According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, there are currently over 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States.
With so many to choose from, how do your clients determine which ones to support? Whether they’re evaluating a proposal or simply want to know which organization will make the best use of their donation, getting answers to the following questions can help them make an informed decision.
Although your clients may want to obtain additional information before committing their funds, and some donations (such as multi-year commitments or significant gifts) might even merit an in-person visit, reviewing a nonprofit’s website is an excellent first step, providing a better sense of both the organization and its programs.
Although getting the answers your clients need to make informed decisions is the ultimate goal, many people find the fact-finding process itself rewarding. By learning more about how nonprofit organizations approach their work, fund their efforts and measure their results, your clients gain valuable experience. With time, they’ll acquire the skills to determine when their donation isn’t just a gift, but an investment in progress.
As you and your clients browse, here are some questions to keep in mind: