I’ve been blessed to…

    Read more

  • Understanding Fundraising Trends: Navigating the Ups and Downs

    Many organizations are experiencing lower giving in 2022 than at any time in the past three years. Almost everyone we…

    Read more

  • What to Think of Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Fundraising . . .

    In trying to summon an image to represent our theme for this issue of Donor Focus, I found myself drawn…

    Read more

  • All Blog Posts
    Return to all blog posts

Topics

  • Ask Wiley
  • Coaching
  • Digital
  • Direct Response Fundraising
  • Donor Focused Communication
  • Fundraising
  • Live the Give
  • Partners
  • Rules of Fundraising

Year

  • 2025 (7)
  • 2024 (25)
  • 2023 (28)
  • 2022 (30)
  • 2021 (36)
  • 2020 (33)
  • 2019 (42)
  • 2018 (49)
  • 2017 (44)
  • 2016 (23)
  • 2015 (30)
  • 2014 (6)
  • 2013 (1)

A Fundraising Agency Helping You Be a Part of What Is Right with the World.

1717 Park Street, Suite 300 Naperville, IL, 60563
630.562.1321 | info@douglasshaw.com

Company

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact Us

Services

  • Custom Strategies
  • Data and Analytics
  • Creative Solutions
  • Multichannel Fundraising
  • Digital Innovation
  • Raise Money
  • Find Donors
  • Grow Impact

Resources

  • Blog Posts
  • Books
  • Webinars
  • The Donor Experience Scorecard
  • Fundraising Tips

Visit Douglas Shaw & Associates on Facebook
Visit Douglas Shaw & Associates on X (formerly Twitter)
Visit Douglas Shaw & Associates on LinkedIn
Visit Douglas Shaw & Associates on Instagram

© 2025 Douglas Shaw & Associates  Privacy Policy 

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in .

  • About
  • Services
  • Resources
  • Contact Us
30th Anniversary Logo for DSA
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Here is more information about our Privacy Policy.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.