For a $50 donation, you get a T-shirt; for a $100 donation, you'll receive an umbrella; and for $200, you'll get a tote bag. This is typical of the fundraising efforts of PBS and similar organizations. You donate money and get something in return.

Giving people an additional incentive can spur contributions. Having a sponsor who can provide you with T-shirts or some other giveaway item makes this added incentive work. It also raises public awareness about your organization. Bumper stickers, T-shirts, caps, mugs, and tote bags featuring the name of your organization are all very visible items. One fundraising group gave a jacket to everyone who put in three hours of volunteer time at its annual conference. This created a professional, united look among the volunteer staff and served to promote the organization.

One of the simplest things to do is give recognition. It costs little, if anything, to acknowledge somebody's generosity and it makes people feel good when you do so. Consider mentioning volunteers and donors in the monthly or quarterly newsletter.