Take Time to Celebrate Fundraising Success With Everyone

We can get so busy in life — driving toward our fundraising goals — that too often we forget to celebrate!

In our line of work, celebration should be a team event! Be sure you consistently show your donors and any volunteers and staff involved in the relationship or campaign that you appreciate them.

This week our office is filled with boxes. We are taking the opportunity to celebrate a wonderful client nearing the point of doubling its original campaign goal. So we ordered peanuts, Big League Chew, Cracker Jacks — fun gifts for our steering committee to help celebrate the good news in a memorable and unique way. These boxes for the steering committee include an extra special baseball card designed with each individual's photograph and name, noting that everyone is a campaign all-star. It's always a good idea to go the extra mile when saying thanks — your donors remember and appreciate the effort.

Celebrations along the way in fundraising can accomplish many goals:

• They build confidence.
• They show gratitude.
• They provide an additional opportunity to share the positive impact of donors, volunteers and staff.
• They help build momentum and excitement.
• They get people talking about how great your organization is and can bring in more donors.
• They spur volunteers and staff on to accomplish more.
• They position you as a winning organization.
• They get creative thinking flowing.
• They are just plain fun!

We all love to celebrate! Find appropriate ways to constantly celebrate your fundraising success with those who make a life-changing impact on those you serve!