While Giving Levels and Rewards & Recognition often appear together in fundraising campaigns, they serve distinct yet complementary purposes. Understanding how they work individually—and in tandem—helps organizations design a richer, more motivating donor journey.
Feature | Focus | Donor Experience | Example Question It Answers |
Giving Levels & Items | What the donor is giving to | Transactional — tied to a single donation | “What is my gift funding?” |
Rewards & Recognition | What the donor is earning for giving | Relational — built over time | “What does my giving say about my impact and commitment?” |
How They Work Together
Both features create a complete fundraising experience:
Giving Levels connect donors emotionally to the impact of their contribution.
Rewards & Recognition strengthens loyalty by celebrating their cumulative generosity.
Together, they build a balanced experience of purpose and pride—donors understand the change they’re making and feel celebrated for it.
Annual Giving Campaign Use Case
A community foundation launches an annual campaign with both features enabled:
Giving Levels: Donors choose specific impact tiers—$25 funds art supplies, $50 funds music lessons, $100 sponsors a full semester of classes.
Rewards & Recognition: As donors give throughout the year, their cumulative total unlocks membership tiers like “Creative Partner” or “Champion for the Arts,” accompanied by badges and thank-you messages.
This approach engages both the heart and the head—donors see where their money goes and feel recognized for their ongoing dedication.
Giving Levels & Items and Rewards & Recognition are two sides of the same coin: one drives meaningful action, the other sustains long-term engagement. When used together, they transform one-time donors into lifelong supporters—motivated by both impact and appreciation.
If you have questions about the difference between Giving Levels & Items and Rewards & Recognition, schedule a support call with our success team.