How to Follow Up with Volunteers About Grant Opportunities

How to Follow Up with Volunteers About Grant Opportunities

Volunteer grants, also known as “Dollars for Doers,” are a fantastic way for nonprofits to secure additional funding by leveraging the volunteer hours of their supporters. These programs, offered by many companies, match the time employees volunteer to a nonprofit with a monetary grant, effectively doubling the impact of that volunteer’s contribution. Despite the clear benefits, many nonprofits struggle to get their volunteers to complete the grant request process with their employers, potentially leaving valuable funding on the table.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the best strategies for following up with volunteers about volunteer grant opportunities. We’ll discuss how to encourage volunteers to complete the request process, as well as how to recognize and acknowledge their efforts once the grants are received. By following these strategies, nonprofits can strengthen relationships with volunteers, boost grant success, and maximize funding for their missions:

  1. Educate volunteers on the value of volunteer grants.
  2. Make the process easy and transparent.
  3. Send regular, friendly reminders.
  4. Recognize volunteers’ efforts.
  5. Provide incentives or rewards.
  6. Use technology to streamline the process.
  7. Follow up personally for larger grants.

The key to maximizing the impact of volunteer grants lies in effective communication with your volunteers. Nonprofits must ensure that volunteers are aware of these opportunities, understand how to submit the necessary requests, and feel appreciated for their contributions. By fostering proactive engagement and providing clear instructions, nonprofits can encourage volunteers to take full advantage of volunteer grant programs.

1. Educate Volunteers on the Value of Volunteer Grants

The first step in ensuring volunteers are motivated to request volunteer grants is educating them on the value of these programs. Many volunteers may not even be aware that their employer offers matching grants or volunteer grants. By making this information a priority, you can increase awareness and engagement from the start.

How It Benefits Nonprofits:

When volunteers understand how volunteer grants work and the impact they can have, they are more likely to participate. Educated volunteers are empowered to take action, which can result in significant additional funding for your organization.

Example:

You might send an email to your volunteer base that reads:
“Did you know that your volunteer hours can double in value? Many companies offer volunteer grant programs, where they match the hours you contribute with a monetary grant to our cause. It’s an easy way to amplify your impact with just a few simple steps!”

This sets the stage for volunteers to understand the direct impact of their involvement and how easy it can be to maximize their contributions.

2. Make the Process Easy and Transparent

Once volunteers are aware of the opportunity, make sure the process for applying for volunteer grants is clear, simple, and accessible. Volunteers should not feel overwhelmed by what might seem like an extra task on top of their regular duties. Provide them with easy-to-follow steps on how to request the grant from their employer.

How It Benefits Nonprofits:

A streamlined and transparent process reduces confusion and increases the likelihood of volunteers completing the grant request. Clear instructions will lead to more successful applications, resulting in more funding for your organization.

Example:

Send a step-by-step guide that explains the process:
_”Thank you for volunteering with us! If your employer offers volunteer grants, here’s how to request it:
1. Log your hours through your company’s online portal (or fill out the volunteer hours form).
2. Submit a confirmation of your volunteer hours (we’ll provide this for you).
3. Submit your request by [date]. If you have any questions, we’re here to help!”_

Make sure this guide is easily accessible through email, your website, or on social media, and offer assistance if they run into any problems.

3. Send Regular, Friendly Reminders

Even if volunteers are aware of the grant opportunity and have the process outlined for them, it’s easy for them to forget to submit their requests. Regular, friendly reminders are essential in ensuring that volunteers don’t miss the opportunity to request matching grants.

How It Benefits Nonprofits:

Timely reminders ensure that the process doesn’t fall through the cracks. A gentle nudge can significantly increase the completion rate of volunteer grant requests, which means more money flowing into your organization. Effective volunteer grant marketing is a must!

Example:

Send a reminder email a few weeks before the deadline:
“This is a friendly reminder that if you volunteered recently, you could request a matching gift through your employer’s volunteer grant program! The deadline for submitting is [date], so don’t forget to log your hours and submit the request. Let us know if you need help!”

These reminders show appreciation and provide a final push for volunteers to complete the process.

4. Recognize Volunteers’ Efforts

Once a volunteer submits a request and the grant has been approved, it’s important to recognize their efforts. Not only does this show gratitude, but it also encourages continued engagement. Volunteers who feel appreciated are more likely to stay engaged with your organization and may be more likely to participate in future volunteer opportunities, knowing that their efforts are valued.

How It Benefits Nonprofits:

Acknowledging volunteers for their actions boosts morale and reinforces positive behaviors. It can also help build a sense of community within your nonprofit, leading to greater long-term volunteer retention and engagement.

Example:

Send a thank-you email or a handwritten note to a volunteer after their grant has been approved:
“Thank you so much for volunteering with us and for taking the extra step to submit a volunteer grant request! Your effort to help us secure additional funding has made a huge impact on our ability to continue our mission. We appreciate your commitment to [specific project or program].”

This recognition makes volunteers feel valued and appreciated, which enhances their connection to your cause.

5. Provide Incentives or Rewards

Sometimes, offering a small incentive for volunteers who successfully submit their grant requests can be a great way to encourage participation. This doesn’t have to be expensive; simple rewards like recognition in a newsletter, gift cards, or a volunteer of the month award can incentivize volunteers to take the extra step.

How It Benefits Nonprofits:

Incentives provide additional motivation for volunteers to complete the request process. Offering rewards not only acknowledges their effort but also serves as a tool to encourage participation in future volunteer opportunities.

Example:

You might send out a monthly newsletter recognizing volunteers who have successfully completed the volunteer grant process:
“Congratulations to our Volunteer of the Month, [Volunteer Name]! Not only did they contribute [number] of hours, but they also helped secure a matching donation of $500 through their company’s volunteer grant program. Thank you for your dedication!”

Offering public recognition and rewards ensures that volunteers feel proud of their contributions and are encouraged to continue participating.

6. Use Technology to Streamline the Process

Implementing technology, such as volunteer management systems or even specific software for tracking volunteer hours and volunteer grant requests, can make the follow-up process easier for both your organization and your volunteers. Many platforms allow nonprofits to track volunteer hours, send automatic reminders, and even help volunteers with the submission process.

How It Benefits Nonprofits:

Automating reminders and using software to track volunteer hours allows nonprofits to save time and effort in following up with volunteers. Volunteers also appreciate the simplicity and ease of use, increasing the likelihood of participation in the grant request process.

Example:

Use a volunteer management platform like Better Impact or Volgistics, which allows volunteers to log hours and easily access information about volunteer grants. These platforms often provide automatic email reminders and can even allow volunteers to submit their volunteer grant requests directly through the system. This minimizes the administrative burden on your organization and ensures volunteers have a seamless experience.

7. Follow Up Personally for Larger Grants

For large volunteer grants or special projects, a more personalized approach might be needed. If a volunteer’s efforts result in a large matching gift, a personal follow-up from your nonprofit’s leadership (whether through a phone call or in-person meeting) can make a significant impact.

How It Benefits Nonprofits:

A personal touch reinforces the volunteer’s value to your organization and can lead to stronger, more committed relationships. This type of personal engagement can also help with securing larger, more meaningful grants in the future.

Example:

A nonprofit leader could personally reach out to a volunteer who secured a large corporate grant with a phone call:
“Hi [Volunteer Name], I just wanted to personally thank you for your time and dedication in helping us secure the recent volunteer grant from [Company Name]. Your effort has made a huge difference, and we’re so grateful for your support. If there’s anything we can do to further engage you in our mission, please don’t hesitate to reach out!”

This personal acknowledgment shows how much you appreciate their effort and deepens the volunteer’s connection to your mission.


Conclusion

Following up with volunteers about grant opportunities is a vital aspect of nonprofit management. By understanding volunteer preferences, providing clear information, utilizing multiple communication channels, fostering transparency, recognizing contributions, offering training, and establishing a feedback loop, nonprofits can enhance their engagement with volunteers. This not only improves the grant application process but also strengthens the overall mission of the organization.

Grow Corporate Volunteerism with Double the Donation Volunteering

Ready to unlock the full potential of volunteer grants and maximize the impact of your nonprofit’s volunteer efforts? Double the Donation’s Volunteering module simplifies the process, making it easier for you to identify qualifying volunteers, secure matching grants, and keep your supporters engaged in the long run.

Our comprehensive tools help you effortlessly manage corporate volunteer programs, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to double the impact of your supporters’ time. Start today and see how Double the Donation can amplify your nonprofit’s funding and volunteer engagement; request a personalized demo now!

Volunteer Grant Myths Debunked - Maximize Your Organization's Impact

Volunteer Grant Myths Debunked: Maximizing Your Organization’s Impact

Volunteer grants, also known as “Dollars for Doers,” are employer-sponsored programs that match employees’ volunteer hours with monetary grants to the nonprofits they support, effectively doubling their impact on the cause. Despite their significant potential as a nonprofit revenue stream, several myths surround these programs, leading to their underutilization overall.

In this article, we will debunk common misconceptions to help organizations and employees maximize the benefits of volunteer grants.

With a clearer understanding of how volunteer grants work, nonprofits can engage more effectively with their supporters, foster deeper corporate partnerships, and increase their fundraising potential. Let’s dive into the myths surrounding volunteer grants and uncover the real truths behind them to help you unlock new opportunities for your nonprofit.

Myth 1: Only Large Companies Offer Volunteer Grants

Many people believe that only large corporations, with their extensive resources and wide reach, offer volunteer grant programs. The misconception is that small or medium-sized businesses don’t have the capacity or interest to run these types of programs. This myth may discourage smaller nonprofits from even considering volunteer grants as a viable source of funding.

The Real Truth: Volunteer Grants Are Available Across All Company Sizes

In reality, volunteer grants are not exclusive to large corporations. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also recognize the value of community engagement and offer matching gift programs to their employees. These programs enable businesses of all sizes to support their employees’ charitable activities and contribute to local causes.

Small and local businesses often have strong ties to the communities in which they operate, and many of these businesses are eager to encourage their employees’ philanthropic efforts by offering matching gifts or volunteer grants. This means that nonprofits can benefit from a wide range of potential corporate partners, even those outside of the big corporate world.

In fact, local businesses can often be more nimble and flexible with the volunteer grant process, making them an appealing partner for nonprofits looking to engage with corporate supporters. By reaching out to both small and large businesses, nonprofits can tap into a larger pool of potential resources and grow their funding base.

Myth 2: Few Organizations Qualify for Volunteer Grants

Another myth surrounding volunteer grants is the belief that only certain types of organizations qualify to receive these funds. Many assume that only well-known or large nonprofits are eligible to receive the monetary matching funds for volunteer hours. As a result, smaller or lesser-known organizations may mistakenly believe that they can’t benefit from volunteer grant programs.

The Real Truth: Most 501(c)(3) Nonprofits Qualify for Volunteer Grants

The truth is that most nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status are eligible to receive volunteer grants, regardless of their size or scope. These programs are designed to support a wide range of causes, including education, healthcare, animal welfare, and more. While some companies may exclude political or religious organizations from their programs, the vast majority of corporate volunteer grant programs are open to any recognized nonprofit organization that qualifies under the designation.

This broad eligibility opens up significant opportunities for smaller, community-focused nonprofits to benefit from the support of local businesses or even larger corporations. Nonprofits should ensure that they’re aware of the criteria for eligibility and take full advantage of the volunteer grant programs available to them.

By encouraging employees to submit their volunteer hours and apply for these grants, nonprofits can maximize the financial support they receive from these programs, furthering their work and increasing their reach.

Myth 3: The Volunteer Grant Amount Is Always an Hourly Value

A common misconception is that volunteer grants are always calculated based on an hourly value, meaning that for every hour an employee volunteers, a specific monetary amount is matched by the employer. While this is true for some companies, it is not the case for all of them.

The Real Truth: Volunteer Grants Can Be Based on Various Models

The amount of money a nonprofit can receive through a volunteer grant can vary widely from one company to another. Some companies match volunteer hours at an hourly rate, while others offer lump sum grants after an employee has volunteered a certain number of hours. For instance, a company might provide $10 per hour of volunteer work up to a maximum of $500 per year, while another might offer a flat $500 or more after an employee volunteers for 50 hours.

