How do you choose the perfect corporate giving platform for your fundraising campaign?

What do you need? You shouldn’t proceed with this process until this is clear. Systems, processes, outside consultants, etc. will not be able to help you effectively without an honest assessment of your needs, particularly when engaging corporations. Do you want them align with your values completely? How much engagement do you expect? The list goes on.

Homelessness is hopelessness! We cant house everyone at this time, but we can show them some compassion. Instead of looking down on them why not bring them a moment of recognition. Let them know somebody sees them; sees THEY MATTER... and really wants to help...even if it is in a small way. I gather donations to help bring that RECOGNITION and COMPASSION by creating "GOODIE BAGS" containing water, crackers, fruit bars, cookies, tooth brushes, clean sox, blankets in the winter, umbrellas, etc. I desperately need SPONSORS to help with this very important service! I have been doing this for over 2 years and have found it to be GREATLY appreciated by them and therapy for me and the donors who help me hand them out! Please help if you can!

Opt for a platform that simplifies creating branded fundraising pages, managing charity events, and setting up donation matching. Look for a platform that facilitates matching donations. Choose a platform that allows employees to create and organize their own fundraising pages. Ensure the platform lets you showcase campaign progress on your organization’s website. Verify that the platform complies with regulations and securely processes payments. Unite your team by demonstrating commitment to positive impact. Strengthen loyalty and enhance work culture through corporate giving efforts.

Top three tasks to find the best corporate giving platform. ONE: Clear objectives are required as they are guided goals for the giving platform. TWO: Home works - desk reviews/ research on platforms. THREE: assess integration and reviews from others (including get some advice from friends/ colleagues who already had some experience)

I would work with my local United Way organization. They are the experts and they know their local needs! They always have great options and make it easy to work with business to set up payroll deductions.

After defining your requirements, research corporate giving platforms online using directories, reviews, and testimonials. Seek recommendations from peers and experts. Focus on platforms with a solid track record, good reputation, and established customer base in your sector.

- After defining your needs, research various corporate giving platforms aligning with your criteria. - Utilize online directories, reviews, testimonials, and case studies to identify and compare potential platforms. - Seek recommendations from fellow fundraisers, peers, or industry experts. - Prioritize platforms with a proven track record, strong reputation, and an established customer base in your sector or niche. - Evaluate factors such as features, pricing, customer support, and compatibility with your organization's processes. - Thorough research ensures you select the most suitable corporate giving platform for your requirements.

Fundraising projects require an intensive study of potential donors in order to identify the narrative thread that is in line with their business models and could help us meet our fundraising requirements. It is also essential for this process to count on the advice of experts in the field who have achieved similar goals to ours, in different fields.

It’s easy to get bogged down into what we need as the host - all the flashing lights the amazing reports and integration, but I feel that none of that is important if the users experience is difficult… will they refer to friends, will they return next year, will they even go through the process at all!?

- Evaluate the functionality, flexibility, and customization options across platforms to meet your campaign needs. - Prioritize features like secure donation processing (recurring, matching gifts, payroll deductions, gift cards), mobile-friendly design, branded donation pages, and integration with existing tools (CRM, email marketing, social media). - Analyze analytics and reporting capabilities to track performance, donor behavior, and impact. - Assess the availability of customer support, training resources, and best practice guidance. - Scrutinize key differentiators to identify the platform that best aligns with your organization's specific requirements.

Compare platform features like donation processing (including recurring donations, matching gifts, and payroll deductions), mobile-friendly design, CRM integration, and analytics/reporting capabilities. Ensure the platform offers customization, branded donation pages, and integrates with your fundraising tools. Consider customer support and training for guidance and best practices.

When choosing a platform, prioritize fair and transparent pricing models, avoiding hidden fees. Consider setup fees for account and campaign configuration, subscription fees for ongoing use, and transaction fees deducted from each donation. Evaluate how these fees impact net revenue and ROI, and seek platforms offering discounts or waivers for nonprofits or specific causes.

- Assess the pricing models across platforms for transparency and fairness, without hidden costs. - Consider one-time setup fees for account and campaign configuration. - Factor in recurring subscription fees for ongoing platform access and maintenance. - Note transaction fees as percentages deducted from each donation received. - Identify any additional fees for extra services, features, or support. - Calculate the net impact of fees on your revenue and return on investment (ROI). - Explore options offering discounts, waivers, or grants for nonprofits or specific causes. - Thorough cost evaluation ensures you select the most cost-effective solution within your budget.

The best "platform" for raising funds is literally a platform . . . You can: ?? Elevate your corporate cause or non-profit on an elevated stage! ?? Rally your team around a "Party with a Purpose." ?? Host an Event that inspires your team, donors, and stakeholders to support a worthy cause--with an investment of time/money. 3 Keys: ?? Hire a professional Master of Ceremones with event and fundraising experience. ?? Get clear about specific "Giving Handles" you want your group to support. "Why am I giving? How will this transform the lives of others?" ?? Deliver a compelling Ask that invites your audience to make an impact! The best corporate giving platforms enable you to create a meaningful shared experience with your people.

It is so easy to say go with the tried and tested but its true!! I have tested many platforms over the years and few deliver all the criteria I need better than the 'leaders'. For me reliability, insight and cost are the most important elements when choosing a fundraising platform.

In my experience, almost all models sound good until you put them to the test. Work with the software’s sales team to not only train on its day-to-day use, but also determine fit for ongoing troubleshooting purposes.

Finally, test the platform by requesting a demo, free trial, or pilot project. Launch a sample campaign to evaluate usability, reliability, and performance. Gather feedback from your team, donors, and partners to assess the platform's suitability. Verify security, compliance, and data protection policies to ensure it meets your standards and expectations.

- Request a demo, free trial, or pilot project from the platform provider. - Create and launch a sample campaign to test the platform's usability, reliability, and performance. - Gather feedback from your team, donors, and partners on their experience. - Evaluate the platform's security, compliance, and data protection measures. - Ensure the platform is easy to use, efficient, secure, and meets your organization's standards. - Thorough testing allows you to experience the platform firsthand and make an informed decision.

In my experience the following are the key parameters that you must evaluate 1. Technology and reach 2. Transparency and tools that show case impact 3. Costs and fees changed by the platform 4. Credibility of the NGO/ Foundation and the verification process used by the platform 5. Analytics and reports

Working in the humanitarian sector might mean that you don't necessarily have access to all the strategies out there, because you need to be coordinated with the organizational directives. Although globally we might have standing procedures and traditional channels for fundraising, with the financial crisis the UN system isnfacing world-wide, we are are being more and more encouraged to look for creative solutions. With that, we have to look into opportunities for local fundraising. We can seek to engage with stakeholders, be it local NGOs, embassies on the ground or private sector. We are being encouraged to be more proactive and to look for opportunities. I think this is also a valuable way that we can seek additional funding.

Is this something you are doing because you are invested personally in it or something you need to do to look good/positive press? Once you are honest about your intentions you figure out the next step, one that looks good but does not interfere with the executive’s schedule. At that point I would do research on the most popular causes at the moment to bring more press, I would reach out to any celebrity connections for assistance, and blast is all over how much the exec cares about this (written by EA, signed by exec) and create a competition where all money earned the company will personally match to the cause or charity.

Corporate giving platforms are the ultimate solution for organizing your corporate giving program and increasing employee engagement. When searching for the best platform: 1. Create a list of desired features. 2. Set a budget. 3. Do your research. 4. Get a demo. 5. Pick your solution.