Valentine’s Day for Nonprofits: Spreading Love to Donors and Volunteers

Not every organization can send cards to its entire mailing list, so it’s wise to be strategic if you're thinking about sending a card or message. Consider who you need or want to reach and why:

1. Active donors: a Valentine’s card can reinforce gratitude and keep donors engaged for future campaigns.
2. Lapsed donors: sending a sweet, low-pressure note can nudge them back into your circle, reminding them of the positive impact they once helped create.
3. Volunteers and program participants: a Valentine’s greeting can highlight how integral they are to your day-to-day success.
4. Major Donors or Core Advocates: key supporters—board members, major funders, longtime corporate sponsors—may warrant a more personalized Valentine’s message as a heartfelt gesture of respect and admiration.
5. Staff and Internal Team: your team is your backbone. Sending a thoughtful card fosters camaraderie and shows you care about their well-being and commitment.

Crafting a Valentine’s message for a nonprofit audience is different from sending one to friends or family. Here’s how to adapt:

1. Lead with gratitude, not just playful puns
   You already know how important it is to properly express your thanks. Similarly, acknowledge your supporter's support or contributions up front. For instance, “Your kindness made a real difference this year” carries much more depth than “I love you beary much”.
2. Reiterate their tangible impact
   Whether your supporters donate money or time, they want to feel their involvement matters. Try something like, “Your support helped [specific initiative] thrive this season.”
3. Offer a glimpse of the future
   Valentine’s Day isn’t a fundraising appeal, but it’s fine to hint at upcoming events or goals. If it feels natural, slip in a brief mention of what you’re excited to accomplish next—together.
4. Keep it brief
   Remember to KISS—a brief few sentences goes further than an extended paragraph.
5. Look for quick wins to add a personal touch
   Even if you’re sending an ecard or email, use merge tags to personalize your message. Better yet, opt for a service like PenPals that lets you do the same with handwritten cards to add that personalized flair.

Below are a dozen Valentine’s Day message ideas that you can tailor to various donor relationships—whether they’re first-time givers, lapsed supporters, or key funders.

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1. First-Time Donor
   “This Valentine’s Day, we want you to know how much your new partnership means to us. Your gift lit up our mission—thank you!”
2. Longtime Supporter
   “Roses are red, violets are blue… we couldn’t do our work without donors like you! Happy Valentine’s from everyone at [Organization].”
3. Recurring Donor
   “Your continued kindness has been the heartbeat of our success. Thank you for loving our cause year after year.”
4. Major Donor
   “Your generous heart has fueled real change at [Organization]. We’re so grateful to have you by our side this Valentine’s Day.”
5. Donor Who Funded a Specific Project
   “This Valentine’s Day, we’re sending all our love for helping us launch [Project/Program]. Your impact still resonates today!”
6. Donor Who Upgraded Their Gift
   “Your ever-growing support means the world. Thank you for believing in our mission enough to give it a boost!”
7. Corporate Sponsor
   “Happy Valentine’s Day to our incredible corporate partner. You’ve shown that business and kindness really can go hand-in-hand.”
8. Birthday Club Donor
   “You shared your special day with us, and that’s a gift we won’t forget. Wishing you a sweet Valentine’s Day from the whole team.”
9. Lapsed Donor
   “We’ve missed you! This Valentine’s, we want to say how much you’re still part of our family here at [Organization].”
10. Donor Reached Through a Peer Fundraiser
    “Someone who cares about us, cares about you—and now we understand why! Thanks for being part of our circle this Valentine’s.”
11. In-Kind Donor
    “You gave what we needed most—your resources and support. We’re sending heartfelt Valentine’s wishes your way!”
12. Anonymous Donor
    “We may not know your name, but we feel your presence deeply. Happy Valentine’s Day to our silent hero!”

Volunteers give their time, talents, and energy. A simple Valentine’s note can validate their efforts and make them feel seen.

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1. General Volunteer
   “Happy Valentine’s from [Organization]! Your helping hands make every day feel like a celebration of kindness.”
2. Long-Term Volunteer
   “Year after year, you show up and give your best. This Valentine’s Day, please know our gratitude is endless.”
3. Team Volunteer Coordinator
   “You keep everyone motivated behind the scenes. Today, let us motivate you—with our deepest thanks and Valentine’s wishes!”
4. Event-Focused Volunteer
   “From planning to cleanup, your dedication at each event shines. Sending a big Valentine’s hug for all you do.”
5. Skill-Based Volunteer (e.g. graphic design, tutoring)
   “Your unique talents help our mission bloom. Thank you for lending your gifts to [Organization] this Valentine’s Day.”
6. Volunteer Who Recruited Others
   “You don’t just help— you invite others to help too. That’s a Valentine’s miracle we can’t stop smiling about!”
7. Occasional Volunteer
   “Even if we only see you a few times a year, your presence makes a difference. Wishing you a Valentine’s Day as special as you are.”
8. Emergency/Last-Minute Volunteer
   “When we needed a hero, you stepped in, time and again. Thank you for being our Valentine in the moments that mattered most.”
9. Board Member or Leadership Volunteer
   “You guide our vision with your time and insights. This Valentine’s Day, we want to recognize the heart behind your leadership.”
10. Volunteer Group Leader
    “You inspire teams to rally behind our cause. Thank you for turning unity into action. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day.”
11. Volunteer Who’s Transitioned to a Different Role
    “Though your role has changed, your impact hasn’t. Thank you for staying a part of our family. Happy Valentine’s Day!”
12. Anonymous Volunteer
    “We might not always see your face, but we definitely feel your contributions. Wishing our behind-the-scenes superstar a sweet Valentine’s!”

Valentine’s Day might not appear at first glance to be a pivotal date in the nonprofit world, but it can actually be a moment for creative outreach. With a little planning and heartfelt wording, nonprofit organizations can use this affectionate holiday to show supporters—whether they contribute money, time, or both—just how much they mean, and in turn inspire them to stay engaged far beyond the holiday itself.

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PenPals can help you build that loyalty & goodwill. By making it easy to send handwritten cards, we allow you to offer a genuine expression of thanks without overwhelming your team’s bandwidth. It’s a win-win: your supporters feel special, and your staff stays focused on advancing your nonprofit’s mission.

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Browse our cards below to get started.