Donor Recognition: Things to Consider

There is no doubt that donor recognition is important. You have to recognize and fete the people who contribute generously to your cause. Yet, there are some things to consider before you can move ahead with a plan to recognize donors. The most effective way to do so is by getting a donor wall installed in your location. On that wall, the names of all the donors would be highlighted. Though not all donors look for such appreciation, it is a great source of motivation for the ones whose names do go up on the wall. Moreover, it gives you the chance to attract more donors to your cause.

Coming back to the point, there are some things you have to be mindful of when planning donor recognition, particularly getting a donor wall. Here are the things you should consider:

• " Firstly, keep in mind that the donor wall shouldn't be a drain on your organization's funds. You have to remember that the donors are the ones whose money is being used to pay for the donor wall. When they made the contribution, their intention was to help the cause you work for, not getting appreciated for it. This is why make sure you have a budget in mind for the donor wall you purchase.
• " Secondly, there will be some donors who don't want to be recognized. Often celebrities who donate to a cause don't want any recognition for it and remain anonymous. So, ask each person whose name you want to put up on the wall before you actually go ahead and do it. If any donor refuses, respect their privacy and don't mention their name on the donor wall.
• " Thirdly, the names of the donors should be in an order that reflects the amount of money they donated. When it comes to charity, every dollar counts but you have to ensure special recognition for the donors who donated thousands of dollars to your cause. The best way to go about this is to have levels or tiers on the wall. The names of the biggest donors should be at the top and from there on, you can add the names of the other donors.
• " Lastly, make it a point to have the donor wall on display at all times. There is no point having a donor wall or donor plaque with the donors' names and then having it disassembled and removed the next day. Donor recognition has to be a lasting act. The donors should be able to see their names on the wall every time they visit your organization. It goes to show that your organization remembers all those who help its cause.

These are some of the things to consider when planning donor recognition. Being mindful of these small things ensures that your donor recognition plans are successful and your donors are happy.