By Jessica Fox, writer at Eventgroove – a one-stop, integrated platform for events, fundraisers, and e-commerce driven to help its customers amplify their brand and reach their goals.

---

“I want to help, but where do I even start?”

It’s often the unspoken question lurking behind the hesitation to give. All day, we scroll past dire headlines and encounter fundraising appeals about competing crises, then ultimately freeze or turn away. This inaction isn’t apathy—many genuinely care and want to contribute to causes. But it’s hard to know what to do or how, especially when time and finances are stretched thin. 

By offering simple, defined ways to contribute, nonprofit fundraisers can bridge the gap between concern and action. 

Implementing Micro-Giving Strategies

Micro-philanthropy programs provide an effective entry point for those who find traditional giving models daunting. Micro-contributions, generally ranging from $0.25 to $25, make philanthropy more accessible. For example, if we can effect change for about the cost of a muffin or lunch (depending on where you go!), it’s easier to break free from indecision.   

Here’s how to effectively add micro-giving to your organization’s strategy:

1) Connect Contributions with Tangible Effects

Demonstrate what chipping in can accomplish by connecting small gestures with big impact. Instead of vague statements, explain that a $5 contribution provides a specific service or item. A graphic is super effective here. For instance, if $5 could supply school materials, a wholesome snack, or clean socks, illustrate that in your imagery. 

Tip: Print eye-catching postcards or a custom vinyl banner with a QR code that links directly to a simple, mobile-optimized donation page. These can be displayed at events or included in direct mail campaigns to provide instant giving opportunities.

2) Create an Interactive “Vote with Your Donation” System

Set up two or three clear containers representing different options (programs, designs, outcomes) and invite all comers to pitch in to vote. For those without cash, add QR codes linking to digital donation options for each choice. Enhance this experience with raffle tickets that double as voting tokens. Those who purchase tickets via electronic payment can place one in their chosen voting container, creating both a fundraising opportunity and an engaging decision-making process.

The visible progress creates friendly competition and provides participants with immediate feedback.

3) Offer Subscription-Based Giving Options

Monthly giving programs are thriving, offering nonprofits predictable revenue while giving donors a budget-friendly way to further causes they care about. Emphasize that $5 a month creates more impact over time than a single $60 gift. A lesser amount is far less daunting, and, as anyone who has ever thrown spare change in a dish in the kitchen knows, a little adds up over time!

Tip: Create a visually striking direct mail postcard campaign highlighting the cumulative impact of petite monthly gifts. Include a QR code linking directly to your subscription signup page to connect intention with acting.

4) Design Mobile-First Giving Experiences

According to the latest M+R Benchmarks data, 33% of online gifts were made on a mobile device in 2023, and this percentage continues to grow. However, the research indicates that a “mobile giving gap” exists—on average, desktop users gift $137 while those on mobile hand over about $83. So, it’s clearly essential to create donation forms specifically optimized for smartphones that speak to this audience!

Tip: Tap into impulse giving by extending your campaigns to people on the go, whether they’re on foot, pedaling, or rolling. Extend your micro-fundraisers into your community by adding QR codes directing to your optimized giving page to all your marketing materials, from printed posters and invitations to table tents.

Creating Micro-Volunteering Opportunities

Just as bite-sized contributions break down financial barriers, quick-impact volunteering breaks down time barriers.

1) Projects that can be completed from anywhere:

• Drafting alt text for blog post images
• A quick-hit advocacy mission like emailing a representative

2) Event-based micro-tasks:

• Staffing a welcome table for a 15-minute shift
• Pitching in with post-event cleanup for a defined timeframe

On-site helping hands (for those already nearby or visiting)

• Stuffing 20 envelopes for an upcoming mailing
• Sorting donated items for 15 minutes

Tip: Create a simple “Skills-Sharing In Minutes” page on your website that lists current micro-tasks organized by skill type (writing, SEO, design, etc.) and estimated time commitment. Share this page through your existing social media channels and email newsletters with clear language like “Got 15 minutes and SEO expertise? We need you!”

3) Ask Followers to Share Your Message

Reframe social sharing as a genuine form of volunteering, not just a casual request. While not everyone has time or money to contribute, almost anyone can take a few seconds to share a post or forward an email. The key is communicating how this truly furthers your mission—because it does.

Instead of simply saying “Please share,” try something that is more of a direct appeal: “Help us reach more people!” This briefly explains why sharing truly matters and can inspire people to act. 

Tip: Thank people specifically for their “digital volunteering” after they share, reinforcing that their small effort made a real difference.

Communicate the Big Value of Small Things

Remember how everyone joked that making your bed was a big win during the pandemic? Small successes matter! Express that sentiment clearly and honestly with your audience.  

Use “Mini but Mighty” Messaging

Create messaging that illustrates how even minimal contributions push your work forward. Share specific examples of how many minis can add up. For instance, “Last month, 52 people each gave $5—enough to provide emergency shelter for three families.” When supporters see that many hands make light work, they’re more likely to engage.

And don’t forget your pop-up forms. There’s nothing like being moved to chip in and then being served a pop-up asking for a $50. A high starting point like that can imply that what someone has to offer isn’t enough, and so they don’t give at all.

Tip: Whether it’s on a pop-up or printed brochure, use phrases like “Little actions. Lasting change.” or “Drops in the bucket fill it fast.” to reinforce that every bit counts.

Value All Forms of Assistance

Be careful not to create hierarchies that place donors above sharers or volunteers. Each micro-action—whether it’s a quick donation, social media share, or 30 minutes of volunteering—deserves genuine appreciation. Today’s micro-givers can become tomorrow’s major donors or relied-upon volunteers if they feel a part of something.

Tip: A quick thank-you email, a tag in a social post, or a shoutout in your newsletter can go a long way. 

Turning Paralysis into Movement: One Tiny Step at a Time

By offering micro-opportunities for engagement, you present a clear starting point. The goal isn’t just gathering funds or volunteer time—it’s fostering relationships that snowball.

Simple, thoughtfully designed tools, such as mobile-optimized forms, inclusive pop-ups, or printed flyers with QR codes, can turn good intentions into action.