For nonprofits, it’s essential to understand the specific guidelines and matching criteria for each corporate partner they engage with. This enables nonprofits to more accurately estimate potential revenue from volunteer grant programs and assist their supporters in understanding how to effectively leverage these opportunities.

Nonprofits can also educate their donors and volunteers about the various matching options available, making it easier for them to access these funds and amplify their impact.

Myth 4: Employers Provide Grants Automatically After an Event

There is a misconception that volunteer grants are automatically provided after an employee participates in a volunteer event, requiring no action from the employee or the nonprofit. Many believe that once the volunteer hours are logged, the employer will simply process the grant on its own.

The Real Truth: Employees Are Responsible for Initiating the Volunteer Grant Process

In reality, employees are typically responsible for initiating the volunteer grant process. This means that after completing volunteer work, employees must submit their hours, along with any necessary documentation, to their employer for approval. Nonprofits do not automatically receive the grant funds; rather, it is the employee’s responsibility to ensure that the proper paperwork is submitted to the company’s matching gift or volunteer grant program.

While this may seem like an added step, it presents an opportunity for nonprofits to help employees navigate the process. By providing clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to request volunteer grants, nonprofits can help ensure that their supporters take full advantage of these opportunities. This proactive approach can also increase the likelihood that grants will be successfully processed and allocated.

Myth 5: The Volunteer Grant Process Is Too Complicated

Some employees hesitate to apply for matching volunteer grants because they perceive the process to be complicated or time-consuming. This misunderstanding can result in missed opportunities for both the employee and the nonprofit organization, as employees may forgo applying for the grants altogether.

The Real Truth: The Volunteer Grant Process is Simple and Often Online

The process for requesting volunteer grants is often simpler than people realize. Many companies have streamlined the process to make it as easy as possible for employees to submit their volunteer hours. Typically, employees are asked to provide a donation receipt and fill out a brief application form. Some companies even offer online portals where employees can log their volunteer hours and submit documentation in just a few clicks.

By educating employees on how easy it is to apply for volunteer grants, nonprofits can boost participation and help ensure that these valuable resources are maximized. Many companies also provide a help desk or support system for employees who have questions, making it even easier to navigate the process.

Nonprofits should encourage their supporters to take advantage of these programs and assure them that applying for volunteer grants is a simple and straightforward way to amplify their efforts.

Myth 6: Volunteer Grants Are a One-Time Benefit

Another myth surrounding volunteer grants is that they are a one-time benefit—once employees participate in a volunteer grant program, that’s all the funding they can receive for the year. This limited view can discourage people from engaging with the program more than once.

The Real Truth: Volunteer Grants Are Often Available Multiple Times a Year

Most companies offer volunteer grant programs on an annual basis, meaning employees can request a match for volunteer hours throughout the year. Many companies will even allow employees to submit multiple requests within the same year, provided the volunteer work meets the company’s eligibility requirements. Some companies may also provide matching grants for different causes, enabling employees to direct their volunteer hours to a variety of nonprofit organizations over the course of the year.

This provides an incredible opportunity for nonprofits to continuously benefit from the time their volunteers put in throughout the year. By educating supporters about the ability to earn multiple grants, nonprofits can encourage more consistent volunteerism and greater engagement with their mission.

Myth 7: Volunteer Grants Are a Substitute for Corporate Giving

Some may mistakenly believe that volunteer grants are a replacement for direct corporate donations, assuming that the company’s matching volunteer programs fulfill the same role as cash gifts. This misunderstanding can lead to nonprofits overlooking the value of direct corporate donations.

The Real Truth: Volunteer Grants Complement, Not Replace, Corporate Giving

Volunteer grants are not a substitute for corporate donations. Instead, they are meant to complement direct financial contributions, creating a more holistic approach to corporate social responsibility. Employers often view volunteer grants as part of their broader philanthropic efforts, alongside cash donations, sponsorships, and other charitable initiatives.

Nonprofits should recognize the value of both volunteer grants and direct corporate giving in their fundraising strategies. By fostering strong relationships with corporate partners, nonprofits can benefit from a variety of giving options that enhance their overall impact. A robust partnership with a company that offers both volunteer grants and financial contributions can significantly increase a nonprofit’s resources and ability to serve its communities.


Conclusion: Wrapping Up

By dispelling these myths, organizations and employees can better leverage volunteer grant programs to enhance their philanthropic efforts and strengthen community ties. Understanding the true nature of volunteer grants can lead to increased participation and greater overall impact for nonprofits.

Unlock More Corporate Support with Double the Donation Volunteering

Now that we’ve dispelled the myths surrounding volunteer grants, it’s time to take action and amplify your organization’s impact. With Double the Donation, you can effortlessly navigate the world of corporate volunteerism and beyond. Our comprehensive tools are designed to help you find and manage corporate support, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your mission.

Raise more with Double the Donation Volunteering; request a personalized demo today!

Corporate In-Kind Donation Myths Debunked -What to Know

Corporate In-Kind Donation Myths Debunked: What to Know

In-kind donations are a vital resource for nonprofits, providing essential goods and services that can significantly enhance their operational capacity. However, misconceptions about these contributions can lead to misunderstandings regarding their value and impact. In this article, we will debunk common myths surrounding corporate in-kind donations, providing clarity and insight for nonprofits looking to maximize these contributions. These include:

By understanding the truths behind these myths, nonprofits can maximize the value of in-kind donations and use them to strengthen their programs, engage with the corporate sector, and ultimately create a larger impact. Let’s explore the common myths surrounding corporate in-kind donations and the insights that can help nonprofits fully embrace these valuable contributions.

Myth 1: In-Kind Donations Are Too Complex to Manage Effectively

Many nonprofits believe that managing corporate in-kind donations requires extensive time and resources, making it feel like a burden rather than a benefit. The thought of receiving large amounts of goods or services from companies might feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to logistics, storage, and distribution.

The Truth: In-Kind Donations Can Be Streamlined with the Right Systems

While managing in-kind donations does require some planning, the process can be simplified and streamlined for greater efficiency. With the right systems in place, nonprofits can efficiently manage in-kind contributions without additional strain on their operations.

Many platforms now offer integrated solutions that help nonprofits track, receive, store, and distribute in-kind gifts. When nonprofits develop a solid plan and communicate their needs clearly, in-kind donations can be seamlessly incorporated into their operational strategies.

Myth 2: In-Kind Donations Only Benefit Large Nonprofits

Some nonprofits may assume that in-kind donations are only suited for large organizations with the infrastructure to handle large-scale gifts. Smaller nonprofits might feel that they aren’t equipped to accept and distribute significant amounts of donated goods or services.

The Truth: In-Kind Donations Benefit Nonprofits of All Sizes

The beauty of in-kind donations is that they are available to organizations of all sizes. Whether a nonprofit is local, small, or large, there are in-kind gifts that align with its mission and capacity.

In fact, smaller nonprofits may find that in-kind donations are a great way to fill immediate needs without the budget constraints that often limit cash donations. Many corporate donors are eager to contribute to smaller nonprofits that are doing impactful work within their communities, and they can be flexible in how they provide support—whether through goods, services, or volunteer time.

Nonprofits should consider leveraging these opportunities to help boost their programs without worrying about the scale of their operations. In-kind donations can be especially beneficial for smaller organizations that may not have large cash reserves but can maximize the use of goods and services they receive.

Myth 3: In-Kind Donations Are Motivated by Corporate Agenda

It’s often assumed that corporate in-kind donations come with hidden agendas or marketing expectations, with the company seeking to promote its brand or push its interests. This concern might make nonprofits hesitant to fully engage with corporate donors.

The Truth: In-Kind Donations Can Be Genuine Acts of Corporate Social Responsibility

While it’s true that some corporations use in-kind donations to bolster their public image, many companies genuinely want to support nonprofits as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. Corporate donations, especially those from companies that share your nonprofit’s values and mission, can be a deeply positive force that goes beyond marketing tactics.

When nonprofits work closely with their corporate donors to align goals and values, these contributions can lead to long-lasting partnerships that benefit both parties. Companies often seek to make a genuine impact in the community, and nonprofits provide an opportunity to do so in a meaningful and productive way.

Through transparency and open communication, nonprofits can build authentic, mutually beneficial partnerships with corporate donors who are committed to supporting their cause for reasons beyond just brand recognition.

Myth 4: In-Kind Donations Are Only Useful if They Are Physical Products

Some nonprofits may assume that in-kind donations are limited to physical goods (clothing, equipment, or food), but the truth is that in-kind donations extend to a wide array of services and expertise. Many organizations overlook non-material donations because they focus on tangible goods.

The Truth: In-Kind Donations Include Valuable Services and Expertise

In-kind donations aren’t just about the physical items that come in boxes or shipments. Corporate donors often offer valuable professional services, including legal advice, marketing support, technology solutions, and strategic consulting. These services can be just as vital as goods when it comes to helping a nonprofit advance its mission.

By embracing these diverse forms of in-kind donations, nonprofits can benefit from expertise and services that might otherwise be out of reach due to budget constraints. Many corporations are happy to donate their time and knowledge, especially if they believe in the nonprofit’s mission.

Nonprofits should actively seek out these non-material donations and be open to the wide range of in-kind contributions that can provide significant operational support.

Myth 5: Corporate In-Kind Donations Only Support Short-Term Needs

Another misconception is that corporate in-kind donations are typically a quick fix for immediate needs, such as event supplies or seasonal items, but are not suitable for supporting long-term goals or operational sustainability.

The Truth: Corporate In-Kind Donations Can Support Long-Term Projects and Growth

While in-kind donations can certainly address immediate needs, they can also be leveraged to support long-term goals. For example, a company might provide in-kind donations such as technology or infrastructure that can help a nonprofit scale its operations over time. Other contributions, such as office space or strategic consulting, can provide lasting value that supports the nonprofit’s long-term sustainability.

By building relationships with corporate partners who understand the nonprofit’s vision and goals, nonprofits can secure in-kind donations that contribute to long-term growth. These donations can help strengthen internal operations, develop programs, or enhance fundraising efforts, creating ongoing value that extends far beyond short-term needs.

Myth 6: In-Kind Donations Are In Place of Monetary Support

A common misconception among nonprofits is that corporate in-kind donations are a substitute for cash donations. Many organizations may believe that receiving goods or services from corporations means they won’t be able to secure financial contributions as well. This can lead to the mistaken belief that in-kind donations are a “one-size-fits-all” solution that covers all of a nonprofit’s needs.

The Truth: Many Companies Offer Both In-Kind and Monetary Donations

The reality is that many companies offer a combination of in-kind donations and monetary support. In fact, many businesses provide a well-rounded approach to corporate giving, offering not only in-kind gifts like products, services, or volunteer hours, but also financial contributions through cash donations, grants, and event sponsorships.

For nonprofits, the easiest way to locate these diverse opportunities is through Double the Donation’s extensive database. Double the Donation’s platform allows nonprofits to easily find companies offering a wide variety of corporate giving options, including in-kind gifts, monetary donations, workplace giving programs, and more.


Conclusion

By understanding and addressing these myths, both corporations and nonprofits can engage in more effective and mutually beneficial partnerships, ensuring that in-kind donations truly support the missions of the organizations involved. Nonprofits should approach in-kind donations with a strategic mindset, evaluating their needs and the potential impact of these contributions.

Source More In-Kind Donations with Double the Donation

Now that we’ve dispelled the myths surrounding corporate in-kind donations, it’s time to take action and harness the full potential of corporate giving for your nonprofit. Double the Donation is your partner in this journey, offering a comprehensive platform to help you find and manage in-kind donations with ease.

Elevate your fundraising events and programs by tapping into our extensive database of companies eager to contribute. Raise more with corporate grants, in-kind gifts, and unlock new opportunities for workplace giving. Let Double the Donation be the bridge between your nonprofit and the corporate support that awaits. Get a demo today!

