As we approach the season of gratitude, we want our nonprofit friends to consider: are you grateful for your donors?

Hear us out–we know that you are grateful. After all, without your donors, your organization would not exist. However, what we observe as consultants is that sometimes showing gratitude can become a very automatic and rushed gesture.

Showing your gratitude can take on many forms. Traditional methods include a simple letter, a phone call, a meeting over coffee or lunch, or a small gift. Whatever you decide, try to implement the practice of intentionality and awareness in expressing your thanks. According to our research, implementing this practice of genuine gratitude is actually pretty easy.

Here’s how you do it:

Use your breath. Did you just get a big check from a lapsed donor? Congratulations! Take a moment to let their generosity sink in. Rather than going straight to your email to write a quick note of thanks, find a quiet spot to close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
Identify what you’re thankful for. Maybe it’s money, maybe it’s a volunteer, maybe it’s a staff member who went above and beyond. Whatever “it” is, putting a name, face, and action to it can help ground your appreciation. These supporters believe in your organization, your mission, and you and your team! Let that sink in as you identify what it is about their gift that you’re grateful for.
Adopt an attitude of gratitude. A donor's gift is a reflection of a lot of time and work! Don’t stop at thanking your donor. Also thank your staff, your volunteers, and yourself for getting your organization to a place where a donor thought a gift was a worthwhile investment.

This practice can be implemented in all aspects of your life. In tough times, implementing a mindful gratitude practice can improve many aspects of your overall wellbeing.

We wish all of our friends a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

With gratitude,

The Track15 Team