How to Write a Thank You Note to Donors (With Templates & Examples)

If you’re looking to give thanks to your donors, read on for 45 thoughtful ways to say thank you for your donation, including personalized messages tailored to specific campaigns and events. We’ve also included tips for writing thank-you letters to donors with the help of etiquette coach Tami Claytor, plus when and how to send them, and letter templates to get you started. Find out why thank you letters are so important and discover other ways you can show gratitude to your donors.

Best Ways to Say Thank You for the Donation

Generic: Your generosity inspires us to continue our work. Thank you for your donation.
Personalized: Your gift to our [project name] ensures that we can keep helping those in need for days to come. Every time we share a success, you’re right at the heart of it!
Recurring: Your monthly gift helps us provide [benefit] to those in need.
Urgent: Thank you for your swift action in donating. Your generosity is making a critical impact on those who need it most.
Short: Thank you. Your support is a lifeline to our cause.

Section 1 of 14:

Generic Thank You For Your Donation Messages

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Go with a simple but heartfelt message of appreciation. Get to the heart of what you’re trying to say by starting with “thank you.” Let the donor(s) know how grateful you are for their contribution and be clear about how much of a difference it makes to your cause. Let them know that you couldn’t do the work without them.
- Thank you for believing in our work and for your very generous contribution.
- We acknowledge your generous donation with heartfelt thanks.
- Your support helps us turn our goals into reality. Thank you!
- Your generosity is an example of the kindness of humanity. Thank you.
- We are so grateful for your kindness. Your donation makes a real difference.
- Your generosity inspires us to continue our work. Thank you for your donation.
- Thank you for believing in our work and for your generous contribution to our cause.
- Your contribution is deeply appreciated and will be put to the best use possible. ^{[1]
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Section 2 of 14:

Personalized Thank You For Your Donation Messages

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Customize your message with specifics so it feels personal. If you’re thanking them for donating to a particular event or project, let them know how close you came to your goal (or if you've reached it). Express just how much their gift makes a difference to your mission. When they see results, they’ll know that they’re needed.
- We couldn’t reach our goals without you—thank you for believing in our mission and helping us make such a positive impact.
- We appreciate your donation to our educational programs. You make our mission possible.
- There aren’t enough words to express how much your donation means to us. We’re so grateful for your generous gift and for volunteering your time. You make all the difference!
- Your gift to our [project name] ensures that we can keep helping those in need for days to come. Every time we share a success, you’re right at the heart of it!
- [Donor Name], your donation of [amount] is keeping the lights on, the roof over their heads, and food on the table for families in need. You’re making an immediate impact for those who need it most. ^{[2]
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Section 3 of 14:

Recurring Thank You For Your Donation Messages

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Stress how important their regular donation is for your organization. Acknowledge their regular donation, whether it’s monthly, quarterly, or linked to each fundraiser you have. It lets your more generous donors know they matter and that their dedication to your cause is something to be applauded.
- Thank you for your ongoing support, which allows us to continue [mention a specific program or goal].
- We are deeply grateful for your ongoing commitment to our mission.
- We are thrilled to have you as a recurring donor and appreciate your continuing dedication to our cause.
- Your monthly gift helps us provide [benefit] to those in need.
- Your continued generosity fuels the work we do and helps us continue to serve the community.

Section 4 of 14:

Campaign-Related Thank You For Your Donation Messages

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Be specific about what campaign your donor(s) affect positively. When a certain campaign highlights issues within a community or cause, donations make all the difference at that exact moment. Tell your donor(s) how much their commitment means to the project and how it can make the future even brighter for those you’re trying to serve.
- Your support helps our church continue serving our faith-based community. Thank you!
- Thank you for investing in our students’ futures with your generous donation to our school.
- Your donation is truly appreciated with heartfelt thanks from a member of the teaching community.
- Thank you for your generous donation and for standing with the LGBTQ+ community.
- With sincerest appreciation for your donation and your continued belief in women’s empowerment.
- Your donation is an amazing tribute to the strength and love of working families. Thank you.

