As an organization expands it is common for them to add new tools instead of replacing them. Your fundraising portfolio can grow until it is too big. And then, you're wondering who's managing all the technology, and how much time is being devoted to your primary passion your cause.
As our team thinks deeply about the things nonprofits require to work efficiently Sometimes, we're stuck on the question: how many free fundraising platforms for nonprofits does your non-profit really require?
Let's begin. First, let's review fundraising platform basics. Next, we'll discuss how one platform can be able to handle multiple functions, and help your organization remain focussed on its mission.
What is a crowdfunding platform?
Basically, a fundraising platform is what you employ to manage any fundraising event. It lets you accept donations and to create numerous forms for various campaigns. You can also manage donor information and run reports.
As you may have guessed, an online fundraising sites like gofundme that don't charge is necessary for any non-profit organization. The online fundraising platform is more than just a means to obtain credit card numbers. Online fundraising platforms have become the center where donors can interact with your business. Donors will stay engaged longer if you offer a wide selection of options.
Let's break down each of the key functions of what a fundraising platform should help with:
Accepting Cryptocurrencies and Credit Card
Although you may have a memory of a time when you primarily accepted cash payments in person, or even (gasp) via mail, online giving is now the standard. Payment gateways allow you to accept credit card donations through fundraising forms. Even five years ago, you needed the merchant account of an institution to be able to accept this. The good news is that accepting online donations is much easier.
Making Numerous Gift Kinds
The majority of nonprofits have more than one website sites like gofundme that don't charge. A campaign may be intended meant for long-term use and the other to meet specific requirements. For example, a youth camp could have a variety of campaigns for building and maintenance costs, special projects and a scholarship to fund a camper.
You have the ability to determine how many donation forms your organization can develop. There's not a great deal of freedom on every platform that permit this kind of flexibility. Also, not all free fundraising platforms for nonprofits are created equal. When exploring options for fundraising, nonprofits cannot assume that the same platform has all the features of the other.
Using Funds and Designations
Because you're likely to run several campaigns running at once You may also want to allow donors to choose where their money to go. For instance, if your group has chapters in local areas, you can create different fund designations to each chapter. This feature is not available on all fundraising platforms.
Including Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaigns
Peer-to peer fundraising is an effective way to boost your revenue over time. It allows teams to come together and raise money for your business. This is one area where fundraisers often depend on a second (or third) fundraising platform. There are many peer-to-peer fundraising websites available however, that you must include a third platform in your plan.
Handling Your Benefactor Data Bank
Management of donors is an essential component to any fundraising. Free fundraising platforms for nonprofits must be able to determine who has contributed to your campaigns and when. A donor database will allow you to dig deeper and build more meaningful relationships with donors.
At at a minimum, your donors database should allow:
Find out whom your contributors are, and know how to contact them
See how many donations each of your donors have made and
See their complete giving history
This will allow you to find donors to honor for their contribution and to identify people who could use some encouragement.