22 Delightful Ways to Say Thank You!

Photo by Pink Sherbert Photography

Editor’s Note: I am SO HAPPY to have Shanon Doolittle guest posting on our blog today! She’s hilarious, and this post made me so happy (I’m sure it’ll make you smile). When you’re done reading this bit, check out her last post on IG.

Did I miss a memo? Because most nonprofits seem to be working from the same mandate when it comes to donor correspondence—keep it stuffy and unenjoyable. Let’s remember one thing, fellow do-gooder, donors are in the joy zone when they give. Don’t spoil their experience with an uninspired message of thanks. Instead, make it your mission to send a note of gratitude that is guaranteed to make your donors smile!

Does the idea of being fun and delightful when expressing gratitude freak you out a little? No need to get stressed. Just imagine you’re writing a note to your BFF. Be funny, grateful, refreshing. If being funny causes stress, there’s always sweet, warm, and sincere. Still overwhelmed? Don’t fret. Here’s a few fun ways to say thanks to get you started.

22 Ways to Say Thank You!

  1. If it wasn’t weird, I would have sent you a picture of myself. Because I look totally grateful.
  2. Great googly gratitude. Thanks so much for your gift!
  3. Thank you (not sent from my iPhone).
  4. Next time, I’m sending you a cape. Thanks for your superhero-sized gift.
  5. Two words: Endless gratitude. Thank you.
  6. You score phenomenally high in the kind-o-meter. Seriously, I checked.
  7. Your version of shine is a search light. Thanks for spreading so much good.
  8. Thanks so much for putting up with our direct mail. But even more, thank you for responding.
  9. You’re kind of a big deal. Don’t believe me? Ask our clients.
  10. You = awesome. Me = grateful.
  11. Move over Gates and Buffett, there’s a new philanthropist in town.
  12. Our clients have started an unofficial fan club. You should start practicing your autograph.
  13. Do you practice being so wonderful? Thank you kindly for your gift.
  14. Amazed. Inspired. Grateful. That’s how your generosity makes me feel.
  15. When it comes to making an impact, you rule. (Note: Draw a ruler. You can do it.)
  16. You’re a spark plug for good. Thanks for igniting something amazing.
  17. a) A peach b) Bee’s knees c) Cat’s pajamas. You’re d) All of the above. Thanks for your bigheartedness.
  18. You’re what making a difference looks like. (Note: Draw a mirror. Up the fun factor.)
  19. You’re a lifesaver. Literally. And thanks for believing in someone you don’t even know.
  20. Is there no limit to your awesomeness? Thank you!
  21. You can’t see me but I’m totally doing a happy dance.
  22. I’m beginning to think you’re serious about this whole humanitarian thing.

Remember, your job is to delight your donors. That boring, vanilla, and yawner of a thank you note? It doesn’t reinforce the happiness they felt when they made their gift. Rather, it sends a message that you can’t be bothered to send a unique, personal, and engaging message—that you care more about the gift than the person behind it.

Is that really how you want your donors to feel? I didn’t think so, you awesome do-gooder you.

67 thoughts on “22 Delightful Ways to Say Thank You!”

  1. I just co-chaired a large charity event and was dreading sitting down to write over 100 notes to volunteers and donors and along came you and your fabulous suggestions!! Not because I don’t want to write them ~ I do ~ I was just afraid I couldn’t convey my feelings of gratitude… Do I have to credit you for all the clever notes I am about to write?!?! u00a0With much appreciation ….ML

    1. u00a0Mindy, a gal after my own heart. You chaired a charity event? Loves. And no, no credit needed. Had you not been spending all your time perfecting all the event details, you would of came up with these all on your own. Pinky promise.

  2. Nicely done, Shannon! The [nonprofit- as well as our common] world need to be reminded of the value of this quintessential human connection u2013 the genuine show of gratitude. So many organizations struggle to “devise” a warmer and more authentic facade when instead they reap the goodwill by relaxing and sharing one of the greatest gifts available.nnA great post with good concrete examples that will make all but the most robotic readers smile.

    1. Bruce, you’re so right about being human. The best part of our existence is helping others experience more happy in their lives. And so glad I have you as a partner in crime to spread more awesome!

  3. Great suggestions Shanon. Thanks. I agree those vanilla thank you notes are so lacking in originality and do little to make the donor feel thanked. I posted this on Linked In:u00a0nhttp://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=1537087&trk=anet_ug_hm&goback=%2Egmr_1537087u00a0u00a0

  4. Hi! I’m usually the coordinator at various venues. These are great for me to pass on to my volunteers. Thank you for sharing and much llove!

  5. Shanon I love this, thank you. I am responsible for the newsletter for ouru00a0charity and always struggle to invent new ways of thanking our fundraisers, and encourage them to continue to think of us and to promote our work and help to raise awareness of the little known condition Fragile X Syndrome amongstu00a0professionals and the general public.nnIf this post encourages othersu00a0to share their versions of “Thank Yous” with us that would be a lifesaver. Literally,

    1. I love that you love this. The double cool factor? Because of you, I now know what Fragile X Syndrome is. And big like the idea of crowdsourcing some other people’s versions of Thank Yous. Stay tuned…

  6. These are so wonderful! I love number 18 – get a small mirror from the $1 store. These are really terrific ideas!

  7. This really was great. I fund-raised to help cover the cost for a national conference and as the thank you; I planned to send a photo of a lighthouse, I took and hand write my note on the back. Your tips will come in handy. Keep up the great work.

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  14. Great, tysm! As I prepare our year-end campaign I am thinking of how I will use #8 – actually made me laugh out loud.

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  21. These words are really awesome! You’ve added colour to our plain “thank you”. You = awesome, Me = Grateful

  22. Thank you so much for this because I needed to know many creative way of saying thank you. And this is perfect. Thank you again for sharing

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  24. Lenita Riley Dunlap

    Best post ever. These make me smile and encourage me to thank my donors with some flavor. Thanks for the inspiration!

    1. they sure do. my wife is 1st grade teacher leader in her class and the stuff she has to deal with from students to teachers not playing nice. my hats off to all the teachers that really care.

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  26. Super Loved this Post! I’m beginning to think you’re serious about this whole humanitarian thing. You can’t see me but I’m totally doing a happy dance. Just Sharing My Love!

  27. Great indeed!!!! Your incontrovertibly educated, scholarly knowledgeable, incomparably erudite and greatly phenomenal as a Wunderkind savant whom you’re not only proficient in English but also conversant with all scientific branches without a doubt!♡

  28. Magnificent website. Lots of useful information here.
    I am sending it to several buddies ans additionally sharing
    in delicious. And of course, thank you in your effort!

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