Asking Donors to Increase Their Challenge Match Mid-Campaign

Asking Donors to Increase Their Challenge Match Mid-Campaign

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Challenge matches can be one of the most effective ways to drive fundraising success for your nonprofit. They motivate donors to give generously by offering the promise that their contributions will be matched, often leading to increased giving. But what happens when your challenge match is going well, and you want to take it even further?

It’s possible to ask your existing challenge match donor to increase their match mid-campaign. This is a delicate and strategic move, but when done correctly, it can significantly amplify your campaign’s impact and create more excitement among your donor base. In this post, we’ll guide you through the best strategies to ask donors to increase their challenge match, providing you with all the insights you need to maximize your campaign’s success.

The decision to request a mid-campaign increase from your challenge match donor is the ultimate high-leverage move in fundraising, but it requires finesse and, most importantly, irrefutable evidence of success. Reaching out for a renewed challenge, or what is often termed a “match extension,” is an opportunity born from hitting initial targets faster than expected, generating a palpable buzz, and creating FOMO among your broader donor base.

This article will not only explain the why and when to execute this sophisticated fundraising maneuver but will also provide a precise playbook for structuring the ask, leveraging your campaign’s momentum, and deepening the relationship with your key philanthropic partner to secure that crucial extra boost for your challenge match. Let’s dive in.

Why Increase a Challenge Match Mid-Campaign?

When a challenge match is already underway, it may seem counterintuitive to ask a donor to increase their commitment. However, there are a number of reasons why it can be beneficial to do so, both for your nonprofit and for the donor involved:

  1. Boosts Campaign Momentum: If your campaign is gaining traction and the match is being met quickly, it’s a sign of strong donor engagement. Increasing the match can amplify this momentum and create a sense of urgency, encouraging more people to donate.
  2. Increases Overall Donations: An increased match can lead to more donations from your supporters, as they’re more motivated to give knowing that their contributions will be matched even further.
  3. Creates a Sense of Excitement: Donors love knowing that they’re part of something big. Raising the stakes with a larger match challenge can help you keep the excitement high and inspire people to give more.
  4. Strengthens Donor Relationships: By asking a donor to increase their match, you’re showing them that their support is vital to your success and that you trust them to help take the campaign to the next level. This can deepen your relationship with high-value donors.
  5. Capitalizes on Progress: If your campaign is already performing well, an increase in the match gives you another tool to leverage the progress made thus far and push your fundraising efforts even higher.

When is the Right Time to Ask for an Increase?

Timing is everything when it comes to asking for a mid-campaign increase in your challenge match. Here are a few indicators that it might be the right moment to make this request:

  • Early Success: If your campaign is off to a strong start, with a high volume of donations in the initial days, it’s a good time to ask for an increase. You can show the donor that their match is being met quickly and effectively, which can encourage them to contribute more.
  • Halfway to the Goal: If you’re nearing the halfway point of your challenge match campaign and have already hit a significant percentage of your target, it’s a good moment to request an increased match. This shows the donor that there’s still time to reach the goal and that their additional commitment could help you get there.
  • Momentum Building: If you’ve seen increased engagement from your supporters—whether through social media shares, higher email response rates, or increased donations—this is an excellent time to ask for an increase. The positive energy of your campaign can make the request feel like a natural next step.
  • Matching Progress Updates: As your challenge match reaches critical milestones, like nearing a full match or crossing a donation threshold, this can be a key time to ask for more. Donors may feel inspired to increase their support to help you finish strong.

Crafting the Perfect Ask: Key Strategies

When you’re ready to ask for a challenge match increase, it’s important to craft your approach carefully. You want to convey the value of the donor’s contribution and the impact of an increased match. Here are some key strategies to consider:

  1. Be Transparent: Let the donor know exactly how much progress has been made so far and how close you are to meeting the goal. Transparency helps build trust and shows that you are using their original donation wisely.
  2. Make It Personal: Tailor your request to the specific donor, using their name and referencing past donations if applicable. This personalization helps to make the ask feel more genuine and appreciative.
  3. Highlight the Impact: Focus on the impact the increased match will have. Don’t just ask for more funds—help the donor understand how their contribution will make a tangible difference in your mission.
  4. Express Gratitude: Start by thanking the donor for their initial commitment. Make it clear that their support has been invaluable and that an increase will help you reach your goals even faster.
  5. Create a Sense of Urgency: Use language that conveys a sense of urgency. For example, mention that this is a limited-time opportunity or that every dollar matched will help meet a specific need in your organization.

