Current donation rate is: $1.56 per week (within last 3 months).
That number is extremely small.
So i'm going to propose a couple ideas. These ideas are what would most likely promote me to donate to the game. I rarely donate to ANY games but this will most likely sway me and other people to donate some money even if its small. (I think the ratio is 1 dollar = 10 credits)
First idea is "Turn Refill". Every 24h you're able to refill 12h worth of turns with the cost of 10 credits (can be increased ect.) Now.. who would use this? I believe this will appeal to many different target markets. For example if I am stuck in open and need more turns to get safely to fed then boom refill. If I am opping running low on turns me and a few other people can refill to possibly extend that op. There is many times I am literally bored all day with nothing to do except hunt.. A lot of times 12h worth of turns would do me wonders. And of course you will get those traders that like to be top experience that might even use the refill option daily. Extremely simple idea that won't force people to donate but will give a slight advantage to the people who want to donate.
Second idea is "Speed Boost". Increase the speed of your ship(s) this game by 10% for 50 credits. Very slight turn bonus but this will appeal to many players in the game.
Both ideas are simple ideas just to produce revenue to help this game grow. I personally want this game to grow. Giving me these benefits in the game will give me enough justification to donate money to SMR.