If there's one thing we like to emphasise at how2fundraise, it's the importance of thanking.
Volunteer fundraisers, like all other types of volunteer, freely give their time, skills and effort without asking for anything in return. However, most volunteers would agree that a proper "thank you", genuinely expressed, can make all the difference in knowing whether or not their activity has made a difference and been properly valued by its recipient.
Celebrating "Everyday heroes"
Earlier this year, six volunteer fundraisers were welcomed by the PM to a private garden party and reception at Downing Street. The "Everyday Heroes" reception was hosted on 24th July to highlight the importance of volunteering in the UK, which the government wants to recognise as taking place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The new initiative was roundly applauded by third sector professionals, who have long been aware that thanking volunteers is more than simply a courtesy, but an important factor in retaining their loyalty, hence the popularity of award ceremonies as a way to say thank you.
Long Service Awards
Many charities already hold their own annual awards for volunteers and fundraisers. Sue Ryder Care, for instance, present long-service awards at special events up and down the country to recognise the commitment of volunteers who have served the charity for 5 years or more. Last year, around 800 of their 5,000 volunteers received a blue lapel badge to thank them for five years spent fundraising, working in a Sue Ryder charity shop or providing maintenance and help at one of the charity's care centres. There are also silver lapel badges for ten years' service, and gold for 15, 20 and 25 years. Volunteers serving the charity for more than 20 years receive a glass paperweight and a certificate.
In a statement on their website, Tracey Mealing, Sue Ryder Care’s Volunteer Coordinator explains why they felt their awards were important:
“It was amazing to see on our database that there was a huge proportion of people who had volunteered with us for 15 years or more. At Sue Ryder Care we place the emphasis on retention, as well as recruitment of our volunteers. There are lots of reasons why people give us their time and it is important to meet their expectations and keep them motivated. We also want our volunteers to be assured that they are valued. Both the badges and certificates are designed to say a genuine thank you to all of the wonderful people who give up their time for us.”
In addition to this type of award, there are also many independent award schemes that aim to recognise and celebrate excellence across the third sector.
Exceptional Individuals
The Beacon Fellowship scheme awards annual prizes to individuals who have made what they consider to be exceptional contributions to charitable causes or to organisations that benefit the public, with an annual prize of £30,000 given as a cash award for the winner to invest in a charity of their choice. The Beacon fellows believe that by highlighting the achievements of the prizewinners and showcasing innovation and best practice in philanthropy, others will be inspired and encouraged to make their own contribution.
Publically Nominated Awards
Our previous edition of how2news featured the story of Nicole Dryburg, whose volunteer fundraising won her the title of Britain’s Most Inspiring Fundraiser 2008 back in June (if you missed it, click here.) Nicole was nominated for her award by family, friends and individuals she had inspired through her activities.
Nicole's recognition at the awards, held by online giving platform Everyclick, won her a cheque for £20,000 to present to her chosen charity, Kings College Hospital. Another nine finalists were each presented with cheques for £500 as runners-up at the award ceremony, which is held in memory of renowned fundraiser Jane Tomlinson, and supported by her husband, Mike.
Charity Nominated Awards
Another way that charities can use to acknowledge the efforts of those who have supported them is to nominate their own candidates directly to an independent award scheme.
Two of the three nominees for the title of Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year at this year's Institute of Fundraising National Awards - the largest independent awards ceremony of its kind - were nominated by their chosen charity in this way. Elizabeth Haycock (Marie Curie) and Liam Fairhurst (CLIC Sargent) were both put forward by their respective charities, with Liam eventually going on to win the overall award.
Nominations for this year's National Awards will be open on 20 November 2008 - see www.nationalawards.org.uk for more details and pictures of last year's event. You can also read more about the three nominees for Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year here in how2news.
Inspired by what you've read?
More about thanking...
In our know-how section for volunteer fundraisers we've got a host of tips on how to thank donors and sponsors when running events and how to thank others who've helped by donating their time. In our charities section we've also got suggestions on ways to celebrate volunteers and thank them for their efforts.
Share what you know
Of course, there will always be those who believe that virtue is its own reward, and that trophies, prizegivings and ceremonies are not what true volunteering should be about. Do you agree? Have your say here on our forum, or let us know how you thank your volunteers or the people who've helped you with your fundraising in the past.
If your charity hosts its own awards that you'd like to see featured in how2news, why not let us know by sending us an email?
Or if you've been nominated for an award in the past and would like to share your experiences, we'd love to hear from you, either on the forum, or on our "my fundraising" pages here.
