Online Fundraising for Nonprofits - No Matter Where You Are!
Whether you are just starting out with online fundraising or if you are ready for more advanced tips, we have you covered.
Online Fundraising for Nonprofits - No Matter Where You Are!
Whether you are just starting out with online fundraising or if you are ready for more advanced tips, we have you covered.
Ready to raise money for your nonprofit online? Great! Let’s get you set up.
First, Accept Online Donations on Your Website
When supporters come to your website to donate, they expect to make a secure transaction online with a credit card. They do not expect a mailing address and a request to send a check. So your nonprofit needs a service that will process credit card donations. The good news is there are dozens of online donation services to choose from. Google: “online donation tools” and start comparing rates and features to see which service suits your needs.
Then Get Your Website Ready
Now, How’s Your Email List Going?
Email is by far the most effective way to solicit donations online. It should be your primary driver for online donations. Click here for to learn more about Email Marketing.
The theme here is, “Ask.”
Ask For Donations Via Email
Most people give because they were asked. The same holds true for online fundraising. Send email appeals several times a year - 6-12 at a minimum. The more you email, the more you raise.
Ask For Donations Via Social Media
Don’t expect an avalanche of giving via social media channels. Social giving is growing slowly, and some nonprofits do succeed in these channels. The successful ones invest time and other resources into making it work. Post a fundraising ask on your social media channels about as often as you ask via email, and coordinate them to get a nice 1-2 punch. Definitely use these channels to show donor impact, and to thank and celebrate your supporters.
Ask For Donations In Your E-newsletter
This could be a small feature box or at least a Donate link in your header and/or footer graphic.
Ask for Online Donations In Your Direct Mail Newsletter.
Make sure your direct mail subscribers know that they can make a convenient, secure online donation on your website.
These are tactics mature fundraising organizations use to boost fundraising results.
Optimize Your Landing Page
Make sure your donation page is clear, focused, and contains as few fields as necessary to obtain the donation.
Plan A Campaign
Move from a single appeal to a multi-channel, multi-email campaign. A brief outline of a campaign looks like this:
Begin A/B Testing
Want to know what works? Don’t just go with your gut. Test. The best campaigners relentlessly test and refine as they go. Test one thing at a time. Google “A/B fundraising testing.” A few ideas:
Segment Your List
Don’t treat all subscribers and donors the same! Segment your list. For example, build one list consisting of volunteers only and another for donors. This allows you to create messages that are more targeted and relevant, which means they are more likely to be opened, read, and acted upon.
Multi-Channel Fundraising Campaign Worksheet
Use this 11-page worksheet to help you plan your next online fundraising campaign.
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