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Pledge Types

Pledge Management

Understanding different pledge types helps you accurately track donor commitments. This guide explains the pledge types available in DonorLog.

Overview​

Pledges can be structured in different ways depending on the donor's commitment. DonorLog supports various pledge types to accommodate different giving patterns.

Fixed One-Time Pledge​

A Fixed One-Time Pledge is a single commitment for a specific amount to be paid once.

Characteristics​

  • Single payment commitment
  • Specific total amount
  • One payment date
  • Simple to track

When to Use​

  • One-time large donations
  • Special event commitments
  • Annual giving commitments paid in one installment
  • Donors who prefer to pay the full amount at once

Example​

Donor: John Smith
Campaign: Building Fund
Pledge Type: Fixed One-Time
Amount: $1,000
Payment Date: March 1, 2024
Payment Type: Cheque

Creating a Fixed One-Time Pledge​

  1. Select "Fixed One-Time" as the pledge type
  2. Enter the total amount
  3. Set the payment date
  4. Choose the payment type
  5. Save the pledge

Recurring Pledge​

A Recurring Pledge is a commitment to make regular payments over a period of time.

Characteristics​

  • Multiple payments over time
  • Regular payment schedule
  • Total amount spread across installments
  • Automatic payment date calculation

When to Use​

  • Monthly giving programs
  • Quarterly commitments
  • Annual pledges paid in installments
  • Sustainer programs

Example​

Donor: Jane Doe
Campaign: General Fund
Pledge Type: Recurring
Total Amount: $1,200
Frequency: Monthly
Installment Amount: $100
Number of Installments: 12
Start Date: January 1, 2024
End Date: December 31, 2024
Payment Type: Credit Card

Creating a Recurring Pledge​

  1. Select "Recurring" as the pledge type
  2. Enter the total pledge amount
  3. Choose the frequency (Monthly, Weekly, Quarterly, Annually)
  4. Set the installment amount
  5. Set the number of installments
  6. Set start and end dates
  7. Choose the payment type
  8. Save the pledge

Payment Frequencies​

For recurring pledges, you can choose from:

Weekly​

  • Payments every week
  • 52 payments per year
  • Good for small, frequent donations

Monthly​

  • Payments every month
  • 12 payments per year
  • Most common frequency
  • Easy for donors to budget

Quarterly​

  • Payments every 3 months
  • 4 payments per year
  • Good for larger amounts
  • Less frequent than monthly

Annually​

  • One payment per year
  • Good for annual commitments
  • Simplest recurring schedule

Pledge Amounts​

Total Amount​

The complete amount the donor has committed to give.

Example: $1,200 total pledge

Installment Amount​

The amount of each individual payment (for recurring pledges).

Example: $100 per month for 12 months = $1,200 total

Calculating Installments​

For recurring pledges:

  • Total Amount ÷ Number of Installments = Installment Amount
  • Or set the installment amount and calculate total

Payment Types for Pledges​

Pledges can be paid using any payment type:

  • Cash - For in-person recurring payments
  • Cheque - Monthly or quarterly cheques
  • Credit Card - Automatic recurring payments
  • E-Transfer - Regular electronic transfers

Choosing the Right Pledge Type​

Consider these factors:

  1. Donor Preference: How does the donor want to pay?
  2. Amount: Is it a large one-time amount or spread over time?
  3. Campaign Needs: Does the campaign need funds immediately or over time?
  4. Administration: Which is easier to track and manage?

Tracking Pledge Progress​

The system automatically tracks:

  • Total Pledged - The full commitment amount
  • Total Paid - Amount received so far
  • Remaining Balance - Amount still owed
  • Next Payment Date - When the next payment is due
  • Payment Status - On time, overdue, or completed

Modifying Pledges​

You can modify pledges if needed:

  • Extend End Date - If donor needs more time
  • Adjust Amount - If commitment changes
  • Change Frequency - If payment schedule changes
  • Skip Payments - If donor needs to skip a payment
  • Cancel Pledge - If commitment is cancelled

Common Scenarios​

Scenario 1: Monthly Sustainer​

Type: Recurring
Frequency: Monthly
Amount: $50/month
Duration: Ongoing (no end date)
Payment: Credit Card (automatic)

Scenario 2: Annual Commitment​

Type: Fixed One-Time
Amount: $500
Payment Date: January 1st
Payment: Cheque

Scenario 3: Quarterly Large Donation​

Type: Recurring
Frequency: Quarterly
Amount: $1,000/quarter
Duration: 4 payments
Payment: E-Transfer

Scenario 4: Event Pledge​

Type: Fixed One-Time
Amount: $250
Payment Date: Event date
Payment: Cash or Credit Card

Best Practices​

  1. Match Donor Preference: Use the type the donor prefers
  2. Be Clear: Explain the commitment clearly to donors
  3. Set Reminders: Use the system to send payment reminders
  4. Track Accurately: Link all payments to the correct pledge
  5. Be Flexible: Adjust if donors need changes

Ready to create a pledge? Learn how to create pledges!