Thanking your donors shouldn’t stop after a single gift acknowledgment. Building lasting relationships with your supporters means finding ways to show appreciation throughout the year. 

Since giving season is still a ways off, now is a great time to plan how you’ll thank your donors in the months ahead. One helpful guideline is the “Rule of 7,” which suggests that donors should hear from you at least seven times throughout the year. These consistent touchpoints help deepen the connection between your organization and your supporters, making them more likely to give again when the time comes.

Here are seven ways you can show gratitude throughout the year to foster donor loyalty. Plus, we explore how a donor database like DonorSnap can help you with these touchpoints. 

1. The Formal Acknowledgment Letter

Every donation deserves a formal acknowledgment. To make your thank-you letters feel more personal, consider creating different versions tailored to specific donor types and gift levels—such as first-time donors, recurring supporters, or major gifts.

In DonorSnap, you can save each version as a batch code for quick access. Using merge fields, you can take personalization even further by including specific details about the donor’s gift. This extra touch helps build stronger, more meaningful relationships.

Learn more about nonprofit acknowledgement letter best practices here. 

2. Publish a Gratitude Report

A gratitude report highlights your supporters from the previous fiscal year, often listing donor names by giving level and including memorial, tribute, or volunteer recognition. Whether it’s part of your annual report or a standalone piece, it’s a public celebration of those who make your work possible.

Gratitude Reports are generally broken out by giving-level. DonorSnap’s donation strata report automatically does this for you, simplifying the process of creating your report. 

Learn more about creating a Gratitude Report here.

3. Host a Donor Appreciation Event

Donor appreciation events focus solely on celebrating your supporters. Unlike fundraising events, these are designed to build community and show your donors the impact they’ve made. You can still include elements like a silent auction for some light fundraising, but the focus should remain on gratitude.

If you run nonprofit auctions, take a look at AuctionSnap, our event management platform that pairs perfectly with DonorSnap.

4. Donation Anniversary Thank-Yous

Recognizing a donor’s giving anniversary is another powerful touchpoint. You can automate emails to go out on the anniversary of their first gift or highlight major milestones like five or ten years of consecutive giving. Personalize these messages with examples of how their support has made an impact over time. For example, “Over the last 5 years you have supported us we have cleaned up over 10,000 miles of beaches.” 

5. Add Donor Spotlights to Your Newsletters

If you send regular newsletters, consider adding a donor spotlight. Highlighting one supporter or listing recent donors is a great way to recognize their contributions and show how others are getting involved. This not only makes donors feel special but can also inspire more giving.

Learn more about creating effective nonprofit newsletters here.

6. Use Social Media for Public Thanks

Social media gives you a chance to thank donors in a more public and consistent way. You can spotlight supporters on a regular basis, celebrate milestones, or even recognize legacy donors. Just be sure to get permission before sharing names or photos.

7. Birthday Messages

Sending a donor a happy birthday message is a thoughtful way to stay in touch and express gratitude. With DonorSnap’s automated task manager, you can schedule these messages to go out automatically. Consider pairing the birthday greeting with a thank-you for their ongoing support. 

Plan Ahead for Consistent Gratitude

The best way to make sure you are thanking your donors throughout the year is to add gratitude into your content planning for the year. It is always a good idea to map out your communications for the year if you can, so sprinkling in thanks along with your core fundraising messages is a great way to ensure you don’t lose touch with donors during the year. 

If you need help planning your content for the year, check out DonorSnap’s nonprofit calendar with helpful prompts and important cause days that will remind you to stay connected with your supporters. 

Final Thoughts

Thanking your donors should be an ongoing process throughout the year. In addition to the formal thank you letter your nonprofit sends out, you should find additional opportunities to thank donors throughout the year. From birthday messages to donor appreciation events, any time you can make your donors feel special you should. This helps set the stage for lasting donor relationships.