2 More Lessons Learned From the Biggest Online Fundraising Campaigns

Philanthropy and charities have been around for thousands of years. It seems to be an innate characteristic for humans to want to reach out to their fellow-man and lend a hand. While the methods of helping those in need and fundraising have changed, the basic motivation has remained the same. However, with the advancement of technology, the parameters of law, and the many ups and downs of the economy, fundraising in modern times are quite a bit more complicated that just feeding the hungry or aiding the sick. Here are some more lessons that smaller or more recently established nonprofits can learned from those who are seasoned in the field.

Treat each donor with respect 

I’ve worked with many charities and have given to many charities. What keeps me faithfully giving to one and not another? It’s all about how I am treated. Yes, there are some causes that pull my heart-strings a little more than others, but as a donor I want to be acknowledged for the sacrifice I am making to donate to a charity and treated equally with those who can afford to give more.

Getting and maintaining supporters is all about building relationships. There are hundreds of mailers, e-mails, phone calls, and television commercials vying for attention and dollars.  Getting someone to donate in the first place is half of the challenge; keeping them is the other half. Are you truly showing your appreciation? Are you sharing how their donation made a difference and furthered your mission? Do your donors feel important and needed? If you miss any one of these points, you just might risk losing your supporters.

Here are some great ways to show your appreciation: it may seem old-fashioned, but a hand written letter shows that you are taking the time to acknowledge the gift and giver. It adds that personal touch that an e-mail or post lacks. Second, posting thank you’s with donors tagged on Twitter and Facebook also shares who your donors are and can inspire others to give. It also gives credibility to your organization that you are trusted by respected individuals. Third, an event honoring your donors and thanking them for their support is a great way to strengthen their loyalty to your charity. Don’t make an ask or present a new project, just show how their funds have made a difference thus far. Consider it an investment towards future giving.

It’s all about results 

 

To piggyback on the last statement, donors want to see results. We’re all tightening our purse strings so the donations that we do give need to have some tangible results to make us feel good about our gifts. If one charity isn’t showing progress, there are ten more in line with their hands out ready to go to work. How are you showing your donors that their money is being put to good use? With charts, personal success stories, and vivid images, these tools bring the purpose of a nonprofit to life and touch the heart of the donor. Were you raising money for a building project? Show the progress of how the structure is being completed. Are you an after school program? Compare year-to-year stats on how many students you helped, how their grades have improved, and gather quotes from parents and teachers praising your program. Did you help a community rebuild after a natural disaster? Before and after pictures of the impact you have made speaks volumes. Giving is both extrinsic and intrinsic; donors want to help others while gaining a feeling of pride at doing good.

Online fundraising is a perfect way to show results. Donors can visit your site regularly to see how your goal is progressing, they can share your cause and web address with friends and associates, and online giving is the simplest way to contribute to a cause.