Stop Thanking Your Donors—It’s Costing You Money

Think you're thanking your donors the right way? Think again.

In this episode of Fundraising is Dead, Ryan Dobson reveals why most nonprofits are losing donors—not because they aren't saying "thank you," but because they're doing it badly.

Learn why a weak or transactional thank you drives donors away, and how a heartfelt, strategic thank you can transform casual givers into lifelong champions for your cause.

🎯 The critical difference between "checking the box" and creating connection
🎯 The science behind donor retention—and why proper gratitude changes everything
🎯 Simple steps you can take today to thank donors in a way that grows giving

If your budget isn’t growing year-over-year, it’s not a donor problem—it’s a gratitude problem. Find out how to fix it.

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📝 Show Notes:

In this episode:

• Why most nonprofits are doing “thank you” wrong

• How gratitude—not pressure—drives second, third, and lifelong gifts

• What the research actually says about donor retention

• Real-world stories of organizations losing (and keeping) high-capacity donors

• Actionable tips to start mastering donor thank-yous today

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Donor Retention Guide: FundraisingIsDead.com

Connect with us:

• Website: FundraisingIsDead.com

• Instagram: @FundraisingIsDead