Payroll Giving Myths Debunked - The Truth Behind Workplace Giving

Payroll Giving Myths Debunked: Understanding the Truth Behind Workplace Giving

Payroll giving, also known as workplace giving or Give As You Earn, is a powerful method that allows employees to contribute to charitable organizations directly through deductions from their salaries. Despite its long-standing presence, several misconceptions persist about this giving method. In this article, we will debunk common myths surrounding payroll giving, providing clarity and encouraging more individuals and organizations to participate in this impactful form of philanthropy. These include:

For both employees and nonprofits, understanding how payroll giving works can significantly enhance their capacity to give back to communities, foster corporate social responsibility, and create positive societal impact. By addressing these myths head-on, we aim to encourage a culture of philanthropy, where giving becomes an integral part of the workplace experience.

Myth 1: Payroll Giving Is Difficult to Set Up

A common misconception among nonprofits is that setting up a payroll giving program is a complicated, time-consuming process that requires substantial resources. In reality, nonprofits don’t need to invest significant time or effort to get started with payroll giving. The process is simpler than many believe.

The Truth: It’s Easy with a Simplified Setup Process

Nonprofits only need to pre-register with a payroll giving platform to enable automatic contributions. Once registered, the platform takes care of the administrative side—ensuring that the donations are deducted from employee salaries and sent directly to your organization. From there, the only task remaining for the nonprofit is to promote the payroll giving opportunity to potential donors. This typically involves informing your existing supporters and encouraging them to participate in the program.

Once employees are aware of the option, they can choose to get involved through their employer’s payroll giving scheme. The setup and ongoing management are taken care of by the payroll platform, meaning nonprofits don’t need to worry about the day-to-day operations or handling the donations directly. The platform ensures the smooth flow of funds, and your organization simply needs to focus on encouraging donor participation.

With this straightforward setup process, payroll giving becomes an accessible and efficient way for nonprofits to generate consistent, recurring donations with minimal effort required from the nonprofit itself.

Myth 2: The Payroll Giving Scheme Is Costly to Run

Many nonprofits fear that running a payroll giving scheme will incur significant costs—either in administrative fees or hidden charges—that could outweigh the benefits. This myth may discourage smaller nonprofits or those with tight budgets from pursuing payroll giving as a fundraising avenue. In reality, payroll giving is one of the most cost-effective ways for nonprofits to raise funds.

The Truth: Payroll Giving is a Cost-Effective Solution

Most Payroll Giving Agents charge only minimal administrative fees, which are typically deducted from the donations rather than requiring upfront costs from nonprofits. These fees are often far lower than the cost of running traditional fundraising campaigns, and many agents offer additional services at no extra charge, such as promotional materials and support for employee engagement.

In fact, there are even Payroll Giving Agents that provide these services free of charge or at discounted rates for nonprofits. This ensures that the entire process remains affordable for organizations, regardless of size. For nonprofits looking to expand their donor base and maximize donations without straining their resources, payroll giving is an incredibly cost-effective option.

By utilizing these affordable services, your nonprofit can focus on the mission while efficiently growing your support base, all without breaking the bank.

Myth 3: Payroll Giving Is Only for Large Organizations

One common misconception is that payroll giving is exclusive to large corporations or organizations with many employees. While large companies may have more staff and greater fundraising capacity, payroll giving is a method that can benefit nonprofits of all sizes, from small, local charities to large, international organizations.

The Truth: Payroll Giving Is for Nonprofits of Any Size

Any nonprofit organization with employees can implement a payroll giving program, as long as they have a partnership with an HMRC-approved Payroll Giving Agent. The misconception that payroll giving is only for large organizations can prevent smaller nonprofits from considering this option. However, with the right tools and support, any nonprofit, regardless of its size, can tap into the benefits of payroll giving.

Smaller nonprofits can take advantage of the many services offered by Payroll Giving Agents, which often tailor their solutions to the unique needs of smaller organizations. Agents can provide personalized promotional materials and employee engagement strategies that suit nonprofits with smaller staff or limited resources. With payroll giving, even small organizations can build a strong, consistent donor base that provides valuable, ongoing support.

Myth 4: Payroll Giving Is a Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Another misconception is that payroll giving works in a similar manner to salary sacrifice schemes, which allow employees to give up part of their salary in exchange for non-cash benefits, such as pension contributions or childcare vouchers. Some nonprofits mistakenly believe that payroll giving functions in the same way, which can create confusion about how it impacts employees and their donations.

The Truth: Payroll Giving Is Not Salary Sacrifice

Payroll giving is not a salary sacrifice scheme. With payroll giving, employees donate a portion of their salary directly to charity before tax is applied. This means that their take-home pay is not reduced, and the donations are tax-efficient, benefiting both the employee and the nonprofit.

This is a key distinction that nonprofits should be aware of when promoting payroll giving to employees. It’s important to emphasize that employees will still receive their full salary after deductions for charitable donations, and they will also benefit from tax relief on their donations. This makes payroll giving an attractive option for employees who want to contribute to charity without reducing their disposable income.

For nonprofits, understanding this difference allows you to better explain how payroll giving works and encourage participation among employees.

Myth 5: Payroll Donors Can Only Give to a Small Group of Charities

Some nonprofits believe that payroll giving is limited to a small group of approved charities, which can restrict employee choices and limit the program’s appeal. However, this is far from the reality of payroll giving.

The Truth: There’s a Wide Range of Organizations to Choose From

Employees can donate to any of the approximately 200,000 pre-registered charities through payroll giving. This includes local, national, and international organizations across a wide range of causes, from healthcare and education to environmental conservation and animal welfare.

This wide variety of options ensures that employees can support the causes they care about most. It also gives nonprofits the opportunity to participate in payroll giving while reaching a broad audience of potential donors who may already be engaged with other charities. Nonprofits should be aware that payroll giving is a flexible and inclusive way for employees to give, offering them the chance to donate to a wide range of causes.

Encouraging employees to participate by highlighting the broad selection of charities they can support can help nonprofits engage with more donors and increase their reach.

Myth 6: Giving Through Payroll Deduction Is No Longer an Option

A number of nonprofits mistakenly believe that payroll giving is an outdated or obsolete practice, particularly with the rise of digital and online fundraising platforms. While it’s true that new technologies and platforms have expanded the range of giving options, payroll giving remains one of the most effective and reliable ways for nonprofits to generate consistent, tax-efficient donations from employees.

The Truth: Payroll Giving Remains a Powerful Tool

Payroll giving is still a viable and relevant option for nonprofits, and it continues to be widely used across a range of industries. Many organizations are increasingly using payroll giving as a key component of their broader fundraising strategies, often integrating it with employee matching gift programs, volunteering grants, and other corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The appeal of payroll giving lies in its simplicity and reliability. Donations are deducted automatically from employees’ paychecks, ensuring a consistent and predictable stream of income for nonprofits. Additionally, many Payroll Giving Agents have adapted to new technologies, integrating their services with digital platforms to make it easier for nonprofits to manage the process and track donations.

For nonprofits looking to diversify their fundraising strategies, payroll giving remains a relevant and effective option.


Conclusion

By addressing and debunking these myths, we can encourage more individuals and organizations to participate in payroll giving, thereby increasing support for charitable causes and fostering a culture of philanthropy in the workplace. Understanding the truth behind payroll giving can empower both employees and employers to make meaningful contributions that truly make a difference.

Drive Payroll Giving Success with Double the Donation’s Tools

Now that you’re equipped with the truth about payroll giving, take your organization’s fundraising to the next level with Double the Donation. The comprehensive platform is designed to help you effortlessly find and manage workplace giving opportunities such as payroll donations and more. Raise more with payroll giving by scheduling a demo with Double the Donation today!

Corporate Grant Proposal Templates -Guide + Resources

Corporate Grant Proposal Templates: A Comprehensive Guide

Securing funding through corporate grants can be a transformative opportunity for nonprofits. However, crafting a compelling grant proposal is essential to stand out in a competitive landscape. In this article, we will explore the essential components of corporate grant proposals, best practices for writing them, and provide templates to help you get started. This includes:

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer roadmap to help navigate the complexities of corporate grant applications and increase your organization’s chances of securing the funding needed to make a lasting difference.

Essential Components of a Corporate Grant Proposal

A well-structured corporate grant proposal typically includes several key sections that provide a comprehensive overview of your project and its alignment with the funder’s goals. Here are the essential components you’ll want to include:

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is the first impression your proposal makes, and it should grab the funder’s attention immediately. In this section, briefly summarize the following:

  • The funding amount requested

  • The project’s objectives

  • How the project aligns with the funder’s mission or values

  • Expected outcomes and impacts

While concise, this section needs to be compelling and clear enough to persuade the funder to continue reading.

2. Organizational Background

Here, you’ll provide an overview of your nonprofit organization, including its history, mission, and key accomplishments. Demonstrating your organization’s credibility and ability to execute successful projects will reassure the funder that their investment is in capable hands. Highlight any relevant past successes or similar projects that show you have the experience to achieve the proposed goals.

3. Statement of Need

The statement of need is arguably the most critical part of your proposal. It explains why your project is necessary and what problem it aims to solve. Use data, research, and real-world examples to illustrate the scope and urgency of the issue. Make it clear how addressing this need will positively impact the community or population you serve. This section should deeply resonate with the corporate funder’s objectives and demonstrate why their support is crucial.

4. Project Description

This section provides a detailed roadmap of your proposed project. It should include:

  • Goals: Clear, measurable objectives your project aims to achieve.

  • Target Audience: Who will benefit from your project, and how?

  • Methods/Approach: A step-by-step plan for how you will implement the project.

  • Timeline: A realistic timeline for project milestones and completion.

  • Outcomes: The expected results and impact, and how success will be measured.

The project description must be thorough and show how grant funds will be allocated to achieve the goals.

5. Budget Breakdown

A transparent and detailed budget is critical for demonstrating fiscal responsibility. The budget should itemize all projected expenses, including staffing, materials, technology, and any other costs. Be clear about how the corporate grant funds will be distributed and the specific purposes they will serve. Providing this clarity reassures the funder that their contribution will be managed effectively.

6. Evaluation Plan

Corporations want to know that their investment will yield measurable outcomes. In this section, outline the methods you will use to evaluate the success of the project. This could include:

  • Key performance indicators (KPIs)

  • Qualitative feedback from beneficiaries

  • Pre- and post-project assessments

Showing a clear plan for evaluation demonstrates your commitment to accountability and the long-term impact of the project.

7. Sustainability Plan

Funders want to know that their support will create lasting change. The sustainability plan should outline how the project will continue or be maintained after the initial funding period ends. This could involve securing additional funding, forming partnerships, or leveraging community resources. Providing a sustainable vision is key to demonstrating the lasting value of the project.

Best Practices for Crafting Effective Grant Proposals

To enhance the quality and persuasiveness of your grant proposal, consider the following best practices:

Tailor Each Proposal

While it may be tempting to reuse proposals, each corporate grant proposal should be tailored to the specific funder. Research the company’s mission, values, and past funding priorities to ensure your project aligns with their goals. Customize the language to resonate with their corporate culture, making it clear why your project is a perfect fit.

Involve Key Stakeholders

Collaborate with team members, board members, or external experts to enrich the proposal. Their input can provide valuable insights and make the proposal stronger, especially when it comes to technical aspects or evaluating potential impacts. This collaborative approach also helps ensure that everyone involved feels a sense of ownership in the project.

Maintain Professionalism

A polished, well-organized proposal reflects the professionalism of your nonprofit organization. Ensure that your proposal is free of typos, formatted correctly, and follows the funder’s guidelines. This attention to detail can set you apart from other applicants.

Use Data Effectively

Incorporating relevant statistics, case studies, and real-world evidence strengthens your proposal’s credibility. Use data to illustrate the urgency of the need, the potential impact of the project, and the outcomes you expect. A data-driven proposal is often more persuasive and demonstrates that you’ve done your research.

