The Insider’s Guide to the 67 Freshest Nonprofit Fundraising Ideas

Miles Anthony Smith
Jul 25, 2017 · 27 min read

Need fresh ideas for fundraising?

If your nonprofit has ever struggled to scrape together the necessary funds, you might be under the impression that fundraising is no cake walk. But actually (and quite literally), it can be!

Maybe, for you, asking for donations is awkward or uncomfortable and reaps minimal results. Or perhaps your organization has been successful at fundraising in the past but is looking for fresh, new ideas that will keep your donors interested in what you are doing. Big or small, new to fundraising or a seasoned veteran, every nonprofit needs to raise funds in order to further their cause and continue to make an impact.​

This guide is full of powerful tips for effective fundraising, covering common mistakes to avoid, creative fundraiser ideas suitable for every budget, season, and type of nonprofit organization, and insightful advice on how to thank your donors and keep them around for the long haul.​

So, are you ready to start raising funds?

Why is Fundraising Vitally Important?

The vast majority of nonprofits rely heavily upon donations as the source of some, if not all, of their funding. This means that fundraising is a top priority for organizations because they cannot carry out their mission without the necessary financial means.​

​While the obvious importance of fundraising for nonprofits is to finance their services, programs, and overall mission, there are other benefits to fundraising that are often overlooked. Going through the process of fundraising allows nonprofit organizations to provide a helpful service or unique experience for their supporters, connect and build lasting relationships with donors, and raise awareness about their cause.

In order to fundraise well, nonprofits need to approach it with the right mindset. If viewed as nothing but a way to bring in money, your organization will miss out on the positive impact fundraising can have on both its longevity and ability to reach a greater number of people. However, if you shift your fundraising focus from the donations to the donors, your efforts will be rewarded with committed supporters that are willing to support your cause long-term.​

What Not to Do: 7 Huge Fundraising Mistakes

Fundraising is essential to keeping nonprofits afloat, but there are a few rules that should be followed in order to foster good relations with donors and maximize your efforts, especially where event planning is concerned. Unfortunately, some nonprofits tend to make simple mistakes with their fundraising events, which can lead to disorganization, a poor turnout, and even the loss of current and potential donors.​

So what are the most common mistakes to avoid when your nonprofit is organizing its next fundraising event?​

1. Starting to Plan Too Close to the Event

The first mistake nonprofits commonly make is to wait too long to start planning an event. The planning portion of your fundraiser should begin at least 6 months in advance of the event in order to give your team plenty of time to work out the details and your donors enough notice to be able to attend or participate. The more planning time you allow, the easier it will be to resolve issues as they arise without creating unnecessary stress.

As you approach your event, ask your team these 4 questions to keep your plans on track:

  • What is our fundraising goal? How well is our budget in keeping with that goal?
  • What event details still need to be addressed? Do we have a venue, attractions, promotional items, etc?
  • Who will be doing each job? How many volunteers do we have or need for the event?
  • How are we publicizing our event and to whom? How will we follow up afterwards?​

2. Underestimating the Cost

​Every event is going to cost you something, so the goal is to budget both carefully and realistically. Take into consideration the costs associated with the venue, catering, entertainment, event staff, promotional products, marketing materials, and any supplies you might need to carry out the event.

It is important to do your research to find out accurate pricing when budgeting and not to assume or guesstimate how much something might cost. It is also wise to leave a little wiggle room for any unexpected expenses because, at the end of the day, you’d always rather have a little extra leftover than end up in the red.​

3. Cutting Too Many Corners​

Fundraising on a budget is important, but there is a fine line between being money-conscious and being a tightwad. While the point of a fundraiser is to raise money, that does not mean that you want to invest as little as possible in your event.

There are times when an item’s price may have little to do with its quality, and your organization can save money by opting for the cheaper option. But there are some cases in which trying too hard to save a few extra dollars (e.g., choosing a cheaper event software that ends up malfunctioning during your event) may actually end up costing you more in the long run.

Sometimes you have to spend money to make money; you just have to determine what is a wise investment of your resources and what is unnecessary to the success of your event.​

4. Not Creating an Event Planning Checklist​

Even though events seldom go exactly as planned, your fundraiser will always run much more smoothly if you start with and stick to a detailed schedule. Sure, you may have to make some minor (or occasionally major) adjustments along the way, but a loose schedule leaves open too many opportunities for things to happen that could distract donors from your cause or detract from their experience at your event.

You always want to set the schedule of your event with your attendees in mind. Think of how they will experience each aspect and try to make it as efficient and enjoyable as possible. Consider factors like the check-in or registration process, any speakers or performances taking place, and any activities attendees may be participating in. The more user-friendly you keep things, the more likely your guests are to enjoy themselves and walk away feeling good about their involvement.​

5. Focusing Too Much on Awareness Instead of Action​

Educating others about your nonprofit and its mission is important, but those attending your event need to be called to action in order to truly further your cause. The best way to do this is to be upfront about your fundraising goals and to focus less of your attention onto what your organization does and more onto what part donors can play in the action.

