Thank you for choosing to support the University of Cincinnati. If you have questions about making a gift, please call us at 888-556-8889 (toll-free) or 513-556-6781 M–F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST. or email us.

1 Gift Details 2 Gift Review 3 Your Information 4 Payment

Make an Impact Today

Your Gifts 0

Where would you like to make your commitment?

School or College Other Area A Cause Search 
*
*

 

How much would you like to give?

$100 $250 $500 $1,000 $2,500
Enter an amount in the input field above. $5 minimum gift amount.

Gift Review

Your Gifts 0

Gifts

Your gift cart is currently empty.

+ Add a gift

Gift type (Required):

One-Time Gift Monthly Gift Pledge Payment
Tribute Information
*
*
*
If your gift honors/memorializes a pet, please indicate species and owner's names for appropriate acknowledgement.
*
*
*
*
*
*

Your Information

Your Gifts 0
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Notes to reference for Advanced Giving Form refresh.

General Giving Form Notes

  • Your Gifts ( 0 ) - Optional to add to giving form. This functions as a cart, where the user can see how many fund(s) they've added to giving form. When clicked, it takes the user to the Gift Review step, showing which fund(s) have been added. (GV)

 

Giving Form Steps

  1. Gift Details
    1. Where would you like to make your commitment?
      1. School or College -  This is a filter that the University of Georgia has on their giving form. The options for this filter include the names of the colleges at the University of Georgia. We already do this method of filtering so no extra research/work would be needed. (GV)
      2. Other Area - This is a filter that the University of Georgia has on their giving form. Some of the options for this filter include: University-wide, Academic Affiars, Athletics, Instruction, Libraries, Public Service & Outreach, Research and Student Affairs. If we were to consider adding this, it would require coming up with the various Other Areas to filter by then adding a new column to the Web API from which all the funds are pulled from. (GV)
      3. A Cause - This area is not something we currently have the capability of filtering by currently. This is a filter that the University of Georgia has on their giving form. Some of the options for this filter include: Animal Welfare, Community, Environment, Food safety & supply, Social Justice and Technology. If we were to consider adding this, it would require coming up with the various causes to filter by then adding a new column to the Web API from which all the funds are pulled from. (GV)
      4. Search - Typeahead search works just like current giving form. (GV)

    2. How much would you like to give?
      1. On the University of Georgia's giving form, they list out eight options to choose from, which I've copied on this mockup giving form as well. The vast majority of the top 100 nonprofits use an approach that includes 4-5 suggested donations paired with the option to enter a custom amount. Around half of these organizations highlighted a default suggested value (usually the 2nd or 3rd option). On our current main giving form, we only have the option to enter a custom amount but I'd like to get back to the 4-5 suggested donation options like we do on our Standard Donation Forms. (GV)
    3. Nice to have functionality

  2. Gift Review
    1. Gifts panel
      1. Allows user to see fund that were added in Gift Details step. (GV)
      2. User can click x Remove to remove gift from Gifts panel. (GV)
    2. Gift type
      1. One-Time Gift
      2. Monthly Gift
        1. Add an ending date can be removed if not needed. It's not on current giving form. (GV)
      3. Pledge Payment
    3. Tribute Information
      1. This section might be be better off in it's own step. When "I would like to make my gift as a tribute" is selected, the height for this step doubles in height and gets even tallers if the "Provide contact information for honoree..." checkbox is selected too. (GV)
    4. Nice to have functionality
      1. Allow user to edit gift amount in Gifts panel. (GV)

  3. Your Information
    1. Country
      1. United States selection shows State dropdown field. (GV)
      2. United Kingdom selection shows Province dropdown field. (GV)
  4. Payment

 

To maximize online donations for a university, a robust donation form should be easily accessible, feature clear branding, be mobile-friendly, and offer various payment options. It's also crucial to clearly communicate the university's mission and how donations impact the institution. Additionally, incorporating compelling visuals, a simple design, and encouraging recurring donations can boost giving.

Here's a more detailed look at best practices for university fundraising donation forms:

  1. Accessibility and Visibility:
    • Easy Navigation: Make the donation form immediately accessible from your university's homepage and other key pages.
    • Clear Calls to Action: Use prominent "Donate" buttons or links.
    • Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure the form functions seamlessly on all devices.

  2. Branding and Visual Appeal:
    • Consistent Branding: Use your university's colors, logo, and fonts.
    • Compelling Imagery: Showcase the impact of donations with powerful photos or videos.

  3. User Experience and Simplicity:
    • Simple Design: Avoid clutter and unnecessary form fields.
    • Mobile Optimization: Ensure the form is easy to use on mobile devices.
    • Fast Load Speed: Optimize the form to load quickly, preventing user frustration.
    • Easy Submission: Make the "submit" button clear and unique.
    • Accessibility: Ensure the form is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

  4. Giving Options and Payment Methods:
    • Multiple Payment Options: Accept credit cards, bank transfers, and other popular methods.
    • Recurring Donations: Offer the option to set up recurring gifts, which can be a reliable source of income.
    • Suggested Donation Amounts: Provide a few pre-selected donation amounts to guide donors.
    • Custom Giving: Allow donors to specify a custom donation amount.
    • Matching Gifts: Highlight any matching gift opportunities from corporate partners.

  5. Communication and Messaging:
    • Clear Mission Statement: Communicate your university's mission and how donations support it.
    • Impactful Language: Use compelling language to explain how donations make a difference.
    • Showcase Impact: Explain how donations will be used and the specific programs they will support.
    • Urgency and Action: Use calls to action and emphasize the immediate impact of donations.
    • Donor Appreciation: Thank donors for their contributions and highlight the impact of their gifts.

  6. Testing and Optimization:
    • A/B Testing: Use A/B testing to optimize the form and improve conversion rates.
    • Collect Donor Data: Use the form to collect and assess donor information to personalize future outreach.
    • Follow-up with Donors: Thank donors and provide updates on how their gifts are being used.