How to List Names on a Donor Wall
How to List Names on a Donor Wall: 3 Key Considerations
Organizations highly value their donors because they provide the funding that moves projects forward and makes successful campaigns possible. Without donors, many achievements simply wouldn’t happen.
That’s why organizations should show their gratitude to donors—even through simple but meaningful acts of recognition. One of the most effective ways to do this is with a donor wall displayed in your facility, highlighting the names and contributions of those who made your mission possible.
If you’ve already ordered a donor wall—or plan to—deciding how to list donor names requires thoughtful planning. Below are three important factors to consider.
1. Compile and Organize Donor Names
Start by compiling a complete list of donor names and double-checking for accuracy. Most organizations already track donor information in a document or spreadsheet—this should be your primary reference when planning your donor wall.
Next, decide how you want to organize names. Common approaches include:
Alphabetical order
Contribution amount
Tiered recognition for top donors
Best Practices for Listing Donor Names
List couples with the male’s name first
Include middle initials when available
Omit affiliations
Omit periods in titles such as MD or PhD
Do not abbreviate ampersands
Consistency is key to maintaining a clean, professional appearance.
2. Calculate the Contribution
Some donor walls list names only, while others also include contribution levels. If you choose to recognize giving amounts, be sure to calculate them carefully.
There are two common methods:
Yearly contributions
Total lifetime contributions
Categorizing donors by total contributions is often easier and helps donors feel confident that even one-time gifts are valued and recognized if you’re looking for creative ways to group donors, explore ideas for unique sponsorship level names.
3. Leave Space for Future Donor Names
As your organization grows, so will your donor base. It’s essential to plan for future expansion when designing your donor wall.
To avoid costly updates later:
Leave room to add new donor names
Consider modular or expandable wall designs
Plan ahead for additional donor walls if needed
Thinking long-term ensures your donor wall remains functional and relevant as your organization evolves.
Honor Your Donors With DonorSigns
A donor wall is a powerful way to honor contributors, express gratitude, and inspire future giving. Thoughtfully listing donor names ensures your recognition is meaningful, accurate, and lasting.
DonorSigns specializes in custom donor walls and plaques. We work within your timeline and budget to deliver the best donor signage solutions for your organization.
Fill out our form to schedule a consultation, and let’s discuss how we can help you honor your valued donors.