Examples of Successful Grant Proposal Templates

Here are a few examples of pre-written grant proposal templates that can be adapted for corporate funders:

Template 1: General Corporate Grant Proposal

1. Executive Summary

[Nonprofit Organization Name] is requesting a grant of [$ Amount] from [Corporation Name] to fund our project, [Project Title]. The purpose of this project is to [brief description of what the project aims to achieve], which will directly benefit [target audience]. Our goal is to [summarize the expected outcomes] and align with [Corporation Name]’s mission of [corporation’s mission statement]. This grant will help us [describe specific ways the funds will be used] and make a lasting impact in the [community, field, or industry].

2. Organizational Background

[Nonprofit Organization Name] has been a leader in [your field of expertise] since [year of establishment]. Our mission is to [mission statement], and we work to [description of your nonprofit’s activities]. We have a history of successfully managing projects, such as [list past successful initiatives], and have built strong relationships with community partners, volunteers, and donors. Our work has been recognized by [mention any awards, recognition, or media mentions].

3. Statement of Need

There is a significant need for [describe the problem your project aims to address]. [Provide relevant statistics, facts, and data] illustrate the severity of the issue. For example, [specific data or case studies showing the need]. Without addressing this issue, [describe the negative consequences]. We believe that with the support of [Corporation Name], we can make a significant difference in this area, helping to [describe the positive impact].

4. Project Description

The [Project Title] is designed to [goal of the project]. The project will serve [target audience], and we aim to achieve the following objectives:

  • Objective 1: [List specific, measurable objective]

  • Objective 2: [List specific, measurable objective]

  • Objective 3: [List specific, measurable objective]

The project will be implemented through the following steps:

  1. Phase 1: [Description of initial phase: activities, timeline, and expected outcomes]

  2. Phase 2: [Description of second phase: activities, timeline, and expected outcomes]

  3. Phase 3: [Description of final phase: activities, timeline, and expected outcomes]

The expected outcomes of this project include [brief summary of the anticipated impacts and results].

5. Budget Breakdown

The total cost for [Project Title] is [$ Total Amount]. The requested grant from [Corporation Name] of [$ Amount] will be allocated as follows:

  • Personnel: [$ Amount] for project staff (salaries, benefits, etc.)

  • Program Costs: [$ Amount] for materials, equipment, and supplies

  • Operational Costs: [$ Amount] for overhead and administrative support

  • Evaluation: [$ Amount] for monitoring and evaluating project outcomes

  • Marketing & Outreach: [$ Amount] for outreach efforts and awareness campaigns

A detailed budget spreadsheet is attached for your reference.

6. Evaluation Plan

The success of this project will be evaluated through the following methods:

  • Pre- and Post-Surveys: To assess changes in the target audience’s knowledge or behavior

  • Focus Groups: To gather qualitative feedback on the project’s effectiveness

  • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Including [list relevant KPIs, such as the number of people served, the impact on community well-being, etc.]

This data will be used to refine the project and inform future initiatives.

7. Sustainability Plan

To ensure the long-term success and impact of the [Project Title], we plan to [describe how the project will continue after the grant period ends]. We will pursue additional funding through [list possible sources], continue to build community partnerships, and leverage our strong volunteer base to maintain the project’s momentum.

Template 2: Narrative-Style Corporate Grant Proposal

Introduction and Overview

At [Nonprofit Organization Name], we believe that [issue your nonprofit is tackling] can be solved with targeted, actionable initiatives. We are excited to introduce our upcoming project, [Project Title], designed to [describe the purpose of the project]. This project aims to directly benefit [target audience] and align with [Corporation Name]’s mission of [corporation’s mission/values]. We are requesting a grant of [$ Amount] to bring this project to life and create lasting change in the community.

The Challenge

Across [describe region, community, or demographic], there exists a significant gap in [the issue you are addressing]. According to [mention relevant reports, studies, or statistics], [X% of people in the community] are affected by [issue]. This challenge is exacerbated by [additional factors such as lack of resources, awareness, etc.]. Without targeted intervention, the long-term consequences could include [negative consequences], affecting [who it impacts most].

[Corporation Name]’s involvement in supporting this initiative will be pivotal. As a leader in [industry], your commitment to [corporation’s values or corporate social responsibility goals] makes you the ideal partner to help us address this pressing issue.

The Solution: [Project Title]

Our solution, [Project Title], seeks to address the problem by [briefly summarize the project’s objectives and goals]. This project is built on our understanding of [insight or strategy], and it will unfold over the next [timeline or project duration]. We aim to achieve [specific outcomes such as improving access, raising awareness, reducing incidence, etc.].

Key elements of the project include:

  1. [Key Element 1]: [Description of one of the major aspects of the project, such as a community workshop, an awareness campaign, or service provision.]

  2. [Key Element 2]: [Describe a second important activity or strategy that will be used to implement the project.]

  3. [Key Element 3]: [Provide a third focus area of the project, explaining how it addresses the issue comprehensively.]

We will measure success by [mention how you will assess the effectiveness of the project, i.e., through surveys, metrics, participation numbers, etc.], ensuring that the project makes a tangible and measurable impact on those it aims to serve.

Alignment with [Corporation Name]’s Values

At [Nonprofit Organization Name], we understand that for a partnership to be successful, it must align with the corporate goals of our funders. Our project perfectly complements [Corporation Name]’s values, particularly your focus on [corporation’s specific area of interest, e.g., environmental sustainability, community development, education, etc.]. By supporting [Project Title], you will not only contribute to the well-being of [community or demographic] but also enhance [Corporation Name]’s impact in [a particular sector or field]. Together, we can bring lasting change and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Financial Support and Budget

We are requesting a grant of [$ Amount], which will be allocated as follows:

  • Personnel: [$ Amount] to cover the salaries of project managers and staff working on the initiative

  • Direct Program Costs: [$ Amount] for materials, technology, and resources needed to carry out the project

  • Marketing and Outreach: [$ Amount] for promoting the project and ensuring maximum community engagement

  • Evaluation and Monitoring: [$ Amount] to assess the effectiveness and outcomes of the project

The funds will directly contribute to the successful implementation and sustainability of the project, ensuring that we can achieve the defined goals and create lasting value for the community.

How We Will Measure Success

We believe in accountability and transparency, and we are committed to reporting on the project’s progress and outcomes. Success will be measured through:

  • Impact on the Target Group: Surveys, feedback sessions, and tracking of key metrics (e.g., number of individuals served, skills learned, or awareness raised)

  • Media and Outreach: Engagement levels with the project, including online traffic, participation in events, or the reach of campaigns

  • Community Feedback: Testimonials and direct feedback from those impacted by the project, ensuring that we’re meeting the needs of the community effectively

This ongoing evaluation will ensure that we not only meet our objectives but also create a framework for future projects that can continue beyond this funding period.

Why [Corporation Name] Should Partner with Us

By partnering with [Nonprofit Organization Name], [Corporation Name] will have the opportunity to directly influence positive change in [the area or community affected by your project]. Your support will not only provide critical funding but also serve as a demonstration of your commitment to [area of corporate interest]. As part of this partnership, you will receive:

  • Recognition and Visibility: Your support will be acknowledged on all project materials, press releases, and at key events related to the project.

  • Impact Reporting: Detailed reports and presentations showcasing the tangible outcomes of your support, including how your funding has made a difference.

  • Ongoing Partnership: An opportunity to continue collaborating on future initiatives, furthering the reach of your corporate social responsibility efforts.

Conclusion

We are excited about the possibility of partnering with [Corporation Name] to make a meaningful impact through [Project Title]. Together, we can address [the problem], create lasting positive change, and align our shared values for a better future. We look forward to discussing this opportunity further and exploring how we can work together to bring this project to life.

Thank you for considering this proposal. We are confident that with your support, we can achieve great things.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Nonprofit Organization Name]
[Contact Information]

Template 3: Project-Focused Corporate Grant Proposal

Subject: Proposal for Funding: [Project Title]

Dear [Corporation Name] Grant Committee,

At [Nonprofit Organization Name], we are committed to addressing [describe the problem or issue] through impactful and actionable initiatives. Our upcoming project, [Project Title], is designed to directly address this issue and improve the lives of [describe target audience/community]. We are requesting a grant of [$ Amount] from [Corporation Name] to fund this project, which will have a lasting and measurable impact on [specific community or sector].

The Project

[Project Title] is an innovative solution designed to [briefly state the purpose and main goal]. We believe that this initiative will [describe the expected impact], and we are confident that with the support of [Corporation Name], we can achieve these goals. The project will focus on the following key components:

  • Goal 1: [Description of first goal]: [Explain the first key component of the project and its importance.]

  • Goal 2: [Description of second goal]: [Explain the second key component of the project and how it contributes to the overall success.]

  • Goal 3: [Description of third goal]: [Discuss any additional components that make the project impactful.]

Specific Actions and Timeline

Our approach is action-oriented and results-driven. The project will be carried out in the following three phases, each with clear deliverables:

  1. Phase 1: Preparation and Launch (Timeline: [Start Date] – [End Date])

    • Activities: [List key actions, such as outreach, resource gathering, partnerships, etc.]

    • Expected Results: [Describe the specific outcomes expected from this phase.]

  2. Phase 2: Implementation and Engagement (Timeline: [Start Date] – [End Date])

    • Activities: [Detail the core activities of this phase, such as workshops, events, or the delivery of services.]

    • Expected Results: [Explain the direct impact this phase will have on the community.]

  3. Phase 3: Evaluation and Continuation (Timeline: [Start Date] – [End Date])

    • Activities: [Outline actions such as assessing the project’s success, gathering feedback, and preparing for future steps.]

    • Expected Results: [Discuss how you will assess the effectiveness of the project and the next steps to ensure its sustainability.]

The Budget

The total cost to carry out [Project Title] is [$ Total Amount], and we are requesting [$ Amount] from [Corporation Name] to fund this initiative. The budget breakdown is as follows:

  • Personnel: [$ Amount] for the salaries of project staff, including [list roles]

  • Program Materials: [$ Amount] for supplies, equipment, and resources needed to execute the project

  • Outreach and Marketing: [$ Amount] for promotional materials and community engagement efforts

  • Evaluation and Reporting: [$ Amount] for monitoring project progress and evaluating its success

Why [Corporation Name] Should Fund This Project

We believe that this project is a perfect fit for [Corporation Name] because it aligns with your values of [mention relevant values, e.g., corporate responsibility, community impact, environmental sustainability, etc.]. By partnering with [Nonprofit Organization Name], you will:

  • Make a Tangible Difference: Your support will directly help [number] of individuals or families in need and contribute to long-lasting social change.

  • Enhance Your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Goals: Supporting this project demonstrates [Corporation Name]’s commitment to [specific social cause or impact].

  • Gain Visibility and Recognition: As a key supporter of this initiative, [Corporation Name] will be recognized in all project materials, including [list examples such as press releases, event signage, newsletters, etc.], ensuring positive brand exposure.

Measuring Success

We are committed to demonstrating the results of this project through a comprehensive evaluation. The success of the project will be measured by the following:

  • Number of individuals served: [Estimated number]

  • Feedback from participants: [Description of feedback mechanisms, such as surveys or focus groups]

  • Key Outcomes: [List the specific measurable outcomes, e.g., increase in [metric], improvements in [area], etc.]

We will provide [Corporation Name] with a detailed report at the conclusion of the project, summarizing the outcomes, lessons learned, and future steps.

Next Steps and Conclusion

We are eager to move forward with [Project Title] and excited about the opportunity to partner with [Corporation Name] to make a measurable impact in the community. We invite you to review this proposal and look forward to discussing how we can work together to bring this project to life.

Thank you for considering our request. We are confident that your support will enable us to create a lasting, positive impact. We look forward to your response and hope to work with [Corporation Name] to make this project a reality.

Common Corporate Grant Proposal Mistakes to Avoid

When crafting grant proposals, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

Over-Reliance on Templates

While templates can be helpful, it’s essential to tailor each proposal to your project’s unique elements and the specific interests of the funder. Generic proposals often lack the personal touch and specificity that make a proposal stand out.

