Micro donations can be reliable revenue sources. But since they are usually made on impulse, you may struggle to retain donors. Here's how to make small donations sustainable. https://callhub.io/micro-donations/

1. Micro Donations: How They Can Be
a Sustainable Revenue Model for
Nonprofits
Micro donations (contributions between $0.25 to $25) can be a viable revenue model. Yet,
many nonprofits are unable to make micro donation programs sustainable and consistent.
We find ways to overcome this.

2. Start a subscription model to retain
donors
The retention rate for monthly donors is 70% as opposed to 40% for first
time donors. A subscription model can help you secure repeat donations

3. How:
• Team up with an app that makes
micro philanthropy as regular as
purchasing essentials.
• Get supporters to subscribe to you
directly. Set subscription rates to have
different levels of impact in your
cause
• Provide branded products to
supporters for as long as they
maintain their subscription

4. Why Millennials should be your
targeted donors
Young people care passionately. They are willing to give even if
they haven’t attained financial stability like the older generations.
Map them in your fundraising efforts

5. In 2014, 84% of millennial
employees donated to a
cause they believe in.
By next year, they will be
the largest
demographic in the
American workforce

6. Be a part of a micro donation platform
Micro donation platforms are likely to have a more extensive reach and already
understand who is willing to donate and for what cause. They can give your
organization better visibility from established networks to raise funds.

7. Micro donation apps such as
GiveLively, Prizeo, RoundUp
App, etc. take zero to minimal
fees for charities to sign up.
Once you are on board, they
help you reach hundreds and
thousands of patrons easily.

8. Use the Ladder of Engagement
model to encourage larger action
Subscribing as a micro donor can be too much of a commitment for some. So,
use a “ladder of engagement” format to take them step-by-step towards the
commitment. For instance, the first step is to simply sign a petition. If they do,
ask for a one-time gift, so on and so forth

9. Ladder of Engagement Vs. One Major Ask
• Keeps supporters engaged
• Gives freedom to support in any
capacity
• Requires less commitment
• Can feel like too big a leap
• Eliminates supporters who can’t
afford huge donations
• Requires firm commitment to your
cause

10. Use the goal proximity effect to
attract donors
Divide your long-term goal into several short-term aims with lean
deadlines. People are more likely to donate if they see that a goal is well
within reach

11. Harnessing the web for micro
donations
Online giving has had an upward trajectory for the past few years. Social
Media stalwarts like YouTube and Instagram too are contributing to such
fundraising methods. Avail these platforms for micro donations

12. The number of online givers
increased by 12% in 2019
and monthly online giving
increased by 40% in 2018.
These numbers show the
prowess of the internet. As a
cause or campaign looking
for sustained micro
donations, take full
advantage of it.

13. Offline efforts can have a huge
impact too!
Round up efforts, check out charities and other offline efforts have
raised millions of dollars. While you are scourging the net for online
donors, do not neglect those who aren’t active on the net.

14. In 2017, Macy’s clocked in $5.9
million, and in 2018, Domino’s
raised $1.5 million through their
offline “round-up” efforts.
With a simple initiative like
partnering with popular brands
and asking customers to donate
the change at the check-out can
help you reach closer to your
fundraising goal.

15. Make micro donations a part of
another big event
If offline or online fundraising events aren’t attracting many people, try weaving
the appeals in other events. For instance, organise an online gig with popular
local bands and appeal for micro donations during the event.

16. Corporate events, auctions,
concerts, galas, etc. are usually
organized for major donation
drives. However, you can weave a
small donation campaign (or
several) in the big event.
Take advantage of their high
footfall for a micro fundraising
campaign

17. Read more on how these ideas can
make micro donations sustainable,
below.