The Power of Post-Event Gratitude

As each event season wraps up, we’re always reminded of the importance of post-event gratitude. Just because your event is over doesn’t mean the relationship with your donor should end, as well. Events are a tool for cultivation, but only if you put in the work to thank your donors thoughtfully and promptly after the event.

Without gratitude, you’ve just spent a lot of time and money on a party that people may not want to come back to next year!

Here are some of our best practices for showing thanks during and after your event:

• During the event, your registration team should be collecting and tracking donations as they are made—this data can be provided to your board members at the event so they can personally thank your major donors for their support before the night ends. If you’re unable to do this during the event, you should definitely use this information to create a list of donors and thank them with a personalized note as soon as possible the following week.
• Send text messages the night of your event or the next morning to the donors you have a personal relationship with and who gave generously. This might seem trivial, but these little touches make your donors feel seen and valued, and it shows your true appreciation for their generosity and support.
• Share a thank-you post about your event on social media—include photos of your major donors and tag them, if possible. Leaving comments to your donors is also a great way to express your gratitude for their support.
• Deliver handwritten thank-you notes to all of your donors in a timely manner. Be thoughtful with your note and avoid using generic language like, “Thanks for coming!” Take the time to personalize your message, showing acknowledgement for your donors’ level of support and their commitment to your mission.
• For tax purposes, you’ll need to provide receipts to all of your donors for their purchases and donations. Why not go above and beyond and include a personalized thank-you note on their receipt? This extra step is just another way to show your gratitude for your donors’ support.

Remember, people give to people. Thanking your donors for their support is a small, but crucial effort that keeps your organization fresh in their mind and solidifies the relationship you’ve worked to build over time. Creating a culture of gratitude will come back to you.

Read our blog post on more ways to strategically give thanks during your events.

Photo by Andie Petkus Photography