Tim Sanders started his company, Silent Donor, based on his own experience giving money to charities.

“I was happy to give a financial gift to a nonprofit, but then afterwards I was kind of put off with the amount of mail that was sent to my house,” he said. “And 10 years later, I was still on their email list, and others were coming out of the woodwork — even from institutions that I hadn’t donated to.”

Sanders wanted to find an easy way to give anonymously. And he knew from his experience as a philanthropy management consultant that there were plenty of people who felt the same way.

“There was no platform built for this experience for donors,” Sanders said. “So I decided to change that and build it myself.

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Do small donations really matter? Can $5 truly make a difference in the community? 

In the vast landscape of charitable giving, big numbers often steal the spotlight. It can be tempting to focus all efforts and resources on finding major donors that contribute to monumental change. A smaller donation may feel like a “drop in the bucket” compared to a major gift, but those who contribute low-dollar gifts may be the change-makers you’ve been looking for all along. 

People who give smaller amounts have the bigger potential to be lifelong supporters of your cause and become powerhouse fundraisers for your organization. 

Data shows that giving at all levels have increased. In 2020, smaller gifts (less than $250) grew by 15.3% compared to 2019. Whereas larger gifts ($1,000 or more) increased by 10.4% 

The average one-time gift was $121 in 2022, according to Double the Donation, and 57% are enrolled in a recurring giving program, compared to 46% from the previous year. 

Low-dollar gifts bring new, mission-aligned donors into the fold, creating a ripple effect of impact that exceeds the size of the donation. 

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New American Dialogue on May 30 from 7-9 p.m. at Minnestra Conference Center, 1200 N Minnetrista Pkwy, Muncie. Tackling America's problems by encouraging public discussions with diverse viewpoints. Presented by The Mind Trust. Cost: Free. Register 

Now you know everything about DAF’s webinar on June 5 at noon. Join us for an interactive discussion about how to use all the great DAF resources shared at the AFP-Indiana spring conference. Presented by Association of Fundraising Professionals—Indiana chapter. Open to members and non-members. Cost: Free. RSVP by June 4 

Restorative Justice as a way to help address domestic violence on June 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Brightwood Community Center, 2140 N Arsenal Ave. Presented by Domestic Violence Network. Cost: Free for community members. Learn more

Conversational Spanish series begins on Aug. 17 at IU Indianapolis University Hall, 301 University Blvd, Room 1006. Regardless of how much Spanish you already know, learning to speak Spanish in your work or daily life will make you more confident in your personal and professional interactions. Presented by IU Indianapolis Professional Development and Continuing Education. Cost: Varies based on module(s) selected.

Register for Basic Module 

Register for Advanced Module  

How nonprofits can learn from new data to grow their recurring donor base pre-recorded webinar. Learn what motivates recurrring donors and lessons that can be applied to grow your nonprofit’s recurring donor base. Presented by National Council of Nonprofits. Cost: Free. Watch

Smart fundraising: How savvy groups are streamlining and innovating webinar replay. Hear from various development executives about the tools and tactics they are using to meet ambitious revenue goals, ensure employee well-being, and help their organizations meet their missions. Presented by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Cost: Free. Watch  

Crooked Creek Food Pantry needs energetic, committed volunteers with a passion for reducing food insecurity. 6940 North Michigan Road. Shifts are open Monday – Friday for two to three hours for: stocker, cart assembly, traffic control, bagger, and more. Register | Questions 

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation needs volunteers for its Indiana Take Steps annual walk on June 8 at Conner Prairie. Volunteers are needed for set-up, registration, leading kids activities, serving snacks & water, cheering on the walkers, and more. Register

Broad Ripple Village Association needs volunteers on June 1 for 2-hour shifts from 8 a.m. -2 p.m. for the Broad Ripple Duck Race + 5K fun. Responsibilities include being part of the canal crew, dumping ducks, selling ducks, a course marshall and more. Most positions require standing for the duration of the shift. Register  

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