Make Your Board Your Thank-You Team

Turning Gratitude into Engagement and Impact

Because saying “thank you” shouldn’t feel like homework — it should feel like joy!

The Season of Thanks — and a Board Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight

Hello, hello, hello — it’s gratitude season again!

The emails are flying, the pumpkin pies are baking, and somewhere out there a donor is opening yet another “We’re so grateful for your support” email… that sounds exactly like the last ten they received.

We all know saying thank you is important — but here’s the million-dollar question: Does your board know why it matters and the incredible value they bring when they do it?

When a board member takes 60 seconds to call, write, or record a short thank-you, it’s not just polite — it’s powerful fundraising energy. It’s also one of the easiest, least-intimidating, and most feel-good ways for them to engage. Seriously, who doesn’t love saying thank you? No sweaty palms, no asking for money — just joy, gratitude, and connection.

And here’s the kicker: When your board thanks donors, donors give again.

Gratitude Is Not Just “Nice” — It’s Strategic

Let’s look at the numbers (because data doesn’t lie — even when it’s wrapped in a bow).

• Average donor retention is about 46.6% — meaning over half of donors don’t come back next year.

• First-time donor retention? Around 26.9% — ouch.

• And the #1 reason donors stop giving: they don’t feel appreciated.

Now imagine this: instead of another form letter, your donor gets a personal call from a board member who says,

“Hey [Name], just wanted to say thank you — your support helped us deliver 200 meals this month. You made that happen!”

Boom. Instant connection. Instant impact.

The Fundraising-with-Ease Framework in Action

You know I love a good framework — and these fits right in: Mindset → Knowledge → Imperfect Action.

• Mindset: Gratitude isn’t just manners; it’s magnetic energy that attracts abundance.

• Knowledge: Knowing why you’re saying thank you turns “good job” into “you changed lives.”

• Imperfect Action: Don’t overthink it! A quick call, card, or selfie-video beats the world’s most polished letter every single time.

Fun & Easy Ways to Turn Your Board into a Thank-You Dream Team

1. Personal Thank-You Videos 🥧

   
   

Short, sweet, and heartfelt — bonus points if a pet or a kid photobombs.

“Hi [Donor Name], I’m [Board Member Name]. Because of you, we [impact]. You’re part of our story — and we’re so grateful! Happy Thanksgiving!”

Pro tip: Film it near pie. Everyone loves pie energy.

2. Gratitude Calls (Yes, Real Ones!) ☎️

No scripts, no pressure. Just call and say thanks.Research shows donors who receive a thank-you call are 40% more likely to give again.

“Hi [Donor Name], this is [Board Member Name] — Just wanted to say thank you. Your gift made [impact] possible.”

Make it a friendly challenge: Which board member can make the most thank-you calls before the pie runs out?

3. Handwritten Notes with Heart ✍️

   
   

In a digital world, snail mail feels like a warm hug.Give your board members pretty cards, good pens, and a list of names — maybe even make it a “Thank-You & Tea” party at your next board meeting. (Yes, there should be snacks.)

4. Social Media Shout-Outs or “Wall of Thanks” 💬

With permission, celebrate your donors online.

“We’re grateful to [Donor Name] for helping 50 families keep warm this winter. You rock!”

Use photos, emojis, and maybe a pun or two. Gratitude should feel human, not corporate.

5. Gratitude Gatherings ☕️

   
   

Host a small coffee chat or “Thank-You Brunch.” Invite donors, board, and staff for behind-the-scenes stories and laughter. It’s connection, not a campaign — and those moments turn supporters into lifelong friends.

The Secret Sauce: Why Board “Thank-Yous” Work

When donors hear from board members, it says: You matter. You’re part of something bigger. It transforms the relationship from “organization-to-donor” into “person-to-person.”

And here’s the beautiful side effect — your board members start feeling like fundraising naturals. They realize, “Oh, this isn’t scary. It’s actually fun!”

Gratitude builds confidence. Confidence builds engagement. Engagement builds donations. (And yes, we just built a mini staircase to fundraising success.)

Celebrate and Track Your Thank-You Wins

Encourage your board to share stories:

• “I left a voicemail and the donor called back crying happy tears.”

• “My note got shared on Instagram!”

• “I finally found a fundraising activity I actually enjoy.”

  
  

And measure the results — retention, response, recurring gifts. You’ll start seeing a clear pattern: the more genuine gratitude you give, the more generosity you receive.

Final Thoughts — From Me to You

This holiday season, don’t just send a thank-you… build a Thank-You Team.

Empower your board to lead with gratitude — not guilt, not fear, not spreadsheets — just heartfelt appreciation. Because when gratitude becomes your default mode, fundraising really is with ease.

So pour yourself a cup of tea (or a glass of wine — no judgment), grab your thank-you list, and start spreading that “thank-you energy.” Your donors — and your board — will thank you right back.

AND THANK YOU for taking time out of your busy, world-changing day to read this — you’re the reason our work (and our gratitude) shines a little brighter!

Sonia Saleh

The Board Energizer