Recurring-giving programs are growing in popularity. And for good reason: Donors who give monthly are more likely to stick with an organization. They also provide a reliable source of revenue and are likely to give more over their lifetime than donors who give once or twice a year.
“If you’re taking gifts from individuals, you should be setting up a sustainer program,” says Anne Ibach, director of membership at Oregon Public Broadcasting, which has more than 30,000 monthly donors. “People will give to a finite number of organizations this way, so you better get out there and be one of the ones they’re giving to.”
Here we provide the information you need to start or expand your monthly giving program.
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Advice
6 Ways to Build a Strong Monthly Giving Program
A top fundraising and marketing executive at Boston’s WGBH shares lessons to help nonprofits build successful sustainer programs. -
News
Study Shows How Monthly Giving Strategies Can Boost Revenue and Keep Donors on Board
The Blackbaud analysis also found that donors who made monthly contributions through bank transfers were more likely to continue giving than those who gave through credit cards. -
Advice
Important Terms and Concepts for Monthly Giving Programs
Learn about conversion, electronic-funds transfer, and other lingo you’ll need to know. -
Advice
Where to Start When Setting Up a Monthly Giving Program
Experts offer advice on a range of topics including setting up gift-processing technology, identifying prospective donors, marketing the program, and more. -
Advice
Advice: Tips for Building a Successful Monthly Giving Program
A nonprofit consultant offers advice on setting a minimum donation, preferred payment options, and more. -
Advice
Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Checklist for Starting a Sustainer Program
The public-media organization shared its list of must-haves for a monthly-giving program. -
AdviceCharity Raises More Monthly Gifts From Bank Transfers Than From Credit Cards
Oregon Public Broadcasting is combating the problem of canceled credit cards by urging donors to use electronic funds transfer. -
Advice
Quarterly Statements Help One Group Engage Monthly Donors
World Vision sends the reports to recurring donors to thank them, demonstrate the impact of their gifts, and even ask for additional donations. -
Advice
Annual Tax Letter for Your Monthly Donors
Use this model to craft a letter to monthly donors that they can use as a record for claiming a charitable tax deduction. -
Advice
Email for Monthly Donors Whose Payments Are Declined
Use this example to craft an email message that asks recurring donors to update their payment information.
