Wednesday 12 June 2019

Planning A Donor Recognition Wall

By Jeffrey Allen


Raising money for a nonprofit organization is a core aspect of the life of any group. If this part is successful, the organizers will be able to continue offering the programs that are needed. Part of the success of any fundraising effort should be including a donor recognition wall. This not only provides those who have participated in an excellent way to be thanked but also inspires other potential donors to participate in the support of the group as well.

A glass presentation can be basic or elaborate. The most basic is a simple glass case that includes the names of those that have offered help. More elaborate pieces include lit or colored glass that is etched with the names of the donors. Caution should be used where it is placed. For instance, high activity areas and those where children are playing put it at risk of being broken and causing injury.

Capital campaigns often use bricks as a permanent way of thanking donors. The names are etched or carved into the bricks and they are used to create a pathway or in a wall display that is set off from the rest of the wall. This is a permanent display and many donors will enjoy looking for their brick or that of the loved one they have contributed in to memorialize.

Digital walls are great for ongoing fundraising efforts. When you have a campaign that is ongoing and trying to hit a specific target, this type of display can be easily updated with the latest tally so people can see how the campaign is progressing. Using the digital wall is both modern and updatable.

Putting a final architectural design together will provide a display that is both permanent and elegant. Most will incorporate glass, brass, and brick in the design. They are more expensive but worth it when larger campaigns are organized. They show the donors that you are serious about being a permanent part of the community and their contributions will live forever.

Budgets and planning need to be done before the campaign materials are created. Any fundraiser needs to have a budget that includes the entire project. Having this will help make it easy to create the various levels of contribution that will be needed for the different types of recognition. Not every donor should have their name on the wall, but those that give above a certain amount. This will inspire people to give more in order to be recognized.

At the end of the campaign, the wall should be built and then unveiled. A special event should be planned to have politicians, the contributors, and those that the money helps all present for a very special time. This gives great appreciation to those who gave and allows them to see how the money will be put to use. The event will also inspire others who did not participate to do so next time a fundraising effort is put forth.

Fundraising is an important and needed part of any nonprofit. The efforts should be recognized and allow those that gave to be thanked in a special way. They don't have to give but choose to because they believe in the organization and what they are trying to do. Having a way to permanently thank them will also inspire others to participate.




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