Ask Amounts: Strategic or Arbitrary?

So what’s your answer: strategic or arbitrary? Perhaps I should explain a bit further.

Are you an organization that put thought into your ask amounts on your donation form? Did you think about how each ask amount translates to the good work your organization does?

I bet your supporters are and so should you! Even in today’s economy, people are giving but they’re being more thoughtful and strategic with how much and who they are giving to. This means each organization needs to do the same!

Do your ask amounts correspond with a direct action or good your organization provides? Advertising this on your website or direct mail can often encourage people to give more because they’re able to see exactly what good their money is capable of. Room to Read does a great job of this and is an excellent example of a clean, well thought out donation form.

If it doesn’t make sense for your organization to do what Room to Read does – you still have options! Have you tested your ask amounts? Tried starting highest gift to lowest gift? Or perhaps increasing your lowest gift amount slightly? Testing often helps organizations get a better understanding of what works, what doesn’t and gives them the ability to change accordingly.

How did your organization decide your ask amounts? Leave a comment and let us know!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Frank Barry

Frank Barry, director of new growth ventures at Blackbaud and blogger at npENGAGE, helps nonprofits use the Internet for digital communication, social media, and fundraising so they can focus changing the world. He’s worked with a diverse group of organizations including LIVESTRONG, United Methodist Church, American Heart Association, Big Brothers Big Sisters, ChildFund Int’l, InTouch Ministries, Heifer Int’l, University of Notre Dame and University of Richmond. Along with writing for industry publications like Mashable and Social Media Today, Frank facilitates discussions, presents solo sessions and organizes panels for industry conferences such as NTC, SXSW, BBCon and numerous others. When he’s out and about he enjoys talking to interesting people about how they are changing the world – check out his interviews. Say Hi on Twitter – @franswaa or Google+