We all know that donations from generous individuals help sustain the mission of non-profit organizations. Throughout the year you find yourself promoting your non-profit through numerous emails, phone calls, social media posts, and more to receive donations. Once you’ve attracted a donor and received donations, when is the perfect time to follow up with them?
Today, we will answer the questions you’ve always had and will learn more about how to determine when to engage with donors.
How To Determine When To Engage With Non-Profit Donors
First-time and recurring donors want to know that you appreciate their contribution to your non-profit. While “thank you” goes a long way, there is a strategy that should go behind when to say it. Here is some insight on the best time to engage with your donors.
Prepare to Engage
As always, preparation is key to anything. Before you engage with a donor, it is essential to have a way to receive, track, and manage their information so you can maintain a positive donor relationship to foster continuous support.
Create a Donor Management System. This is a database where you will store all donor and gift information such as the date and time of the donation, the donor’s name, address and zip code. You can refer back to this information as needed to help customize donor communications in the future which will lead to recurring contributions. Tip: Save this documentation and upload to a secure drive online. Once you create this database you will not want to lose it...trust me!
Same Day [Online Donation]
Express your gratitude immediately.
When receiving an online donation, it is best to share your appreciation with a follow-up page as soon as the donor has finished the transaction.
The Following Day
Be sure to thank your donors for their contributions in a brief, yet compelling, email by the following day.
A great way to utilize your donor management system is to initiate this email after the donor's first gift automatically. Feel free to mention the campaign or project that their contribution will be supporting and attach a receipt for their records.
Note: This email should be sent from the director of the organization or a very well-known staff member that does well with maintaining donor relationships.
Within Four to Seven Business Days
An extra “thank you” never hurt, right? After a few days have passed, reinforce your gratitude with a heartfelt follow-up. This can be done via email or by letter. Take time to reiterate your appreciation and welcome them to your support team. Sharing an impactful story is always a plus!
Engaging with your donors is simple, easy, and rewarding! With so many ways to encourage giving, ExpressTaxExempt and our sister product TaxBandits are here to empower your nonprofit and be a helping hand with your nonprofit tax filing needs. You are in the business of helping others, now let us help you! Create a free account today and get back to making a difference in your community.
As a charitable nonprofit you rely on the support and generosity of donors for some or all your funding. While some of you are still using traditional giving methods, online giving has become the “new norm.” Here is the best way to encourage online giving.
Transitioning from traditional to online fundraising is simpler than you might think; plus it will increase your donor base from just your local community to national.
How To Create Online Fundraising Your Donors Will Love
Implement Online Giving
We spend hours on our cell phones or tablets each day, so it is safe to say technology reigns supreme. If you are not already using online fundraising, you are missing out on a major opportunity.
As a nonprofit organization, it is critical to invest in simple online giving methods. Consider having a mobile version of your website created and utilize easy online donation programs such as PayPal, Square [Cash App is great too!], Givelify, etc.
Keep Your Donation Form Short
Let’s be honest; no one wants to spend half an hour trying to donate to your organization. Simplify your donation form and eliminate unnecessary fields.
Typically donors will only briefly scan your donation forms before deciding to give. If your form appears long, extensive, and complex, you may be losing out on potential donors.
Test your platform. Ask a friend or third party to complete the form themselves to see what they found confusing, time-consuming, and flat out annoying. You have seen your donation form a million times, and you understand all the information asked. However, having someone unfamiliar with your donation process will gain a better understanding of what the average donor sees.
Easy Access To Online Donation Form
The easier it is to access, the easier it is for people to donate.
Accessing your organization’s online donation platform should be a piece of cake for potential donors. If they have to go on a scavenger hunt to find a way to donate, they will likely give up in pursuit.
Large, colorful and clear “DONATE” buttons are always the way to go. Consider having a donate button at the top and bottom of your website or page, but do not go overboard with the donate buttons. The last thing you want to do is harass your potential donors and readers for an online donation.
Close With A Strong Call To Action (CTA)
Now that you have driven potential donors to your organization and informed them of the great things you do in your community, prompt them to donate.
