Fundraisers: once you get a donor inside the envelope, how would you rank the importance of these package components:
___ Remit Envelope
___ Reply / Ask
___ Letter
8 out of 10 will rank Letter as #1.
If you ranked the Ask as most important, count me with you. Science has proven that fundraisers cannot afford to ignore behavioral economic principles and their impact on donor decision-making process. [learn more: 5 BE principles]
Do you really know the best “ask amount” for each donor? Traditionally, organizations have built their ask strings [arrays / ladders / suggested gift] based on one of the following formulas:
☐ HPC ☐ HPC x 1.5 ☐ HPC x 2 ☐ $_______ as much as you can give
➁ Most Recent Contribution
☐ MRC ☐ MRC x 1.5 ☐ MRC x 2 ☐ $_______ as much as you can give
- 24 month HPC
- Mode
- Median
- 75% HPC
- 2 x join gift
- Download an overview of Nonprofit Ask Strategies
Fortunately, we no longer have to rely on traditional techniques and tribal wisdom. Thanks to behavioral science research and predictive analytics no more guessing!
I'm excited to announce the release of OptimizedAsk™ - a system of predictive analytics for creating ask strings for each individual donor. DonorTrends has been using this science since 2015 to produce increases in revenue from 17% - 300+% while protecting response [read case studies on upgrading donor value].
I am asked daily, "Can you tell us how much to ask our donors for?" I'm thrilled to say, "Yes! I come with strings attached!"
There is an optimal ask amount for each donor to maximize retention / response, upgrades, and lapsed reactivation. As we approach year end, now is the time to focus on upgrading donors. I encourage you to append OptimizedAsk™ to target 'upgradable donors' to increase average gift and feed the mid-level / major donor pipeline.
The science behind pricing / ask amount if fascinating. Here are links to my two favorite resources:
The Art and Science of Ask Strings
Opening a donor's wallet: The influence of appeal scales on likelihood and magnitude of donation
Additional research and testing results are always welcome. Post a comment or reach me directly caity.craver@donortrends.com.