Nonprofits typically start planning for giving season months in advance to ensure they have everything they need to make the most of this critical fundraising period. Although it's only May, it is the perfect time to begin preparing for the giving season.

Planning for the giving season requires careful consideration of the fundraising goals and objectives of the organization. Nonprofits need to take the time to identify the campaigns, events, and initiatives they want to focus on during the giving season, as well as the types of donations they expect to receive.

One critical aspect of giving season planning is choosing the right giving channels and donation platforms. Nonprofits need to research and evaluate different platforms to find one that aligns with their needs and goals and removes barriers from their donors. By starting the process early, nonprofits have ample time to test different platforms, review transaction fees, and ensure that the chosen platform integrates smoothly with their website and other systems.

The right approach and mindset towards the giving season can help nonprofits raise more funds and achieve their goals, both from a fundraising and organizational impact perspective. By starting early and taking the necessary steps, nonprofits can ensure they are well-positioned for a successful giving season.

What are your giving season goals?

When thinking about giving channels and donation platforms, it's essential to understand your organization's goals for the upcoming giving season. Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve can help you identify the features and tools you need for a successful giving season.

Start by asking yourself questions such as:

• How much do we want to raise during the giving season?

• Are there any specific fundraising campaigns or initiatives we want to focus on?

• What types of donations do we expect to receive (e.g., one-time, recurring, major gifts, etc.)?

• How do we plan to engage and communicate with donors before and throughout the giving season?
  
  

By answering these questions, you can identify your organization's specific needs and goals for the giving season, and use these to inform your decision when selecting a donation platform.

For example, if you want to focus on major gifts during the giving season, you may need a donation platform that allows for larger transactions and provides advanced reporting and analytics. If you plan to engage with donors through social media, you may want to start planning how you will inform donors about your giving channel options through all social media platforms. 

What are your organization's needs?

Now that your organization has established its goals for the giving season, determining how they integrate with its needs is the next step. Depending on your organization's fundraising strategy, you may need to inform donors about multiple giving channel options for different types of donations.

Customization is another crucial factor to consider. Some organizations may require a high level of customization to align with their branding and website design, while others may prefer a more straightforward donation process. The donation platform you choose should provide the level of customization you need to match your organization's brand and website design. NetGiver has a feature to enable a custom widget button that can be installed on your nonprofit's website to make the giving experience seamless for your donors. 

What about platform fees?

Transaction fees can have a significant impact on the amount of funds a nonprofit can raise during the giving season. These fees are typically a percentage of the donation, and as you receive more donations, you will be losing more money to fees that could otherwise be used in support of your nonprofits’ mission. Fees can add up quickly, especially for nonprofits that expect a high volume of individual donations during the giving season.

To maximize the amount of funds raised,  it's essential to consider the fees associated with your platform of choice. These include, but are not limited to, transaction fees, setup fees, per-donation fees, platform fees, and monthly fees. Be sure to review the fee structure of each platform carefully to ensure you understand the costs associated with each one. Choosing a platform that doesn't charge transaction fees or other hidden fees ensures that your organization is maximizing the amount of funds it can raise. 

Look for platforms that don't charge transaction fees or have platform fees for using their service, such as NetGiver. By using a platform that doesn't charge transaction or platform fees, your organization can keep 100% of the donations it receives, enabling you to raise more funds and achieve your fundraising goals.

Should you offer multiple donation platforms? 

Offering multiple donation platform options can help nonprofit organizations align with their donors' needs and preferences. While some donors may prefer to donate through a specific platform, others may have different preferences based on their payment method or other factors.

When considering multiple donation platform options, it's important to ensure that each platform is integrated seamlessly into your organizations’ website and that donors can easily access each option. You may want to consider offering various platforms for different payment methods to accommodate donors. By providing flexibility and convenience, you can increase donor engagement and ultimately raise more funds for your organization's cause.

CONCLUSION

Using the right donation platforms is an essential part of preparing for the giving season. By following these steps and selecting a no-fee platform such as NetGiver, nonprofits can maximize their donations and make the most of this crucial time of year. Don't forget to promote your fundraising efforts through social media, email, and other channels to reach more donors and make the process of donating as simple and frictionless as possible. With the right tools and strategies in place, your organization can make a significant impact and achieve its fundraising goals.

You can give them that feeling with the NetGiver app. Reach out to us today to enjoy the No-Fee experience.  NetGiver for Nonprofits — NetGiver | 100% Giving (netgiverapp.com)