Do you ever sit down to write a donor thank you message and poof—all the good ideas you had are gone and you're left frozen, staring at a blank page? You're not alone! In fact, it happens often—especially when it comes to crafting thank you messages.
We all know a heartfelt thank you can go a long way in building and maintaining meaningful connections. But, finding the right words or breaking through writer’s block can make something as simple as “You’re the best!” downright complicated. Then again, sending a thank you email is a modern art form, and art takes work. So, to help you master the art, we've put together a guide on how to craft the ultimate thank you email that leaves a lasting impression.
1. Grab Attention with Killer Subject Lines The journey of a model thank you email begins with a killer subject line that compels the recipient to open it. Think of your subject line as the cover of a gripping novel – it should entice, intrigue, and spark curiosity. Here are some examples to get your creative juices flowing
[First Name], You Made My Day!
Guess What? Your Kindness Deserves a Shoutout!
We Think You are Divine!
Remember, the goal is to stand out in a crowded inbox, so personalize your subject line to the specific situation as well as your relationship with the recipient.
We love tools like CoSchedule, Omnisend, and Mailmeteor to analyze and improve subject lines. Many tools now offer AI-generate subject lines as well.
2. Personalization: The Heart of Genuine Gratitude
Once your email is opened, the magic begins with personalization. A generic thank you lacks the sincerity that sets exceptional emails apart. Here's how you can inject a personal touch into your message:
Address the Recipient by Name: Use their first name to create a connection. It's a small detail, but it goes a long way.
Reference Specific Details: Mention something specific about the event, interview, or donation. This shows that you're not just sending a generic thank you, but are appreciative of the effort they put in. I also challenge you to do more than merge in the formal fund name. Being able to provide more detail of the fund really increases the magic of the thank you.
Connect on a Personal Level: If you share a common interest or experience, briefly mention it. It will add warmth and authenticity to your message.
3. Keep it Short and Sweet: The Art of Brevity In this age of information overload, brevity is key. Keep your thank you note short and sweet, and focus on conveying genuine gratitude without overwhelming the recipient. Aim for 50 to 100 words that pack a punch. Here's a great example from one of our DRG Heroes:
Dear Lindsay,
On One Wild Day, you helped support more than 95% of students through your gift to the Linfield Student Scholarship Fund.
The Linfield experience allows us to be known by professors, have hands-on learning experiences, try new things, be involved in clubs and activities outside of the classroom, and be supported in this close community.
You're helping students, like me, every day.
Thank you for helping my college dreams become a reality!
Taetum K.
Class of '25
Remember, the shorter the note, the more likely it is to be read in its entirety, leaving a positive and lasting impression.
4. Visuals Say More Than Words
Our world is dominated by visual content. Incorporating images or videos into your thank you email can elevate your message and communicate emotions and memories that words alone might struggle to convey.
Consider the following tips:
Include a Candid Photo: A photo adds a personal touch and makes the gratitude more tangible. If you shared a moment with the recipient, attaching a candid photo capturing that moment takes it up a notch.
Include a Video that Furthers the Gratitude: Adding a quick video from someone who benefitted from the donation extends the feeling of gratitude. This video by DRG Hero, Blank Children’s Hospital, is a perfect example of extending that grateful feeling!
Create a Thank You Graphic: Use graphic design tools to create a simple but visually appealing thank you graphic. This can be a collage of images or a well-designed thank you message.
Embed a GIF or Emoji: Don’t forget you can have some fun! Add a touch of playfulness with a well-chosen GIF or emoji. Just make sure it aligns with the tone of your relationship with the recipient.
Crafting the ultimate thank you email is an art that combines creativity, sincerity, and a dash of visual flair. Whether you're expressing gratitude for a job opportunity, a thoughtful gift, or someone's time, the key is to stand out and make the recipient feel genuinely appreciated. From killer subject lines to personal touches, brevity and visual impact, each element plays a crucial role in creating a memorable thank you. You can find more inspiration in our DRG Heroes Sample Library—our collection of best-in-class donor communications!
So, the next time (before) you hit send on that thank you email, remember to infuse it with energy, warmth, and a genuine appreciation for the connection you share. Your ultimate thank you email might just be the beginning of a stronger, more meaningful relationship.
By Liz Menne
