People Give to People (and Why We Love a Good Thank-A-Thon)
At its core, fundraising isn’t about money—it’s about relationships. Donors don’t give to organizations; they give to people they trust and causes they feel connected to. And that’s where board members come in.
Too often, board members aren’t fully engaged in fundraising. Many shy away from “the ask” because they don’t want to pressure anyone, or they simply don’t feel equipped. But here’s the secret: supporting fundraising doesn’t always mean asking for money.
One of our favorite ways to bridge this gap is a Board Thank-A-Thon which accomplishes two goals at once:
It gives reluctant board members a safe entry point: they get to support your organization without making a direct ask. All they have to do is say, “Thank you.”
It builds a culture of gratitude and connection. Nonprofits thrive on loyal supporters, and nothing deepens that loyalty like a personal thank-you.
And in our home state of Minnesota, Thank-A-Thons can do something extra special: they help us break out of our bubbles. A quick thank-you call can spark conversations that remind us how big and beautiful our community really is.
Even better? A Thank-A-Thon is the perfect warm-up for year-end fundraising. It re-engages donors, reminds them of their impact, and sets the stage for when your big appeal lands in their inbox or mailbox a few weeks later.
For those unnerved by the idea of calling a stranger, here’s the good news: gratitude doesn’t have to come by phone.
Try a thoughtful text message. A quick “Hi, this is Alex from the board—just wanted to thank you personally for supporting our mission!” can brighten someone’s day.
Write a handwritten note. Old-school, yes—and deeply personal. Donors often keep these tucked away or posted on their fridge because they mean so much.
If you’re comfortable online, send a personalized email or even a short video message.
Here’s a short list of how to make it happen and set your board up for success:
Make it easy. Draft a simple call script or thank-you text your board can copy and personalize.
Do the prep work. Pull together a clean list of donors with contact info and, if possible, a note about their giving history.
Set the tone. Remind your board this is gratitude, not fundraising. No asks, no pressure—just thanks.
Offer options. Some board members love calls, others prefer texts or handwritten notes. Give them flexibility.
Close the loop. Ask them to report back how it went. Their stories help build confidence and momentum for the next campaign.
With a little structure and support, even the most hesitant board member can jump in and play a key role in your donor stewardship.