Neglecting Proofreading

Submitting a proposal with spelling or grammatical errors undermines your credibility. Always proofread and edit your proposal carefully before submission. Better yet, have multiple people review the document to catch errors you might have missed.

Ignoring Funder Guidelines

Every corporate funder has specific instructions regarding the format, content, and submission process. Failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in automatic disqualification. Make sure you follow these rules meticulously.


Wrapping Up

Crafting a compelling corporate grant proposal is essential for securing funding and advancing your nonprofit’s mission. By understanding the essential components, implementing best practices, and avoiding common mistakes, you can enhance your organization’s grant-seeking efforts. Start today by utilizing the templates and insights provided in this guide to create impactful proposals that resonate with corporate funders.

Get More Corporate Grants with Double the Donation

Ready to elevate your nonprofit’s funding strategy and maximize your impact? Raise more with corporate grants and in-kind gifts by leveraging Double the Donation’s comprehensive database. Our platform is designed to help you find and manage corporate grants with unparalleled ease.

Don’t let the opportunity to build meaningful partnerships and enhance your events and programs slip away. Take the first step towards a more successful fundraising future and get a demo today!

Securing Challenge Matches + Grants with Employment Data

In nonprofit fundraising, securing challenge matches presents one of the most powerful ways to multiply donations and engage your community. But securing the right donors who have the capacity to help unlock a challenge match often requires more than just an appeal for support. It requires you to do research and have the right data so you know who to ask. That’s where employment data becomes a valuable tool.

By appending employment data to donor profiles, nonprofits can identify individuals with the financial means and professional ties to contribute significantly to challenge matches and grants. This data helps streamline donor engagement, ensuring your organization targets the right supporters at the right time.

In this post, we’ll explore how nonprofit organizations can leverage employment data to discover potential major donors, maximize challenge match funding, and build long-term relationships that benefit both the donor and your organization. Specifically, we’ll cover:

Employment data can be a game-changer when it comes to securing challenge matches and corporate grants. By understanding where your donors work and whether their companies offer matching gifts, you can strategically target your fundraising efforts and encourage greater contributions. Let’s explore how you can leverage this valuable data to optimize your challenge match campaigns and corporate fundraising.

Why Employment Data is Key for Challenge Match Campaigns

When it comes to challenge matches, the ultimate goal is to encourage donors to give at a level that helps meet or exceed the match commitment. But not all donors are equipped to give the kind of gift that unlocks a challenge match. The good news is, employment data helps identify those who might.

By understanding where your donors work, you can unlock numerous opportunities for engagement. Employment information doesn’t just reveal the organization a donor works for; it also provides insights into their professional role, potential income level, and connection to causes aligned with your nonprofit’s mission. These insights allow you to target donors who may have both the capacity and the interest to contribute at higher levels. These are going to be the individuals ideal for challenge match scenarios, so collecting the data now will streamline your search and make your ask more effective.

Here’s why employment data is especially crucial for your fundraising efforts:

  • Targeted Donor Engagement: Knowing where your donors are employed gives you critical information about their professional background, income, and the likelihood that they have the capacity to initiate a challenge match. With this knowledge, you can create targeted, personalized outreach that resonates with these potential fits.
  • Identify High-Capacity Givers: Employment data reveals donors working in high-income industries or holding senior roles that increase their giving capacity. You can spot individuals who may have the means to offer challenge matches and engage them with tailored messaging.
  • Streamline Your Efforts: Rather than sending blanket appeals for donations, employment data allows you to focus your outreach on individuals who have the potential to offer challenge matches, ensuring your team’s efforts are as efficient as possible.

Leveraging Employment Data to Identify Potential Challenge Match Donors

Donor profiles enriched with employment data provide a more comprehensive view of each supporter’s potential. This insight allows you to move beyond the basics—like previous donations or general demographic data—and instead focus on more strategic information that can reveal someone’s giving capacity and philanthropic inclination.

Here’s how you can use employment data to uncover major donors for your challenge match campaign:

1. Add and Maintain Employment Information in Donor Profiles

The first step in leveraging employment data for challenge matches is ensuring that your donor profiles are accurately enriched with up-to-date employment information. This gives you a complete view of your donors’ professional background, enabling you to identify potential challenge match opportunities.

Here’s how you should manage this crucial data:

  • Enrich Donor Profiles: Start by appending employment data to your donor profiles. Many nonprofit organizations use employer append services to gather this information. These services can provide details like the donor’s employer, job title, industry, and even their seniority level. With this enriched data, you gain a clearer picture of your donor’s potential for larger contributions, particularly for challenge matches.
  • Regularly Update Employment Data: People change jobs, move up the career ladder, or shift industries, so keeping this data current is critical for ongoing success. Regularly updating your donor profiles with fresh employment information ensures you’re not working with outdated assumptions. You can do this by integrating data management best practices, periodically checking in with supporters for any updates, or utilizing services that automatically refresh your donor profiles.
  • Combine with Workplace Giving Insights: As donors change roles or industries, their capacity to give may increase. Keeping a consistent eye on this data helps ensure you are reaching out to donors at the right time in their careers. For example, a donor recently promoted to a director-level position in a high-income sector may now be in a better financial position to contribute to a challenge match. By tracking these changes, you can be sure that you’re not missing out on workplace giving opportunities.

By appending and maintaining accurate employment information, you can strategically identify major donors who are in a position to offer challenge matches. This data serves as the key to unlocking substantial contributions.

2. Identify Donors with the Potential to Offer Challenge Matches

Once your donor profiles are enriched with employment data, the next step is to use that information to identify individuals who are best positioned to support a challenge match. Donors with significant financial resources are more likely to be able to support challenge matches.

Here are a few key factors that can help you discern that potential:

  • Industry: Donors who work in industries with higher earning potential, such as finance, law, or technology, are often well-positioned to make significant contributions. By recognizing the sectors your donors work in, you can spot individuals who may have the financial means to support a challenge match.
  • Job Title: Job titles can provide insight into a donor’s capacity to give. Senior-level roles like CEO, CFO, or vice president often correlate with greater financial stability and a higher likelihood of being able to support major gift requests. Donors in leadership positions or with significant decision-making power may also be more inclined to offer a challenge match because of their experience with corporate sponsorship and philanthropy.
  • Company Affiliation: In addition to industry and job title, knowing where a donor works helps you determine if they might be in a position to offer a challenge match. Some companies have a culture of philanthropy and support employee-driven giving, while others may have a budget set aside for charitable giving or community initiatives. If you know where your donor works, you can start a conversation about potential challenge match opportunities at their organization, capitalizing on their company’s giving culture.

3. Target Campaigns for High-Capacity Donors

Once you’ve identified high-potential donors, it’s time to target them with personalized campaigns designed to maximize their involvement in your challenge match campaign. Rather than using a broad, one-size-fits-all approach, you can use the insights gained from employment data to craft highly targeted outreach that speaks to their specific motivations and capacities.

For example, you can:

  • Craft Tailored Messaging: Your communications should emphasize the unique role each donor can play in your challenge match. For example, if a donor works in a high-net-worth sector like finance, their financial background might make them more receptive to a message about how a larger donation can substantially impact your fundraising efforts. Highlight how their contribution would unlock a matching gift and amplify the campaign’s success.
  • Demonstrate Alignment Between Donor and Cause: Use the donor’s professional background to demonstrate the alignment between their career and your nonprofit’s mission. If they work in education and your nonprofit runs educational programs, highlight how their expertise or their company’s focus aligns with your work. By showing this connection, you help the donor see how their support is a natural extension of their professional values.
  • Highlight the Impact: When reaching out to high-potential donors, emphasize how their larger donation will directly impact the challenge match. Be specific: explain the total match goal and how their contribution can set the stage for unlocking the full potential of the match. Share examples of past success stories where high-value donors played a pivotal role in meeting or exceeding match goals.

By targeting personalized, professional messages that demonstrate the impact a high-value donor’s contribution can have, you increase the chances of securing a substantial donation that helps unlock your challenge match.


Conclusion: Unlocking New Opportunities with Employment Data

Incorporating employment data into your donor outreach strategy is a powerful way to identify high-potential supporters who can make a significant impact on your challenge match campaigns. By appending this data to donor profiles, you gain a deeper understanding of each individual’s professional background, financial capacity, and potential alignment with your nonprofit’s mission.

By leveraging employment information strategically, you can target the right donors, create personalized campaigns, and increase the likelihood of securing substantial contributions. In doing so, you not only unlock new sources of funding but also build stronger, long-term relationships with key supporters who are invested in your mission.

Raise Even More Support With Employer Matching Gifts

If you’re looking to boost your fundraising even further, consider incorporating employee matching gift programs into your strategy. Explore how Double the Donation can help you identify, track, and maximize matching gift opportunities by requesting a demo today.

How to Encourage DAF Distributions for Challenge Matches in Year-End Campaigns

Year-end fundraising campaigns are a prime opportunity to maximize your nonprofit’s impact, and one powerful yet often underutilized strategy is activating Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) holders to set up challenge matches for other donors. By encouraging high-dollar donors to use their DAFs for challenge matches, you can amplify the contributions of smaller donors, inspire generosity, and significantly boost your fundraising totals.

In this post, we’ll explore how nonprofits can engage DAF donors to set up year-end challenges grants or matches. We’ll cover strategies for creating urgency, making it easy for donors to contribute through their DAFs, and ensuring your campaign maximizes the impact of these high-value gifts. By leveraging the power of DAFs in year-end campaigns, your nonprofit can tap into a high-impact giving opportunity that might otherwise be overlooked.

Table of Contents:

The Value of DAFs for Sourcing Challenge Matches

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) are a critical tool for high-net-worth individuals to manage their charitable giving while maximizing tax advantages. For nonprofits, DAFs represent a powerful opportunity to engage major donors who can make an outsized impact with their contributions. But many nonprofits overlook the potential of having these donors use their DAFs to set up challenges matches.

By activating DAF donors to contribute to a match for other donations, you create a unique opportunity to drive engagement, increase giving, and inspire your donor base. When a DAF holder sets up a match, their contribution doubles or even triples the impact of smaller donations, generating greater momentum for your campaign.

Remember: To identify DAF donors with high giving potential, it’s crucial to understand their employment data. Many employers offer donation incentives or matching gift programs, and knowing where your supporters work can help you pinpoint those who may have access to these programs. If you don’t already have this data, consider using employer append services like ours at NPOInfo to append employment information and workplace giving eligibility for your supporters. This can make it easier to engage high-value donors and activate them for DAF-funded challenge matches.

Why Year-End is the Best Time for DAF Match Challenges

Year-end fundraising campaigns are critical for many nonprofits, as they can account for a significant portion of annual giving. For DAF holders, year-end is also a prime time to make final charitable contributions before the end of the year to take advantage of tax benefits. This makes it the perfect time to activate these donors for challenge matches.

DAF donors who want to fulfill their giving goals before the new year can use their funds to amplify the contributions of others, effectively increasing the overall impact of your campaign. The limited time frame of the year-end season creates a sense of urgency that motivates donors to act quickly, especially when they know their contributions will be matched.

How to Engage DAF Donors to Set Up a Match

To engage DAF donors in setting up challenge matches, the first step is to identify those with significant giving potential who are actively managing their DAFs. Here are a few steps to consider:

  • Identify High-Value DAF Donors: Review your donor database for those who have made large gifts in the past or who may have a DAF. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask! Building relationships with financial advisors or wealth managers can also help.
  • Present the Matching Opportunity: Reach out to your DAF donors with a clear, compelling pitch. Explain how they can use their DAF to create an impactful challenge match, and emphasize how this will accelerate your mission!
  • Show the Value of Their Contribution: Make it clear that their match will double or even triple the donations from other supporters, significantly increasing their impact and fulfilling their charitable goals.

Creating Urgency with DAF Challenge Matches

Creating urgency is key when activating DAF donors to set up a match. The sense of urgency surrounding year-end giving is heightened by the approaching tax deadlines, and DAF donors will be more likely to act if they understand the time-sensitive nature of the opportunity.

