March 6, 2025



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The Power of Donors Committing to Micro-sponsorships

by Wayne Elsey

For many years, when traditional media hadn't fractured and long before the internet, Americans would watch telethons on television to support a good cause. Global organizations such as UNICEF or Save the Children have asked for regular donations for decades. In many cases, depending on how you defined the regular contributions monetarily, these were micro-sponsorships. 

Somewhere along the line, the focus on smaller donations shifted to trying to get major donors. However, as major donors have consolidated their giving for various reasons, there's an opportunity — particularly for smaller nonprofits — to focus on micro-sponsors. In short, these types of donors can provide an organization between $250 and $1,000. So, they're just above general donors and below major donors in contribution size. 

Nonprofit fundraisers who seek support, particularly for organizations with small budgets, can develop a transformative strategy by focusing on micro-sponsorships. Again, micro-sponsors can fill the gap with the consolidation in giving for major donors that increasingly focus on organizations that can prove scale and scope. Moreover, this level of contributors can become major donors with time and quality donor cultivation. 

Case Study: Unbound's Sponsorship Model

Like UNICEF or Save the Children, Unbound is a nonprofit that uses the sponsorship model. This organization has been around since 1981, but its model goes beyond supporting children. Micro-sponsors can support children, youth and seniors. In short, sponsors commit to giving a monthly contribution to support people in 17 worldwide countries. The needs of the people can be anything from basic needs to education and community development efforts.

As fundraisers learn during their careers, monthly sustaining gifts usually provide a higher lifetime value for donors. So, instead of asking a donor who might not be inclined for whatever reason to give a $250 gift outright, a nonprofit can get $300 annually from a micro-sponsor by asking for $25 per month. As we know, people are used to paying for subscriptions like Netflix, and it doesn't hurt the budget as a one-time gift might. 

Benefits of Micro-Sponsorships

One key finding for fundraising in 2024 was that the number of donors is declining. For instance, small-dollar donors, or micro-donors giving less than $100 to a nonprofit, are giving significantly less. Retaining donors across the board is a significant challenge for nonprofit organizations, with the lowest dip in retention coming from those contributing more than $50,000. That indicates that donors need a compelling reason to support a nonprofit. 

By creating micro-sponsorships for donors who could support an organization between $250 and $1,000 annually, nonprofits offer donors a more manageable way to continue supporting a mission that may be close to their hearts and minds. Moreover, nonprofits can also partner with businesses to create a sense of shared community in finding micro-sponsors. For example, people who sign up to be sponsors get a 10% discount at a business.

Strategies for Implementing Micro-Sponsorships

The micro-sponsorship approach can benefit any nonprofit, especially those with smaller budgets. Micro-sponsorships can allow donors who may have less disposable cash to make a larger contribution during a year in a "subscription-based" approach that they're used to doing. For nonprofits that would like to pursue the approach, here are the strategies for implementation.

1. Identify Potential Sponsors

Fortunately, nonprofits have access to more data than they did in the past and valuable insights that can be aggregated and consolidated due to technology. Therefore, reviewing donor giving for the last three to five years and to find giving patterns is essential. Focus on people who have given single gifts between $250 and $1,000 and cumulative gifts in that range. Once you identify those people, they're the best prospects. 

2. Develop Compelling Sponsorship Packages

Another essential strategy for micro-sponsorships to take hold within a nonprofit is to create compelling packages. An organization should consider the benefits of donor tiers within a micro-sponsorship package. It really doesn't matter what your organization does — most can create sponsorships for micro-sponsorships in education, healthcare, climate, etc. Remember that the packages rely on expert and exceptional storytelling across all your media. 

3. Craft Personalized Proposals

It’s essential to remember that even if a donor is giving $25 a month, by the end of the year, it's $300. So, they deserve a personal approach. For every tier within your micro-sponsorship program, offer a personalized invitation to join. For instance, for a tier in the range of $750 to $1,000, invite them to a private event. For those between $500 and $750, ask them to an inaugural video call. Additionally, you can invite all of them to a private social network. 

