How to make fundraising part of the experience

For many organisations, fundraising is essential. In fact for some, the amount of money dropping into on-site donation boxes can make a huge difference to how they operate. So getting it right is critical.

I recently visited an attraction where there were so many donation boxes I was practically tripping over them. Tap to donate sat right next to coin donation boxes and I lost count of how many times this was repeated in a relatively small space.

But the reasons why I should donate and what it would do for that organisation weren't prominent enough or integrated into my experience.

Here's 10 things to consider to maximise donations for your organisation:

• When you ask people to donate, tell them why so they know they can make a difference

• Link the ask to the experience you are giving them, especially when its a 'wow' moment or there's something special to see

• Where possible, make your conservation work visible and tell people what's happening so they feel they're contributing

• Fundraise for something specific. This might restrict what you can ultimately spend it on, but you increase to desire to give

• Make the ask relevant to people either because of what they're seeing and feeling in your place, or because it's relatable in their own lives

• And think about how you make the ask memorable such as asking people to buy and sign a roof tile or brick for a special building, for example

• Think about where you make the ask. It needs to have impact, so choose the places in your experience that you know people like to dwell

• And also how often you make it - it needs to have impact so don't over-repeat it

• Link a donation ask to your goodbye; if you've given a visitor a great experience, they'll be more likely to give

• Make it easy. Think about your audience and how they like to give - second hand books, tap to donate and quirky drop-coin boxes are all options and some people may choose multiple ways of supporting you