While social media and other blossoming online methods charities use to reach out to donors get a lot of attention these days, the nonprofit marketing consultant Nancy Schwartz says that some of the most low-cost, effective ways to get donors involved can be very low-tech.

Nonprofit leaders should offer donors a “chance to go beyond—whether behind the scenes, after the show, or standing in the shoes of,” on her blog Getting Attention.

As a member of New York’s Museum of Natural History she recalls participating in a behind-the-Employees-Only-door tour of the insect department.

“The research side of the institution is something the public is largely unaware of, and this was a powerful way to show how an exhibit evolves,” Ms. Schwartz says, noting that she renewed her membership for years thereafter.

Her favorite nonprofit dance and theater group often holds post-performance discussions that serve to “erase the lines between the audience and the performers/production team/author, adding another dimension to the experience as participants become a single community” she says.

And “standing in the shoes of” refers to the School of American Ballet, which is currently providing the public with free opportunities to observe a ballet master class, which Ms. Schwartz sees as “increasing the engagement level of long-time devotees.”

What are your experiences with letting supporters “behind the scenes?” What opportunities exist beyond those cultural organizations can offer? Click on the comment link below to offer your ideas.