Getting Your Donors to Get Up and Dance

By Erica Waasdorp

But it’s even more important to look at cost of living. One indicator is the cost for a gallon of gas. In New Orleans, we paid $2.09. On Cape Cod, we’re looking at $2.72. In other parts of the country, you’re looking at $3.15! Understanding those differences will help you establish the best ask amounts for your area.

It’s also helpful to look at certain amounts that may be more meaningful than others. For example, if it costs you $6 for two-hour parking, perhaps that’s a doable amount to test. If it takes $3 to ride the streetcar for the day, then that may be a good amount to test, especially for monthly gifts. “For the cost of a streetcar ticket or for the cost of two hours of parking, you can help X.”

There’s literally no end to the opportunities you can offer your donors to make a difference—no matter where, no matter which culture they live in or live close to.

Find out those amounts that are most meaningful in your area. Find out what makes your donors tick. Find out what it takes to make your monthly donors get up and dance.

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Erica Waasdorp Author's page

Erica Waasdorp is one of the leading experts on monthly giving. She is the president of A Direct Solution, a company serving nonprofit organizations with fundraising and direct marketing needs, with a focus on monthly giving and appeals. She authored "Monthly Giving: The Sleeping Giant" and "Monthly Giving Made Easy." She regularly blogs and presents on fundraising, appeals and monthly giving — in person and through webinars. She is happy to answer any questions you may have about this great way of improving retention rates for your donors.

Erica has over 30 years of experience in nonprofits and direct response. She helped the nonprofits she works with raise millions of dollars through monthly giving programs. She is also very actively supports organizations with annual fund planning and execution, ranging from copywriting, creative, lists, print and mail execution.

When she’s not working or writing, Erica can be found on the golf course (she’s a straight shooter) or quietly reading a book. And if there’s an event with a live band, she and her husband, Patrick, can be found on the dance floor. She also loves watching British drama on PBS. Erica and Patrick have two step sons and a cat, Mientje.

Monthly Donor Motivation: Getting Your Donors to Get Up and Dance