Not to Be Rude ... but What's in It for Me?

I hate to ask, but what’s in it for me?
While most donors won’t admit it in a focus group or on a survey, personal benefit often impacts a decision to give to a nonprofit. Fundraisers often think “premium” at this point, but many donors are motivated by something much harder to describe than a T-shirt or membership card. It’s that feeling they get when they give to your cause. It may be a sense of religious fulfillment or pride that they are able to support your cause at a level they consider generous. It may be the satisfaction of knowing they are carrying on a family tradition, giving back to a community or alma mater, or doing something about a problem they believe is serious.