Monthly Giving for Nonprofits (How It Makes a Real Impact!)

Have you ever thought about how small, steady actions can lead to big change?

Here’s a quick story: In a village hit by drought, each family added just one cup of water a day to a shared reservoir. Alone, the effort seemed small—but together, they kept the village going through hard times.

Monthly giving works the same way. A little each month adds up, giving nonprofits steady support they can count on. In fact, groups with strong monthly donor programs report up to 40% more financial stability.

Here are seven real reasons to consider joining a monthly giving community—and how it can create lasting impact for you and the causes you care about.

1. Small Steps, Big Impact 

Monthly giving may seem like a small action, but the collective impact is immense. Take Charity: Water as an example: their monthly giving program, The Spring, raised over $18 million in 2019 alone, supporting clean water projects worldwide. 

• $10 per month = $120 per year. 

• For 1,000 donors, that’s $120,000 annually, enough to fund significant projects sustainably. 

One of the most powerful ways to understand monthly giving is to compare it to everyday costs.

2. Reduce Carbon Footprint of Giving 

By committing to regular giving, donors help reduce the environmental impact of fundraising efforts, such as emissions from mail transport or the use of paper products. Fewer individual transactions mean less energy consumption for processing payments, as recurring donations typically use automated processes that are more efficient than multiple separate transactions. 

3. Enjoy Financial Ease and Flexibility in Giving 

Monthly giving doesn’t have to feel like a big decision. Automated monthly donations mean your support is as easy as subscribing to a streaming service—and you can adjust your contribution anytime. Donors are likely to find monthly giving more manageable and financially feasible, as it helps with budgeting. A big annual gift is divided into manageable, smaller monthly gifts, which allows contribution from a larger group of people. 

4. Get VIP Access to Your Impact 

Monthly donors often receive exclusive updates on their impact. For instance, the International Rescue Committee shares progress stories with monthly supporters, building a deeper connection between donors and the cause.  

5. Join a Community, Feel the Connection 

Monthly donors don’t just contribute financially—they form a strong, passionate community united by shared values. Nonprofits often nurture this community with updates and special opportunities. Community engagement boosts donor retention rates and for the monthly donors, the average is much higher than that for the ongoing repeat donors. 

“The lifetime value of a monthly donor is often more than $2,000. We have worked with non-profits across Canada, USA, Australia, and Europe. And in every country, the highest donor renewal rates come from committed monthly donors.” 

Harvey McKinnon, Monthly Giving Expert and President at HMA 

6. Find Joy and Purpose 

Giving is about helping others and a way to find purpose. Studies from the Greater Good Science Center show that consistent giving increases happiness and reduces stress. Monthly donations create a routine of giving that benefits mental well-being while contributing to causes that donors care deeply about.  

7. Success Stories to Inspire 

Monthly giving is already making waves.  

• The ASPCA’s Guardians Program allows animal lovers to support animal welfare consistently, driving long-term change.  

• Save the Children, uses monthly donations to fund stable healthcare and education projects, especially in regions facing ongoing crises.  

• The monthly giving program named Team Tomorrow by Save the Children highlights the advantages of monthly giving. 

FAQs about Monthly Giving

1. Is monthly giving better than a one-time donation?

   Yes, because nonprofits can plan, budget, and expand programs confidently with predictable monthly revenue.

2. How much does the average monthly donor give?

   Typically between $10 and $35 per month, making it accessible for most people.

3. Can I change or pause my monthly gift?

   Absolutely. Most nonprofits allow changes at any time with a simple click or email.

4. Does monthly giving have a bigger long-term impact?

   Yes. Monthly donors give 42% more over 12 months compared to one-time donors.

5. Is monthly giving tax-deductible?

   All monthly donations to 501(c)(3) organizations are tax-deductible, just like one-time gifts.

A Closing Thought on Monthly Giving 

Monthly giving isn’t just about financial contributions—it’s about creating a lasting, positive impact. By becoming a monthly donor, you’re part of a movement that fuels meaningful change, showing up consistently to help those who need it the most. 

Imagine that a small, consistent donation from you could become a driving force for meaningful change, growing stronger month after month. Your decision today might set powerful transformation in motion.  

Still need to decide if monthly giving is right for you? Use our monthly giving calculator below to see how your contributions add up and whether to Save or to Donate.

Want to discuss further? Contact the CLASS Consulting Group.   

CLASS has been a trusted advisor to board and leadership teams of nonprofit since 2002. Learn more and reach out today.