Many factors determine what you are eligible to request through DonationMatch, based upon criteria that donor companies set. Assuming you've requested a donation you want for your organization, how can you increase your chances the donor will say yes?
Here are some tips based on donor feedback and research on what works:
1. Having a logo and event photo/graphic
If you haven’t already, make sure to upload your organization’s logo to your profile page. On your event page, you can replace your standard logo with an event logo and banner graphic, which can highlight past years' events or how you showcase donors. Adding logos is an easy, but important, step on DonationMatch which lends credibility to your organization.
2. Be clear about what you are seeking and what your donors and sponsors can expect in return
While you can select all possible donation uses when setting up your event page, it helps to add details about what how items will be selected for use; this is especially true if you have checked the "Other" option. Start with a direct ask for the types of donations you need and their intended use in the Event Details section, then be specific about how they will promoted (i.e. each package highlighted on social media, names listed and/or linked from your website, etc.)
3. Use bullet points
Try using bullet points instead of a traditional solicitation letter. Remember, decision-makers don’t always have time to read through lengthy paragraphs. Bullet points help businesses quickly scan to determine if your organization is a good match.
Bullet points are great for listing:
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Examples of items you would like donated
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Planned activities and timeline
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Specific programs or services that your organization provides
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Past and current sponsors (Some companies are more likely to give to organizations that have secured other reputable or similar donors and sponsors.)
4. Make it visually appealing
There are many formatting options to customize the look of your Event Details. Yet, most organizations don't take advantage of these. Be creative with headers, fonts, and colors to draw attention to key information. If your event has a signature color scheme, try using that palette on your event page too.
5. Include external hyperlinks
We get it—your organization does amazing work and you want to share that with potential donors! But it can be easy to clutter your event page with too much information. Keep things concise by including external hyperlinks, especially to your event-specific website. Companies can easily click to learn more about your organization if they want to. Event websites, sizzle reels, Facebook events, and photo galleries from previous years make great links.
6. Be specific about your audience
From a marketing perspective, it is important to find good product/audience fit. This creates the most benefit for both the organization and the donor company. Make sure to define who will attend your event using the demographic options. It is also best practice to select and implement all available means of promotion to your audience. This will make your event more attractive to companies seeking exposure.
Additional Notes
Not all participating companies/brands make themselves visible on DonationMatch. Make sure that you don't miss any offers by adding hello@donationmatch.com to your email address book. Some offers are limited in quantity and distributed on a first come, first served basis.
If you were given a referral code, it may be required to request a particular company's item. To ensure a code is added to your account, go to "My Account" and click on "Add Referral Code."
It is important to note that upgrading your event/account will NOT "unlock" more items. However, upgraded events are highlighted to donor companies, given first priority for some product offers, and receive on average 2-3x more items than non-upgraded events. If you've upgraded, you can also use the one-on-one call benefit to have us review and provide suggestions for improving your event listing and marketing.