A travel mug is a common gift from a donor.
A gift from a donor is a contribution made to an organization without expectation of collateral compensation. Typical gifts may include money, equipment, and services. A donor’s gift can be a one-time gift or part of a series of gifts to be distributed over time.
One of the most common and sought after types of donation is cash. There are several ways a donor can make this type of contribution. It can be a one-time gift, an annual offering, or a large amount made in multiple payments. Large amounts of money can come from the decedent’s property, transferred stock, and other investments.
Another type of donor donations are professional services. This can include virtually any field. Some of the common services that a company may offer to an organization include printing, legal assistance, and services for special events, such as catering and public relations.
A gift from a donor can also be an item or series of items. Some of the little things an employee can provide include office supplies, equipment specific to the organization’s needs, and other items needed for day-to-day operations. Larger items may include building materials, playground equipment, or vehicles needed to run the organization. In some cases, a donor may provide a significant amount of materials needed for a large project.
While there are many contributors who will give a gift from a donor to an organization on their own, most organizations need to have some type of donor cultivation program. This may include ongoing annual fundraising efforts such as auctions, galas, and phone solicitations. An organization may also request items and services from businesses in the community for use in regular operations or fundraising events such as auctions and raffles.
While an organization will not offer collateral compensation for a donation from a donor, they will generally have a way to recognize donors. One of the most common ways to recognize donor contributions includes including the donor’s name in a prominent place, such as in company literature; plates; or items such as furniture, buildings, and tiles. An organization may also recognize gifts from donors by having a special event for contributors, such as a presentation, a special meal, or exclusive access to articles or events relevant to the recipient’s work. Some organizations also offer small gifts such as tote bags, water bottles, and travel mugs. Often these items will be inscribed with the name of the organization.