I get you, I just don't like tying social status to badges and icons that denote financial contribution. That's Elon Musk style. Another solution is you could sell merch for example. And creators on the server could donate artwork they make to be sold on merch like t-shirts, hats, handbags, etc. instead of donating cash.
But, if the intrinsic value of helping keep an instance going isn't enough motivation, there're many other successful methods to implement before resorting to awarding visible badges. Here are a few strategies to increase financial engagement:
Transparency: Provide clear and transparent information about how donations are utilized and the specific projects or initiatives they support. When users understand how their contributions make a difference, they may be more motivated to donate.
Collaboration: Foster a sense of collective ownership and involvement by actively involving users in decision-making processes. Allow them to suggest and vote on some decisions, creating a sense of shared responsibility.
Gamification: Instead of special badges, incorporate gamification elements that track collective progress toward a shared donation goal. Create visual representations or progress meters that show how close the community is to reaching a specific target, encouraging users to contribute and help achieve the goal together.
Impact Reporting: Regularly update users on the impact of their donations. Provide reports or updates that detail how the funds have been utilized and the outcomes achieved. Demonstrating the tangible results of their contributions can strengthen user trust and encourage continued support.
Basically, any way that a person can feel or see their contributions (and importantly the support of the greater community along with them) for the instance will increase engagement.