This can be done through a “Donate Now” button or link that instruct donors on how they can make a difference such as, “Help Us Make A Difference In Your Community!”
Believe it or not, there are thousands of people that are looking for a charitable cause to donate to each year. Utilize these tips to attract potential donors and maintain your much-needed donor base. Once you have received donations be sure to keep accurate records so you can accurately file your 990 Form with ExpressTaxExempt at the close of your organization’s tax year.
Let’s be completely honest, donors are a nonprofit organization’s best friend!
Without donations from philanthropic individuals, businesses, and organizations, it is extremely difficult to effectively carry out the work of your organization.
Forming a good relationship with a donor can benefit your nonprofit organization significantly and allow you to help even more people in your community by connecting with a philanthropist.
Here are 10 ways to improve relationships with a donor:
10 Ways Your Nonprofit Can Improve Donor Relationships
What does it take to establish a good rapport and working relationship with a philanthropist or donor? It has to be more than a nicely written email or monthly newsletter, right?
Several of our clients shared their “secrets to success” when it comes to creating and maintaining a positive nonprofit-to-donor relationship. Being honest, transparent, authentic, trustworthy, and patient are characteristics that go furthest with a potential donor.
Once you have embraced these characteristics it’s time to put them into action. This can be done in 10 ways:
1) Take Risks - GO FOR IT!
2) Maintain open communication
3) Listen & Learn
4) Find common interests and build on them
5) Do a follow-up call or send a nice note after your initial meeting
6) Help promote their company at hosted events or online (social media/website)
7) Be interactive and open to feedback
8) Refrain from being defensive
9) Educate donors of your nonprofit organization
10) Be strategic
Utilize these characteristics and put them into action to help you grow as a nonprofit organization leader but also improve the overall reach and financial support of your beloved organization.
What To Do After You've Gained Donors
Once you’ve built a rapport with the donor(s) that you’ve been looking for, don’t forget to file your annual 990 Forms with ExpressTaxExempt. The last thing we want you to do is to gain a bunch of new donors and then lose your tax exempt status. ExpressTaxExempt will help you remain tax exempt and free from IRS penalties. Create an account or sign in today to handle your nonprofit organization’s tax filing needs.
What are some ways that you have attracted and kept a donor or philanthropist engaged over the years? Comment below so we can add them and share with others 😊.
Today, we recognize #GivingTuesday, a social movement which encourages others to give back by donating time, money or positive influence to a worthy cause that makes a difference. Generous efforts such as donating blood, providing financial support to a local organization, visiting a nursing home, or even helping out at a soup kitchen can touch the lives of many.
Even large organizations such as PayPal have “seized the season” and partnered with its users to celebrate the #GivingTuesday initiative, adding 1% of all donations made through their portal from now until the end of the year.
Since we’re talking about donating to charity, we’d love for you to share with us ways that you will donate! Are you a part of a charity or nonprofit organization who could use some donations to support the mission of the organization? If so, post the group name and information in the comments so other readers can donate!
For tax-exempt organizations, donations are a major component to its success and level of outreach. Thankfully, taxpayers have the ability to maximize their tax savings before the end of the year by giving to a charity and deducting it on their annual federal income tax return.
#GivingTuesday Tax Filing Reminders
With #GivingTuesday being an annual event, there are some reminders that taxpayers should be reminded of as they give money or good to an exempt charity or organization before December 31.
Donations to Eligible Organizations (Only) are Tax-Deductible
Churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and government agencies are eligible to receive deductible donations. For a complete list of eligible organizations, click here.
Itemize to Claim Charitable Donations
Charitable deductions cannot be made if an individual chooses the standard deduction. Taxpayers must itemize their donations on Form 1040 Schedule A to claim deductions for charitable contributions.
Have Proof of Monetary Donations
Upon making a donation, be sure to receive a bank record or a written statement from the charity/organization to prove the amount and date given. Taxpayers using payroll deductions should retain a pay stub, a Form W-2 wage statement or other proof showing the total amount withheld for charity, along with the pledge card showing the name of the charity.
