"How to Honor Your Donors" by Terry Axelrod

Most donors don't need plaques or expensive recognition events put on just for them. They would rather know how much of a difference their contribution allows you to make. So invite them to be your special guests at events that highlight your results—the results their support made possible.

Set a goal of having each Multiple-Year Donor attend two of these events each year. Then make sure you inspire them so they leave the event saying, "I'm glad I give money here. I will keep doing that. Maybe I could give more."

For example, if one of your teachers just won a national award or your group of kids is going to graduate, invite your donors to attend the ceremony. You may have an upcoming art show of your participants' art, a reunion of all the babies born in your hospital in a given year, or a forum with a sought-after speaker in your field. By having these events underwritten or sponsored and adding a special reception with a ten- to fifteen-minute program just for your Multiple-Year Donors, these events become a great opportunity to connect with and acknowledge your donors.

These events are also a way for your donors to introduce others to your work. Welcome them to invite their friends and family to join them to learn more about the organization, and be sure to make it clear that this is a free event where nobody will be asked for money.

The program part of the special reception for donors and their guests should include:

• A welcome and thank you from a board member.
• A talk from your organization's Visionary Leader^™ highlighting the programs and services made possible by private contributions as well as the dreams of the organization or program.
• A live testimonial from someone whose life has been changed thanks to your program.

In addition to the formal program element, give your donors plenty of time to mix and mingle. The networking effect of these events is magical. Be sure the crowd is interspersed with people who can give you feedback the next day. Also be sure to follow up with each donor individually to thank them for coming and to get their feedback about the event.

You will find that these events not only honor your donors, they keep them connected to their passion for your work and deepen their relationship to your organization.