If you own and operate a non-profit or a charity, its easier than ever to have your followers donate funds online. With a credit card in hand, people can quickly help you fund your latest cause. Yet there are rules to follow to help make your site more accessible – more trustable – and therefore receive even more.
Make the donation process quick and easy
Instead of leaving a blank space for people to choose how much to donate, suggest an amount instead. Three or four numbers in a drop down box can actually entice people to giving more than they otherwise would.
Provide adequate support to build trust
While long term followers may donate frequently, as you attract new donors, its important to provide enough support to let them know you are a legitimate organization. Let them know if you are a 501 ©(3) and if the donation will be tax-deductible – a good sign of a legitimate organization.
Make it affordable
Instead of a one time $100 donation, why not break it up into monthly donations? While a larger donation may be difficult for some of your followers, a small amount every month that equates to a cup of coffee may be easier to handle. Offer both options on your site for even more potential.
Offer receipts
Credit card donations are tax deductible for qualified charitable contributions in the year of the donation. While a person can use their credit card statement as proof, you can also give them an added bonus of a printable donation receipt to keep for their records. It also gives them something to look at around tax time the next year – which may spawn a new donation.
Change your website and run specials
With a small charity, its easy to put up a site and let it go. Yet if you change your site frequently, offer new target goals or campaigns, or work to tell stories throughout the year, you’ll be more likely to keep a visitors attention – and keep the donations coming in.
Running a non-profit, charitable website can be easy and profitable – with the right merchant account. We specialize in helping non-profits and charitable organizations achieve results online. Give us a call today.