Even a small amount can make a big difference—if it arrives consistently. Discover why predictable support is the true strength of nonprofit organizations, and how every donation can become a long-term investment in lasting change. An article by Anikó Mózes, Donor Experience Manager.

One of the greatest challenges nonprofit organizations face is not a lack of intention or dedication, but a lack of predictability. An organization can only operate effectively, responsibly, and with a long-term mindset if it can rely not just on occasional donations, but on steady, recurring support. But what does this look like in practice—and why is it so essential for both the cause and the donor?

Predictability as an operational foundation

Regular donations create financial stability. They allow an organization to plan ahead instead of constantly applying band-aid solutions: to launch programs, hire professionals, maintain infrastructure, and deliver consistent quality for the people they serve. These monthly donations don’t have to be big amounts. When many people contribute, even smaller amounts can add up to a meaningful impact. Yet experience shows that relatively few are willing to commit to support an organization over the long term.

In Hungary, charitable giving is still often impulsive—if it happens at all. According to a 2023 survey by NIOK, 29% of respondents had not donated at all in the previous year, and 16% had donated only once. Regular donors make up only 11% of respondents. Motivations for donating vary widely: personal connection, trust in the organization, current social issues, or religious and value-based beliefs can all play a role. At the same time, 54% of respondents said that donating makes them feel like a better person and that they are helping make the world a better place.

Giving as an investment

Regular donations can also be understood as a form of investment—not measured in financial returns, but in social value: it is referred as social return in international literature.

When someone supports a cause on a monthly basis, they are investing in predictability, stability, and long-term impact. This is what enables nonprofits to plan, grow, and create lasting change. That is the real difference. A better society is not built overnight, but through many small, consistent decisions. One of the most powerful being the choice to say, again and again: what happens tomorrow matters to me.

What kind of impact can a small monthly donation make?

Many people assume that 1,000 HUF per month is too little to make a real difference. But when many small contributions come together, they create substantial, tangible support.

Consider a simple example:

If 50 people support Bátor Tábor with 100 HUF per day, that adds up to nearly 1.8 million HUF over a year. At Bátor Tábor, this amount could, for example:

• Cover the full annual maintenance cost of the high ropes course accessible to children using wheelchairs,
• Ensure equipment maintenance and safety inspections,
• Provide volunteers with the training and expertise required to operate it safely.

This kind of predictability is what creates real impact—not a one-time donation, but ongoing presence and long-term support.

Common misconceptions about recurring donations

“I can’t afford it.”
Recurring support is not about large sums. Even 1,000–2,000 HUF per month matters—especially when many people participate. Small amounts add up and create a stable foundation.

“It’s hard to cancel once I start.”
Modern donation systems are flexible. The amount can be modified or the donation canceled at any time.

“I’m not sure where the money actually goes.”

For a transparent, professional organization, accountability is a core value. Each year, Bátor Tábor publishes an annual report detailing how donations support programs, equipment, and operations, offering insight into how the organization works.

Why this matters for decision-makers?

Predictable support is not only an emotional decision—it is a strategic one. For corporate leaders, HR and CSR decision-makers, it is especially valuable when an organization:

Operates with stability,

Demonstrates long-term impact,

Works with transparent financial and professional structures,

Thinks in terms of partnership rather than one-time sponsorship.

In this sense, recurring support is an investment in a well-functioning social system.

More than a just a donation: a partnership

Predictable support is not just a financial matter—it is a sign of trust. It shows that the donor believes in the organization’s mission, operations, and long-term impact.

For Bátor Tábor, this means children are safe, programs are plannable, and camps can remain completely free of charge. It is a guarantee that new brave moments can be created year after year.

For regular donors, we have created a dedicated community where they can see exactly how their contributions are used, what programs have been implemented, and what Bátor Tábor is planning for the future. Anyone can join the “Bátorítók365” recurring donor community—even with a contribution of just 100 HUF per day.