This is especially effective for member organizations. We’ve been testing membership discount offers for “lapsed” donors with great success, but why not take it a step further and let the donor tell you how much your membership is worth? In test results, we’ve seen response rates nearly double. The average gift is a little lower, but I’d take the extra donors on the file and – when you do the math – you usually end up with more cash in the bank. I think you’ll find it’s a risk worth taking.

Now, you can also Think Inside the Box and let people sign up easily for monthly donor programs. Donors get to give a little at a time, and you get a committed donor who’s lifetime value is going to be much higher.

Let donors choose where their money goes. Why not let donors “designate” their gifts? You, of course, pick areas that are needed and let them choose how they want their dollars spent. Scholarships, children’s programming, or special initiatives can be a lot more appealing to donors than “unrestricted.” Most of all, you earn an excellent opportunity to report back to donors who their “designated” gift telling them how much their gift made a difference.

You may be noticing a theme here. It’s all about giving donors options. Let them decide how to and how much to give. Empower your donors and you’ll help their commitment grow – and your numbers will hold up and maybe beat expectations. You decide.