Many articles address the topic of thanking nonprofit donors, but few authors seem to write about thanking board members. Yes, they are usually donors and are appreciated for their donations (I hope so!). But who thanks them for all the time and talent they bring to an organization? In my experience, this important task falls to the CEO. Why? Because he or she works with the board on a regular basis, he or she sees firsthand all that they contribute and knows how their work helps the nonprofit achieve its mission.
As a former CEO, I know that time to do extra work is limited, but I also know how much genuine appreciation is enjoyed by board members (don’t we all?). Try these three quick and easy ways to thank your board members.
Send a handwritten thank you note
You can make an individual thank you note to each member annually, such as Thanksgiving week. You can also send notes when a board member has done something you especially appreciate, such as identifying new volunteers, chairing a successful fundraiser, or presenting a well-documented report at a meeting. Once you start looking for things to appreciate in your board members, you’ll see just how many there are. In this age of emails and text messages, I have found that these handwritten notes are greatly appreciated by board members.
Make “three minute spotlights”
Make it a habit to start each board meeting by acknowledging a member by speaking about what that person has contributed to your nonprofit. You might select a member because that person recently did something extra, like publishing an unexpected article in a regional newspaper, bringing ten guests to a special event, or working with staff on a grant proposal. At other times, you might recognize a member who has received a community award or received a promotion at work. If nothing notable has happened recently, give a general appreciation of a board member citing how she has helped her organization in the last few months.
Have a “Featured Board Member” in your newsletter
Most people like to see their photo and a companion article in print, and your newsletter is the perfect place to put one. Be sure to send an extra copy to people the honoree would appreciate seeing it (like the boss of a corporate volunteer). You can save time by basing the article on the “Three Minute Approach” mentioned above.
I know how easy it is to feel overwhelmed by the myriad tasks that a busy nonprofit leader faces each day. I also know how much better any nonprofit can do when Board members truly feel appreciated for what they do. In the words of Albert Schweitzer, “Nothing that is done for you is a matter of routine. Everything originates from a will for good, which is directed at you. Train yourself never to postpone word or action for the expression of gratitude. .”
