I recently reviewed a random sample of 75 websites of nonprofit organizations. I looked specifically at their strategy for online donations. Here is what we found:

Results of the Survey

Of the 75 organizations surveyed, 59% had some mechanism set up on their sites for receiving online donations. Within that 59%, 65% were using their own systems and 35% were using a third party for online processing of credit card payments.

35% of the organizations recognized at least some of their donors online.

30% had some form of collecting names and email addresses independent of online donations, like newsletter subscription signup or requests for information.

28% had some form of specific strategy or incentive to encourage online donations, such as participation in a specific campaign, membership in a giving club or the offer of a plastic bracelet or pin.

Interpretation of These Results

Let