  • Set a Clear Deadline: Make sure your DAF donors know that the match must be completed by the end of the year to take full advantage of tax deductions and the matching opportunity.
  • Communicate the Matching Impact: Highlight the multiplier effect by showing DAF donors how their contribution will make an immediate, tangible impact by doubling or tripling the donations of others during the campaign. You can even point to indicators that matches create fundraising success! In fact, matching challenge statistics demonstrate that campaigns including a match component raise 3-5 times more during peak season.
  • Use Timely Reminders: Send out countdown emails or social media posts that remind potential DAF donors of the urgency and the potential impact of setting up a challenge match.

Simplifying the Process for DAF Donors

Once you’ve secured a DAF donor for a challenge match, it’s important to make the process as simple as possible. The easier it is for DAF donors to make a contribution, the more likely they are to follow through.

  • Provide Clear Instructions: Offer step-by-step guidance for DAF donors on how to make a donation from their fund. Include all necessary forms, links to their DAF provider’s platform, and any other logistical details.
  • Provide Pre-Filled Templates: If possible, offer pre-filled donation forms that DAF donors can submit directly to their DAF provider to utilize their funds, reducing friction in the process.
  • Offer Multiple Channels: Some DAF providers have different ways of submitting donations (online, via check, etc.), so make sure to offer a variety of methods for donors to complete their transactions.

Tracking and Promoting DAF-Funded Challenge Matches

Tracking DAF-funded challenge matches in real time is essential for maintaining momentum and keeping donors engaged. Here’s how to effectively track these contributions:

  • Integrate with Your Donor Management System: Ensure your system is capable of tracking DAF donations and their impact on your campaign’s progress. This will allow you to provide real-time updates to both the DAF donor and your other supporters.
  • Promote Progress: Regularly update your DAF donors on how their challenge match is making an impact. Share campaign milestones and the progress toward meeting the challenge match.
  • Be Transparent in Reporting: After the campaign, provide DAF donors with a detailed report showing how their contributions helped meet the match. Transparency builds trust and encourages future engagement.

Leveraging DAFs to Strengthen Donor Relationships

Once a DAF donor has engaged with your challenge, it’s important to continue nurturing that relationship. By actively involving DAF donors in year-end campaigns, you not only maximize their giving impact but also build a long-term connection.

  • Public Acknowledgment: Recognize DAF donors publicly through social media shoutouts or in campaign reports. This appreciation can inspire others to participate and will deepen the relationship with the donor.
  • Engage for Future Campaigns: After the year-end challenge, keep DAF donors informed about future opportunities. Engaging them in your next campaign will help secure their support for future initiatives.
  • Share the Impact: Showcase how DAF-funded matches have made a difference, particularly through stories, testimonials, and specific examples of how their contributions helped reach campaign goals.

Wrapping Up: Maximize Year-End Impact with DAFs

By activating DAF donors to set up these year-end match initiatives, your nonprofit can meet and exceed your annual fundraising goals. Creating urgency, simplifying the donation process, and building strong relationships with DAF donors will not only enhance the impact of your campaign but will also foster long-term engagement.

Don’t miss the opportunity to leverage these high-value donors during the year-end season! Use donor data and matching challenge outreach strategies to maximize their potential and watch your fundraising goals come to life.

“How to Make Data-Driven Decisions at Your Pet Store”

How to Make Data-Driven Decisions at Your Pet Store

Imagine this: Your pet store takes the leap to stock up on a new premium dog food you think will fly off the shelves. Weeks later, it’s barely moved, resulting in a poor investment that cuts into your bottom line.

Situations like these are all too common for pet store owners who rely on instinct and intuition to make decisions. As you grow your business, it becomes more and more important to make decisions based on data.

Organizations from all types of industries follow this best practice—for instance, nonprofits use donor data to improve fundraising, restaurants track order trends and peak hours to optimize staffing, and healthcare clinics track treatment outcomes to identify the most effective care practices.

By tapping into the numbers behind your pet store, you can make smarter decisions that help you grow your business’s profitability. Let’s break down how you can use data to your pet store’s advantage.

Identify Your Key Metrics

Before you start making decisions, you need to know what data points to track. There are thousands of potential metrics you can track, but not all of them will be useful in informing your decisions.

Start by determining your current business priorities. Are you trying to boost profitability, improve customer retention, or streamline inventory? Are you trying to do all three, or maybe something else entirely? From there, you can select core metrics to track to help you make smarter decisions in these areas.

Generally, pet businesses track metrics in the following categories, which we’ll cover later on in this guide:

  • Inventory
  • Marketing
  • Customer data
  • Staffing

Many small businesses get excited about using data and start tracking many different data points. However, this can quickly overwhelm smaller organizations. Instead, select a focused set of key metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) and build your strategy around them to keep the data-tracking process manageable and impactful.

Additionally, consider investing in a software solution built for pet stores to track data properly. In addition to fulfilling other needs, such as inventory management or point of sale (POS), these tools can automate data collection, track data trends over time, and even generate reports that quickly summarize key findings, making it easier than ever for you to make smarter decisions and grow your business.

Use Data to Optimize Inventory

Managing inventory effectively is a balancing act, and tracking the corresponding metrics only makes it easier. If you’ve ever been in a situation where a customer wants to purchase an item you don’t have in stock or had too many items that weren’t selling, these data points can greatly improve your inventory management practices.

Here are a few metrics to track:

  • Product sell-through rates: This metric shows how quickly a product sells after arriving in your store. Products with high sell-through rates can inform future restocks, whereas products with low sell-through rates may need to be discounted or phased out.
  • Stock-out frequency: This metric indicates how often items are unavailable for customers. If this metric is high, that means your pet store isn’t meeting its customers’ demand. Generally, this metric applies most to seasonal items, such as flea and tick treatments or heated beds.
  • Dead stock: This metric identifies unsold inventory over a set time period, such as 90 days. Holding onto inventory for a long time has a high opportunity cost, as storing those products takes up space that could have gone to a product with a higher sell-through rate.
  • Inventory turnover ratio: This metric refers to how often you sell and replace inventory within a specific time period. A healthy turnover rate means your capital isn’t tied up in excess stock.
  • Carrying cost of inventory: This metric measures the cost of storing and managing your unsold inventory. The expenses are usually related to storage, labor, insurance, obsolescence, and cost of capital. Your pet store may want to reconsider stocking items with a particularly high carrying cost.
  • Lead time: This metric tracks how long it takes to restock items, which is essential for when you’re planning to order inventory. Ideally, you want to minimize stockouts, so knowing how long products take to arrive at your store informs how far in advance you need to order new stock.
  • Shrinkage rate: This metric measures inventory loss due to damage, theft, or errors. With this information, you can make loss prevention decisions, such as requiring additional staff training, reviewing vendor and delivery processes, or updating store policy.

With these metrics, you can stock your store with the most profitable items, decide on shelf space allocation per product, and predict and prepare for seasonal spikes. For optimal pet store inventory management, pair data tracking with automated alerts from your POS or inventory system.

Make Smarter Marketing Choices

You know that having tons of exciting products is only one element of running a profitable small business. You must pair enticing offerings with a successful outreach strategy that promotes these products, connects your store to customers, and encourages them to visit your brick-and-mortar or e-commerce store. Bolster your marketing strategy by tracking the following metrics:

  • Customer acquisition cost: This metric measures the average cost of acquiring a customer for your pet store. It informs how expensive your marketing efforts are and can help you assess if certain channels are worthwhile for your business.
  • Conversion rate: This metric tracks the percentage of marketing message recipients who take a desired action. For your customers, this will likely be making a purchase. This data point gives you a sweeping overview of how effective your marketing messaging is.
  • Referral source: This metric indicates where customers are navigating from to find your pet store website, such as through Google, Yelp, email, or social media. You can use this information to determine your most and least effective marketing channels.
  • Coupon/discount redemption rates: This metric shows the effectiveness of your promotions and incentives. If your traffic is high, yet your sales and coupon or discount redemption rate are low, you may need to brainstorm other ways to entice customers to make a purchase.

These metrics help you pinpoint key changes to your marketing strategy that will improve your success. For instance, you might take an omnichannel marketing approach, determine the best days or times to send promotions, or focus on reducing the cost of your marketing efforts.

You may also segment your audience to ensure your marketing messages resonate with each individual. Store customer demographic data and create audience groups based on shared characteristics. Then, send messages that are tailored and personalized to each group. For example, dog owners won’t be interested in your 15% discount on cat food, but they might leap at the opportunity to buy the new leashes you just stocked.

Improve Customer Retention Through Loyalty Insights

Acquiring a new customer can cost five to seven times more than retaining an existing one, which is why your pet store needs to prioritize turning one-time buyers into repeat customers. Increase retention by tracking the following metrics:

  • Customer retention rate: This metric indicates the percentage of customers who continue to shop at your store over a certain time period. Most business owners measure it annually, but you can also measure it monthly.
  • Customer lifetime value: This metric shows the total projected revenue a customer will generate over their relationship with your store. If this value is low, then you may need to explore customer retention strategies and ways to encourage them to upgrade their purchases.
  • Purchase frequency: This metric measures how often customers shop at your store. If this metric is low, you may need to investigate what’s preventing customers from making more purchases. However, you can also expect some natural variance here. For instance, an owner of a small dog will purchase pet food much less frequently than the owner of a large dog.
  • Average order value: This metric tracks the average amount of money customers spend per visit or order at your pet store. This information allows you to identify groups of high-value customers you can target with your marketing efforts. You can also use this metric to track your upselling success.

Depending on how well your pet store is already retaining customers, you may consider implementing retention-specific strategies. One of the best ways to do that is by establishing a loyalty program, which incentivizes customers to continue spending money at your pet store through perks like discounts and point redemptions.

According to eTailPet, the top pet store POS systems come with features that make managing your loyalty program easier. For instance, you can implement a simple points-based system, where customers earn points for each purchase that they can redeem for discounts or free products. Your POS system can track these points on your behalf and even enable point redemptions for customers shopping online, taking the pain of management entirely out of the equation.

Enhance Staffing and Hiring

Data can help smaller pet businesses make informed staffing decisions, such as ensuring they are never overstaffed and hiring the right talent for their open positions. Tracking the right metrics can help you keep staff members organized and your operations running smoothly. For example, you can use data to:

  • Analyze peak hours and days to adjust staffing schedules for better efficiency.
  • Track sales or upsell data per employee to inform training and recognition.
  • Use past performance data to define the roles or experience needed for new hires.
  • Monitor employee satisfaction to anticipate turnover or disengagement before it affects performance.

If you determine that you need to hire new employees based on your key metrics, JazzHR recommends investing in a small business hiring platform. Your team is your store’s frontline, which is why staffing and hiring decisions should be just as data-driven as other operational choices. A dedicated hiring platform allows you to manage complex recruiting datasets, reduce human error, and create comprehensive reports that enable you to choose the best candidate for the job.


Transitioning to a data-driven approach doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your business or invest in expensive software (though a dedicated solution can greatly help the process). It simply means using the information you already possess to make smarter, more informed decisions. Start small, stay consistent, and let the numbers lead the way to a stronger, more successful pet store.

 The title of the post, “Improving Donor Retention: Best Ways to Keep in Touch”

Improving Recurring Donor Retention: 4 Ways to Keep in Touch

According to CharityEngine’s statistics, monthly donations made up 31% of all online fundraising revenue last year, and the average recurring donor stays engaged for more than eight years. This makes these supporters a highly valuable source of regular, long-term revenue—if you can retain them.

Fortunately, retaining your recurring donors doesn’t have to be a challenge. All you need to maintain relationships and keep them interested in your work are a few smart communication and marketing strategies. Let’s walk through four ways to proactively keep in touch with these vital supporters.

1. Personalized email updates

Sending periodic updates on your nonprofit’s work helps you keep recurring donors in the loop, even if they’re not checking in on your campaigns regularly. However, generic newsletters alone won’t cut it. To foster loyalty, every email update should feel tailored and intentional.

