Unique Way To Encourage Others To Give

Would you like to be able to encourage others to donate money to an important cause?

There is one method I have put into practice from time to time that most people don't think about. You have probably been exposed to it when listening to a fundraiser on public radio or while watching a telethon on television. What is the method?

Matching Funds

You might believe this method is reserved for wealthy corporations and individuals. It doesn't have to be. The following are a couple of examples.

While on vacation in another state, I visited a small church on a Sunday morning. The pastor of the church informed the members of a giving opportunity. It was an opportunity that occurred annually and would impact people in other countries. I felt a strong need to support the effort. However, I also felt it needed to be done in a way that would benefit the church as well. After the morning service was over, I had a private conversation with the pastor. I asked for his permission to anonymously match the funds raised by the church up to a specific amount (I set the amount to more than double of what they raised the year before). It made a difference. I was told that on the last day, an elderly woman pleaded with the church members to donate to the cause so the entire amount of matching funds could be put to good use. They exceeded all expectations. They felt great about their accomplishment. I felt great about contributing. People in other countries were helped.

If that example still seems to be a stretch for your financial situation, consider this next example.

A young girl started a project to encourage kids to perform acts of kindness. As an incentive, she offered to donate her allowance to the favorite charity of the child who did the most good. What a tremendous gift she was giving! I was inspired by her selfless actions. I offered to match her $25 allowance so that twice as much could be donated to charity. She mentioned my offer to match funds in a blog post. Others followed the example. At the end of the project, charities received $825.00 due to others pledging matching funds.

There are many ways you can encourage others to give to an important cause. Consider using matching funds as one of the methods you use.

Comments

[Allie Marie]

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