Using Campaign Progress as a Leverage Point

One of the most effective ways to ask a donor to increase their match is by leveraging the campaign’s progress. If you’ve already achieved a significant amount of success, you can frame the request around how close you are to reaching your target and how their increased commitment can push you over the finish line.

Here’s how to frame the ask:

  • Show Milestones: Illustrate how much has been raised and how far you’ve come. Share specific figures (e.g., “We’ve raised $50,000 so far, and we’re halfway to our $100,000 goal”).
  • Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge the donor’s previous contribution and how it’s been put to good use. Recognize the difference they’ve already made and make them feel like an integral part of the campaign’s success.
  • Highlight the Final Push: Position the increased match as a way to help you reach the final stretch of the campaign. Use phrases like “Let’s finish strong” or “Together, we can hit our goal.”

Tailoring the Ask to High-Value Donors

High-value donors are key to any successful challenge match. These individuals or organizations typically have the capacity to give significantly, and their involvement can help fuel the success of your campaign. When crafting an ask for them, it’s important to consider their motivations and how you can appeal to their interests.

Here are a few tips for approaching high-value donors:

  • Make It About Their Legacy: High-value donors are often motivated by the opportunity to leave a lasting impact. Frame the increased match request in terms of how their involvement will make a long-term difference for your organization.
  • Offer Recognition: Acknowledge their generosity publicly, whether through social media shoutouts, donor walls, or special events. This recognition can be a powerful motivator for high-value donors.
  • Personal Meeting or Call: If possible, consider making the ask in person or over a personalized phone call. This adds a personal touch and allows you to convey the importance of the increased commitment directly.

The Art of Messaging: How to Frame the Request

The way you phrase your ask is critical. Craft a message that emphasizes the following:

  • The Opportunity: Make it clear that their increased match is a unique and time-sensitive opportunity.
  • The Need: Reiterate the urgency of the campaign and how their additional support can help meet the critical goals of your organization.
  • The Gratitude: Convey your deep appreciation for their continued support and belief in your cause.

Managing Donor Expectations and Handling Objections

Not all donors will be able to increase their commitment mid-campaign, and it’s important to manage expectations realistically. Be prepared to handle objections in a gracious and understanding way.

Some common objections and how to address them:

  • Objection: “I’ve already given a lot.”
    Response: Acknowledge their past contributions and express your gratitude. Let them know that any additional support, even if it’s smaller, can still make a significant impact.
  • Objection: “I’m not sure we have the capacity for more.”
    Response: Emphasize how important their involvement is and that even a small increase can create a ripple effect. Offer alternative ways to support, such as sharing the campaign with their network.

After the Ask: Maintaining Momentum

Once you’ve made your ask, it’s important to continue nurturing your relationship with the donor. Whether they agree to increase the match or not, maintain communication and express your gratitude. Regularly update them on the progress of the campaign, and keep them involved in any other ways possible.

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Asking a donor to increase their challenge match mid-campaign is a strategic move that can have a significant impact on the success of your fundraising efforts. By timing your request correctly, using campaign progress as leverage, and tailoring the ask to high-value donors, you can create an opportunity to amplify the impact of your campaign.

If you’re looking for more tips on maximizing matching gift programs or building donor engagement, check out additional resources on our blog. By using these strategies effectively, you can take your challenge match to the next level and drive even more support for your cause.

Explore Corporate Matching Gifts for Even More Fundraising Success

Corporate matching gifts are an often-overlooked but highly effective way to supercharge your fundraising efforts. Many companies match their employees’ charitable donations, essentially doubling or even tripling the impact of individual gifts. If you’re not already incorporating corporate matching gifts into your campaigns, now is the perfect time to start.

To learn more about how corporate matching gift programs work and how they can benefit your nonprofit, check out our comprehensive guide. By integrating these programs into your fundraising strategy, you can significantly increase your revenue while engaging more donors. Request a demo today.