Over the last few months, I've talked about the many benefits of a monthly giving program. If you haven't already started one, here's a handy set of questions to think about.

Ask yourself these questions and jot down your response to get an overview of what you know and don’t know about your plans for a Monthly Donor Program.

1. Is the maximization of long-term income one of your organizational goals?

2. What methods will you use to recruit monthly donors?

• mail	• door to door
• phone	• volunteers
• television	• special events

3. Are you going to give individuals a choice of making a single gift in addition to a monthly commitment?

4. What is your marketing proposition? What do you offer a prospect?

5 . What list segments of your donor file will you approach to invite to join your club?

6 . Is there a staff person or dedicated volunteer who can devote time to this program?

7 . Do you have the ability to manage a pledge program with your current software, or can you afford software that integrates pledge information?

8 . Do you have a commitment to continue the program once it is started?

9 . Do you have a compelling reason for people to join a monthly program?

10 . Do you have committed donors who would join a program if given the opportunity?

11 . Have you considered other methods to build a program in addition to direct mail and telemarketing?

12 . Do you have the staff to create and direct the program or do you need outside assistance? What are the costs if you need outside help?

13 . Will you offer monthly reminders? If so, will you do it in-house?

14 . Will you offer credit cards as a payment option?

15. Will you offer pre-authorized chequing or Electronic Funds Transfer?

16. What benefits will you give to donors?

17. Is there organizational support for the program?

18. What overall resources do you have to devote to the program -- financial, technical and human?

19. Do similar organizations have monthly giving clubs? Have you researched their programs and promotions?

20 . Have you done a survey research of your supporters that would help you to tailor a monthly giving proposition to them?

Your responses to these questions will give you a sense of how much planning you will need to initiate a program. But, remember even without being "completely" ready, you can start a program and increase your income and long-term stability.

Your are welcome to send questions to me for future columns and I'll do my best to answer them on a regular basis.

© Harvey McKinnon

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