Think about what you would want to hear from a nonprofit you give to regularly. Likely, your supporters want to know how you’re using their funds and what’s going on at your organization generally. They might wonder how they can get more involved or if you have any pressing needs. To keep them informed, send engaging, personalized emails using these tips:

  • Share brief impact updates with monthly thank-you messages. Level up your donation acknowledgement emails by adding a few lines about the donor’s impact each month. When possible, include data specific to their previous contributions.
  • Invite them to relevant events and volunteering opportunities. Send invitations to involvement opportunities based on each recurring donor’s preferences and charitable areas of interest. For example, you might promote an appreciation gala to long-time recurring donors and invite younger, local supporters to an in-person volunteer event.
  • Update donors on the success of your monthly giving program. Everyone loves to feel like they’re part of an exclusive club, so remind your recurring donors that they are! Share data about the collective impact of monthly donors and the program’s overall success.

Track email marketing metrics to determine how effective these tactics are for your donor base and pivot as needed. Don’t forget to integrate recurring donors into your general donor engagement efforts, too. Along with these updates, they should receive feedback surveys, newsletters, and other relevant outreach.

2. One-to-one text messages

Text messages are a low-lift, high-impact way to stay connected with recurring donors. They have staggeringly high open rates, recipients often read them right away, and they’re easy to respond to if donors have questions. When someone does respond, your nonprofit can naturally engage them in a one-to-one conversation that feels much more personal than email.

Plus, texts are highly versatile. With the right SMS marketing tools, you can automate several different types of touchpoints and easily personalize them with recurring donors’ names and gift amounts. This might include:

  • Thank-you texts: “Thanks, David – we just received your monthly gift of $30! Recurring donors like you make our work possible 🙏 Check your email for a receipt.”
  • Program updates: “Langston, did you hear about our latest Atlanta housing initiative? Read our press release here to learn more. We couldn’t do it without you!”
  • Reminders to update payment information: “Hey Selena, we ran into an issue completing your latest $20 monthly gift. Please update your payment information here to continue making a difference.”
  • Answers to donors’ questions: “Great question, Dana! You can increase the size of your monthly gift at any time by emailing us or filling out this form. Appreciate your support!”

Beyond sending these common messages, Mogli explains that you can even create text-based surveys to gather quick donor feedback. Your monthly giving supporters can answer questions directly from their text messaging app while your organization automatically records new data in your CRM.

3. Impact-driven anniversary cards

Celebrating donor milestones is a great way to add heartfelt, personal touchpoints to your communication strategy. For recurring donors, their first year of monthly giving is a major milestone. Recognize this achievement with an anniversary card sent via direct mail or email.

A simple “happy anniversary” will put a smile on a recurring donor’s face, but you can take your message further by incorporating personal details and information about the supporter’s impact. Consider small, easy ways to infuse impact data into your anniversary cards, like adding:

  • A photo of smiling volunteers or community members.
  • Short quotes from grateful beneficiaries.
  • A small graph or chart that visualizes the donor’s personal impact in the last year.
  • Tangible details about what their gifts funded, such as “100 meals for TN residents in need.”

In addition to anniversary cards, send celebratory messages for birthdays and holidays. Each of these moments gives you a chance to keep your nonprofit top-of-mind and deepen relationships with monthly donors.

No matter what channel you use to send these messages, ensure they’re short and unobtrusive. Never include an ask in a birthday or holiday message—just remind recurring donors that you’re thinking of them on this special occasion and are grateful for their continued support. For long-time recurring donors, you might even mail them a small gift to show your appreciation.

4. Automated, behavior-based outreach

Go beyond basic personalization and segmentation strategies by building automated retention flows based on recurring donors’ behavior.

Use automation tools like Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud to set up triggers for specific outreach and communication journeys. Once a donor takes the specified action to trigger the journey (such as signing up, missing a payment, etc.), they’ll receive a series of targeted, highly relevant messages designed to boost retention. You can incorporate messages from multiple channels and space them out as needed.

For example, say you want to create a new recurring donor welcome series. Your automated journey might look like:

  1. A supporter signs up for recurring giving and makes their first monthly gift.
  2. Your nonprofit immediately sends an automated thank-you text message and an emailed donation receipt.
  3. Within 24 hours, you follow up the text with a more in-depth email welcoming them to your monthly giving program.
  4. A week later, you share an update about your nonprofit’s plans for the year and how the donor’s recurring gifts will play a part.
  5. After their second monthly donation, you send a special thank-you eCard to celebrate their first two months of recurring giving.

There are plenty of other behaviors you might watch out for and create automated outreach journeys to address. For instance, declining engagement or a missed payment could trigger a cadence for recurring donors at risk of lapsing, while another could target donors with upgrade potential.


Recurring donors are highly valuable members of your support base, so the work it takes to retain them is always worthwhile. With these data-driven strategies, you’ll create high-touch, high-impact experiences that help you retain recurring donors for the long haul.

Explore the fundamentals about donor cultivation in this comprehensive guide.

Donor Cultivation 101: How to Build Lasting Relationships

As of 2024, the number of new donors nonprofits acquired—in other words, donors who gave for the first time—fell by 11.5% compared to the previous year. Even the number of major and supersize donors, who tend to be the most loyal, declined by 4.7% and 2.3%, respectively.

Combined with general declines in fundraising revenue, these figures highlight the importance of fostering relationships with donors to keep them invested in your mission. Donor cultivation, supported by data-backed insights and decision-making, is the best way to form and deepen these meaningful connections. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the core concepts you need to get started:

The goal of donor cultivation is to connect with your supporters, understand the reasons behind their generosity, and make them feel like invaluable agents of change. But the first step toward these benefits is understanding the basics—let’s begin!

Unlock the insights you need to cultivate lasting relationships with new supporters. Get a quote!

Donor Cultivation Basics

What is donor cultivation?

Donor cultivation is the process of establishing and strengthening relationships with prospective donors before asking for a contribution. Key aspects of donor cultivation include identifying potential donors, learning about their interests and motivations, and inspiring them to give by appealing to those motivations.

Donor cultivation is a cyclical process fueled by insightful data your nonprofit collects, such as donors’ wealth capacities, giving histories, and contact information. The ultimate goal of donor cultivation is to create a sustainable base of loyal donors who support your organization’s overall mission and goals.

What is the difference between donor cultivation and stewardship?

While cultivation and stewardship aren’t the same thing, they are connected. Both practices are phases in the donor cultivation cycle and play a crucial role in your fundraising and donor retention efforts.

Here’s a quick summary of the difference between the two terms:

A summary of the difference between donor cultivation and donor stewardship, as well as the key activities associated with each one (detailed in the text below).

  • Donor cultivation: Cultivation prioritizes forming meaningful relationships with prospective donors before soliciting a gift. The goals are to build rapport with prospects, encourage them to donate, and establish a strong foundation for a long-term relationship.
  • Key activities: Identifying and researching prospective donors, establishing and nurturing relationships with prospects, crafting personalized communications to engage prospects, educating potential donors about your mission, and capping off these efforts with a tailored solicitation.
  • Donor stewardship: Stewardship comes after the prospect donates, focusing on thanking donors for their generosity and keeping them engaged in your mission. The goal is to ensure donors feel valued and understand their impact so they feel motivated to continue giving.
  • Key activities: Acknowledging and thanking donors for contributions, recognizing donors via special events or donor walls, reporting the impact of donors’ contributions, providing personalized engagement recommendations, soliciting feedback, and maintaining the relationship between gifts.

When your nonprofit does its homework during the cultivation phase, you’ll set yourself up for success in the stewardship phase. Rely on your data to consider donors’ interests, preferences, giving histories, and key milestones as you nurture relationships going forward.

What are the benefits of cultivating donors?

Every organization’s reason for cultivating donors remains the same: they want to establish and deepen relationships with those who believe in their cause. As you pursue this goal, you’ll likely find that effective donor cultivation can also bring about benefits like:

  • Engaging donors: The cultivation process helps create engagement opportunities that encourage donors to interact with your organization and learn more about your mission, programs, and impact.
  • Building trust: A 2024 study found that trust in nonprofits increased by 5 points to 57%. Nevertheless, there is still plenty of room for improvement via steps like committing to third-party ethics standards and fostering transparent relationships. Donor cultivation efforts demonstrate your commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of donations.
  • Retaining more supporters: Effective cultivation means you can retain more donors and inspire them to stay engaged in your activities. Set up communication cadences and spark meaningful relationships at the cultivation stage of the cycle, following up with regular communications, personalized recommendations, and recognition during the stewardship phase.
  • Boosting donor lifetime value: As fundraisers, we all know that donor attrition can be costly. Use donor cultivation to make an excellent first impression and secure that coveted first donation. Then, follow the donor cultivation cycle to inspire donors to give again and donate larger gifts over time, increasing their lifetime value.

As you can see, donor cultivation and stewardship are closely intertwined. You’ll need to practice both to take advantage of each of these benefits. Think of it like a relay race—eventually, you’ll need to pass the baton from initial relationship cultivation to long-term stewardship. 

The Donor Cultivation Cycle: 5 Key Phases

The process of seeking donations and building relationships with donors must be cyclical. Otherwise, you’d have to recruit new supporters for each gift, which would quickly become too expensive and time-consuming to manage. This repetitive process is known as the donor cultivation cycle or fundraising cycle.

The donor cultivation cycle is made up of the following phases:

The donor cultivation cycle, detailed below.

1. Identification: This stage requires finding people with the capacity and interest to support your cause. Consider everyone in your network who might support your mission, including current small or mid-level donors, recurring donors, volunteers, etc. Consult board members’ and donors’ networks to tap into new audiences.

💡Pro Tip: Follow data hygiene best practices to ensure your file is up-to-date and accurate, and leverage predictive modeling tools to predict which prospects are most likely to convert or upgrade.

2. Qualification: Next, you’ll qualify prospects by assessing their giving capacity, philanthropic interests, and likelihood of supporting the organization. These findings will help you prioritize prospective donors so you can devote more resources to those most likely to contribute a significant gift.

💡Pro Tip: Score donors based on key factors like giving history, wealth, personal connection to your cause, and community connections, with high scores indicating an ideal prospect.

3. Cultivation: Based on your research, begin forming a relationship with the prospect, educating them about your nonprofit’s mission, programs, and impact. This step typically involves activities like sending personalized communications that appeal to their interests, inviting them to join events, and promoting other ways to get involved (like volunteering).

💡Pro Tip: Segment donors based on shared characteristics, developing tailored communications for each segment. Be sure to evaluate and tweak segments as your audience of prospects and supporters evolves.

4. Solicitation: Once you’ve cultivated a relationship with the prospective donor, it’s time to make your fundraising ask. Depending on their potential giving level and communication preferences, you might meet with the prospect face-to-face, send a fundraising letter or email, or make an online appeal.

💡Pro Tip: Infuse your ask with details that appeal to the donor, and align the appeal amount with what you know about their financial capacity and willingness to give. For example, if you’re soliciting a gift from a retired musician, you might highlight the impact of your music therapy program.

5. Stewardship: Your work isn’t done when you receive a gift—in fact, the stewardship phase is just getting started. As mentioned earlier, this step involves thanking and acknowledging donors, communicating impact, and encouraging deeper engagement.

💡Pro Tip: Frequently check in with donors and collect feedback to see how things are going. Consider implementing a feedback loop to gather insights via surveys, evaluate their comments, and report back on whether you’ll implement their ideas.

Did you notice the common thread that runs through each of these steps? It’s data.

Donor cultivation and the broader donor cultivation cycle are all about getting to know your supporters, applying that knowledge to your interactions with them, and fostering relationships founded on trust and respect. This is why having a clean, comprehensive dataset on hand is so important. If your nonprofit is struggling with missing or outdated information, consider leveraging data append services to fill in the blanks.

10 Proven Donor Cultivation Strategies

1. Ensure data is clean, consolidated, and up-to-date.

Data hygiene is the ongoing process of maintaining a clean database free of errors and duplicate or outdated records. Prioritizing data hygiene will allow you to spot opportunities more quickly, allocate your resources more efficiently, and even reengage lapsed donors.

