5 Tips for Setting Donation Tiers for Your Organization

Tips for Setting Donation Levels for Your Organization

Choosing the right donation levels is an effective way to encourage more people to give. Well-structured donation tiers make it easier for supporters to contribute in ways that align with both their financial capacity and your organization’s mission. When setting donation levels, it’s important to consider your fundraising goals, donor behavior, and the overall giving landscape.

Below are practical tips to help you set donation tiers that make sense for both your organization and your donors.

Research and Gather Data

Before establishing donation levels, gather data on your existing donors and determine your average gift size. This information provides a realistic foundation for your tiers.

Using a donor pyramid can help you visually categorize donors by giving level and better understand where most of your support comes from. For example, if your average donation is $5,000, it may make sense to set your lowest suggested donation around that amount to encourage broad participation. Your highest tier should be based on your largest historical gifts and the capacity of your top supporters.

Always Include an “Other Amount” Option

While predefined donation tiers are helpful, donors should never feel restricted. Including an “other amount” option allows supporters to give what feels right to them.

This flexibility encourages participation from donors who may not be comfortable with the suggested amounts but still want to contribute. Offering this option often leads to increased participation and helps organizations reach their fundraising goals faster.

Tie Donation Levels to Specific Outcomes

Donors are far more likely to give when they understand the impact of their contribution. Whenever possible, connect each donation tier to a clear, tangible outcome.

For example, a specific level might fund school supplies for five children for a month or provide meals for a family in need. This approach makes giving more meaningful and helps donors visualize the difference their support makes.

Be Reasonable and Make Tiers Logical

Donation levels should feel realistic and appropriate for your target audience. While average gift size is important, it shouldn’t be the only factor guiding your decisions.

If you’re targeting major donors with significant financial capacity, higher tiers—such as $1,000,000 and above—may be appropriate. For first-time or lower-level donors, more accessible tiers in the $500–$1,000 range often work best. Understanding the different types of donors you’re engaging with will help you tailor tiers that feel achievable and motivating.

Choose the Right Fundraising Software

The donation platform you use plays a major role in how effectively donors engage with your tiers. Choose fundraising software that allows you to customize donation levels and supports recurring giving.

It’s also important to ensure the platform is optimized for desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. A smooth, mobile-friendly donation experience makes it easier for supporters to give anytime, anywhere.

Setting donation levels thoughtfully is essential for a successful fundraising campaign. By researching donor data, offering flexible giving options, tying donations to impact, and using the right technology, you create an environment where more donors feel comfortable contributing.

Once your campaign succeeds, don’t forget to thank and recognize your supporters. Donation tiers can also guide how donors are acknowledged—whether through thank-you letters, events, or public recognition like creating a donor wall. Thoughtful recognition helps build loyalty and encourages continued support for your mission.