Your organization is only as good as the people who keep it going. That includes the many volunteers, donors, staff and partners who contribute to your efforts to make this world a better place.

When things get busy it’s easy to start taking for granted the people who help you most.

It’s hard enough to find good people to help your cause. When you find someone willing to give of their time and talent, you want to keep them for the long haul and showing appreciation can make them want to stay for years to come.

Find out if you’re inadvertently taking these VIPs for granted and how to show them appreciation for all they do.

Who Are You Taking For Granted?

You may not even realize that you’ve started taking the people who do the most for granted.

It is wise to regularly take time to recognize and list ALL the people who have helped you accomplish or move closer to your goals and dreams – big or small.

Some of these people include:

Compile a list of everyone who has played a role in your efforts. Whether it is a one-time donation for an event, an annual fundraising campaign, or donors who contribute all year long, it’s important to tell the people who help you that you are grateful for their help. 

There is no effort too small or person too busy to take the time to say a simple thank you and show some gratitude. People who feel appreciated will always give more than expected. They may even donate MORE time, money or talent. All these things help you accomplish your mission and you are not too busy to let them know you couldn’t do it without them.

How Do You Know If You’re Taking for Granted the People You Need Most?

Now that you have identified a list of who deserves your gratitude and appreciation it’s time to figure out if you’re showing them enough love.

Volunteers freely give of their time and resources because it is a cause they believe in and they want to make the world a better place. They usually don’t expect anything in return but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve it.

Your volunteers will be more likely to continue giving their time and your donors will continue donating their money if they know that what they give is being used in the way expected and that they are appreciated and needed.

Your paid workers may be getting a paycheck but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve some gratitude as well. SAY IT AGAIN FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK. Your paid workers may be getting a paycheck but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve some gratitude as well. The happier they are, and the more they feel valued, the more dedication, effort, and attention they’ll put into their job. And hey, they will probably even go above and beyond what’s expected of them.

What Can I Do to Show Appreciation?

It doesn’t take a lot of effort or money to show appreciation for a job well done. In fact, sometimes all that is required is a sincere and heartfelt “Thank you”. (Sincere is key here.)

Also keep in mind HOW your supporters want to be thanked. If you use Donaide, then you now you have insight ton their preferred methods of communication. USE THAT. Send a personal email, pick up phone, send a text, or send a thank you card. The important thing here is that you’re listening to what they want and that speaks volumes.

Thanksgiving Every Week

You don’t need a special occasion to show appreciation for the people who make your life easier and make it possible for you to do what you need to. If you want to do more than an individual email or card for people, you could let the team know you’re grateful by having a Thankful Day each week or month. Or hey, record a quick personalized video from your phone (no editing skills required) and shoot them a message! They’ll 100% love seeing your face.

A box of donuts, special coffee or treats in the coffee room or a Friday afternoon off to regard them for a week of hard work can be enough to make everyone smile and give the office a lift.

Shout Outs and Highlights

Just letting people know you see the good things they do is often enough to instill a feeling of being valued and appreciated. Employee or volunteer of the month programs are a popular way of doing this.

Social media, websites and online newsletters are great places to give a shout out to the efforts of those who make this world a better place to live. It not only shows them gratitude but helps promote your organization and your overall cause.

Peer Appreciation Program

One great way to promote a positive culture and help others feel appreciated and valued is to start a peer appreciation program that encourages workers, volunteers, and clients to acknowledge anyone who has helped them or gone above and beyond what was expected.

This takes some of the pressure to always notice the good deeds of others off of you and helps others be your eyes and ears. You can’t be everywhere at once and may not even be aware of some of the exceptional things your staff and volunteers are doing for others.

A peer appreciation program would not only help you see the good works of your team but will help them to get to know and appreciate each other more. This will build a closer and more cohesive team and improve your efforts and office environment. Just don’t forget to also thank the ones helping you acknowledge others 😉

You Get By With a Little Help From Your Friends

You can’t do it alone so it’s time to stop taking for granted the people who make it all possible.

For solutions and ideas to keep your team happy and feeling your love connect with us today.