Strong donor relationships don’t just happen—they’re nurtured through thoughtful communication and consistent gratitude. One of the most impactful (and overlooked) ways to do this? A handwritten card. Whether it’s a simple thank-you, a holiday message, or a milestone celebration, handwritten notes show your supporters that they matter.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to create a strategic stewardship card plan for your nonprofit using Handwrytten. You’ll learn how to segment your donors, write meaningful messages, time your outreach for maximum impact, and track results.
In short: Nonprofit stewardship, simplified.
Think beyond just thank-you cards. A well-rounded card plan supports the full donor journey, including:
📝 Pro Tip: Don’t wait until year-end. Spread your stewardship touches throughout the year to maintain engagement and show ongoing appreciation.
Tailor your card plan to donor type, giving behavior, or involvement. Common segments include:
📝Pro Tip: Use merge fields to add donor names, gift amounts, or references to the specific program they support. Handwrytten makes personalization easy, even at scale.
Consistency is key—but that doesn’t mean boring. Incorporate seasonality to make your cards feel timely and relevant. Here’s a sample schedule:
🍂 Seasonal Example: “As the leaves change, we’re reminded of the transformation your support makes possible. Thank you for helping us bring warmth and hope to families this fall.”
📝Pro Tip: Tie seasonal cards to your mission. An animal shelter might highlight winter pet needs, while a food bank could spotlight holiday meals.
Choose cards that reflect your brand and tone. For nonprofits, we recommend:
📝Pro Tip: Handwrytten can help you create custom cards aligned with your brand.
Your message doesn’t need to be long—it needs to feel sincere.
First-Time Donor: “Thank you for joining the [Org Name] family! Your first gift is already helping [insert outcome]. We’re so grateful to have you on this journey with us.”
Recurring Donor Anniversary: “You’ve been a sustaining supporter for a full year! Thank you for your unwavering commitment to [cause]. Your generosity creates lasting change.”
Volunteer Appreciation: “Your time, energy, and heart make a world of difference. We couldn’t do this without you.”
Corporate Sponsor Recognition: “We are proud to partner with [Company Name]. Your support brings meaningful impact to our mission, and we’re thankful for your leadership.”
📝 Pro Tip: Avoid overly formal language. Warm, human messages connect best.
Use your CRM to tag card recipients and track behavior after they receive a note. Look for patterns in:
📝Pro Tip: Add a QR code to track response rates.
Handwrytten makes nonprofit stewardship, simplified through a platform designed for heartfelt connection and scalable outreach:
💬 Can we create a branded card with our nonprofit’s logo and colors?
Yes! Handwrytten offers fully custom cards—reach out to our design team for pricing and design options.
💬 How do we use Handwrytten for a donor campaign launch?
Include a pre-launch handwritten teaser or a follow-up thank-you. It adds a personal touch to automated appeals.
💬 Can we schedule cards for donor anniversaries or birthdays?
Yes! Handwrytten allows you to schedule cards in advance, making it easy to celebrate donor milestones like gift anniversaries and birthdays automatically.
💬 What’s the turnaround time for large batch sends?
Generally, cards are mailed within 1–2 business days—even for bulk campaigns.
In a noisy digital world, a handwritten card cuts through the clutter. It shows that your organization cares—not just about gifts, but about people. With thoughtful timing, relevant messaging, and the help of Handwrytten’s automation tools, you can turn routine gratitude into a powerful relationship-builder.
Because when it comes to keeping your community close, it should be nonprofit stewardship, simplified.
Ready to build your plan? Contact sales@handwrytten.com or browse card options to get started. We’ll help you craft a stewardship strategy that’s personal, practical, and lasting.
Scale your handwritten outreach, creating positive impressions and long lasting bond.
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Over 100 designs to choose from or design your own. Our online card customizer makes it simple.
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