Section 5 of 14:

Event-Focused Thank You For Your Donation Quotes

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Mention how their gift made your event a successful one. After you hold an event or fundraiser is the ideal time to let your donors know how much you raised, thanks in part to contributions like theirs. Or, thank them for giving their time to helping organize a successful event . It’ll get them excited to look forward to the next event and participate with further donations and/or volunteering their time.
- With sincere appreciation for your donation at our recent [event name] and your belief in our cause.
- Thank you for helping us be a beacon of hope for many by donating to our [event name].
- During our [series of events], we are especially grateful for your donation. Thank you!
- We are blessed by the kindness and support of your donation at [event name].
- Our community is deeply grateful for your generous gift. Thank you for attending [event name]! ^{[3]
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Section 6 of 14:

Urgent Thank You For Your Donation Quotes

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Highlight their generosity in connection with the cause they helped. When urgent or immediate donations are needed, it’s extra powerful to show your appreciation when donors come through for the mission. Let them know that it’s donors like them who keep the cause going strong.
- We are so grateful for your immediate support! Your donation makes a real difference right now.
- Thank you for your swift action in donating. Your generosity is making a critical impact on those who need it most.
- Your fast response to the needs of our community is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your generous donation.
- Your swift and thoughtful donation has truly moved us. Your compassionate action demonstrates your dedication to our cause and your belief in its ability to effect real change.
- When we needed immediate assistance, you didn't hesitate for a moment. You’re a true example of benevolence, and your commitment to our cause in these urgent times says volumes about your dedication. ^{[4]
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Section 7 of 14:

Short Thank You For Your Donation Messages

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Express gratitude in a few powerful words. If you require a short and sweet thank you message to show appreciation to your donors, keep it simple. Always include some version of “thank you,” like “many thanks” or “a thousand thanks.” Address how their contribution means to your cause by “building a better tomorrow” or refer to their donation as a “lifeline” for your mission.
- Generosity is the best investment. Thank you for yours.
- A thousand thank yous for your incredible support.
- We are touched by your generosity. Many thanks!
- Thank you for your selfless act of giving.
- Thank you for being an angel for our cause.
- Your act of giving is truly commendable. Thank you.
- Thank you so much. Your support means the world to us.
- Thank you for helping us build a brighter tomorrow.
- Thank you. Your support is a lifeline to our cause.
- We are overjoyed by your donation. Thanks to you!
- Your support helps us turn hope into reality. Thank you! ^{[5]
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Section 8 of 14:

Guidelines for Writing Thank You Letters to Donors

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Open with a personal greeting. Use the donor’s name when writing your thank-you letter, email, or note. It helps personalize your thank you and make it seem like it’s from a single person and not from a huge organization. You can address them by their full name, but using only their first name is a friendly way to open your letter. ^{[6]
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- If you have a large donor base, use a mail merge application to create personalized letters and mailing labels to save time.
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Express your gratitude using a warm and friendly tone. Use personalized quotes to say “thank you for your donation,” so they understand exactly how appreciative you are. Keep the focus on them and how their donations help the organization keep going strong. ^{[7]
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- Mention their name if possible when speaking about their donation, but avoid mentioning the dollar amount. You can use words like “generous,” “thoughtful,” or “considerate” instead.
- Etiquette coach Tami Claytor believes that you should “always say thank you first. Be very specific when you explain to the person how their gift will be used.” ^{[8]
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Use specific language to show the donor’s impact. In addition to saying thank you, let them know the ways they’ve helped someone in need . Instead of speaking in generalities, point to actionable changes or improvements their donation made, from better wages for a group of local teachers to a piece of land that can be converted into an animal sanctuary. ^{[9]
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- Reference their history if they’ve been a contributor for a long time or have supported the organization: Jason, you’ve been a donor for over a decade now, and it’s one of the reasons we’re closer to reaching our goal of helping teachers nationwide.
- Avoid vague phrases that don’t speak to the donor directly, like, your gift made a difference where our goal is concerned.
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Add personal touches to the message. If their donation means that a child will be fed, use the child's or family’s name to send the message home. If your donor also brought in other donor contributions or volunteered their time to a fundraiser, mention the name of the event and what a difference it made. ^{[10]
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- Include quotes and stories where possible. For example, say, the Reed family won’t go hungry tonight because of your generous gift, Barbara. Mrs. Reed let us know that “whoever gave to our cause is an angel and we thank them with all of our heart.”
- Another example: The hours you and the other members of the Bryce organization gave to our March fundraiser, as well as your group contribution, helped us reach our $50,000 goal.
- Keep your examples concise; being specific doesn’t mean you have to tell a long, drawn-out story that they may not have the time to read fully.
- Add any images or photos if you can to demonstrate the difference their help makes.
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Offer an update on the organization’s future goals or projects. Let them know what’s in store in the upcoming weeks, months, or the following year. Get them excited about further opportunities to get involved in the cause and continue to make a difference. Whether they’re inspired to make another donation or volunteer their time, your words can encourage them to stay involved going forward. ^{[11]
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End with a call to action. This may include a reminder about how important their continued support is, but avoid making a direct ask for more donations. Instead, list any upcoming events, projects, or initiatives that they become involved with. Close your letter by showing additional gratitude and focusing on the positive impact that still lies ahead. ^{[12]
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- Include a tax receipt so they can easily deduct their contribution when tax time comes around.
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Sign the letter from a person instead of the organization. While it’s the charitable organization your donor supports, it’s the people involved who they trust to use their contribution in the best way possible. A handwritten signature from a contact within the charity lets them know that an organization isn’t anything without the dedication of those who work there. ^{[13]
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- You can also include a handwritten-style note above or below the body of the letter with a short note of thanks. It can read something like, “your gift means everything!” or “I look forward to seeing you soon!”

