According to a recent survey by Penelope Burke in her book, Thanks, 61% of donors said they had received a request for further donations alongside a thank you letter, which 81% found offensive. It is hoped that Thanks for Giving Day will encourage charities to do more to improve the way they thank their donors, which in turn may encourage greater support for their organisations.

Speaking at the launch, Martyn Lewis, chair of the Beacon Fellowship, said: “Charities often pour huge amounts of money into attracting new supporters, only to find that a large proportion never give again. The root of the problem is that many charities are incapable of saying Thank You properly. Thanking is the first stage of a relationship with the donor and is a unique opportunity for the organisation to show that it is grateful and is capable of making an effective difference with the donor’s gift.”

Guests at the launch were invited to put forward suggestions for ways in which charities could say thank you, which ranged from simple ideas such as better phrased emails and letters, through to special events within schools and religious bodies. The Beacon Fellowship is to consider these ideas throughout 2006, with the aim of launching a selection of them in time for next year’s event.