charity-smLove is in the air at CaringCent and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to share some tips on how to romance your donors. While Valentine’s Day is a big day for florists, candymakers and jewelers, it can be a great day to share the love with your donors as well. Since we all know by now the importance of donor retention (right?), Valentine’s Day is the perfect way to be kind and generous to your donors and remind them how much they mean to your nonprofit.

1. Use social media to put your nonprofit’s heart on display

One great way to reach donors on Valentine’s Day is via your social media networks. Create a graphic to post to your social page in order to catch your donors’ attention. You can even take it a step further and come up with a clever hashtag to help promote the holiday and your nonprofit. Here’s an example of how American Red Cross used social media in 2014 to remind their donors’ they are loved:

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And here’s another great example of social media use by Paralyzed Veterans of America:

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2. Send your donors a personal Valentine

Think back to simpler times when your biggest concern was how many “Cowabunga! Be my Valentine?” cards showed up on your desk. One way to reach your donors is to channel your inner 3rd grader and create a hand-made V-day card to send them. If you don’t have time to bust out the hole-punch and construction paper, you many opt to send a Valentine’s email. Here’s an email example from Best Friends Animal Society that grabbed donors’ attention:

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3. Deliver a gift

Everyone loves feeling special on Valentine’s Day and your donors are no different. If you love to bake, hand-deliver a basket of baked goods to your donors. Check out these delicious recipes from Martha Stewart. If baking isn’t your thing, then use what skills you have to create a personal and creative gift to give to your donors.

4. Create a Valentine’s Day graphic to display on your website

This is a great way to make a first and lasting impression when donors visit your site. Create a V-day graphic that fits into your nonprofit brand and include it at the top of your website. It can be a graphic thanking donors, or asking donors to “show their love” by making a donation this Valentine’s Day. Here’s a look at SOS Children’s Villages Valentine’s website header:

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5. Make a spontaneous phone call

With the lost art of voice interaction due to text messaging and emails, here’s an idea: pick up the phone. That’s right, use those digits to dial your donors’ phone number and let them hear your voice. Call your donors to wish them a Happy Valentine’s Day and personally thank them for their generous contributions. Did we mention that donor retention is the name of the game?

6. Create a fundraising campaign

This tactic involves some planning, but if you have the time, come up with a creative Valentine’s Day campaign to get your donors’ hearts pumping. Check out this case study from the Children’s Hospital Foundation’s 2012 Valentine’s Day campaign that got people talking and donors giving.

If time restraints prevent you from coming up with a thought-out campaign, you could always take a page from charity: water and create a fun, light-hearted V-day video like this one:

Whatever you decide, remember the reason for the season and make sure to give love this Valentine’s Day!