You had me at animated GIF

I recently suffered through a painful trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The cranky bureaucrat who assisted me seemed determined to be as unhelpful and uncollaborative as possible. Luckily, a supervisor came over and smoothed over a few obstacles, and I was able to accomplish what I needed without a return visit. Before I left, I sought out the supervisor just to say thanks. Her face lit up: clearly appreciation is not something she’s used to hearing. Our brief exchange got me thinking once again of the power of telling someone you truly appreciate them. 

Since it’s time to say thanks to your donors for the support they offered you through year-end or other gifts, I thought I’d share a few fabulous ways nonprofits have said thanks in unexpected ways to inspire you.

Earlier this year, I found this video Charity:water made on Valentine’s Day to thank their donors. Having staff make Valentine’s cards for donors? Love that.

Rebecca Goldsmith, our communications coordinator, flagged two examples she really likes of nonprofits saying thanks. This one’s a video with more international and programmatic content from the Nature Conservancy. It’s a bigger budget production, but it really helps you see what you’ve invested in.  Rebecca also spotted a great email (posted here via BuzzFeed) that Planned Parenthood sent out featuring a series of excellent animated GIFs. Cheap and easy, this message is delivered with humor but emphasizing serious progress in their work, which donors love to see.

Lastly, in case you missed it, Big Duck’s senior strategist Rachel Allison recently blogged about what makes a great thank you, well, great.

Got a favorite way to say thanks? Keep us posted, please.

PS: Never one to shy away from the animated GIF ourselves, be sure to check out this oldie-but-goodie post on the art of the high five.