It’s Time to ‘Poke the Monthly Donor Box’

By Erica Waasdorp

I just finished Seth Godin’s book, “Poke the Box.” As always, it’s terrific, short and to the point. It really got me thinking: Godin tells us to have the initiative to start.

Turn fear into action because the consequence of doing nothing is much scarier and is certainly going to raise less money! It seems to me that this approach should be applied especially to monthly donors. There seems to be a fear of starting, and it prevents organizations from growing to their full potential; it holds them back.

I’m not sure what organizations are fearful of.

Yes, it will take some time to get it started and going, but I guarantee you, it will take a lot less time than the next event you’re organizing!

If it’s the technology, there’s no reason to fear any longer because there are so many wonderful tools at your fingertips, and solutions are only a text, telephone call or email away.

Based upon what I’m seeing and hearing from those organizations that have “poked the monthly donor box” and started, they’re not regretting it one iota. You know that expression: “If you keep doing what you’re doing, you keep getting what you’re getting.” If your organization doesn’t need to raise any more money, go ahead, stay fearful.

But if your organization needs to raise more money every year because you’re doing a great job, you’re supporting more people, more animals, more clients, you must start by poking the monthly donor box. You won’t regret it!

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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.