Are you keeping up with your donors?

Many charities may be missing out on revenue because they rely on familiar but outdated processes. While tradition can provide stability, it’s important to regularly assess whether existing methods still serve your charity’s goals as effectively as possible.

Are you keeping up with donors?

Charities often fall into the trap of maintaining the status quo, especially when teams are stretched thin and change feels daunting. But outdated methods can lead to:

Missed opportunities
If your donation journey doesn't make it easy for donors to opt into Gift aid or consent, you could be losing out on extra revenue or retention opportunities for every donor.

Clunky donation experiences
If your donation page isn't streamlined, modern, mobile-friendly, offers multiple payment options or takes too long, potential donors may drop off before completing their gift.

Poor donor stewardship
If your thank-you emails and impact updates aren't timely, automated and personalised, you risk lower retention rates and disengaged supporters.

Manual data handling
Manually inputting donation and event data into CRMs increases the risk of errors and wastes valuable time that could be spent on fundraising strategy.

High platform overheads
Sticking with expensive or inflexible fundraising platforms can drain resources when more cost-effective, scalable alternatives exist.

Missed income streams
Not exploring fundraising trends like peer-to-peer giving or dedication tributes means missing out on new sources of donations and supporter engagement.

Real-World Impact of Change

Forward-thinking charities that have embraced digital transformation are seeing the benefits:

Optimised capture
Charities using clear and simple prompts with strong opt-in messaging have significantly increased their rates.

Streamlined donor journeys
Those investing in frictionless, mobile-first donation forms are seeing higher conversion rates.

Automated stewardship
Charities that implement automated thank-you messages and impact-driven updates report better donor retention and increased lifetime value.

Seamless data integration
Charities that automate the transfer of donation and event data into their CRM systems save hours of admin work and ensure data accuracy.

Cost savings through smarter platform choices
Moving to more efficient, cost-effective fundraising platforms has allowed charities to redirect funds towards frontline services.

Increased income from new fundraising streams
Charities embracing peer-to-peer fundraising or diversifying their income streams have expanded their donor base and boosted revenue.

What Can You Do?

If you think your charity could benefit from process improvements, consider:

Reviewing your donor journey
Test it yourself or ask someone outside your team to go through the process and identify friction points.

Tracking drop-off points
Use analytics to see where donors abandon the process.

Embracing automation
Invest in tools that reduce manual work and improve donor engagement.

Benchmarking against the sector
Learn from charities that are successfully improving their digital strategies.

Exploring new fundraising opportunities
Consider launching peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns or the like to diversify income.

Evaluating your platform costs
Assess whether your fundraising and website platforms are providing value for money or if more affordable, efficient options are available.

Final Thought

Tradition has value, but regularly reviewing and refining your approach can ensure your charity maximises its fundraising potential. By embracing digital-first strategies, optimising donor experiences, automating processes, and exploring new opportunities, charities can unlock more revenue, reduce admin burdens, and build stronger relationships with supporters.

Is your charity adapting to change?