Recognizing donors is important.  Some donors respond positively to the opportunity of being part of an exclusive “club”; others want to remain anonymous.  At any rate, it makes them feel included and connected to your organization. It is also the next step in “upgrading” your donors by allowing them to see where they can move.  It provides them with the impetus to make it happen. 

A donor / awareness brochure listing “levels of recognition” increases the readiness of the organization’s fundraising activities.  It is a useful tool for mailout campaigns and communication initiatives. It is important to note that donor recognition programs need to change and grow as a fund development planning process changes and grows.  In addition, standard recognition might not always fit and when appropriate, a tailored approach can gain more credibility.

Donor Recognition Sample

Foundation Creators ($10,000 and up)

• Invitation to Graduation Ceremony
• Name recognition and website link for one year
• Name recognition in newsletter
• Name recognition in Annual Report of the Society for one year
• Plaque on Donor Recognition Wall
• Logo recognition on website for one year
• Tax-deductible receipt 

Life Changers ($5,000 - $9,999)

• Name recognition and website link for one year
• Name recognition in newsletter
• Name recognition in Annual Report of the Society for one year
• Plaque on Donor Recognition Wall
• Logo recognition on website for one year
• Tax-deductible receipt 

Dream Makers ($2,500 - $4,999)

• Website link for one year
• Name recognition in newsletter and Annual Report
• Name recognition on website for one year
• Plaque on Donor Recognition Wall
• Logo on website for one year
• Tax-deductible receipt 

Mentors ($1,000 - $2,499)

• Name recognition in newsletter and Annual Report
• Name recognition on website for one year
• Tax-deductible receipt

Awareness Builders ($500 - $999)

• Name recognition in newsletter and Annual Report
• Tax-deductible receipt 

Nurturers ($250 - $499)

• Name recognition in Annual Report
• Tax-deductible receipt 

Care Givers ($249 and below)

• Name recognition in Annual Report
• Tax-deductible receipt ^[1]

The Donor Recognition Wall is a way of recognizing and thanking the generous people who make the work possible. It should be displayed with pride at a suitable location.  In addition the ABC Charity’s portable display, which is at all events and workshops the organization takes part in, will highlight donors in a manner appropriate to the location.  ABC Charity also respects the unique requirements of donors and is willing to discuss customized recognition.