Section 9 of 14:

How to Send Thank You for Your Donation Letters

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Via email It’s possible to email thank you for your donation letters to donors within minutes after composing the letter. Emails also make it easy to attach photos, videos, or graphics that build upon the organization’s mission and illustrate the difference that the donor’s contribution makes. ^{[14]
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- While emailing is environmentally friendly, you may not have email addresses for all of your donors. Some donors may never open the email, or it may end up in their spam folder. Consider the pros and cons before deciding whether to send thank-you letters via email or not.
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Via snail mail Mailing thank you letters to donors is a very personal way to show them appreciation. You can include photos and stories that they can touch, which can have more of an impact on them. ^{[15]
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- Mailing letters can be more costly, and environmentally friendly; they also take longer to reach donors than an email campaign might.
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Which one do I choose? It’s best to reflect the method of communication that the donor prefers when choosing email or mail. If your donor sent in their contribution by mail, consider thanking them with an actual letter. If they’re digitally savvy, stick to emails that they’re more likely to look at. ^{[16]
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- Send out a survey to find out the donors’ preferences so you can keep everyone informed and satisfied along the way.

Section 10 of 14:

When to Send Thank You for Your Donation Letters

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Online donations: immediately via email For donations made online, arrange to send an immediate auto email receipt to those donating. If possible, add details like their name and/or donation history to make the message feel more personal. ^{[17]
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- If they’re a new donor, send a separate thank-you email geared to new donors that introduces them to the work your organization is doing.
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In-person donations: within 48 hours For those donating in person at a fundraiser or event (or at your organization’s location), verbally thank them immediately. Then, follow up with a thank-you letter of appreciation or email, depending on their preferences. They should receive an email within 48 hours or so after donating; a letter should be sent to them within a few days after the donation, so it remains timely.
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Donations via mail: within 48-72 hours Send a detailed letter using guidelines for writing a thank you letter as soon as possible, or within 48 to 72 hours of receiving the donation. ^{[18]
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- If you can send them a handwritten (or printed handwritten) note, they’ll feel even more of the personalized gratitude you’d like to show them for their generosity.
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In-kind donations: within a week Send a thank you letter in response to in-kind donations within a week of receiving the gift(s). It’s a way to acknowledge the specific value of what’s being donated, especially in times of immediate crisis. ^{[19]
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- In-kind donations refer to payments made using goods instead of money. This includes donations of items, from clothing and healthcare essentials to a piece of land or a building for use.
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Planned gifts: within 24-72 hours When receiving a planned donation, it’s very important to send out a thank you letter as soon as your organization receives the gift. Ideally, the thank you letter should be sent out within 24 to 72 hours. If the gift is very large, it’s a good idea to also make a phone call to the family, trust, or business that administered the gift to show your appreciation. ^{[20]
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- Planned gifts are sizable donations arranged by an individual or organization to be made at or after their passing.

