Union Jack flag icon Canada flag Canada Ireland flag Ireland
Church
Insurance specialisms
Financial advice
Resources
Insurance specialisms
Schemes
Resources
Church ... Thanking supporters

Thanking your supporters and donors

Church ... Thanking supporters
Saying thank you is so important, regardless of the size of the donation. Although thanking people will be second nature to you and your church, make certain it is not forgotten.

By taking the time and care to say thank you, your donors are more likely to continue to give and spread the word about your project. They will feel valued and know their gift is appreciated.

Remember, even if a potential donor does not support you, it is still important to thank them for taking the time to hear and consider your proposal.

You could produce a short video or an album of your project to show its success and thank donors.

Good practice when thanking donors

  • Thank your supporters immediately or as soon as possible after they give.
  • Continue to thank supporters regularly and keep them up-to-date with your project or church mission, if appropriate.
  • Express your appreciation in a way that is personal and individual to each donor – it can make a big impact and start to build a long-term relationship.
  • Highlighting the differences that a donor’s gift has made can be very powerful.
  • Not asking immediately for another donation. But always have a next step available – just in case a donor asks.

Ideas for thanking donors

  • Make a phone call. Always phone first when a significant donation is made.
  • A special newsletter (or an article in your regular newsletter).
  • Ask your supporters for their views and advice on your mission or project.
  • If appropriate, invite your donors back for a thank-you event, such as a music evening or any events related to the project they supported.
  • Produce a short video or photo album of your project to show its success and thank donors.
  • Write a letter.
  • Send an email.

For funding or grants from larger trusts and foundations

You may want to consider:

  • Acknowledgment on social media or your website.
  • A donor board or plaque on the wall – remember to check if faculty permission is needed to do this.
  • Use a funder’s logo on your project-supporting materials, on your website, and annual reports –but only if appropriate and the correct permissions are in place.
  • Complete an annual grant update report, informing them how their grant is being spent. Most major funders require a regular update on progress.  If you are awarded a grant, you will be given more details about how to report back to the funder.

Thanking donors encourages them to stay connected with your church – and they may become long-term supporters as a result of a simple thank you!

Fundraising support

Back to the hub

Church fundraising blogs

Fundraising

List of grant funders for churches

A list of the top funders that support churches and are currently offering grants. Search to find potential grants for your church.

Fundraising

Demystifying the National Lottery Heritage Fund

The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) has awarded a remarkable £8.8 billion to 51,000 heritage projects including to churches of all shapes and sizes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland since 1994.

Fundraising

Forming a fundraising team

Like other types of teams, the most effective fundraising teams have clearly defined roles with people given particular responsibilites.

Fundraising

A checklist: key factors for successful fundraising

After researching possible funders and grants for your church, use this checklist to identify some key points to consider before making an application.

Fundraising

Engaging with the wider community

Communication is a key foundation stone in fundraising. Communicating the right message, in the right way, to the right person can pave the way to a donation now or in the future. Asking your wider community for support is no different.

Fundraising

Digital Fundraising – Frequently Asked Questions

Digital fundraising presents amazing possibilities for your church to grow its giving. To help you get started, we have answered some frequently asked questions.

Fundraising

Top tips for fundraising by churches

Key steps and suggestions for you and your church to take for successful fundraising.

Fundraising

Outputs and outcomes guidance

These words (outputs and outcomes) appear frequently in the world of fundraising and are key to writing clear funding applications.

Fundraising

Researching possible donors and funders

Successful fundraising and grant applications begin with research into possible donors and funders.

Fundraising

Case for support guidance for churches

Regardless of which funder or donor you approach, you will need to have a clear and compelling case for support. This will act as a foundation for all your fundraising and is key to achieving successful applications.

Fundraising

Legacy giving

Through generous legacies, thousands of people a year provide vital income that many organisations, including churches, rely upon to support their mission.

Fundraising

Five top tips to create a successful grant application

Grant applications can be a great source of fundraising income for your church – and often provide the largest size of donation towards your project.

Fundraising

Fundraising planning guidance

Writing a fundraising plan is an important step towards helping your church fundraise successfully.

;