4. Maintaining Open and Varied Community Communication

To the earlier point, one of the best ways to keep a close community is to create a social network. People want to be members of something, and your nonprofit can serve as the place where people can come together for virtual and in-person events and communication. Consider having sessions with program members, the executive director and donors who want to take a leadership position in the micro-sponsorship program. 

5. Recognizing and Appreciating Sponsors

Although it's said often, you'd be surprised how often donors aren't thanked or feel appreciated for their efforts. Therefore, creating a program for micro-sponsors that regularly thanks them in many ways is an excellent approach to ensuring a high retention rate for donors. However, make it a point to also send handwritten notes or even voice texts to ensure they know that your appreciation stands out. 

Expanding Fundraising Revenue

It's essential for nonprofits, especially for smaller organizations, to ensure a varied fundraising revenue stream. Relying on a few major donors or institutional funders could create issues down the line if someone moves on. By focusing on micro-sponsors, your organization can create a focused revenue stream. More importantly, it can make a community that advances and amplifies the nonprofit's impact. the Trump administration takes steps to freeze federal funding to untold numbers of nonprofits and NGOs, some organizations that receive federal grants are scrambling to protect themselves by self-censoring.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Ohio Valley Goodwill has named Sherwood MacVeigh as Vice President of Marketing. 

Purcell Marian High School is thrilled to welcome Simon Dadosky to our Board of Trustees. 

United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC) is pleased to welcome Jonathan Blank (L) and Katie Johnson (R) to the organization’s volunteer leadership board. 

Talbert House’s Ambassador Board raised nearly $16,000 at its annual Home is Where the Heart Is event, February 21 at LoVe. Proceeds support the Agency’s Housing Service Line, providing affordable housing for adults, veterans, and families who are overcoming barriers such as mental health, poverty, trauma, addiction, and homelessness.

For the first time, Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired is hosting two Ohio Regional Braille Challenge competitions: Southern Division and Northern Division. The day-long competitions test participants on braille literacy skills such as reading comprehension, spelling, speed and accuracy, proofreading, and charts and graphs.

Childhood Food Solutions is most grateful for a grant of $10,000 from the Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation to support sacks of food for Roll Hill School students. We also congratulate last year's Third Graders on their 82% achievement rate for English Language Arts. CFS hopes that food sacks and our other food programs will continue to contribute to academic success.  

Aviatra Accelerators hosted its second annual Galentine's Gala Fashion Show & Fundraiser, Thursday, February 13, 2025. The event focused on connecting and inspiring women with a fashion show and silent auction. The fashion show showcased local women-owned businesses, including Sohza Sister Boutique, Chozen 4 U Boutique, Stylish LeNese Boutique and Coda Co. The Galentine’s Gala raised $25,000. 

Give Like a Mother (GLAM) is thrilled to announce a $10,000 grant from the Louis and Melba Schott Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee. This funding will help provide essential clothing items—new socks, new underwear, clothing, and shoes—to children and teens in Greater Cincinnati experiencing clothing insecurity.

Join American Legacy Theatre on select dates (March 7 – March 22) at Cincinnati’s Contemporary Arts Center to experience the Ohio premiere of "HIGHER" – an original rock musical developed by ALT – newly rewritten and returning to production for the first time since its world premiere in 2021. Performances will take place at the CAC – not on their stage, but brought to life within its three-story gallery space, and reimagined in a way you need to see to believe! Find more information here. 

Nonprofit CEOs and Executives join us on Tuesday, March 25 from 5-7p at Metropolitan Club for a special happy hour. Now more than ever, we need each other—not just to share information, but to connect, support one another, and exchange hopes and challenges. That’s why Leadership Council, Greater Cincinnati Nonprofit News, DeanDorton, and Gilman Partners are hosting a Nonprofit Executive Gathering—a special happy hour event designed for nonprofit leaders to come together. Your first drink is on us! Don't miss this chance to recharge, build connections, and strengthen our nonprofit community. We look forward to seeing you there! Learn more and register here.



