Rick Cohen, the chief operating officer and chief communication of the network of nonprofits National Council of Nonprofits, said sending thank you notes after a year or more calls attention to the lateness of the appreciation. He said timely thank you notes show donors that there is an efficient structure in place at the development office and that financial gifts are valued by the University.

He said a month is considered the maximum amount of time to wait before sending notes at most organizations – but he said it’s better to send a late note than never send one at all.

“Even if you’re two years late, it’s still important to thank anybody who gave, that’s a good thing,” he said.