What method should you use to raise more donations?
For associations, donations are fundamental. Distributing meals, taking children on holiday, building a school… these are all projects that require members, volunteers, and money. And among the means of obtaining it, donations are indispensable. So, in clear and practical terms, what method should you follow to raise more donations for your association's projects?
Knowing your expectations
Let us take the example of an association that distributes meals to the homeless. We will simplify its workings somewhat to better understand what follows. Let us say that its main objective is to distribute more meals.
Behind this overarching objective, there are many other objectives. And these can be difficult to define properly. To make the association's work easier, it is best to have expectations that are:
Measurable
In our case, this could mean, for example, going from three to four meal distribution locations. Without specific figures, you will struggle to know whether you are meeting your expectations.
Achievable
Impossible-to-reach expectations risk demotivating people. If our example association has been distributing 400 meals per month for a year, it would be difficult to suddenly set a target of reaching 1,000 in a matter of weeks.
Relevant
There is no point in taking action to recruit volunteers if donations are what you are lacking. Focus on this issue and do not spread yourself too thin. A well-chosen objective advances your association when it is achieved — that is how you recognise whether it is relevant.
Time-bound
By setting time limits on your expectations, you will be able to adjust them more easily over time. If you want to distribute 300 more meals per quarter, it is better to talk about 100 more meals per month and see whether adjustments are needed.
Organising your actions
Once your donation expectations are clearly defined, it will be easier to organise your actions. The following questions then arise:
Who should I target?
It is up to you to decide whether to turn to your existing donors, new donors, corporate foundations, public authorities…
Which communication channel(s)?
A paper letter, a donation form on your website, social networks, a newsletter, an event, crowdfunding…
To say what, exactly?
Do you think being brief will be more effective? Or, on the contrary, would it be better to explain your approach at somewhat greater length? Do you want to use figures, photos, press cuttings, testimonials from beneficiaries, volunteers, donors… the ideas are endless!
And do not forget: once your actions have been carried out, set aside time to evaluate them. Have your expectations been met? What worked best and why? What could have been improved? In this way, you can repeat best practices and stop doing what is not working.
Share with your community
You already have donors, and you have even found new ones — so the essential thing now is to keep them on your side. After all, nothing beats having ambassadors for your association! That is why sharing is such a good idea.
If you only contact your donors when you want to ask them to give, they risk tiring of it very quickly. Instead, thank them — and thank them again!
Then keep them informed of your actions, share photos and data, produce documents that summarise the work carried out… Your association is alive, so proudly report back to those who support you!
You can even go further and share your objectives. This transparency is often greatly appreciated by donors. Tell them, for example, what your running costs are, how much it cost and how much it raised to organise an event. There is no reason to keep these behind-the-scenes details hidden.
Sharing something personal means becoming closer and more connected. And that is how engagement deepens — carrying your actions even further.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
UGC, the future of marketing: how user-generated content can revolutionise your marketing strategy
by Yumea, 7 March 2023
UGC (User Generated Content) is changing the game in the world of marketing. With the rise of social networks and content-sharing platforms, ... READ MORE
Category: News , Getting visible online , Social media
Comments: 0
How to use Instagram to reach your audience and drive traffic to your website?
by Yumea, 1 February 2023
Social networks have become an indispensable tool for businesses looking to reach their target audience and drive traffic to their website. With over 3.8 billion active users ... READ MORE
Category: Getting visible online , Instagram , Social media
Comments: 0
7 artificial intelligence (AI) tools to know in 2023
by Yumea, 12 January 2023
In 2023, there are many websites using artificial intelligence (AI) to help users write content and generate images. If you are looking for tools to help you write ... READ MORE
Category: News
Comments: 0
Have a similar project?
Let's talk it over in 15 minutes. No sales pitch, just a technical chat.