Non profits are often strapped for general operating dollars. It becomes a strategic decision on where to allocate various expenses. One area where non profits should focus their fundraising expenses in in the area of online giving. Many may feel that this expense is not warranted when factoring in all the other things that go into running a non profit organization. Here are four reasons why non profits should not delete their online giving program when trying to reduce overhead expenses.
A Changing Arena
The Internet is changing every day. New websites pop up and new technology abounds. Non profit organizations without websites and online donation systems will be missing out on source to distribute information about their organization. In addition, they will be missing an opportunity to turn those who may be interested in their programs and services into donors. Keep your website up to date and use it to display the information that will draw potential donors into your circles. The more a person knows about your organization and the problems you address, the more chances you will have to turn friends into funders.
Generous Donors
Online donors tend to be younger, although more and more older people are beginning to use the Internet. Online donation systems make it easier for a person to donate immediately if they are interested in your program. If they have to take the time to write you a check and mail it, you could have potentially just lost a very nice sized donation. Many people who will visit your website may be moved by the content you have and want to make an immediate donation because of a heartfelt response. Let them. Don’t deny potential funders the ability to give you a donation in any way they can.
Cost Effective
Have you ever priced what it costs to do a direct mail out? Especially if you have to buy the address list, the paper, the envelopes, the postage and the staff time of the people who are involved in the process? Compare the costs with the amount of money you actually get back in return and you will find that you generally pay a lot more than you get in return. With an online donation process, once you have the systems in place, the only thing that changes will be the information you use to update your website. Keep that information current so that the news doesn’t become stale and you continue to encourage visitors to your site by letting them become more involved in the work of your organization. In the long run, the price you pay for your domain name and website hosting will be less money with more return on your investment.
Supports Other Donation Methods
Just because someone makes an online donation does not mean they won’t make other donations in other ways. If a non profit attracts a funder, thank that funder as many different ways as you can think of. Chances are that online funder will also help fund your program or organization in other ways. Those are the best kind of funders to make. Funders who have taken your mission to heart are the ones that will continue to be there for your organization and the people you serve. Welcome them and make them part of your organizational family.
Author: Terry Ford writes about business and technology. To polish her finished product she relies on the world’s best Grammar Checker
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