Once the fundraising even is over and has been successful, then you will need to thank your supporters and this can be done in a variety of ways. Firstly, your supporters are not only those who made donations, but those volunteers who spent so much time and effort in making the event a success. They deserve recognition and thanks just as much as the sponsors, because without them the event would not even have happened. In fact, the volunteers have worked harder than the sponsors, because all they had to do was write out the check.
To thank the volunteers, a barbecue may be given especially for them. If it is a ‘sausage sizzle’ you will only need the sausages, bread and sauce so it shouldn’t be too expensive. This can be held after the event and can be by official invitation or by word-of-mouth. Just be sure everyone knows about it, or bad feelings will be the result. If you don’t want to organize a barbecue, then you could thank the volunteers in a different way. A thank you letter or card would be appreciated.
To thank the supporters for their donations a letter of thanks is in order. But don’t stop at the letter; they will like to know exactly how their money made a difference to the cause. If possible, let them see the real evidence by sending a photo of the results. Whether it was computers for the school or rescuing abused pets, it’s not hard to take a photo. If you can also show the students using the computers, or the rescued animal in its new home, it will add that personal touch. You may have to get parents’ permission for photos of students, though.
Of course, it may take a while to get these photos and you don’t want to leave it too long before sending that thank-you letter, so firstly, send a preliminary letter of thanks along with a copy of your budget showing the profit and itemize what the proceeds will be used for. Then later, when these goals have been accomplished, send another letter of thanks with the results. This can be up to several months later and will serve to give your organization a high profile.
When you esteem and honor a company in this personal way, and they can see how their donation made a difference, they will be more than willing to make further donations when the time comes. However, it would be inappropriate to mention this possibility in your thank-you letter.
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