As I was listening to Mike Robbins The Power of Appreciation audio CD recently, what stood out to me was the difference between true appreciation and just “saying thanks.” Appreciation is first a state of being, an “attitude of gratitude” and then secondly taking action.

While thank-you gifts, plaques or public acknowledgements have their place, the power of appreciation begins on a much more personal level. So today’s list of 5 ways of showing appreciation focus on this personal interaction.

1. Be Real. Genuineness wins out over slick any day of the week. Of course professionalism is a must, but don’t be afraid to let donors get to know you, as you get to know them.

2. Be Specific. When you write thank you notes, make phone calls or visits, be specific in your communications. How did their gift specifically help the cause? What specific talents or interests does the donor have that you can inquire about?

3. Listen. Most people donate to causes that they really care about. Take time to listen to their ideas, opinions and suggestions. Practice active listening - without interrupting or focusing on your own reply - and make notes about what they tell you in their donor record and notes to follow up when appropriate.

4. Respect their time. Simple rules of business (which are unfortunately often overlooked) apply to donor meetings and phone calls - be prepared, arrive on time and begin/end meetings on time. This applies to other forms of communication as well. Kivi Leroux Miller from Non Profit Marketing Tips says: “Make everything easy — from skimming your newsletter to contacting your office — or donors won’t do it.”

5. Reassure Them. Donors want to know that their money is going to make a difference in your cause. Ideally, they’d like to hear specific ways that donations help produce results on your mission. Jeff Brooks at Donor Power emphasizes the need for timely follow up to help reaffirm a donor’s decision to give.

So as you can see showing appreciation doesn’t have to be complex or cost anything at all. How do you see these principles currently at work with your donor relationships? What ways can they be put into greater action?

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What if each day you took the time to give appreciation to someone you work with, a donor to your cause or a friend or family member? Perhaps it is possible that something as simple as showing people that you appreciate them could make a big impact.

Mike Robbins experienced this first hand and the amazing potential of giving appreciation drives him to share that idea with thousands of people as a motivational speaker and author.

There are many other people in our lives who we can show appreciation…our coworkers, clients, colleagues, friends, family and spouses. As non profit leaders, we can especially show appreciation to donors, volunteers, board members, foundations, corporate partners and last but not least, staff.

I challenge you to think of one person each week during the month of May who you can show appreciation. As Mike Robbins says “insight without action makes no difference.” So be sure to let them know!

Each week for the rest of May we’ll bring you simple ways to tap into the Power of Appreciation. Then we’ll ask you to post your comments letting us know how you put appreciation into action that week.

Are you up for the Appreciation Challenge?

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You know they say a picture is worth a thousand words…. how about pictures, video, words and music? Video has already exploded on the web and non profits are fast catching up. This roundup brings up some tips that you can use when considering getting into this medium, plus several examples of great cause related videos.

A concise overview of YouTube for Non Profits from EcoFlip

Great video tips from See3 posted on Katya’s blog

NonProfits on Video: Using YouTube to Promote Your Cause from Wild Apricot

UNICEF Uses Web 2.0 to Double Video Views from About.com

2008 DoGooderTV Nonprofit Video Awards had over 160 entries sent in from over 100 organizations.

The video below from The Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation surely speaks volumes. (via Jon Gordon’s newsletter)

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Today is Teacher Appreciation Day. Those of you who are parents, were you able to do something special for your child’s teacher? If not, don’t fear, until Friday you have time to participate in Teacher Appreciation Week.

We celebrated the week by sponsoring a blog writing contest on the theme of “My Favorite Teacher.” All of the entries into the competition were wonderful. I love hearing stories of special people, especially those who pour their hearts into something they love, like teaching.

Six months later, or Time goes by so fast by Ana at My adventures through life
My Favorite Teachers by Angela at Mommy Bytes
My Favourite Teachers by Veronica at Sleepless Nights

Check out the entries and then you can vote for your favorite here.

Our staff writers also enjoyed writing on this topic…
Jim Berigan’s Favorite Teacher
And here’s my contribution - Teaching Math More Than About Numbers

Thank You, teachers — current, retired and future - you are making a difference!

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Last Sunday I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this website was mentioned in USA Weekend, the magazine that’s included in over 600 Sunday papers across the country.

The paper’s “Think Smart” column includes short tips from contributors on a variety of topics. Well known finance expert Sharon Epperson included the nod to Step by Step Fundraising in her Money Smart and
Fundraising 101 feature.

Thanks also go out to Monroe on a Budget (Michigan) who picked up the story. The blog has some comments that are right on the money about starting early when planning a fundraising or publicity campaign.

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Each week in April Step by Step Fundraising published new articles on the topic of Fundraising Myths. These fundraising and non profit management experts brought their unique perspectives to this topic. There are many years of experience and wisdom to be found on these pages!

Here’s a list of each of the articles in this series:
Fundraising Myth: If You Build It They Will Come by Sandra Sims
The Myth of the “Selfless Volunteer” by Tom Welsh
Fundraising Myth: It’s Great to Be Cheap by Marc Pitman
Advertising and Marketing Are Too Expensive by Jim Berigan
The Myth of the Dried Up Well by Sandy Rees
Myths About Foundation Funding by Aaron Atwood

Here are several other great articles along a similar theme published on other sites:
The Myths and Realities of Board Members and Fundraising from Guidestar
What is the average fundraising cost per dollar raised? from Gayle Roberts
Non-Profit Fund-Raising Demystified from Tony Poderis
The Myths and Realities of Philanthrocapitalism a book review from The Non Profit Quarterly
Five Charity Myths Dispelled from Charity Navigator

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In honor of National Teacher Appreciation week, which is May 4 to May 10, the Top School Fundraisers blog is sponsoring a writing contest on the topic “My Favorite Teacher”. Just write a post on your blog inspired by this topic by this Saturday and you’ll be eligible for the contest.

Winners will receive cash prizes. First place is $50, second and third are $25 each. Winners will be decided by a poll so anyone can cast their vote to determine the best entry.

>> Click here to find out more about this contest

Last day to get your post up and enter is Saturday May 3rd!

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