Donations     |     14 March 2024

5 Monthly Giving Program Examples and How to Set One Up

Unlocking the power of consistency with monthly giving programs

12 minute read

Every organization can benefit from consistent cash flow and a predictable budget. Monthly giving programs meet this need while creating stability for non-profits and benefactors. These programs can build funds and a community of dedicated supporters who see the value in continuous commitment. The appeal is clear for organizations: a steady stream of support that helps plan and execute projects with confidence. For donors, it's an opportunity to be part of a cause they care about deeply, contributing to its success sustainably.

Let’s look at the ins and outs of monthly giving programs. 

What is a monthly giving program?

At its core, a monthly giving program invites supporters to contribute a set amount to your organization regularly, typically monthly. Its simplicity and sustainability characterize this model of giving. It's a win-win: organizations get a dependable flow of income, and donors enjoy the convenience and satisfaction of supporting their favorite causes without initiating a donation every time.

The real magic of monthly giving programs lies in their ability to transform how non-profits fund their operations. Instead of relying on unpredictable sources of income, organizations can count on these programs to provide a financial backbone and allow them to focus more on their mission and less on fundraising. That’s why a monthly giving program should be part of your overall fundraising strategy. 

The advantages of monthly giving

Predictable revenue stream

Knowing that there's a reliable sum coming in every month makes budgeting a breeze for non-profits. This stability allows for better planning, more strategic decision-making, and, ultimately, more impactful work.

Strengthened donor relationships

Monthly giving programs create a unique bond between donors and organizations. By committing to regular support, donors become more than contributors; they become partners in the mission, deeply connected to the cause and its outcomes.

Increased donor retention rates

The convenience and ongoing engagement of monthly giving make donors more likely to stick around. Just like with a charity auction, donors can take advantage of tax deductions for their gifts. Unlike an auction, they can spread out their payments over multiple months instead of a single, lump sum. 

Administrative efficiency and cost-effectiveness

On the operational side, these programs streamline the donation process, reducing the need for constant appeals and lowering administrative costs. This efficiency means more of each donation goes directly to where it's needed most.

Setting the stage for success

Launching a monthly giving program is much like planting a garden. You need to know the soil you're working with and what you hope to grow. Let's start by understanding our goals and preparing our strategy.

Understanding your audience

Who are your potential monthly donors? They could be anyone from long-time supporters to new fans of your cause, but they all share a commitment to your mission. Identifying these individuals involves looking at past giving patterns, engagement levels, and expressed interests. Remember, the best candidates for monthly giving are those who already believe in the work you do.

Crafting your message

Communicating the impact of monthly donations is about painting a picture of what consistent support can achieve. It's about showing rather than telling. Use stories and data to illustrate how monthly gifts have made a difference and outline the potential for future impact. Your message should convey that you and your donors are a team working towards a common goal, making progress every month.

Technology's role in monthly giving programs

Choosing the right technology is like picking the right tools for your garden. With the right set in hand, the work is easier, and the results are more fruitful.

The importance of choosing the right platform

Your chosen platform is the backbone of your monthly giving program. It needs to be user-friendly for both your team and your donors, ensuring that signing up and managing donations is a breeze. But simplicity doesn't mean sacrificing functionality. The platform should offer robust features that support your fundraising efforts while providing a seamless experience for users.

Here are just some of the features you’ll want to consider:

• AI reporting for donor behavior insights: Understanding your donors is key to nurturing their commitment. AI-powered analytics can reveal patterns and preferences in donor behavior, helping you tailor your approach and strengthen relationships.
• Auction reports for detailed transaction analysis: If your organization runs auctions or similar fundraising events, detailed transaction reports can offer insights into which items or experiences attract the most support, helping refine your offerings.
• Historical donation data to understand donor trends: Analyzing past giving can highlight trends and predict future behavior. This data is invaluable for planning and can help you identify potential monthly donors among your existing supporters.
• Analysis of item performance to maximize return value: Knowing which items or initiatives bring the highest return is crucial. This information lets you focus on the most profitable activities, ensuring your monthly giving program contributes to your organization's financial health.

Silent Auction Pro offers a host of powerful features that can help turn your monthly donation program dreams into a reality, from detailed event reporting for greater donor segmentation to custom landing pages to text-to-give capabilities. 

Monthly giving programs examples

1. Canadian Feed the Children: Everyday Heroes in Action

Canadian Feed the Children has mastered the art of turning regular folks into superheroes without the need for capes. By inviting donors to become "everyday heroes," the organization connects giving with the powerful impact it can have on children's lives. What's remarkable here is the clarity with which they detail the journey of a donation, from the donor's wallet to a child's improved life, including real stories of change. This approach demystifies the donation process and showcases tangible outcomes, making monthly giving feel accessible and impactful.