Section 11 of 14:

Types of Thank You Letters for Donations

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Tailor your thank you letters accordingly to how the gift was made. There are many different forms of “thank you for your donation” letters you can send. How and when you respond depend on the method the donor used to send the original contribution. Details on each kind of thank you letter are ahead: ^{[21]
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- Email: Send for online donations that don’t require a tax receipt.
- One-time gift: Send for in-person or via mail donations when a tax receipt is required.
- Recurring gift: There isn’t a need to send a monthly thank you letter, but instead send a yearly recap of their contribution history.
- Matching gift: Send a thank you letter asap after receiving notice of the gift and avoid waiting for the employer’s payout.
- Pledge gift: Send a thank-you letter after the pledge is made and after each installment is received.
- Fundraising: Send a personalized note to show gratitude for their efforts that includes a recap of the campaign.
- Gift of securities: Send a thank-you letter for gifts that occur as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.
- In-kind gift: Send a thank-you letter whenever individuals or organizations send physical donations.
- Planned gift: Send a thank-you letter when a planned gift is made before the money is paid out.
- Sponsorship: Send a noteworthy, personalized thank-you letter to those who sponsor your fundraisers or events.
- Event attendance: Send a thank-you letter to all attendees of the event, especially if their ticket price is considered a donation.
- Major gift: Send a specialized thank-you letter from the leadership of your organization instead of a template.

Section 12 of 14:

Thank You for Your Donation Letter Templates

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Dear [Name],
Thank you so much for your generous donation to our organization's [Name] Initiative. Your support means the world to us and will directly impact [details about who the organization is helping].

With your contribution, we'll be able to [provide specific example, quote, or story to personalize the message]. We'll keep you updated on the progress of the project via our website [link], so you can see the difference you're making firsthand. Thank you again for your kindness.

Warm regards,
[Your Name and Position] ^{[22]
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Long Dear [donor’s name],

We at [organization’s name] have recently received your generous contribution and would like to show our appreciation. Your contribution will make a sizable impact by [describe how their actions will help your organization’s cause]. If you want more information, make sure to check out our Stories page [link to a page with details of your mission] for updates!

Your donation of [donation amount] has already made a tremendous impact, and we cannot thank you enough. With your gift, we are already able to [describe specifically how this exact donation amount can bring about change. Use concrete details like “your donation will help X number of kids!”].

[Insert photo of how you’re using their gift, like your team at a fundraising event]

[Organization’s name] can’t thank you enough, and invite you to also check out our [insert links to social media platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, etc.].

If you have specific questions about how your gift is being used, or you want further information on how to continue your support, you can simply just reply to this email. We are also available by phone at [phone number], or you can visit our website [website url].

Thank you again,
[Your Name and Position]
[organization’s name] ^{[23]
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In-kind Dear [donor’s name],

We at [organization’s name] have recently received your generous gift of [describe the in-kind donation]. As you know, this has been a tremendous need for our community, and [describe why your organization is collecting these donations. Be extremely specific.]

With these [types of in-kind donations], our organization will be able to finally [describe what your organization is doing, specifying the actions you will take with the donations]. Your support is tremendously appreciated, as without [type of in-kind donations], [describe the consequences of what would have happened if these donations were not raised].

So far, we have [describe the work your organization has done so far with the in-kind donation], and with your gift, we will be able to provide [describe the specific positive impact of the in-kind donation].

If you have specific questions about how your gift is being used or you want further information on how to continue your support, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are available by phone at [phone number], or you can visit our website [website url].

Thank you,
[Your Name and Position]
[organization’s name] ^{[24]
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Event or fundraiser Dear [donor’s name],

After [timespan] of planning and working on this fundraising event, it has finally come to a close. This is where we, [organization’s name], would like to take the time to properly show our appreciation to you, as [a donor/a guest/ both a donor and guest].

We hope you enjoyed our event, [describe what they might have done at your event, and this will depend on the type of event you have]. On top of attending and supporting our event, you helped us raise [total fundraising amount due to the event]. This means [describe what you are going to do with the funds, try and be specific as to the type of actions you’re going to take].

