Glossary
Donor Management

Tribute Gift

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
July 2, 2025

Definition:

A tribute gift is a donation made to honor or remember someone, often for occasions like memorials or celebrations.
A tribute gift is a donation made to honor, celebrate, or remember someone special. These gifts can be given to commemorate milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, or achievements, or in memory of a loved one who has passed away. Tribute gifts often include a personalized message, and the organization usually notifies the honoree or their family about the contribution. Nonprofits may offer specific tribute programs or special recognition for such donations, making them a meaningful way for supporters to connect with the cause while acknowledging individuals important to them. Tribute gifts can also help expand an organization’s donor base as they attract both the giver and the honoree’s networks.

Key Takeaways

  • Tribute gifts honor or remember individuals through charitable donations.
  • They can celebrate milestones or memorialize loved ones.
  • Often include personal messages and notifications to honorees.
  • Expand donor networks by involving honorees’ communities.
  • Nonprofits can leverage tribute gifts for donor engagement.

Why It Matters

Tribute gifts deepen donor engagement and can attract new supporters while honoring individuals.

Real World Example

Imagine a supporter donates $100 to a local animal shelter in memory of a beloved family pet. The donor submits the gift through the shelter’s website, specifying it as a tribute and adding a message about the pet’s impact. The shelter sends a personalized thank-you note to the donor and notifies the family about the contribution made in their pet’s name. This thoughtful gesture provides comfort to the grieving family while also supporting the shelter’s mission. It also introduces the shelter to new potential supporters among the family and friends of the honoree.

How Keela Helps

Keela's donor management tools allow nonprofits to easily track, acknowledge, and report on tribute gifts. With Keela, you can customize notifications and generate tribute reports, ensuring each gift is recognized appropriately. Automated workflows also help maintain relationships with both donors and honorees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tribute gift?

A tribute gift is a charitable donation made in honor or memory of someone, often marking a special occasion or commemorating a loved one.

How does a nonprofit acknowledge a tribute gift?

Nonprofits typically send thank-you notes to the donor and notify the honoree or their family, sometimes including personalized messages or certificates.

Can tribute gifts be made online?

Yes, many nonprofits accept tribute gifts through their websites, where donors can specify the honoree and include a message.

Why are tribute gifts important for nonprofits?

Tribute gifts help engage existing donors, reach new supporters, and build lasting relationships through meaningful recognition.

Related Terms

A/B Test
Accessibility Compliance
Acknowledgement Letter
Address Verification
Affiliation
Archiving Historical Donor Data

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