As non-profit professionals, we are reliant on so many to fulfill our mission.

We are constantly working to engage clients, staff, and board members. We are always looking for meaningful partners to collaborate with, and of course, we are always seeking donors who are as passionate about our mission as we are.

Sometimes we spend so much of our time managing relationships and looking forward to finding that NEW client, employee, board member, partner, donor, that sometimes we overlook all that is already happening. We forget to say thank you. A true authentic thank you.

Saying thank you can be done in so many ways... I am a bit old school and still love sending hand written notes.  But a call to say, “I’m thinking about you” can go a long way, or an email with an article that reminded you of that person.

One way that you can share your gratitude to those that have helped you and your organization is through the Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Nominations.

• Is there a young person (under 21) who embodies the spirit of your organization and found a creative way to share their passion with others?  Maybe this person helped create a program, or supported you through their volunteer efforts, or made a direct financial contribution?
• Is there an individual or couple,or maybe even a group, that has had a huge impact on your organization thought their impactful giving or innovative ways of encouraging philanthropy?
• Or maybe you work for, or are part of an outstanding philanthropic organization?   This can be a non-profit, religious, or other organization that consistently invests in the community, and/or has innovative approaches to solving community problems.
• Maybe you are lucky to have an outstanding corporate partner? Possibly a business or corporate foundation that has shown you commitment through financial support, or helped motivate others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement.

National Philanthropy Day (NPD) is on November 16, 2017 and is a celebration of philanthropy—giving, volunteering and charitable engagement—that highlights the contributions that our neighbors who are active in philanthropy have made to our lives, our communities and our world.

I encourage you to take time this week to think about who you want to say thank you to and do it.   And if there is someone extra special supporting your organization nominate them!

Nominations are accepted through September 1, 2017. http://www.afptriangle.org/national-philanthropy-day/national-philanthropy-day-nominations/

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