What is the Donor Cycle and Why Should Nonprofits Care?
What is the Donor Cycle and why should nonprofits care? The Donor Cycle (aka Donor Lifecycle) is a term used in reference to first-time donors (to a given cause). As nice as it is to receive a donation, the real work for a nonprofit is to KEEP that donor engaged and involved in order to see continued donations in the future. A nonprofit looking to make donors a part of their donor cycle has to do more than just write a thank you note.
GrantWatch wants to help build awareness of Donor Cycles by providing a list of nonprofit grants that are currently available. GrantWatch has over 7,500 grants in its Nonprofits grant list section.
There are five key stages involved in the donor cycle:
1 Identification – Determine who you plan to ask for a donation. This usually involves the use of demographic data and/or Donor Management software.
2 Qualification – Prioritize what type of donation will be your focus. How often and How much will your cause need?
3 Cultivation – What are the best ways to attract donors. Kinds of programs. How best to maximize donor engagement. What makes donors feel valued?
4 Solicitation – WHO to ask, WHAT to ask for, WHEN to ask, WHERE to solicit and HOW to ask for donations.
5 Stewardship – How best to manage donors once you receive a donation to maintain/continue the donor-nonprofit relationship. (classy.org, “The 5 Key Stages of the Donor Cycle“)
Nonprofit Grants, Sponsorships, Awards, and In-Kind Support
1.Improve Lives, Strengthen Communities, and Advance Education!
Grants to eligible nonprofits and government agencies to improve lives, strengthen communities, and advance education. Proposals will address community needs: (STEM) education in local schools, vocational and life skills training for people with disabilities, capital campaign support for social services, and advocate programs on behalf of abused and neglected children.
2. Education, Disaster Preparedness and Relief, and Recycling!
Grants to eligible nonprofits for projects to serve their communities. The funding is for activities in the areas of education, disaster preparedness and relief, and recycling. The Foundation funds specific projects and programs rather than general sponsorships, such as tables at charitable events or golf tournaments.
3. Safety, Workforce Development, and Environmental Sustainability!
Up to $25,000 to eligible nonprofits for programs benefiting communities. The funding supports capacity-building activities, with programs and projects in the areas of workforce development, community vitality, safety, and environmental sustainability. Priority consideration will be for underrepresented populations.
4. Promote and Advance Native American Culture and Self-Sufficiency!
Grants to nonprofits to promote, preserve, and advance Native American culture and self-sufficiency. The funding supports activities focusing on developing Native American entrepreneurism, facilitating Native American educational opportunities (particularly college, graduate, and post-graduate education), and preserving and enhancing Native American culture.
5. Basic Human Needs, Community Development, and Volunteerism!
Grants to eligible nonprofits to meet basic human needs, promote community vitality, and encourage community volunteerism. The funding enhances communities and helps people achieve financial independence. Applications will address the following focus areas: Meeting Basic Needs, Supporting Community Vitality, and Volunteer-Driven Causes.
6. Programs Benefiting Children and Young Adults!
Grants to nonprofits for programs benefiting children, youth, and young adults. The funding supports projects and activities within the focus areas of environmental stewardship and the arts. Grants will be for strong board involvement and competent leadership.
7. Educational Programs Benefiting People with Down Syndrome!
Grants up to $10,000 to nonprofits to improve the lives of people with Down Syndrome. The funding supports workshops, webinars, conferences, and programs. Audiences in attendance will include individuals with Down Syndrome and their family members, as well as medical professionals.
8. Community Programs and Events!
Sponsorships to eligible nonprofit and for-profit organizations for programs and events to positively benefit local residents. Priority consideration include providing participation and business opportunities for colleagues and exhibiting positive support for the community.
9. Needs of Disadvantaged Residents!
$10,000 to eligible nonprofits to address the needs of disadvantaged residents. The funding assists families and individuals lacking access to human services and healthcare, as well as provide support for basic needs, such as food, clothing, shelter, medical care, mental health, safety, and enrichment opportunities.
10. Awards Recognizing Significant Accomplishments!
Awards to nonprofits, community groups, government agencies, businesses, and individuals for initiatives or projects that have made a significant and lasting impact on their community to address the needs of disadvantaged residents.
11. Enhance the Quality of Life for Local Communities!
Grants to nonprofits and government agencies to enhance the quality of life in local communities. The funding supports programs for Alzheimer’s and aging, community initiatives, youth development, legacy, social equality, neighborhood engagement, the arts, and urban and Jewish education.
12. Benefit Native American Communities!
Grants to eligible Native American organizations and charitable organizations, for programs benefiting Native American communities. The funding expands or bolsters existing funding for community programs. Priority consideration includes the following twelve categories, including: Alcohol and Drug Treatment, The Arts, Cultural Activities, Education, and more.
13. Initiatives Benefiting Local Residents!
Up to $25,000 for eligible nonprofits to benefit local residents. The funding primarily supports initiatives in the focus areas of nutrition and hunger, youth development, social services and basic needs, and veterans and the military.
14. Develop Activities Benefiting the Community!
Grants to nonprofits to benefit the community. Foundation grants will be for organizations operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, educational, or religious purposes. The funding will also be for prevention of child abuse and animal cruelty.
15. Recognition of Outstanding Sustainability Projects!
Awards to nonprofits and enterprises in recognition of exceptional sustainability projects. The funding areas of interest include food, health, energy, water, climate action, and global high schools.
16. Activities to Improve Community Health!
Grants to eligible nonprofits for activities to improve the health of local communities. The funding supports outreach and education projects as well as other initiatives in the areas of human development, health, nutrition, wellness, and neonatal care.
17. Improve the Quality of Life for Local Residents!
Grants to nonprofits for projects to improve the quality of life for local residents. The funding assists organizations to support productive and prosperous communities. In the past, grants have been awarded to elementary and high schools, universities, museums, youth shelters, and hospitals.
18. Improve the Quality of Life for Local Communities!
Grants up to $3,000 to eligible nonprofits to improve the quality of life in local communities. Priority consideration will be for children, the elderly, the disabled, substance abuse, and the homeless.
Final Note
Hopefully, you now have an understanding of the Donor Cycle that will help you grow and strengthen your nonprofit!
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