Millstone Fund supports the Greater Cincinnati community in the areas of Health, Education, and Arts. With a strong focus on supporting the mental health of our community and increasing access to educational and art opportunities for all people, Millstone Fund is currently accepting LOIs until April 1st for their next round of funding. Learn more about Millstone Fund's priority areas, grant types, eligibility requirements, and application process here.  

Green Umbrella is accepting applications for their Climate Action Fellowship program for governments in Greater Cincinnati communities. The fellowship pairs undergraduate and graduate students, and individuals who want to pivot careers into the sustainability space, with Green Umbrella government members to develop practical plans and solutions for a changing climate.

Saint Timothy Parish, Union, KY awards up to six (6) grants each year to Northern Kentucky nonprofit agencies. Each grant is limited to a maximum of $3000 each for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Nonprofit agencies must serve or benefit the disadvantaged and poor of the Northern Kentucky community and must meet our Eligibility Criteria and Grant Components outlined in the grant application. Contact Pat Seuberling for more information, pseuberling@saint-timothy.org. 

Zonta Club of Cincinnati will be accepting applications for our 2025 Grant Program to empower women through service and advocacy. Not-for-Profit organizations may apply for grants awards ranging in an amount from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $2,000 per funding cycle. All applications must be received by April 1, 2025, for the May 31, 2025, distribution. Find additional information here. 

As part of his commitment to ensuring all Ohio children have the opportunity to build strong foundations for success, Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) Director Kara B. Wente announced the availability of $5 million in grant funding to support training for teachers at early care and education programs on how to harness the Science of Reading to enrich their young students’ literacy skills from an early age. To learn more about DCY and its priorities, visit here. 

Aviatra Accelerators announces the launch of its Capital-Ready Women (CRW) program, the only fundability assessment and guided program in the U.S. that is not government-affiliated or associated with a financial institution. This program is specifically designed to help women in non-tech industries prepare to successfully access capital through loans or investments. Look here for more information about Aviatra's Capital-Ready Women program or to apply.



Aviatra Accelerators, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs, announces the launch of its Fuel Your Startup Income Accelerator program. The eight-week program is specifically designed to help women who have been in business from six months to two years grow revenue and become more profitable. Launching on March 19, the expert-led live online sessions will provide proven strategies and actionable insights on topics critical to helping early-stage women entrepreneurs create profitable, sustainable businesses and reach their income goals. Find more information here. 

New Supervisors, Elevate Your Leadership! Apply for the Spring session of ADVANCE by March 7. This program is designed for new supervisors and emerging leaders who want to boost their confidence, sharpen essential skills, and lead with impact. Through expert-led sessions, hands-on learning, and peer collaboration, participants will leave empowered and ready to take charge. Presented by OneSource Center's Nonprofit Leadership Institute. Learn more here. 



Mastering Volunteer Management: Strategies for Success & Impact - Whether you’re new to Volunteer Management, or are an experienced professional, there are always new things to learn and implement. OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence is excited to offer this session, designed to help you effectively manage your organization’s volunteer program. March 20, 9:00am - 11:30am at the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Learn more and register here. 



GLSEN Greater Cincinnati is seeking a chapter treasurer. The all-volunteer chapter works to ensure that LGBTQ students can learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. The treasurer commitment entails 1-2 hours of work weekly and is supported by the finance staff at the national GLSEN office. To learn more, please email John at treasurer@gcoh.glsen.org.



7 steps to building a smart, high-performing team ways to focus on talent retention Success in business depends on building a high-performing team that aligns with your vision, works efficiently and delivers results.

Trust, people and partnerships: cornerstones during times of disruptions Disruption is nothing new for nonprofit executives. Shifts in government policies, fluctuating economic conditions, natural disasters, health crises and evolving donor priorities have only strengthened our ability to innovate, operate and survive.

Our sponsor and partner marketplace serves to further connect our readers with our advertisers who are focused on serving nonprofits. To learn more about a sponsor's nonprofit services, click on their ad. Contact Kelli Tarantino, editor, at kelli@gcnonprofitnews.com to discover how your business or organization can become a sponsor/advertiser of the Greater Cincinnati Nonprofit News.

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