As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a natural time to reflect on gratitude and how it drives philanthropy. In the arts and culture sector, gratitude is central to our work. Whether it’s patrons moved by a performance, students inspired by an arts program, or community members finding solace in creative expression, the connections we foster often stem from—and deepen—a sense of thankfulness.
For arts leaders and fundraisers, this is an ideal moment to tap into that gratitude, not only to strengthen relationships but to inspire action that sustains your mission.
Here are three innovative and inclusive ways you can turn gratitude into a strategic tool for fundraising and engagement this season:
1. Start a "Thank You Forward" Campaign
Why It Works: Gratitude is contagious. By inviting your supporters to “thank forward” the impact of the arts in their lives, you create a culture of generosity and storytelling that resonates across your community.
How to Implement It:
Launch a campaign encouraging donors, patrons, and volunteers to publicly share what they’re grateful for about your organization, along with a call to action to "pay it forward" through a donation, volunteer shift, or ticket purchase for someone in need.
Make it simple and inclusive: provide a hashtag for social media (#ThankYouForward) and templates for emails or posts. For example: “I’m grateful for [Orlando Shakes] for bringing the magic of live theater to our family. I’m paying it forward by donating so more families can experience the arts. Join me!”
Incentivize participation: Offer recognition on your website or at events, and feature standout stories in your newsletter or a short video montage.
Expert Tip: Incorporate community voices by asking program participants, staff, or volunteers to kick off the campaign with their own gratitude stories.
2. Host a Gratitude Wall—In-Person and Online
Why It Works: A gratitude wall provides a visual and interactive way for your community to engage with your mission while fostering an inclusive space for reflection.
How to Implement It:
At your venue, set up a physical "Gratitude Wall" with a simple prompt: “What are you thankful for about the arts?” Provide sticky notes, markers, or a collaborative canvas where attendees can share their thoughts.
Create a digital version: Use tools like Padlet or social media platforms to invite virtual contributions. Make the experience accessible by allowing video or audio submissions in addition to written entries.
Share responses widely: Highlight notes from the Gratitude Wall in your year-end appeals, social media posts, or even as visuals for donor events. These authentic expressions can inspire others to give back.
Expert Tip: Expand accessibility by offering translation services for multiple languages and including tactile or visual options for those with sensory needs.
3. Collaborate on a Community “Giving Through the Arts” Challenge
Why It Works: By partnering with other organizations in your community, you amplify impact, foster goodwill, and reach broader audiences.
How to Implement It:
Collaborate with other local nonprofits or cultural organizations to launch a Thanksgiving-week challenge. The idea? Encourage donors to give to multiple organizations within your network as a celebration of gratitude for your shared community impact.
Position this as a fun, collective effort: “Join the ‘Giving Through the Arts’ Challenge! Celebrate what you love about [Your City]’s vibrant arts community by supporting 3 (or more!) local organizations this Thanksgiving.”
Create a simple donor hub: Use a shared webpage or hashtag for participants to track their giving progress and inspire friendly competition.
Expert Tip: Highlight how smaller gifts, when pooled, create substantial impact—making this challenge accessible for donors at every level.
Building a Culture of Gratitude in Arts Fundraising
Gratitude isn’t just about acknowledging what’s been given; it’s about creating space for others to contribute to something meaningful. As arts leaders and fundraisers, we have the unique opportunity to channel gratitude into action that sustains our missions, strengthens relationships, and deepens the connection between our work and the communities we serve.
This Thanksgiving, consider how you can help your supporters reflect on their gratitude and inspire them to act on it. Whether it’s a social campaign, an interactive gratitude wall, or a community challenge, these approaches bring people closer to your mission and each other.
How are you using gratitude to engage your community this season? I’d love to hear your ideas—let’s keep inspiring each other!
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