As a fund raiser I’m always concerned as to how effective I am as a fund raiser. Now is the time when you and I can take a look at three of those concerns.

• Why do some raising funds have a difficult time establishing consistent givers?
• Why do some donors never give a second gift?
• Why do some donors drop their financial support?

Many answers could be found to these questions, but I’m convinced that many donors stop giving because those raising funds fail to say “thank you.” You need to recognize that expressing appreciation is a crucial aspect of your ministry.

The Apostle Paul with a thankful heart often expressed his appreciation to fellow believers.

• I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. Romans 1:8
• I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Jesus Christ. 1. Cor. 1: 4
• I thank my God every time I remember you. Phil 1:3

Paul’s heart of thankfulness led to another action on his part-prayer for fellow believers.

• We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. Col. 1:3
• We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers 1 Thess. 1:2

It’s important to develop a thankful heart, express your faith in thankfulness both to the Lord and to your donors. Saying “thank you” can make a difference between a onetime gift and a donor who grows in interest and commitment to you.

I remember meeting with a donor who decided to support several of our staff. The staff members failed to say thank you, the donor asked

• “Didn’t they get my gifts?”
• “Didn’t they need my gift?”
• “Didn’t they appreciate my gifts?”

Hurt by the lack of appreciation, the donor did not want to be hurt again. They chose not to send future gifts to those staff members who had not learned the importance of those two words “thank you.”

As you evaluate where you are with your fund raising these 3 concerns can allow you to review your ministry of fund raising:

• Concern 1: Do you have a solid group of donors who are consistent in their giving to you and your ministry?
• Concern 2: Are you seeing donors go beyond their first gift and provide you a second gift and even more?
• Concern 3: How effective are you in retaining the support of your donors?

Part of my DNA is thanking people. It just comes naturally. I trust that might be your story as well.