Donating Property
Donating items such as clothing and other household items come with a deduction amount that is normally limited to the fair market value of the item. These types of items must be in good or better condition to be considered tax-deductible.
Similar to monetary donations, those that donate property must get a written acknowledgment from the charity for all gifts that are worth $250 or more. This statement should include a description of the items contributed.
What Happens After You Donate?
Once you’ve donated and received the necessary paperwork for your deduction, all that’s left to do is simply file your annual tax return. However, tax-exempt organizations have a few more steps to take such as filing their required Form 990 each year.
Exempt organizations are required to file this return to ensure that their organization is not abusing its tax-exempt status. The IRS also utilizes the information reported on Form 990 and makes it available for public information.
Luckily, exempt organizations can handle all of their Form 990 filing needs right here at ExpressTaxExempt with our easy, simplified filing process, and can even instantly share their information with GuideStar, the world’s largest source of nonprofit organization information.
Give, Give, Give!
The ExpressTaxExempt team encourages you to take some time this holiday season and give back in some way in honor of #GivingTuesday. Once again, feel free to comment on ways that you or your organization are helping out today and days to come as well as providing your organization's information to gain support from fellow ExpressTaxExempt users.
On Friday, August 25th, the catastrophic storm, Hurricane Harvey, slammed onto the shore of southeastern Texas as a Category 4 hurricane and has since weakened to a tropical storm as of Saturday. Many of us have seen the heartbreaking effects that Hurricane Harvey has had and wonder how we can be of assistance to help those that were affected, recover from the disaster.
Our ultimate goal and aim at ExpressTaxExempt is to be a resource to all nonprofits and support the enrichment of communities worldwide. With respect to those affected by Hurricane Harvey, we have provided a listing of philanthropic opportunities for both nonprofits and individuals to donate/give to. We encourage you to browse through the various causes listed below and help our brothers and sisters in Texas.
Monetary Donations
Red Cross - The American Red Cross is working around the clock to help those whose lives have been devastated by Tropical Storm Harvey. Donations can be made online or by phone at 1-800-RED-CROSS. You can also text “HARVEY” to 90999 and make a $10 donation through your mobile device.
The Salvation Army- The Salvation Army provides physical, emotional and spiritual care to the survivors and relief workers of Hurricane Harvey. They currently have disaster teams from across the country working in the treacherous waters and have response efforts in place for long-term disaster recovery efforts. Visit their website to make an online donation of $25.00 or more. Donations can also be made by mail or phone. City of Houston Relief Fund- The Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner has established a relief fund administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation that will accept tax deductible flood relief donations. For more information on how to donate by credit card, check/money order, or transfer cash by wire, click here.
Save the Children - This organization focuses on the most vulnerable by providing items such as cribs and shelter to displaced children. For ways to support the Hurricane Harvey Children’s Relief Fund, visit the Save The Children website.
Volunteer Opportunities
Samaritan’s Purse - The Samaritan’s Purse currently has 2 disaster relief units in Texas helping residents through the rain, flooding, and destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey. They will soon have a total of 5 tractor trailers in the state to assist those affected. Click here to donate. Volunteers are also needed...thousands to be exact. Visit their Volunteer Network to sign up and receive updates on details and needs.
Heart to Heart - Heart to Heart International deploys a team of highly qualified responders equipped to rapidly respond as a self-contained mobile medical team. Volunteers are being recruited in the following fields: nurses, physicians/midlevel providers (Emergency Medicine, General Practitioner, Family Medicine, Pediatrics), EMT/Paramedics, Physical Therapists, Mental Health, Logistics, Administration, and Security. Find out more information here.
Share This Post
Please help us help others by sharing this post with at least 2 people to increase the support that Hurricane Harvey victims will receive. Recovery from a disaster is never easy, so the more help they receive, the better! Also, if you know of other donation opportunities, comment below and we can add them to the list!
