Non Profit Fundraising:
Creating Benefits For Donors to Increase Giving

The question is how can you reach more individuals and motivate them to give to your organization? The answer: identify benefits for your donors. Here are five (low-cost) benefits you can create for your donors.

1. Your eNewsletter

   Whether you realize it or not, being informed on how one's donation is used is an actual benefit. And, it not only benefits your donor, it is a cultivation tool for your organization. Be sure to capture donors' email addresses - always.

2. A Free Report

   Organizations often forget that they likely have expertise and information at their finger tips in the form of their staff, board members and volunteers. Determine the type of information your target market of donors would find interesting or helpful. Then, identify someone in your organization who could write a 10 page "Special Report" on the topic. When people donate online, they can have the Report or a link to the report emailed to them.

3. SWAG

   SWAG (Stuff We All Get) is all of those pens, notepads, reusable grocery bags, etc. typically found at trade shows. They are small tokens, but usually people enjoy receiving something tangible. Do some analysis on the majority of your donor base and determine what small item they would like to receive. Additionally, partner with a company to provide the SWAG by including both of your logos on the items.

4. Invite to an Open House

   As a way to say "thank you" and provide a benefit to your donors, invite them to an open house at your organization or a local restaurant. Keep costs low by providing simple refreshments or partner with a local company to sponsor the event. Make sure to provide a compelling reason for people to attend. For example, have the organization's clients there to meet the donors. Additionally, consider having a local celebrity or author there to meet donors - and possibly sign books.

5. Thank-You Video

   Again, once donors donate online, they can be sent a link to a YouTube video where your staff, board and volunteers thank them. The more funny and clever you can be in thanking them, the more successful you will be. Remember to be consistent with your mission and know your target donor market.

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