Glossary
Fundraising

Suggested Donation Amounts

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
August 6, 2025

Definition:

Suggested donation amounts are preset giving options shown to donors to encourage higher and more frequent contributions.
Suggested donation amounts are predetermined giving options presented to donors during a fundraising campaign or on a donation form. These amounts are strategically chosen based on past giving data, campaign goals, and donor demographics to encourage higher and more frequent contributions. By offering suggested amounts, nonprofits make it easier for donors to decide how much to give, potentially increasing overall donations and reducing decision fatigue. Suggested donation amounts can be fixed values, a range, or customizable options, and may be accompanied by short descriptions to illustrate their impact. This approach leverages behavioral economics to nudge donors toward optimal giving levels that support organizational needs.

Key Takeaways

  • Help guide donor decision-making
  • Can boost average donation size
  • Reduce donor uncertainty
  • Often based on donor data and campaign goals

Why It Matters

They simplify donor decisions and can increase average gift size.

Real World Example

A nonprofit launching a campaign to provide meals for children sets up its online donation form with suggested amounts: $25, $50, and $100. Each option includes a note—such as '$25 feeds a child for a week.' Donors see these options and understand the impact of their gift, making them more likely to choose a higher amount than they might have otherwise. The organization tracks that average donations rise compared to a generic 'Enter any amount' prompt, demonstrating how suggested donation amounts can positively influence giving behavior and support campaign success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are suggested donation amounts?

Suggested donation amounts are preset giving options shown to donors to simplify decision-making and encourage larger gifts.

How do nonprofits choose suggested donation amounts?

They analyze past donor behavior, campaign needs, and fundraising goals to determine optimal amounts that will motivate giving.

Can donors give a different amount than suggested?

Yes, most donation forms also offer an 'Other' option so donors can enter a custom amount if they prefer.

Do suggested donation amounts really increase contributions?

Research and experience show that well-chosen suggested amounts can raise average gift sizes and overall campaign totals.

Related Terms

Accessibility Compliance
Automation Trigger in a Nonprofit CRM
Average Gift Size
Board Member Profile
Bounce Rate
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