Other Ways to Donate:
Feeding Texas - Feeding Texas serves alongside state and federal relief efforts when disasters strike the state of Texas. If you or someone you know is in the state of Texas, they can donate food items such as pop-top meat/fish, powdered milk, cereal, canned fruit, fruit cups, peanut butter and jelly as well as cleaning supplies to a local food bank in Houston, Galveston, and other areas. Monetary donations are always welcomed also. Visit the Feeding Texas website for a list of local food banks and contact information.
United Airlines - Airplane carrier United Airlines is offering up to 1,000 bonus miles to MileagePlus members who donate to relief efforts on its fundraising page. They will also match the first $100,000 donated. If you donate $50-$99 you will earn 250 bonus miles and $100-$249 will get you 500 bonus miles. Visit United Airlines Fundraising Page to donate.
Shelter
Airbnb - Airbnb has created an Urgent Accommodations site where evacuees from the storm can find shelter and all service fees are waived for those affected by the disaster that check in between August 23, 2017 and September 25, 2017. If you need a place to stay or have a home in that area that you would like to add to their database, click here.
Animal Relief
SPCA of Texas - The SPCA of Texas is providing disaster relief to pets affected by Hurricane Harvey. A large team of their staff and volunteers have already set up a temporary animal shelter near the mega shelter in Downtown Dallas and are working in conjunction with city and county disaster officials. Click here to support their efforts.
About ExpressTaxExempt
ExpressTaxExempt respects the services that exempt organizations provide to communities and serves as the premier hub for everything tax exempt. Our service is dedicated to providing the best and most efficient e-filing experience for tax-exempt organizations, no matter how big or small. For more information about ExpressTaxExempt, visit our website. If you need help with tax exempt e-filing, contact us Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST at (704) 839-2321 and through live chat on our site. We also offer 24/7 email assistance at support@ExpressTaxExempt.com.
How do you boost online donor retention? It’s a big question. Currently, 40.5% of nonprofits surveyed said that less than 10% of their fundraising came from online donations.
So we know there’s quite a swath of exempt organizations out there who aren’t utilizing online donations.
But for those who are, how do you make sure you are following best practices? How do you retain those awesome, web-savvy donors?
Communication
When it comes to communicating with your online donors, you are pretty much tied to both email and social media.
Before you get to those steps, you should probably have a solid online presence. Start by creating a website and a blog! Your blog can range from personal stories about your nonprofit to tips and tricks. Anything goes, as long as you communicate organization updates too!
After that, you simply need to design an email campaign. Let this take form as newsletters, donation emails, or even deals.
Your social media presence is crucial now. With online donation movements like #GivingTuesday, there are just too many opportunities out there. Get social now! It’s low hanging fruit.
Every communication channel you open is there for you to retain a relationship with your donors. That should be your top goal.
Appreciation
The most important thing you can do for your retention is to thank your donors. By showing appreciation, your people will feel a swell of gratification that will ask them to keep on.
And don’t just issue blanket thank yous, personalize them to your givers! If you have a database of names and email addresses, this could be easily automated within an email service.
Use your communication channels to feature the philanthropic work people have done for and with your organization.
Connection
Donors aren’t ATMs, they’re people. Don’t bombard them with constant requests for money.
Your best strategy will be to get their voices involved, so that you can establish a connection.
So we suggest using your social media to really spark up discourse. Polls, open ended questions, and contests will involve your followers in a way that gives you insights about them.
And form an emotional connection! If your exempt organization cares deeply, show it. If there’s a funny and comical way to get your message across that matches your tone, do it!
With the exempt organization tax filing deadline soon approaching, it’s a good idea to get those donor records in order.
Head over to ExpressTaxExempt and start your free account today! With multi-user account access, bulk data uploading, and a simplified format, ETE is the premier choice for nonprofit 990 filing.
Have any questions? Give us a call at 704.839.2321.
What are you doing to boost online donor retention?
Our live support specialists in Rock Hill, SC are always ready to offer professional service and assistance.
704.839.2321
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers related to e-filing IRS Form 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-N (e-Postcard), Form 1120-POL and Extension Form 8868 with our Frequently Asked Questions.
