The Fundraising Factory - Posts Tagged ‘donations’

Who’s valued more? Volunteers or Donors?

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011
Is there more in box or more in the people?

Where's the most value? In the boxes or in the people?

I follow Volunteer Match on Twitter.  In one of their recent tweets a link was provided that made me stand up and take notice to ponder that question.

It took me to a study provided by The John Hopkins University Center for Civil Society Studies. The research determined that volunteers create 400 billion dollars to the world economy!  The study also concluded volunteer work is worth DOUBLE the value of donations and valuables given by individuals, businesses and foundations combined.  Would you ever imagine that a volunteer is more valuable than a donor?   This important research has a downloadable manual available.  Its use is for determining volunteer value for your organization.  Knowing the specifics about volunteer impact will help you encourage public policy that is favorable to volunteer work.  I would love to hear if you have done this kind of evaluation with your organization and your thoughts.
Imagine if volunteers are used for fundraising.  Does that make them worth triple the donation?

Happy Fundraising!
Lucinda

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Posted in Donor, Volunteers, donations | 1 Comment »

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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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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Posted in Donor, Marketing, Rants, donations | No Comments »

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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Is Your Non Profit In the Trash Can?

Monday, December 28th, 2009

News Alert!
The largest amount of charitable contributions come in the last week of the year.

That may explain why my mailbox was stuffed with 11 solicitations from non profits this week.  Chances are, you opened your mailbox to find a pile of them as well.  To my amazement, 6 non profits that I have not supported before were soliciting donations.  What’s up with that?  Have we lost all our manners?  Who would ever introduce themselves and the first thing they do is ask for money?

I am at a loss as to why nonprofits do not understand the importance of investing in meaningful relationships with potential new donors.  When nonprofits make decisions to obtain unqualified mailing lists, there is a hefty price to be paid.  If potential donors get this kind of unsolicited request, they can be turned off and left with a bad taste in their mouth.  Money spent on paper, ink, postage, not to mention staff and volunteer time has been wasted.  Donors may feel as though the nonprofit is not a good steward of their money and the nonprofits reputation is at risk if a donor views them as irresponsible.  Not good ROI!

The next 4 envelopes that I opened were donation requests from organizations that I have supported in the past.  5 years in the past!  Clearly those mailing lists need attention and cleaning up.  The nonprofits would be far better off  sending me a seasonal card.  At least I could be under grand delusions that I am more than a name and address on an envelope.  Yes I am being sarcastic but really, a once a year communication does not make for a relationship.  What’s that phrase?  “Out of sight out of mind.”

At last….ah a request from a nonprofit I recognize.  An immediate smile crosses my face.  Why?  I always receive a letter from them letting me know how the money I gave them is being put to work.  Sometimes I get flyers too with updates so I won’t miss a future event.  They EVEN send me hand written notes just to say hi and wish me well AND they don’t ask me for money every time I hear from them.  I truly believe this organization not only cares about the people they serve but they also care about the people who support them.  That’s real community and that’s what works for me as a donor.  I know I can’t be the only one that feels this way.

So if you want more donors, put some thought into your direct mail communication strategy.  Communicate with donors regularly (more than once a year).  Vary the content (it doesn’t always have to be about you) and yes ask for money (sometimes).

As always, Happy Fundraising!

Lucinda

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