I had a lesson in love this weekend from my kitty, Gingeroo.  Ginger is a mighty huntress and she catches lots of critters on our farm and brings them to me, sometimes live and sometimes not.  This last time, it was a little snake.  (Ewww!!!) 

I was on my way to get in the car to go to a meeting when Ginger came prancing across the yard from a culvert (one of her favorite hunting grounds) with the poor snake dangling from her mouth.  She dropped it on the sidewalk in front of me and rubbed on my legs.  She was obviously so proud!  (I petted her and yelled for my hubby to bring a bucket so we could relocate her trophy to the woods behind the barn.)

In fundraising, it’s important to love on your donors.  When was the last time you let your best supporters know how much you appreciate them and what they mean to you?  Thanking your donors is one of the most important things you can do as a Fundraiser.  It’s a critical part of stewardship of their gift plus it helps you build and maintain a relationship with them.

Here are a few articles I’ve written lately that might help you think about ways to thank and recognize your donors.

http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Creative-(And-Low-Cost)-Ways-to-Thank-and-Recognize-Your-Donors&id=1917464

http://ezinearticles.com/?Deepen-Donor-Relationships-With-a-Power-Packed-Thank-You-Letter&id=1917448

http://ezinearticles.com/?3-Donor-Relations-Tips-to-Freshen-Up-Your-Fundraising-Efforts&id=2176943

http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Ways-to-Thank-Your-Donors-With-an-Attitude-of-Gratitude&id=2183726

You don’t have to catch a snake for your donors, but how about a phone call or a hand-written note?  Warmly and sincerely thank them and you’ll be more likely to keep those through these tough times and beyond.