Creating a Donation Form



A well-designed donation form can and will increase your donations. The form should not be an afterthought. It is an important element of your fundraising. Many factors contribute to you leaving money on the table:

Your form is not easy to read.


It does not include the options your donor is looking for.


It does not suggest specific gifts and opportunities.


It is hard to use because of its design or presentation.



Let's start at the top. Make sure your branding is right there, easy to see. It doesn't matter if they are given the form at an event, they may take it home, put your (well designed) branding right there. If your event has a theme that reinforces the need, that should be there too.


Next, offer some appealing options. Allow people to join giving groups that have names. Tell them that $5000 makes them a member of the "Dream Team" and supports a family for a year. Give them 3 categories to choose from, make sure the highest one is equal to your largest individual donation. So, if you have a $15,000 a year donor, make your largest request $15,000.


Ask them to make it a multi-year pledge. It's their option but they won't choose it if you don't offer them the checkbox.


Offer alternatives. Allow them to give a smaller amount. Suggest the donation be paid in stock. Offer the option of speaking to you about other gifts or ideas. And be sure to ask if their company will match the gift, that's a quick way to double the amount!


Capture complete information including name, address, email, and phone numbers.


Provide spaces for credit card information and ask if they would like to be charged monthly. Provide the address for online donations. Ask if they prefer to be billed.
State that you are a nonprofit organization and their donation are tax-deductible.


Include your address, web address and phone number. Provide a self-addressed envelope.\


You may be able to create a good form in Word, it will be easier to do in Publisher or another page design program. All that information requires an 8.5x11, letter size piece of paper or something very close to it. Make sure you proofread it and someone else does too. This should be professional looking!


You'll have better returns if you present the pledge form at an event where you have the full attention of the audience. DO NOT expect anyone to fill out a form on their lap. It requires a table and 10 minutes.


Good luck with your forms!