In this season of Thanksgiving, we all often reflect on the blessings over the year regarding our friends and family. We take the time to let them know how much we appreciate them and how they've made a difference in our lives. We're careful not to ask for anything in return for our thanks and they're appreciative of our sentiment. Everyone likes to feel valued.
Of course, in the nonprofit world, the Thanksgiving/Holiday season also happens to coincide with last-minute appeals. Nonprofits are looking at that bottom line and have goals they hope to reach before the end of the year. 'Tis the season for “Wishing you a Happy Holiday Season...oh, and send some money our way.” Now, I'm certainly not suggesting that there's not a place for year-end seasonal appeals – they're crucial to many nonprofits! But I would like to offer a word of encouragement to be gracious while having your hand out.
Grant writers, particularly, seem to suffer from a lack of graciousness when it comes to simply thanking our grant donors. Not that we mean to, but we're often so bombarded with application deadlines, reporting requirements and tracking down statistics that we forget to let our grant supporters know just how much we appreciate them and their support. Shamefully, and realistically, it's our feeling that we have the money in hand and we really don't have to think about their funding for at least another year or so until the next grant cycle. However, we should begin to cultivate a mindset of appreciation and how we can show that appreciation throughout the year as soon as the check arrives in our mailbox.
This year, in between bastes of your turkey and second helpings of sweet potato pie, continue to be thankful for the friends and family in your life. But at the same time, try an unexpected “thank you” to your grant funders that have believed enough in your programs to entrust you with their support. I'm talking about in addition to the standard “thanks for your support” letter that you dashed out upon receipt of the check. During the season this year, dare to be different and offer your thanks in a special way to your grant supporters. You might offer a special report of what's being accomplished in your community, success stories of individual lives that have been touched as a result of your programs and your goals for the coming year – all without a whiff of “begging.” I promise you that they will be both pleased and surprised by your thoughtfulness. After all, they're human too – and what do we all want to feel? Valued and appreciated.
Speaking of being thankful, I hope that you, my dear readers, know that I value and appreciate each and every one of YOU. My heartfelt best wishes to you, yours and your supporters for a Very Happy Thanksgiving!
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