Everyone appreciates a thank you. No matter how big or small the gift is, people enjoy it when you express genuine gratitude for what they have done. You have probably already figured out how important it is to thank your donors be it a personal note, a phone call, or even a small thank you gift. But have you learned how to thank?

Although it is tempting to pack in as much as we can into a phone call or thank you note, it is absolutely important not to. When you call to thank a donor, do only that. Don’t use that opportunity to hit them up for more money. Don’t take the time to share prayer requests (unless asked). Do give them a short summary of where that money will go, if applicable, and thank them from the bottom of your heart. Leave it at that. They will leave the conversation or letter feeling truly appreciated and happy to give again, and certainly not squeezed for more. Your time is precious, but a donor is giving of their most tangible of possessions, their hard earned money. You must keep that in mind when you say thank you.

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