Creative ways to thank legacy donors

After someone commits to a legacy gift, celebrate them! The more connected and appreciated they feel, the more likely they are to stay committed to their plans and may even increase their gift over time. Here are some actionable ways to honor and engage your legacy donors: 

● Recognition in Publications: Acknowledge legacy donors in your official print and digital communications, such as annual reports, newsletters, donor walls, and honor rolls. Always confirm donor preferences regarding public recognition and honor any wishes for anonymity. 

● Special Recognition at Events: Offer thoughtful gestures at select events, such as verbal acknowledgments, reserved seating, or program listings. These moments reinforce the donor’s importance to your long-term vision and help build a sense of identity and belonging. 

● Modest Thank-You Gifts: Consider offering small, meaningful tokens of appreciation (of de minimis value) on occasion. These might include branded items, handwritten notes, custom bookmarks or coffee mugs, or symbolic gifts tied to your mission. 

● Personalized Engagement: Make it a priority to stay personally connected with legacy donors. This can include: 

○ Annual one-on-one meetings (in person or virtual); 

○ Periodic thank-you calls or handwritten notes; and 

○ Personalized updates about the future impact of their gift. 

● Customized Stewardship Opportunities: Tailor stewardship based on each donor’s passions or preferences. This might include: 

○ Invitations to mission-specific events or briefings, and when you host a guest speaker or entertainer, invite the legacy donors to meet the guest specialreception before or after the presentation; 

○ Behind-the-scenes tours or sneak peeks at upcoming projects; and 

○ Recognition of birthdays, anniversaries, and other personal milestones. 

● Legacy Society Membership: Welcome all donors who have signed letters of intent into your legacy society, a special community that recognizes those who have made a lasting commitment through a planned gift. Membership can include: 

○ Website recognition (with permission); 

○ Invitations to Legacy Society events or gatherings; and 

○ Exclusive communications and updates. 

Always remember that stewardship is more than acknowledgment—it’s an ongoing relationship built on gratitude and shared vision. Every touchpoint is an opportunity to deepen a donor’s confidence in your mission and their lasting impact on it.