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Like millions, I was stunned by the passing of Robin Williams. When I saw a list of charities recommended by the Williams’ family for in-memoriam contributions, I impulsively made a small donation to Glide. Glide is “A radically inclusive, just and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization.”
What I liked
I liked the fact that this letter was personalized, that Glide referenced my gift amount, and the fact that this was a gift honoring the life of Robin Williams. I liked the second and third paragraphs and the hand-written note.
What I didn’t like
I found the first paragraph a bit redundant. Both sentences seemed to say the same thing.
I didn’t like receiving a remittance envelope with my thank you letter. Yes, I know that it ‘works.’ When I set up first gift strategies for clients, I typically follow up the thank you with another opportunity to give within a certain window of time. But I don’t include an opportunity to give with the thank you letter itself.
That said, their reply envelope is nicely done, if offering a few too many choices (click to view).
Strengthening your organization’s thank you letter is one of the easiest things you can do to increase donor retention and loyalty, and resources abound. Here are just a few:
How to write a better thank-you letter (and why it matters).
In lieu of flowers: how to write lively memorial donation thank-you letters
In-memoriam donation thank-you letter samples
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I can’t wait to meet with you personally.
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