One of the biggest complaints I hear from board members, team members holding a variety of positions (this includes CEOs/EDs), and donors, is that they don’t feel appreciated.
I’ve pondered this, wondering if this is a dynamic that exists more in the charitable sector than others. Perhaps. But regardless, it’s still an issue and one that we all have control over. Is that music to your ears? Finally, something you CAN control!
The truth about gratitude: It can’t wait until November. Your team needs to feel valued every single month—not just during the holidays. This guide gives you simple, authentic ways to show appreciation that actually resonates.
November rolls around, and suddenly everyone’s talking about gratitude. We see the Thanksgiving posts, the “thankful for my team” messages, and the annual appreciation events. And don’t get me wrong—I love all of that.
But here’s what I’ve learned working with hundreds of nonprofit leaders: gratitude can’t be a once-a-year thing. Not if you want to build the kind of culture that retains great people and keeps them energized for the mission.
The Real Cost of Waiting
Nonprofit teams are tired, particularly in these crazy times. They’re doing the work of three people with the budget of one. They’re navigating constant change, funding uncertainties, and the weight of knowing that their work directly impacts real lives. When you wait until November to say “thank you,” you’re missing 11 months of opportunities to remind them why their work matters.
And here’s the thing—gratitude doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It just has to be genuine and consistent.
What Gratitude Actually Looks Like
Real gratitude isn’t just saying “thanks for all you do” in a staff meeting (though that’s a start). It’s:
- Specific recognition. Instead of “great job on the event,” try “the way you handled that last-minute venue change saved us, and I saw how you kept the whole team calm in the process.”
- Acknowledging the hard stuff. “I know this grant cycle has been brutal, and I see how many extra hours you’ve put in. That doesn’t go unnoticed.”
- Gratitude that matches the person. Some people love public recognition. Others would rather get a handwritten note or a quiet conversation over coffee. Pay attention to what makes your team members feel valued.
- Board members showing appreciation, too. When was the last time your board chair sent a personal note to your executive director? Or a board member thanked a program manager directly for a presentation? This shouldn’t only flow one direction.
Make It a Habit, Not an Event
The organizations I work with that have the strongest cultures have built gratitude into their rhythm. It’s part of how they operate, not something they remember to do once a year.
It looks like:
- Starting staff meetings with shout-outs
- Board members appreciating staff
- Leaders keeping a “gratitude list” and making sure they acknowledge at least one person each week
- Creating space in board meetings to recognize board and staff impact beyond just reports and numbers
Your Challenge This November
For those who celebrate Thanksgiving, enjoy and celebrate it, absolutely. But also ask yourself: what would it look like to carry this into December? And January? And every single month after that?
Because your team doesn’t just deserve gratitude in November. They deserve it every time they show up, push through, and choose to keep serving your mission even when it’s hard.
Gratitude isn’t a strategy. It’s a practice. And the best time to start? Right now.
Hat Tip to Your Success,
P.S. Want some practical ideas for showing gratitude year-round? Download my free guide: Year-Round Gratitude: Proven Ways to Show Your Team They Matter—with specific ideas for board members, executive directors, and managers to show appreciation in ways that actually resonate.