For us to gain a better sense of how our event did, would you also mind filling out the short survey attached? This would help us improve for the future, and your feedback is immensely appreciated.

If you have any further questions about the event and the impact it has made, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are available by phone at [phone number], or you can contact our offices here [email address].

Thank you,
[Your Name and Position]
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Matching Gift Dear [Donor Name],

On behalf of [Nonprofit Name], I want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous donation of $[Gift Amount]. Your support is vital to our mission of [briefly describe your mission].

We are also excited to share that your donation qualifies for a matching gift program through your employer, [Company Name]. This means your contribution could be doubled, or even tripled, allowing us to make an even greater impact on [mention specific program or area of impact].

To take advantage of this opportunity, please visit [Link: Matching Gift Page URL or instructions] to learn how to submit a matching gift request to [Company Name].

Thank you again for your generous support. We are truly grateful for your commitment to [Nonprofit Name] and the positive change you are helping us create.

Sincerely,
[Your Name and Position]
The [Nonprofit Name] Team ^{[26]
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Section 13 of 14:

Other Ways to Say Thank to Donors

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Say thank you in other ways that offer your gratitude to donors. Sending a thank-you letter or email is a central way to show your appreciation for all that your donors’ gifts have done for your organization. It’s possible to take further steps in saying thanks to the people who support you and your mission. Some creative thank you ideas are ahead: ^{[27]
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- Handwritten notes: Sending a handwritten note is a way to personalize your feelings of gratitude.
- Phone calls: Making regular phone calls to your donors offers a human way to show gratitude from person to person.
- Videos: Create a thank-you video that lets donors know the real difference their contribution makes.
- E-cards: An e-card is a memorable way to make donors feel special for their gifts to your organization.
- Texts: Automated texts can be a quick (and unintrusive) pick-me-up to donors, so they know you appreciate their efforts and care .
- Gifts: Sending your donors a gift as a thank you is a way to show how much their support means to your cause.
- Events: Hold an event for donors where they can gather, meet each other, and enjoy food and drink.
- Anniversary milestones: Mark important milestones in a donor’s time supporting your organization; send them a yearly card, gift, or video saying thank you is sure to make them smile.

Section 14 of 14:

Why Thank You Letters are Important

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Your donor can support any organization they want to, but they support yours, so express how much gratitude you have. They can help you emphasize what their gift means to the cause and how much of a difference it makes. Thank-you letters are your chance to say thank you for all they do for your mission and organization. ^{[28]
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They let the donor know how much you value them. Sincere thank-you letters to donors are an opportunity to highlight what the donor’s gift does for your organization. They’re a way to show them that their gifts help you reach your goals and make a real-world difference in the lives of people, animals, or in the environment. ^{[29]
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They provide a way to maintain a solid relationship with the donor. From the first thank-you letter you send to them to ones that focus on a specific event, regular contribution, or sponsorship, each level of communication allows you to further connect with that donor. You’re building upon a solid relationship that can only grow deeper and more meaningful as time goes by. ^{[30]
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- The continued practice of sending thank-you letters helps inspire the donors about the cause and continues to be a part of making it happen.
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They’re an important part of donor stewardship. Donor stewardship involves managing the relationship between charitable organizations and their donors. With a solid practice of open and appreciative communication via thank you letters and actions, you’re ensuring a higher retention rate of donors who will continue to be an integral part of your organization. ^{[31]
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Tami Claytor
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How to Write a Thank You Note to Donors (With Templates & Examples)

Best Ways to Say Thank You for the Donation

Steps

Generic Thank You For Your Donation Messages

Personalized Thank You For Your Donation Messages

Recurring Thank You For Your Donation Messages

Campaign-Related Thank You For Your Donation Messages

Event-Focused Thank You For Your Donation Quotes

Urgent Thank You For Your Donation Quotes

Short Thank You For Your Donation Messages

Guidelines for Writing Thank You Letters to Donors

How to Send Thank You for Your Donation Letters

When to Send Thank You for Your Donation Letters

Types of Thank You Letters for Donations

Thank You for Your Donation Letter Templates

Other Ways to Say Thank to Donors

Why Thank You Letters are Important

Expert Q&A

Tips

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