Smart Money ran an article last month “3 Charities That Let Donors Call The Shots” highlighting three non-profits that entice donors by pledging to spend the money however they deem necessary.
“The opportunities these organizations offer run the gamut. GlobalGiving, for example, sponsors projects ranging from AIDS prevention in India to energy saving in the United States, while Kiva.org allows philanthropists to finance microloans to entrepreneurs in poor countries.”
This creative solution to non-profits concerns of tightening purse strings did earned media and no doubt brought in more new donors, but they have lost control over the direction of their non-profit. While it may seem ideal to let donors dictate how money should be spent, it may not always line up with the non-profit’s mission statement, budgetary needs or past and future contributions. The lack of control in recruiting donations is inherently flawed and cannot sustain long term goals. The article goes on to say:
“”Having that control is something that a lot of [donors] feel very attracted to,” says Cohen. It’s especially true for new donors.”
Donor enhancement is the process of increasing donations through current donors and new donors, by finding out what messages work to motivate current donors to give more and new donors to write a check. Knowing what to say when pitching to donors is half the battle. You may already know they support your cause, but you do not know why they do so or what will encourage them to invest more financially. WPA’s Donor Enhancement page has detail on new and current donors, our methodology and your deliverables. Projects like donor enhancement allow you to keep control, give the donors what they want and increase your donations.
