DOnivåer

DOnivåer is a term used in fundraising to describe a system of tiered donor levels, often implemented by non-profit organizations, cultural institutions, open-source projects, and political campaigns to structure contributions and related benefits.

The term combines donasjon (donation) and nivåer (levels) from Norwegian, with stylized capitalization such as D and O to emphasize the concept; variations exist in other languages and contexts where donor tiers are described differently.

How it works typically involves defining multiple tiers with increasing contribution amounts, ranging from modest regular gifts to larger one-time gifts. Each tier is associated with specific benefits or forms of recognition, such as naming rights, exclusive updates, merchandise, or access to events. Tiers may be based on one-time contributions, recurring donations, or a combination of both, and organizations often publish suggested amounts to guide supporters.

Benefits of the approach include creating predictable revenue, enabling donor segmentation for tailored communications, and offering incentives for higher levels of support. Criticisms include the potential to put pressure on small donors, the risk that rewards distract from the mission, and concerns about unequal access to benefits or influence.

Variants and related concepts include patron programs, membership schemes, and sponsorship levels. DOnivåer is commonly discussed alongside broader fundraising strategies such as crowdfunding, philanthropy, and donor recognition practices, and its design varies to align with an organization’s goals, values, and legal considerations.