At Veritus, we talk a lot about transformation—transforming how you engage with your donors, how you manage your caseload, and how you show up in this work every day. But one of the simplest, most powerful ways you can foster transformation is by saying “thank you.”
And I don’t mean the obligatory acknowledgment letter. I mean real gratitude that’s authentic, personal, and deeply felt. Practicing gratitude regularly doesn’t just strengthen relationships; it’s one of the most effective tools you have to reinforce your donor’s connection to your mission and your own connection to the people around you.
So, whether you're recognizing a donor’s generosity or thanking a colleague who helped you get through a challenging situation, here are four meaningful ways to express gratitude that we've seen make a real impact:
One of the MGOs we work with decided to send handwritten thank-you notes to every donor in her portfolio—including those she was still qualifying. For the donors she couldn’t reach by mail, she sent thoughtful emails instead. The result? Two new donors qualified, and a whole group of others felt more connected to the organization.
The handwritten note might seem old-fashioned, but that’s exactly why it works. In a world of inbox overload and transactional messages, a personal note stands out. If a donor (or a teammate) receives something that clearly took time and thought, it shows them they matter—and that’s what deepens the relationship.
“Thanks for all you do” is nice. But “Thank you for your $1,000 gift that allowed us to expand our after-school program to 25 more students” is transformational.
Being specific reinforces to the donor that their gift made a real, tangible impact. The same goes for colleagues. Instead of general praise, take the time to name what they did, why it mattered, and how it made a difference in your work or for your team. Gratitude gets more powerful the more personal and concrete it becomes.
Another MGO we know bakes her signature banana bread and personally delivers it to her top-tier donors. These donors don’t just appreciate the gesture—they look forward to it every year. For donors who live farther away, consider sending homemade cookies or a favorite local treat. It’s a small thing, but it says: “You’re more than just a number to us.”
Of course, this isn’t about baked goods. It’s about putting your personality into the gratitude. You’re not just thanking someone. You’re building a relationship. The more it reflects you, the more meaningful it will be.
No ask. No agenda. Just a call to say, “I was thinking about you and wanted to thank you.” This kind of outreach surprises people in the best way. One MGO told us she began setting aside 30 minutes every Friday to call a few donors and simply express her appreciation. Over time, she noticed more donors taking her calls, replying to her emails, and even initiating new conversations about giving.
We’ve seen this with colleagues, too. Picking up the phone (or sending a quick voice message) to say thank you builds a layer of human connection that can’t be replicated in a formal report or even a thoughtful email. It reminds people they’re seen and valued, and that their presence—not just their performance—matters.
Here's the bottom line: authentic, heartfelt gratitude builds trust and connection. And in this work, relationships are everything. If your donors know they’re seen, valued, and appreciated, they’ll lean in deeper. If your teammates know the same, they’ll bring even more of their heart and effort to the mission.
So don’t wait for a holiday or a special occasion. Make gratitude a regular part of how you operate. It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be real.
And while we’re here, let me say this: Thank you. Thank you for the hard, meaningful work you do. For showing up, for sticking with it, and for caring enough to grow. We see you, and we’re honored to be in this with you.
If you ever need anything—ideas, encouragement, a sounding board—we’re here.
Jeff