Get started by conducting an audit of your database to identify and delete any unnecessary, outdated, inaccurate, or duplicated data. Then, set standardized rules for data entry and formatting, and apply those rules to the data left in your file. Examine the remaining information, identifying any gaps you may need to fill in via data appending services. Additionally, make sure you’ve backed up your data in case something happens to the original file.

Remember that this is an ongoing process, so you must repeat these steps regularly. Set a schedule for the large-scale data audits, such as once per quarter.

2. Leverage prospect data.

We recommend tracking these important types of donor data:

  • Contact information: Track and update postal addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Accurate contact details are essential for delivering your communications and engaging donors—otherwise, you’ll waste resources on communications that reach no one.
  • Giving history: Track the amount, frequency, and date of each donor’s contributions, identifying giving patterns you can use to generate targeted fundraising appeals. For first-time donors, you may be able to learn about their giving history with similar organizations if they’ve donated significant amounts.
  • Engagement history: This refers to any nonfinancial engagement from supporters, such as volunteering or attending an event. While engagement doesn’t always equal funding, highly engaged supporters tend to be more interested in your work and mission (and more likely to donate!).
  • Demographic details: Collect demographic information about donors, such as age, gender, and income. This information will allow you to craft appeals tailored to their budgets and interests.
  • Donor preferences: Your nonprofit should track donors’ interests, values, and philanthropic preferences. Use this data to tailor engagement efforts to each donor’s individual needs and build a deeper relationship.

Don’t panic if you don’t have some of these key pieces of information. Data appends allow you to acquire any missing or outdated information in your CRM by cross-checking the information you have with a comprehensive external database.

Unlock the insights you need to cultivate lasting relationships with new supporters. Get a quote!

3. Personalize the journey.

Each supporter follows a unique path, from discovering your nonprofit to making that first donation. For instance, they might see your social media posts, click through to your website, and sign up for newsletters. From there, it’s up to you to spark a relationship and craft a donor journey that aligns with their preferences and needs.

Here are some quick tips to make personalization less daunting:

  • Segment donors. It’s impossible to cater to each and every minor preference, but you can personalize communication at a larger scale with segmentation. Create groups of donors based on shared characteristics and craft targeted communications for each segment. For example, one group may have the giving capacity of mid-level donors, prefer email communications, and be interested in your food pantry’s community garden program.
  • Develop individualized cultivation plans. When it comes to potential major donors, you should create a plan for each prospect that outlines personalized engagement activities, the ideal communication frequency, important preferences, and approved recognition methods. However, you can apply this strategy to small donors as well by creating plans for each donor segment.
  • Provide tailored recommendations. Donors don’t want to feel like a walking ATM. Instead of centering all of your interactions with them around soliciting a financial donation, recommend other ways to get involved based on their past preferences. Based on their preferences, invite them to events they might be interested in, suggest blog posts about topics they care about, and more.

Be sure to track the effectiveness of your messages with each individual or donor segment. Adjust your approach as needed to maximize your resources and impact.

4. Offer unique fundraising opportunities.

Unique fundraising opportunities can help inspire donations, and one of our favorite options is donation eCards. You can create branded eCards that donors can send to their loved ones, either letting them know they gave in their name or encouraging them to donate, too.

Alternatively, create cards for special occasions that anyone can buy. With holiday donation cards, supporters can celebrate birthdays, say thanks to their loved ones, or send well wishes —all while supporting your cause.

Sell fundraising eCards like this one to cultivate donors and inspire them to donate.

To sell the eCards, Fundraising Letters’ charity eCards guide recommends the following methods:

  1. Use eCards as integrated donation forms. Add eCards directly to your site’s donation process. A donor will select their preferred eCard, choose a donation amount, add the recipient’s contact information, and supply their payment details.
  2. Sell eCards as fundraising products. If you have an online fundraising store, add your eCards and sell them for fixed rates. Donors can browse your collection, personalize the eCards, and send them to friends and family.
  3. Add eCards to your donation confirmation page. Embed your eCards into your giving confirmation page. It can be a fun surprise if a donor doesn’t know they can send an eCard until it pops up on the confirmation page.

The key to this strategy is to leverage a strong eCard creation platform. We recommend eCardWidget for its user-friendly design tools and fundraising features that make it easy to sell digital greeting cards to support your cause.

Cultivate donor relationships with personalized eCards for your nonprofit. Learn about eCard Widget!

5. Maximize donors’ impact with matching gifts.

Matching gifts multiply the gifts your donors give. If their employer offers a matching gift program, their donation to your nonprofit could be eligible to be matched. This could turn a $100 donation into $200 at no extra cost to the donor.

Here are the most important ways to promote donation matching during the donor cultivation cycle:

  • On your website: Encourage prospective and current donors alike to check their eligibility. Consider creating a dedicated landing page for information about matching gifts.
  • Across digital communications: From your social media posts to your monthly newsletter, mention donation matching whenever you can!
  • On your donation form: Add a snippet about matching gifts to your donation form and an employer research tool to your confirmation page.

Accurate employer information is essential for effectively following up with match-eligible supporters. Learn more about this process with our guide to employer appends for nonprofits.

6. Highlight and communicate your impact.

Think of first-time donors as strangers to your cause. They know little about your mission, programs, or impact. It’s your responsibility to measure that impact and communicate it in a compelling, yet transparent and honest, way.

Consider leveraging nonprofit storytelling to convey your programs’ outcomes, weaving in metrics that add data-backed support to emotional success stories. Expand on your mission using the following story elements:

  • Compelling, relatable characters: Center the people, things, or places that are impacted by your story. For example, you might interview a real beneficiary and tell their story or describe the history of a landmark or monument your organization protects.
  • A clear setting: Use descriptive language to help readers understand when and where this story is taking place.
  • An engaging plot: Shape your plot using the hero’s journey, three-act structure, or another tried-and-true formula. Typically, stories include a hook or intriguing introduction, a central conflict, a climactic clash between the protagonist and the conflict, and a resolution to the conflict.

Don’t write off the resolution with a quick “and they all lived happily ever after.” This is where you can make your programs, services, and impact shine.

For example, perhaps your animal shelter tells the story of its work through the eyes of an abandoned mother cat struggling to keep her kittens safe, fed, and comfortable. After days of searching for scraps, she’s lured in by food set out by your trap, neuter, release (TNR) team, and the mother cat and her babies are sent to one of your foster homes! At this point in the story, layer in statistics about how many similar cat families you help each year and how many animals you adopt out to loving families.

7. Plan a communication cadence.

When building new relationships with potential supporters, consistency is key. To ensure you’re nurturing these relationships and engaging them at key points, create a standard communication cadence that everyone on your team follows.

Here’s a sample communication cadence for cultivating new supporters who have not yet donated:

  • Welcome and introduction: After an individual signs up for your newsletter, registers for an event, etc., send the new supporter a welcome email that provides an overview of your mission, values, and programs. Thank them for joining your community.
    • When? Within one day of the initial interaction.
  • Share impact stories: Follow up with an email sharing compelling success stories that showcase how your organization has made a difference.
    • When? One week after the initial interaction.
  • Educate and engage: Email the supporter detailed educational content about your work, including blog posts, videos, or infographics. Add a call to action (CTA) prompting them to take action.
    • When? Two to three weeks after the initial interaction.
  • Show transparency and impact: Provide a more detailed update on how donations are used and the progress you’ve made toward your goal—include specific numbers to back up your claims.
    • When? One month to six weeks after the initial interaction.
  • Recommend other ways to engage: Using anything you’ve learned about the prospect, recommend additional ways to get involved that appeal to their interests.
    • When? Six to eight weeks after the initial interaction.
  • Inspire a sense of urgency: Share time-sensitive campaigns or urgent needs, such as reaching your end-of-year fundraising goal or rebuilding after a natural disaster, to inspire supporters to take action.
    • When? Around two months after the initial interaction.
  • Share a personalized ask:
    • When? Two to three months after the initial reaction, no more than two weeks after the urgent appeal.

Remember, your communications shouldn’t stop here. Now, you’ll need to start the cycle over again by thanking donors for their support, continuously sharing your impact, and providing updates about your programs and beneficiaries. These stewardship efforts will then set up your next fundraising ask for success.

8. Prepare for challenges and rejection.

When you finally make that fundraising ask, you need to be ready for whatever response supporters have. While the goal is always a resounding “yes,” some donors may respond with questions or reject your request for support. However, there are ways to respond to these more negative responses and maintain the positive relationships you’ve built during the donor cultivation process.

Here’s how you might respond to common challenges or rejections from potential donors:

The most common donor challenges and rejections paired with recommended responses (detailed in text below).

  • “I can’t afford to donate right now.” Acknowledge that you understand their reasoning and validate the forms of support they are able to contribute, no matter how small. Offer alternative forms of support that they can do, like volunteering or spreading the word about your cause.
  • “I don’t know enough about your organization.” Address any specific questions they have and share impact reports, success stories, and blog posts. Consider revisiting your welcome materials to see if there are ways to improve how you educate newcomers about your mission.
  • “How can I be sure my donation will be used well?” Assure donors that you are dedicated to transparency and honesty. Confirm that you will answer any and all questions about resource allocation, and provide materials like audited financial statements, your annual report, and third-party certifications.
  • “I want to see more results before donating.” Offer to share more success stories, ongoing projects, or measurable outcomes. For potential major donors, you could offer to set up a meeting between them and your program director to go over your daily operations and how they impact the community.

Sometimes, supporters just aren’t ready, willing, or able to give, and that’s okay. Know when to take no for an answer and simply follow up with educational content or invitations to support your cause in other ways. Forceful or unrelenting attempts to secure a donation will only drive these supporters away, sacrificing all of your hard work from the cultivation stage.

9. Create a culture of gratitude.

Whether or not they’ve donated, you never want supporters to feel like you only care about their money. No matter what they contribute to your cause, your nonprofit should strive to show them how much their involvement matters. Get everyone on your team on the same page by building a culture of gratitude.

This practice starts with your leaders. Encourage leadership to model gratitude in their daily interactions with staff, volunteers, and other supporters—for example, they might highlight a staff member who went above and beyond in weekly team meetings. These small efforts stack up, and they set the tone for your organization’s interactions with donors.

In addition to sharing prompt and personalized thank-you messages, consider setting structured recognition programs for donors and volunteers to recognize your most dedicated supporters. Frequently seek feedback from supporters and implement their suggestions when you can. Track and celebrate milestones and important dates, such as the anniversary of their first donation or their birthday.

10. Recommend additional ways to engage.

When it comes to donor cultivation, non-financial forms of engagement, like volunteering, attending events, and connecting with your online community, can be just as meaningful. Getting donors involved in these other areas of your organization can help them see firsthand why financial support is so crucial. Plus, they’ll recognize that your nonprofit views them as more than a funding opportunity.

You can also increase engagement by expanding your nonprofit’s network. Establishing deep roots in your community can help you become a more meaningful, recurring part of their lives. For example, you might work with local businesses and institutions to:

  • Establish workplace giving programs with local businesses.
  • Secure event and campaign sponsorships from businesses.
  • Co-host programs and events with other nonprofit organizations.
  • Lend volunteer power to public institutions (e.g., help clean up your city’s park).
  • Offer free educational programming in partnership with peer organizations and community groups.

Corporate giving programs are among the easiest ways to get started expanding your network and building more touchpoints with donors. That’s because they’re mutually beneficial for both your nonprofit and businesses, which receive public recognition and increased employee engagement as a result of giving back to the community. It’s a win-win!

Wrapping Up

Effective donor cultivation looks different for every organization. Beyond understanding the fundamentals of the cycle, your nonprofit will thrive by experimenting with different strategies like thank-you eCards and data appending.

Remember, the cycle is an ongoing process—it never truly ends. Rather, you need to re-enter donors into the cycle every time they give, so you can maintain those relationships and upgrade their support.

As you refine your donor cultivation strategies, check out these additional resources: