Many times in my career I resented the money we were spending on board gifts. Looking back, that was short sighted of me. Board gifts – those little things with your organization’s logo that you can use to express gratitude for their service – actually pay a dividend to your organization.
I’ll use my favorite Yeti knockoff as an example: it was a thank you gift for my service on a board (it was actually leftover participant gifts from a golf tournament – so check the supply closet). At the time I opened the gift, I thought “oh this is nice.” But now 5 years later, it is a powerful tool that opens many conversations about the organization.
Yesterday I took it to my daughter’s high school softball game. Lest I sound like a complete nonprofit nerd, let me assure you I selected that tumbler because I can sit in the hot Florida sun and the ice won’t melt in my Diet Dr. Pepper. But, because the Young Life logo was on the tumbler, one of the other parents asked me about it (the organization, not my cold beverage). I had the chance to talk about the mission of the organization and why we support the organization. I didn’t have to bring it up – they asked me. In any fundraising book, that’s a win-win.
Here are some ideas on how your next board gift can be a win-win for your organization:
- Do they write with your organization’s pen? Do they keep an extra on hand so when someone needs a pen they can share it?
- Do your board members have name tags they can wear at your events? These are cheap and easy to order, so make sure it looks nice.
- Do your board members have shirts (a collared shirt for casual Friday or golf)? Hats? Some kind of apparel that makes it apparent they are on your team?
- Do they drink from a coffee mug or insulated cup with your logo on it? It could also be used on their desk to hold pens.
Board gifts are a valuable tool in helping board members share the mission of your organization and allows a soft introduction to the people they see when out and about.
We’d love to hear about the best board gift you have given or received – please share in the comments below or Tweet us @SaraTampa.