How to Give Recognition to Grantors

These ideas can also be applied to donations other than grants.

Thank-You Letters

Writing a thank-you letter to grantors is the most basic way to recognize their grant, and you should send these letters as soon as possible.  A good rule of thumb is to send the letters within a week of notification of approval of the grant (which will sometimes be before the check is received).  Personalize these letters as well; not only recognizing grantors by name, but also thanking them specifically for the amount of the grant and thanking them for the overall good charitable work done by their foundation or company.  Thank-you letters should be sent by mail, and should be personally signed.

Online Recognition

You can add a webpage to your organization’s site that acknowledges grantors.  Create an online grantor wall, or you can choose to devote entire pages to your grantors.

Newsletters and Brochures

Both printed and online newsletters are effective ways to recognize grantors.  Grantors can also be named in your organization’s literature, such as brochures.

Publicity Announcements

A formal press release may be issued that honors large or significant grants.  Some grantors request press releases.  If you are holding a fundraising event, you can thank your grantors in the program and at the event.

Gifts

If it is within your organization’s means, you can give your grantors a physical token of your appreciation.  Inexpensive gifts such as medallions, mugs, and tote bags can appropriately demonstrate to your grantors that you care about their contributions.

Privileges and Perks

You can recognize grantors by offering them a privilege or perk for which your organization normally charges, such as invitations to events or free tickets to fundraisers.

Recognition Parties

You can honor grantors and build a sense of community between your grantors by holding a recognition party.  This could consist of a formal evening, with awards for especially generous grantors, or it could be a more informal affair, such as a coffee and cake hour or a cocktail reception.

Plaques, Bricks, Walls and Recognition Displays

For large grants, plaques or bricks may be engraved with the grantor’s’ name, creating an attractive and permanent commemoration of their grant.  A display which explains the history of your latest fundraising effort and its contributors can be prominently exhibited on your organization’s premises or at its events.  Such a display not only helps others to understand your fundraising project, but also provides an opportunity for making sure that grantors feel valued.