The Fundraising Factory - Archive for the ‘Donor’ Category

What’s in the Mind of the Donor?

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

The Agitator had an interesting and thought provoking article on crowdgiving.  Cancer Research UK is currently implementing the idea.  Basically, it works like this.  A donor can choose to donate to a specific project. Then the donor is able to track the progress and outcome of the project via the non profits website.  The web page is continually updated providing the donor with feedback on how the their donation is impacting the project.  I am not sure what the name crowdgiving has to do with the concept of an individual having the power of choice.  At any rate.
This sounds like a great idea that can help to begin to form a more intimate relationship with a donor. It offers transparency and inclusion. But here’s the kicker. Does it really just create the the psychological illusion that the donor has some control?

Pondering,
Lucinda

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Posted in Donor, Marketing, donations | 3 Comments »

Just the Facts Maam-Donations Change Lives

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Everyone already knows ALL non profits need revenue.   How do donors choose where to contribute?
Meaningful messages are imperative in getting the attention of donors today.   Just saying you are providing shelter to the homeless is not enough. 
 
The question is why should I give to you?  Give me a compelling reason.  Make me believe.  Spell it out! 
Tell me what my $20 donation will do.  
Tell me my donation will provide 3 people a bed for the night.  
Tell me my donation converts into $98.15 of food. 
Tell me my donation will provide one mammogram for a woman who can’t afford it. 
I want specifics.  I want the facts.  I can get my head around facts.  The facts spell out clearly how my contribution changes lives. 
That’s what I want: lives changed!

Think about it,
Lucinda

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Every Donation is a “BIG” one.

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

When you target donors, it’s OK to think small.  By increasing the number of smaller donations two things happen.  First, more people become connected to your organization and drive word of mouth awareness.  We all love large donations, however one large donation connects you to only one person.  Second, when you ask small you aren’t asking for much.  It’s easier to ask again.  In other words it doesn’t hurt.  When it’s painless people are more receptive.  Take it one step further and give them something meaningful and unique for their money and you’ll hit a home run.  That’s why my “pin business” works.

I’ve helped non profits raise over $25 million dollars $7.00 at a time!  That’s over 3.5 million contributions.  Not only have huge sums of money have been raised but now 3,571,428 people know about important causes.  Let’s do just a little more math and watch what happens.  Those contributors talk to 8 people about their $7 experience.  We use the number 8 because statistics prove that if you have a good “buying” experience you will share it with 8 people.  So, take the 8 and multiply it by that big number and guess what?  We are talking crazy numbers: numbers that will get your heart thumping.  28,571,248!  YES you read that right.  Over 28 million! 
What’s seems really small is actually really big.

Happy Fundraising!
Lucinda

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Social Media and the Donor

Wednesday, August 19th, 2009

Using the social media network for fundraising and building potential new business/donations is a key component to today’s overall marketing strategy for most organizations. Here are 3 questions to ponder.

Does your donor know you?   As part of your online strategy, integrating compelling videos and pictures will deliver memorable online experiences and promote sharing through your website, Facebook, and Youtube.

Do you recognize the small donor?   The Obama campaign proved just how much small donations had a huge impact.  When you demonstrate that X dollar donation equates to X in services AND give examples such as (X$ donation-feeds 10 families). This creates an online high touch experience for potential new donors and reinforces the loyal supporters choice to give.

Are you accountable to your donors?   With everyone asking for a click donation it’s important to create a high value proposition succinctly explaining how results and long term sustainability will be achieved within your project or organization.  Your donors have the right to expect accountability.

Don’t be fooled though.  Although, social media offers good tools, the click will not replace the necessary human connection that we require.  I use social media for communication but I change the world one pin at time, one person at a time.

Check out Beth Kanter, an expert in Social Media for the non profit.

Let’s stay connected and happy fundraising,
Lucinda

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