Planning a fundraiser, running a charity, or supporting a charitable cause are all difficult tasks. Without donors, they would be nearly impossible. Still, many of us struggle to thank people who’ve helped along the way and deserve recognition.

In this guide, we’ve gathered all the donation plaque wording examples that can help you convey the right message.

Types of signs showing donor recognition

Depending on the situation, you can use different types of donor plaques and walls to show appreciation. 

Some of the most common lettering methods for donor recognition plaques and walls include:

  • Cast: A mold creates bronze or aluminum raised letters on the metal plaque. Cast metal is very durable and can be used inside or outdoors. 
  • Etched: Acid is used to create letters and designs for a plaque, typically on glass or metal.
  • UV Printed: A message or image is printed onto material (usually acrylic or stainless steel) using UV light to dry ink. This can be backlit for a permanent sign or made mobile for events.

Donor plaques use a variety of materials, including:

  • Acrylic
  • Aluminum
  • Brass
  • Bronze
  • Corten steel
  • Glass
  • Stainless steel
A glass panel has etched stainless steel panels with the names of donors.

What to include on donor plaques

You’ll want to include a few details to make your donors feel appreciated. Keep in mind that your plaque might have a limited word count. This will depend on the plaque size, font used, and more. 

The experts at Impact Signs can help you figure out what’s best for your needs so nothing is left unsaid.

Some information you might want written on a plaque includes:

  • Donor name or likeness
  • Donor’s role in the project and description of impact
  • Years of service or dedication year
  • Personal message or quote
A sponsor wall features plaques of various sizes and metals with inscriptions for sponsors.

Sponsors contribute funds, skills, and materials to different causes. It would be difficult to accomplish underfunded charitable work without sponsors, so showing your appreciation with the right donor recognition wording is important. A sponsor plaque or wall publicly shows your appreciation and creates goodwill for your sponsors — everyone wins.

Sponsor plaque wording examples: 

  • We would like to thank [Caterer Name] for catering [Event] and fueling our cause.
  • We are grateful to [Donor Name], who generously donated their free time and expertise to build our charity’s new office.
  • Thanks to [Donor Name], who contributed [dollar amount] to help fund this project.
  • We’d like to acknowledge our [number] anonymous donors who helped advance our cause with over [number] hours of their time and [dollar amount] in donations.
  • Thanks to our sponsors for this evening, including [Business Name], [Business Name], and [Business Name].
  • We thank [Donor Name] for their many years of support and efforts in organizing food drives to benefit our food pantry.

Famous quotes for donation plaque wording

If you’re unsure of the right thing to say, let a famous quote do the talking for you. There are a few ways you can decide what to say. Perhaps the donor has a favorite philanthropist who inspires them. Maybe a catchphrase the donor was known for? You could also gather quotes from loved ones about the donor for a personal touch.

Quote examples for donation plaques:

  • “A life isn’t significant except for its impact on others lives.” — Jackie Robinson
  • “Our lives no longer belong to us alone; they belong to all who need us desperately.” — Elie Wiesel
  • “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” — Albert Einstein
  • “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” —Maya Angelou
  • “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.” — Booker T. Washington
  • “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else.” — Charles Dickens
A stainless steel plaque is mounted on an acrylic sign to commemorate volunteers.

Ways to encourage new donors

Donation walls and plaques are inspirational to potential donors, so take this opportunity to grow your donor base. When you thank a donor for their work, you can demonstrate their tangible impact to encourage others to get involved with your cause. 

Examples of donation plaque wording to attract donors:

  • “With a monthly donation of just $10, we can provide hot meals to a neighbor in need for a month.”
  • “Scan this QR code to join our 300 regular donors and contribute to our next project.”
  • “Help us create a brighter future for our community.”
  • “Ready to join our mission? Speak to a volunteer in a green vest to see how you can get started.”
  • “Join our legacy sponsors today for a partnership that makes a difference.”
  • “Together, we can uplift those in need and end homelessness in our community.”

Express appreciation with Impact Signs

You might feel tongue-tied when it’s time to think of donor plaque ideas but nothing needs to be a struggle. We hope these donation plaque wording examples spark inspiration to help you find the right words to express your gratitude.

Get a quote from Impact Signs today for a design that commemorates your collaborators for years to come.

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