Thank You Bricks

The Sharing Foundation continues to impress me with their creative ways of helping children in Cambodia, raising money and thanking donors.

I learned about the Sharing Foundation almost a year ago. Beth Kanter was turbocharging her use of social networking to win a $50,000 contest award for the Sharing Foundation. She asked me to play a part in the promotion and I’m glad I did.

In the latest Sharing Foundation newsletter, Dr. Nancy Hendrie (President) discusses a new project they are doing in Cambodia to thank “significant” donors.

The Sharing Foundation is in the process of constructing a new girls dorm. One of their resident artists is hand painting a scene on individual bricks. The name of a donor is written on each brick. Then a photograph is taken of the brick and sent to the donor. These bricks will be used in the construction of the dorm and located away from the outdoor elements so the artwork and names will last for years.

What a terrific way to say thanks! Think about all the ways these bricks will touch people’s lives.

• A resident of the Sharing Foundation in Cambodia is able to put his artistic talents to great use
• Many of the residents in Cambodia will see these bricks on a regular basis and be reminded that there are people all over the world who care about them
• It provides a unique “thank you” to donors
• It may encourage additional donations from these donors because the organization has demonstrated they care and are thankful
• It may encourage new donors as current donors share the story and photos of these bricks with colleagues, friends and family

If you are a fundraiser or work for a nonprofit, consider using the Sharing Foundation’s example and find unique ways to thank donors. It can have a significant payoff that goes beyond just your expression of thanks.