Hosting Inexpensive Events to Thank Non-Profit Donors

Organizations that operate as a non-profit depend on the generosity of those who contribute their time and money to the greater good. Offering a budget-friendly way to thank donors for their valuable time and financial support can be achieved through effective planning, and community support. Believe it or not, hosting an event and providing them with a gift can be just the ticket.
In many cases, a non-profit event can cost the organization nothing except for the time involved in planning the event. This is more likely, of course, for the well-connected non-profit who is unafraid to ask for favors from businesses in exchange for a charitable tax credit and public recognition of their generosity.
Host a Banquet
With proper planning, the non-profit organization can rent a banquet room for a fraction of the cost of having a profit-based event. Assuming there are no paid conflicts, most major businesses will donate their venue location as a charitable expense. This not only benefits the non-profit, but gives the venue more exposure and credibility in the community. Major catering services offer low-cost, at-cost, or free catering for non-profit events as well. Some small business owners will donate stationary and printing services for all of the invitations, in exchange for a charitable tax credit.
Host a BBQ
Want to be a bit more budget-conscious? Having a barbeque is another very inexpensive way to thank non-profit donors. Try using an online invitation program like Evite instead of hand-printed cards. Many grocery stores will donate food for a non-profit event, such as hamburger and hot dog buns, and hot dogs or hamburger meat. An outside grill and lawn furniture can be borrowed from somebody within your organization.
Have an Awards Day
A special awards day event is the most budget friendly of them all, as with this idea, all of the certificates of appreciation can be made from a computer. When using an awards day event, all donors can be invited. However, this event is more suitable for donors who have donated their time or a service. Choose three or four extra special awards to have actual wooden plaques made, such as one for a nonprofit donor giving ten or more years of service.
Use Volunteers to Thank Donors
Volunteers possessing special skills or talents can help you find cheap ways to thank donors. You can save money by having them make needed items. For example a seamstress could make table cloths and napkins for dining events. A florist could arrange center pieces to dress up tables at banquet parties. Volunteers skilled in using graphic design software can create and design invitations and thank you cards. Volunteers who are skilled using saws and routers for wood working projects can offer their talents making plaques as well as thank you gifts.
Don’t Forget Gifts
The ideas for inexpensive nonprofit gifts are endless, all courtesy of business owners seeking advertisement for their business, of course. Here are some ideas for businesses to contact. Just be sure you publicize their names as much as possible if they are donating the gift.

• Spa or salon gift cards
• Gift baskets
• Gadgets and electronics
• Bags and general apparel
• Restaurant gift cards

In summary, your ability to thank your best donors inexpensively is all about your time and effort in reaching out to businesses. For everyday thanking of donors, download our free, sample donor thank you letter.