Chapter 1: Embracing Monthly Giving

Discussing monthly giving truly energizes me!

If you've been following my previous posts, you know that I've frequently addressed the topic of monthly contributions. With the title of this piece, you might either be pleased that I’m focusing on this subject again or questioning the frequency of my discussions on it. I sincerely hope that at least one of you remains engaged.

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at an event attended by nonprofit professionals and board members. As I began my presentation, my enthusiasm for discussing monthly giving intensified. While I'm generally passionate about this topic, my excitement soared while I was speaking.

One notable aspect of this audience was that most participants were board members of nonprofits rather than fundraisers. Their attention was fixed on me, which was invigorating. Initially, I had prepared to address fellow fundraising professionals, but upon realizing the presence of numerous board members, I quickly thought about how I could adapt my presentation to better resonate with them.

I commenced by highlighting a primary obstacle that prevents nonprofits from succeeding in their monthly giving efforts. When I posed the question, many in the audience quickly responded with "not asking," indicating that nonprofits fail to solicit this type of donation. While that’s somewhat accurate, the larger issue is that nonprofits often don’t establish or initiate a monthly giving program.

The straightforward step for a nonprofit aiming to cultivate and increase its monthly donors is to simply begin.

Indeed, just start.

The approach you take will depend on your organization’s capacity. For some, it might involve adding a checkbox on a direct mail piece that indicates the donor’s interest in monthly giving. For others, it could require time to devise and implement a comprehensive monthly giving strategy.

Within minutes, my talk transformed into what I had envisioned: an engaging dialogue. I would share insights, and then questions would arise from the audience. The atmosphere was focused, with no side conversations or phones distracting attendees. Everyone was genuinely involved in this discussion about monthly giving.

I was thrilled.

If I could elevate the enthusiasm around monthly contributions among those present, I would consider my talk a triumph. And I did achieve that. The interaction was evident through the numerous questions and the enriching conversations that followed. I found myself speaking with attendees for an hour after the event officially concluded.

This experience reinforced a key takeaway: many individuals in the nonprofit sector are eager to learn how to foster donor relationships and enhance fundraising opportunities.

Key Insights from My Experience:

1. There are still passionate individuals willing to serve on nonprofit boards, eager to contribute their energy, knowledge, compassion, time, and resources. These people wish to support fundraising initiatives rather than micromanage—what a relief!
2. People are increasingly open to the perspective that fundraising transcends mere financial transactions! This notion excites me.
3. Nonprofit leaders are keen to continuously learn and remain in a state of "always learning." This sentiment was abundantly clear.

I may take a short hiatus from writing about monthly giving in the coming weeks, but I can't guarantee it will start next week! It’s simply such a fruitful avenue for building relationships and fundraising. The more I discuss it, the greater the likelihood that nonprofits will develop fundraising strategies that incorporate monthly giving.

Take a chance. Offer your support. Collaborate with your peers. Be kind.

Chapter 2: Enhancing Your Monthly Giving Program

This video provides actionable strategies to establish a robust monthly giving program for your nonprofit, focusing on planned giving methods.

Discover how to elevate your monthly giving program and attract more donors in this insightful video from Roots Ethiopia.