Different Types of Donations to Know About for Your Nonprofit
Beyond Cash: Creative Ways to Encourage Donations
When you’re in the business of taking donations, you should be looking for more than just money. Organizations need more than just cash flow—there are several valuable ways that people can get involved and give back. During your fundraising efforts, make this clear and reach out to people for contributions beyond just monetary support. Many potential donors might not even realize how else they can help.
One-Time Donations
One-time donations are valuable and common. People can contribute once for a specific milestone, occasion, or campaign. They might even give multiple times throughout the year, but without a scheduled recurrence, these are still considered “one-time” gifts.
Tip: Make sure your one-time donors understand how their support makes a difference—and that there are more ways they can help long-term.
Recurring Gifts/Donations
Recurring donations are ideal. They allow donors to commit to giving regularly—monthly, quarterly, or annually—which provides your organization with a predictable and steady stream of income. This consistency makes planning, forecasting, and budgeting much easier.
Benefits:
Reliable revenue stream
Easier financial forecasting
Encourages long-term donor relationships
Time Is Money, Too: In-Kind Donations
Not all donations need to be financial. Many nonprofits thrive on in-kind donations—contributions of goods, services, or volunteer time.
Examples include:
Volunteers helping with events or daily operations
Professionals offering services (e.g., legal, design, or consulting)
Donors providing products or materials your organization needs
Instead of just asking for money, let potential supporters know their time and talents are equally valuable. For guidance on how to approach donors, check out this guide to asking for donations.
In-kind donations help reduce costs and build community involvement.
Get Creative and Get Rid of the Limits
Don’t limit your nonprofit to traditional cash fundraising. Think bigger—what services, skills, or partnerships could help push your mission forward?
Here are some creative ways to expand donor engagement:
Partner with businesses for materials or event sponsorship
Host service-based fundraising campaigns
Encourage skill-based volunteering
And if you really want to inspire generosity, consider publicly recognizing top contributors.
Show Appreciation with Recognition Walls
Donor recognition walls are a beautiful and lasting way to honor your supporters. You can even custom design them to align with your organization’s mission and style.
Explore more unique options like a donor tree to show appreciation and encourage future giving.
Remember: When donors feel genuinely appreciated, they are far more likely to continue supporting your cause—financially or otherwise.
