Are you accidentally pushing donors away without realizing it? Saying “thank you” might seem simple, but so many nonprofits fall into common traps that turn a heartfelt gesture into a missed opportunity. In this episode of Hey Nonprofits, host Trevor Nelson welcomes guest Kevin Brown to uncover the four biggest mistakes nonprofits make when thanking donors and how to fix them to build stronger, lasting donor relationships.

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In Episode 19, Trevor and Kevin break down the four key mistakes: not showing appreciation promptly, failing to personalize your gratitude, ignoring the impact of clear communication, and seeing donors only as financial contributors. This conversation highlights how nonprofits can avoid these pitfalls, foster deeper connections with supporters, and inspire ongoing generosity. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraising professional, or volunteer, these insights will help you rethink how donor appreciation impacts your mission. If your team needs extra guidance or personalized support, check out our FREE nonprofit coaching program to take your fundraising to the next level: https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

Learn how to transform casual donors into loyal advocates. Make sure to follow Hey Nonprofits for practical strategies, modern nonprofit advice, and more eye-opening discussions with experts like Kevin Brown! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this video with your team.

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Chapters:

0:00 Keep Donors Coming Back

1:39 Lessons from the Business World

4:59 Think Like a Business

6:42 Fundraising is Leadership

10:09 Donors as Mission Investors

11:51 Humanize Donor Communication

15:08 Thank Yous That Retain Donors

16:49 Easy Donor Appreciation Tips

19:43 Engage Donors Beyond Money

21:12 Standing Out to Big Donors

24:05 Clear Mission, Easy Fundraising

25:38 8-Word Mission Statements

28:38 Simplify Donor Messaging

30:22 Team & Board = Fundraising Power

33:19 Train Teams for Fundraising

35:05 Routines for Goal Success

38:16 Storytelling for Fundraising Clarity

39:51 Fundraising with Tight Budgets

42:43 Tools for Better Fundraising

44:08 Collaboration for Nonprofit Success