Ways to Encourage Donors to Make Donations

It’s no secret that there has been an overwhelming drastic decline in giving in the last month. This, however, should not stop you from encouraging donors to make donations. You might just have to think about things a bit more strategically.

For example, if you can relate your nonprofit to fighting COVID-19 in any way, make sure to make a press release and get your story out to local and national news outlets. You might not always get cold, hard cash; however, you might end up with additional resources and a new army of volunteers that might be invaluable down the line.

The government is doing its bit in the form of a $300 charitable tax deduction that will be good for your 2020 taxes. Basically, this relief provision means that any $300 charitable donation will not have to be itemized on your income tax return. Charities benefit and individuals do not have to list everything out in minute detail. 

Get creative when contacting donors. You might not be able to host a fundraiser/mixer, but you can host a Zoom Fundraiser/Mixer and you don’t even have to provide the alcohol! It might be the most affordable fundraiser you have ever hosted. 

If you know that a celebrity has a soft spot for your cause, now is the time to ask for favors. Many of them are actually bored. Singers are giving free concerts, Jack Black and Jennifer Aniston are helping to give away DoorDash deliveries to health care workers--strike while the iron is hot, Alicia Keys was giving out her phone number on Twitter and The Late Show so her fans could text her messages. We are in unprecedented times. It is okay to be bold with your actions.

Ultimately, your vision and a strong game plan are going to help you more than anything else throughout these difficult times.