Monday 17 June 2019

Planning A Donor Recognition Wall

By Jeffrey Allen


Fundraising is an important aspect in the life of any nonprofit organization. Success in this area can ensure the continuation of the programs that are offered. A piece that should be considered in any effort should be a donor recognition wall or other types of award system for those that donate to the cause. While many will offer assistance financially, having a way to show off their efforts will inspire others to participate in the raising of money.

Glass is a great source of modern and elegant design. There are several levels that can be used. One is the most basic glass case display. This is less permanent but shows good effort and can be updated as campaigns grow. The more elaborate display with etched glass and colored backlighting is a modern way to enhance the display for donors.

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 displays can be used for efforts that are ongoing. If your organization wants to show how a capital campaign in progress, these are a great way to do so. Those that have specific fundraisers all the time can also use them to show off the highest fundraisers in your group. This type of display isn't considered a permanent solution, but it is able to be updated and modern.

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.

Every display should be planned and budgeted before the campaign begins. With an expected level of donations, the organization can set a budget that is appropriate to the amount raised and get designs for the wall of recognition ahead of time. This helps keep the costs at a minimum and makes it easy to know the minimum levels in order for a name to be included. Knowing this information will help with providing the reward summary to potential donors so they know what level they need to reach to be included.

When the campaign is over, an event should be planned for the final presentation. After the display is created and installed, it is time to call all those who helped raise funds together to present it. Other invitees should include local and state politicians that may have an interest as well as the very people the funds will support. Having a nice unveiling will be a great reward for everyone involved. This type of event should be well planned and include speeches and refreshments.

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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