Things You'll Need:
- Website Secure server 501(c)3 status Marketing
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Step 1
Establish your organization's 501(c)3 status, if your charity hasn't already established itself as a tax-exempt entity. Contact your attorney for help with this. When you attain this status, contributors are able to declare their donations to you on their taxes and get credit for them.
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Step 2
Set up a website. You need an informative, easy-to-navigate site that tells about your mission, goals and funding. This will be the vehicle you will use to process online donations.
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Step 3
Ensure that your host has a secure server or proper security encryption. Unless you're an Internet expert, it's best to consult with your website host for this information. Let him know what your intentions are and discuss options for receiving online contributions. There are a variety of ways to receive online donations, but it depends on the level of security your host can provide. Some hosts will provide secure, encrypted emails with credit card information, while other hosts can provide secure processing directly from your website by
the credit card companies. -
Step 4
Design an online form to receive the information necessary for your online contributions. This form should include information including the donor's name, address, phone number, amount of donation, payment method and any comments or suggestions she may have. This form or a page preceding it should also mention giving as a potential option.
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Step 5
Market your online giving vehicle. If people don't know they can give online, they won't. Include your website address in all marketing materials, newsletters, solicitation letters and direct mail pieces. Mention online giving options in all commercials and advertising. Put a prominent link to your online giving form on your website homepage.
