This article is packed with easy, actionable tips for increasing donations, understanding why people give, and building a strong base of recurring donors.
Establish Your Value Proposition
Start with a strong value proposition—why should someone spend their money on your cause? Think of it this way: you’re competing for a slice of their disposable income. So, ask yourself, why should they choose your mission? Can they see themselves in your work? Are you making an impact that’s meaningful to them? Donors are trusting you to use their funds responsibly and to report back on the difference it’s making. So, share your data. Tell meaningful stories. And recognize them personally because their support is central to your success.
Define your unique value. Is it about reducing traffic fatalities, fostering a kindness culture, or something else? Craft this into a memorable phrase that will bring attention to your fundraiser.
Understanding Why People Donate
Connection is the cornerstone of giving—connection to the cause, the people, and the impact. Create opportunities to listen to your donors by asking questions. Send a short survey after each donation to ask what inspired them and what impact they hope to see. For recurring donors, ask what keeps them coming back. Knowing these motivations is key to building a sustainable, recurring donor base.
Build a Strong Brand
An effective nonprofit brand embodies a clear vision, mission, and set of values. Your brand should resonate with your audience, inspire unity, and adapt as you evolve. Keep it authentic—whether you’re a grassroots movement or a national powerhouse, embrace who you are and how that connects with your community.
Putting Your Value Proposition into Action
Now, let’s dive into how to put your value proposition into practice for your next fundraiser. If you’re working to build membership or form a coalition, here’s an example of how to structure your campaign landing page for maximum impact:
- Campaign Name: Make it short and memorable.
- Value Proposition: State why someone should give.
- Mission: Clearly outline the mission and how it relates to this project.
- Vision: Explain how this campaign brings you closer to achieving your vision.
- Data & Stories: Share stories and data that make supporting this cause a no-brainer.
- Objectives: Detail how donations will be used and the impact they’ll make.
- Values & Beliefs: Share what you stand for and why it equates to impact.
- Audience: Help potential donors see themselves in the story and mission.
- Goal: Set a comfortable target and a stretch goal to strive for.
- Call to Action: Invite the audience to join and make a difference by donating today.
Remember, each piece of content should be brief yet compelling. Readers should be able to quickly put the pieces together.
Conclusion
To grow your monthly donor base, keep the connection alive by showing how much their support matters. Understand their motivations, build a brand that resonates, and always keep your value proposition front and center. With every campaign, you’re not just fundraising—you’re building a community of people who care and want to make a difference with you.