When a donation is made online, you don't have to wonder whether the check is in the mail, send pledge reminders to the donor, type the donation information from a piece of paper into your database, and send the paperwork to the bank. Most important, online fundraising is cheap, and provides an extraordinary rate of return (on average, it costs only about 10 cents to raise $1 online, as opposed to 40-50 cents for direct mail, 60-70 cents for telemarketing and 90 cents for prospecting lists).

While those numbers may be slightly dated, the story goes on to provide a list of simple tips for running a complete online fundraising operation and then goes on to expand on each point...

• Start with a strong Web site
• You must constantly publicize the site
• Integrate online and offline efforts
• Don't hide your "Donate" button!
• Make sure donating is simple and easy
• Provide a choice of payment options
• Adopt a privacy policy
• Send regular e-mails to supporters
• Keep your Web site updated

You may want to take a moment and read the whole article as it provides good background on some of the pieces needed to mount a successful online fundraising effort. I point to the importance of not just having a website, but having a good website for your efforts...

Your Web site should be as effective and polished as your direct mail, your television spots, and every other aspect of your campaign.

Not all websites are created equal and just because you put a page up does not mean it will lead to a successful online fundraising operation. Make sure your website sends the message you want because for many people, it will be their first impression of your candidacy and could help determine whether you get the chance to make a second.

Here's today's tip, once again courtesy of Campaigntips.com

When asking for a contribution, always end with a question.

The #1 tactic you’ll use to raise money is personal solicitation. That’s where you personally call or meet with someone and ask them to donate. While there are a lot of little things you can do to improve your chances of getting a big contribution, one of the BIG things you must do is to end your ask with a question like “I was hoping you’d contribute $1,000 to my campaign. Is that something you’d be comfortable with?” It puts the potential donor on the spot and eliminates a lot of the dreaded “I’ll think it over” responses.

This tip becomes especially helpful if you have the ability to accept credit card contributions. You can ask the donor if for their convenience, they would like to just put the contribution on their card. No checks, no paperwork and you get the money.