Nonprofit Talk - 3 Steps to Maximize your Donor Giving
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Posted By: Jon C. on July 07, 2008 As a nonprofit executive, it often seems that we spend about as much time raising funds as advancing our organization's mission. Keep in mind that these are one and the same. Your organization cannot function without a strong donor base, and fundraising/campaign development are a central part of your mission. Here are three easy steps to increase your giving: 1. Create many ways for your donors to give: time, resources, or funds. We're all too familiar with the defensive posture we often encounter when telling people about our organizations, because they expect the conversation to eventually lead to our asking for a donation. Consider approaching prospects about in-kind donations of services or equipment instead of cash donations. These donations can often be less of a burden on donors, and allow them to get lasting exposure. In-kind donations allow the donor to claim the fair-market value for their donation, while providing significant benefits to the donor. 2. Keep the lines of communication open. Keep members of your community in the loop about major projects or programs at your organization, and be sure to include ways to help in your communications. If your program needs office supplies or volunteer counselors, let people know! All of your promotional materials should have a link or reference for people interested in contributing to your organization. Don't be afraid to ask your members and staff for assistance. Know what occupational backgrounds they have, and ask them to consider offering technical assistance on your projects. Leverage your relationships. Most importantly... keep your contact information current! Reach out to your contacts often, provide them with info that's valuable to them, and encourage them to keep visiting your site. 3. Make it easy for the donor. If you accept in-kind donations, have a designated staff available to pick up the donation quickly, preferably within 24-48 hours. Have organizational certification, such as copies of your 501(c)3 determination letter, available in your office and on your website. Also, have easy-to-understand instructions for donors available online. Many donors will have questions about the documentation they'll need to claim a tax deduction, so have the answers readily available. Where possible, allow donors to contribute through payroll deduction or EBT. If you use an e-commerce solution to collect donations on your website, make it easily accessible and user friendly. The less steps necessary to collect CC info, the better! If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Jon C.
Benefits Management Analyst, State of Ohio Hampton University class of 2004 Member Since July 2003 |
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