Congratulations on securing a major gift. So many smaller nonprofits either don't know how to solicit or accept large gifts. They seem to be afraid of the money, much like some people are afraid to take a challenging job because they are afraid of success.

The first question you really should ask is "What does my donor want? How does she want to be recognized?" That's the most important question. If you have a policy of recognizing large donors with a dinner, for example, and your donor hates the idea but goes along because the invitations are in the mail, you've met your needs, but not the donor's. And you’ve jeopardized her good will.

Different people like different things. I hate to sound like a “policy nag,” but you need a gift recognition policy. The first paragraph of that policy is a simple question:

"What does the donor want?"

Have an honest conversation with your donor, or make it part of the solicitation. The donor needs to be recognized in a way that is meaningful to him or her. That's the bottom line. Some donors like anonymity; some want 24 different news releases, a dinner, a building naming and special privileges for the next two generations of relatives, including third cousins. 

Some donors are willing to use the recognition of their gift to leverage or inspire others. We like them best!

A gift recognition policy will help your organization think about the different opportunities you have to recognize your donors at every level, and set reasonable limits so that the recognition is appropriate to the gift. The policy also will encourage you to set different recognitions at different levels of giving, encouraging you to have adequate recognition for every donor, not just the very rich ones!