Fundraising is at the heart of many nonprofit organizations, and finding ways to maximize donor contributions is essential for sustaining programs and services. Phonathons and matching gifts are two powerful tools that, when used strategically, can significantly enhance a fundraising campaign and help you reach your goals. But, as with any strategy, knowing how to properly integrate the tools is the key to success.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the essentials of phonathons and matching gifts, as well as tips on how to make them work together to amplify your efforts. This
includes the following:
- What is a phonathon?
- The basics of matching gifts
- How matching gifts and phonathons work together
- Leveraging technology for phonathons & matching gifts
Ready to get started? Let’s begin.
What is a phonathon?
A phonathon is a leading fundraising strategy where volunteers or staff members make phone calls to potential or existing donors, asking for financial support. Unlike traditional mail campaigns, phonathons engage donors on a personal level, often creating a connection that strengthens their commitment to the cause.
Phonathons are particularly popular among universities, charities, and political campaigns because they allow organizations to interact directly with their supporters.
The main benefits of phonathons include:
- Personal connection: Phone calls give a voice to the organization and create a more personal experience for the donor.
- Real-time feedback: Callers can immediately answer questions or concerns that might come up during the conversation.
- Increased donor engagement: A well-crafted script and genuine conversation can help build long-term relationships with donors.
All in all, nonprofits and other organizations often use phonathons to reach donors who might not be as responsive to digital or direct mail campaigns. It’s a great way to rally support, bring in immediate contributions, and stay connected with supporters.
Understanding how matching gifts work—and ensuring your organization actively promotes them—is crucial to maximizing donations.
The basics of matching gifts
Matching gifts are a powerful way to increase donations, and they occur when a corporation or foundation agrees to match contributions made by their employees to a nonprofit organization. Many companies have matching gift programs in place as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, making matching gifts a significant opportunity for both the donor and the organization.
For example, if a donor contributes $100 to a nonprofit and their employer offers a matching gift program that matches 1:1, the nonprofit will receive an additional $100, resulting in a $200 total contribution.
The benefits of matching gifts include:
- Increased donation potential: Matching gifts often double or triple the impact of a donor’s original contribution.
- Employer engagement: Encouraging matching gifts can deepen an employee’s connection to the organization they support, benefiting both the nonprofit and the donor’s company.
Simplicity: For the donor, participating in a matching gift program is a straightforward way to increase their donation impact.
How matching gifts and phonathons work together
Phonathons and matching gifts can work hand-in-hand to increase fundraising success. When executed strategically, phonathons can drive more matching gift participation, boosting the overall impact of your campaign.
For instance, during a phonathon conversation, a caller can:
- Inform donors about matching gift opportunities: Many donors may not realize their company offers a matching gift program. A caller can remind them of this benefit and provide instructions on how to participate.
- Collect employment information and determine eligibility: By simply asking for a supporter’s employing company during a call, phonathon staff can quickly identify matching gift potential. Then, they can share that information with the donor in real time!
- Encourage immediate action: Callers can help donors navigate the process of submitting their matching gift requests right after making their donation.Â
- Provide follow-up information: Offering easy access to forms or company-specific details will help donors complete their matching gift process smoothly.
The synergy comes when you pair the personal touch of a phonathon with the power of matching gifts, encouraging donors to multiply the impact of their generosity.
Leveraging technology for phonathons & matching gifts
Technology is a powerful ally when managing both phonathons and matching gifts. Fundraising software, such as a dedicated matching gift solution, can help streamline the process by:
- Tracking donor information: Keep detailed records of donors’ matching gift eligibility, ensuring that they are contacted appropriately.
- Automating reminders: Set up automated emails or text messages to remind donors to submit their matching gift requests.
- Analyzing results: Use technology to analyze phonathon success rates, donor engagement, and the total impact of matching gifts.
Using integrated systems will help ensure everything from the phonathon call to the matching gift submission is smooth and efficient.
Phonathons and matching gifts are both powerful tools in any nonprofit’s fundraising toolkit, and when combined, they can lead to outstanding results. By carefully training your callers, utilizing technology, and encouraging donors to take advantage of matching gift opportunities, you can significantly amplify the funds raised during your campaign.
Above all, always remember that personalized donor engagement and gratitude are key to fostering long-term support. Good luck!