What they do well:

• Highlighting the specific benefits of monthly giving
• Providing easy access to donation forms
• Transparently showing how funds are used
• Introducing donors to the projects they'll support
• Offering FAQs to reassure donors
• Building trust by detailing organizational accomplishments

2. Regents College: A Community of Change

Regents College takes a personalized approach by leveraging the voices of current monthly donors. This strategy showcases the diversity of their donor base and emphasizes the collective impact of individual contributions. The college fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among potential donors by sharing relatable stories from alumni who have benefited from donations.

What they do well:

• Focusing on community impact
• Sharing donor testimonials and reasons for giving
• Linking donations to tangible outcomes through progress bars and project pages
• Suggesting specific donation amounts and illustrating their impact

3. Good Neighbors Canada: Simplifying Support

Good Neighbors Canada makes stepping into monthly giving as easy as a stroll in the park. By presenting everything a donor might need to know on a single page, including the donation form, they've removed barriers to entry. Their strategy of offering suggested donation amounts and allowing donors to choose their start date personalizes the giving experience.

What they do well:

• Suggesting impactful donation amounts
• Customizing the donation experience
• Allowing donors to support specific funds
• Offering options for gift dedication

4. TWLOHA Blue: Building a Community of Hope

To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) Blue transforms the concept of monthly giving into a shared mission of hope and resilience. The use of their brand color not only creates a visual connection but also embeds the program within the organization's identity. By setting a public goal and celebrating member contributions, TWLOHA fosters a strong community among donors, making each contribution feel part of a collective effort to spread hope.

What they do well:

• Setting and tracking public goals
• Creating a sense of belonging among donors
• Offering membership perks tied to the organization's mission
• Utilizing a strong, memorable tagline

5. charity: water: The Spring of Support

charity: water's "The Spring" showcases the power of a well-chosen name, evoking the life-changing impact of clean water. The program excels in using visuals and stories to connect donors directly to the communities they're helping. By providing monthly impact reports, charity: water keeps donors informed and engaged, reinforcing that their support is vital to the organization's mission.

What they do well:

• Using compelling visuals and narratives
• Educating donors on the organization's mission and impact
• Encouraging active donor engagement with monthly reports
• Highlighting the global community of supporters

How to set up your monthly giving program

Step 1: Establish clear goals and benchmarks

Before diving into monthly giving, you want to know your goal. Set realistic goals for your program, like the number of donors you want to enroll in the first year or the monthly revenue you hope to achieve. These targets will guide your strategy and help measure success.

Step 2: Select and customize your fundraising platform

Your choice of technology can make or break your monthly giving program. With options like Silent Auction Pro, you can customize your platform to align with your organization's branding and needs. Look for features that support monthly giving, such as recurring donation options, customizable donation pages, and easy donor management.

Step 3: Create compelling content and storytelling

Stories resonate with people more than statistics do. Share the narratives of those impacted by your work to illustrate the difference a monthly donation can make. Use images, videos, and testimonials to bring these stories to life and make a compelling case for monthly support.

Step 4: Launch a targeted outreach campaign

Now that you're set-up, it's time to get the word out. Use email, social media, and direct mail to reach potential donors. Craft your message to highlight the benefits of monthly giving for the donor and your cause. Remember to make it easy for people to sign up with clear calls to action and direct links to your donation page.

Step 5: Recognize and thank your monthly donors

A little appreciation goes a long way. Thank your monthly donors with personalized messages, created easily in using Silent Auction Pro, recognizing their commitment to your cause. Consider creating a special section on your website or newsletters to spotlight these supporters. 

Step 6: Monitor, analyze, and adapt using AI and reporting tools

Use the analytics and reporting tools available in your fundraising software to track the performance of your monthly giving program. Silent Auction Pro offers insights into donor behavior, allowing you to refine your strategy. Pay attention to what's working and be ready to adjust your approach to improve results.

Maintaining momentum and keeping donors engaged

The journey doesn't end when someone becomes a monthly donor. Keep them engaged with regular updates on how their donations are being used. Create exclusive events or content that can make monthly donors feel like part of a special community. Silent Auction Pro's communication tools make sending personalized thank-yous and updates easy, ensuring donors feel connected to your cause.

Leveraging data for growth

Data is your best friend when refining and growing your monthly giving program. Use the analytics features of your fundraising platform to understand donor behavior and preferences. This information can help you tailor your outreach, making it more effective. Continuous improvement should be your mantra, with each insight used to enhance the donor experience and expand your program.

Launch Your Monthly Giving Program with Silent Action Pro

Setting up a successful monthly giving program might seem difficult initially, but with the right approach and tools, it can become a cornerstone of your fundraising strategy. Silent Auction Pro offers the features and flexibility you need to launch, manage, and grow your program. Remember, every big achievement starts with taking the first step. Request a demo and get started on your journey right away.