I recently wrote about applying Gary Chapman’s “love languages” framework to fundraising relationships. The response was significant enough that I wanted to continue the conversation.
The Framework, Briefly
Chapman identifies five ways people express and receive love:
- Words of Affirmation
- Acts of Service
- Receiving Gifts
- Quality Time
- Physical Touch (less applicable in professional contexts)
The insight: people have different preferences for how they feel appreciated.
Donor Application
Different donors feel valued in different ways:
- Some want heartfelt thank-you letters (Words)
- Some want you to remember their preferences and act on them (Service)
- Some appreciate small tokens—a book, a photo (Gifts)
- Some value face-to-face visits and calls (Time)
Learning each donor’s “language” helps you steward more effectively.
Fundraiser Application
This framework also applies to how fundraisers feel valued at work. If your love language is Words of Affirmation and your supervisor never acknowledges your wins, you’ll feel unappreciated—even if they’re expressing appreciation in other ways. Understanding this can help teams communicate appreciation more effectively.