A practical way to do this is to have a set dollar amount your organization aims to raise and to make it known both before and during the event. A visual aid, such as a giant thermometer showing how close you are to reaching your goal, serves as a good reminder to attendees about the purpose and shows them how their contribution is making an impact.​

6. Depending Too Heavily on Your Cause​

You believe in your cause, and you want your donors to feel as passionately about it as you do. But the main point of a fundraiser is to raise funds, and participants need to see that their time and money will be well-invested in your nonprofit before they’re willing to support your cause.

There are over 1.5 million nonprofits just in America alone, many of which serve the same or similar causes. Fundraising events are an opportunity for you to show your current and potential sponsors why your organization is truly unique and a worthy recipient of their financial support. You can do this by demonstrating professionalism and fostering enthusiasm about your event, which builds trust with donors and motivates involvement.

7. Burning Out Loyal Supporters

Nonprofits depend on their volunteers and supporters to make fundraising events possible, so you want to be sure that your organization is not asking too much of them and is recognizing the time and energy they sacrifice on your behalf. Overworked and underappreciated volunteers will eventually reach their breaking point and may not want to be involved the next time you host a fundraising event.

To help prevent your supporters from becoming burned out, take time out to show them how much you appreciate their hard work. Don’t just wait until after the event to say thank you; make sure they feel useful and know their contributions are being noticed throughout the planning process as well. It also never hurts to take breaks and have a little fun while working to keep energy up and spirits high.​

The Top 67 Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofit Organizations​

7 Quick & Easy Fundraising Ideas to Raise Funds Fast

Need to raise funds quickly or don’t have enough time to plan an elaborate fundraiser? Now you can with one of these quick fundraising ideas that take minimal time and planning to execute while still bringing in the money your organization needs and engaging your donors in fun and memorable ways.

1. Guessing Game Fundraiser​

Whether you use gumballs, your favorite candy, or something unique that relates to your cause, fundraising with a guessing game takes very little time to organize and doesn’t require many volunteers. The most important thing to remember is to position your guessing jar in a highly trafficked location.

2. Throw a Bake Sale​

No matter what time of year it is, no one can resist homemade baked goods. Try this list of 31 bake sale ideas for inspiration!​

3. Selling Cookie Dough​

Chocolate chip, sugar, or oatmeal raisin- who can say no to cookie dough? There’s a good reason this fundraiser is so popular.​

4. Heads or Tails ​

All you need is a coin and some willing participants to put this fun twist on your next raffle.

5. Custom T-Shirts​

Want to raise money while spreading the word about your nonprofit? Creating custom t-shirts and selling them online or at events allows you to do just that by offering a fun and useful product to your donors. Not only will it serve as a reminder to your donors of their involvement, it is free publicity every time they wear it out.​

6. Scavenger Hunt​

A scavenger hunt is a fun way to use a little friendly competition to build community and raise money for your nonprofit. You can even incorporate information about your cause or organization into your clues to make your scavenger hunt an educational experience as well.

7. Selling Coffee

Coffee is a hot commodity, so selling coffee is the perfect way to help supporters get their caffeine fix while giving to a charitable cause. Some suppliers even offer the option of including a customized logo on your product.​

Don’t Spend a Dime on These 13 Free Fundraising Ideas

While sometimes it takes investing a little money to raise money for your nonprofit, there are also plenty of great low-cost fundraisers that are perfect for fundraising on a tight budget. If your organization is just getting started or you just don’t have the extra funds for hosting an elaborate event, one of these free fundraising ideas can help boost your bank account without any upfront cost.

8. 50/50 Raffle​

50/50 raffles are a fun way to raise money that encourages involvement since more tickets sold equals more prize money for the winner (and your organization)!

​9. Shoe Drive Fundraiser

Everybody has at least one pair of shoes they don’t wear or need anymore, so why not turn that into cash for your organization? Collect wearable shoes (they can be old, new, or gently used) and exchange them for money based on collective weight.

10. Collect Box Tops​

Collecting box tops is an easy way for your supporters to donate to your cause just by buying their usual groceries. While General Mills’ Box Tops for Education are only for schools, there are a number of clip-and-save fundraisers available for other nonprofits as well.

11. Restaurant Fundraiser

Profit shares are the perfect way to turn a night out at your favorite restaurant into a fundraising event. All you have to do is find a restaurant willing to donate a portion of their profits (during the time and date of your fundraiser) to your organization and invite your supporters to join you for a meal.

12. Penny Drive​

Pennies may seem small but can add up quickly. However, nickels, dimes, and quarters are welcome too.

13. Baby Photo Contest​

Nothing more than memories are needed for this fundraiser. Ask employees or members to submit their baby photos and have others pay to place their votes on which one is the cutest.

14. Kickball Tournament​

Kickball is a sport people of all ages can enjoy and a great way to build a sense of fellowship among your constituents. Encourage members and supporters to form teams and charge a small entry fee to benefit your nonprofit.

15. Give-It-Up Fundraiser​

What would you give up for a good cause? The give-it-up fundraiser challenges donors to give something up for a set amount of time and donate what they would have spent on it to your organization. The possibilities are endless, and you might even help someone kick a habit they’ve been meaning to break.

16. Casual Friday​

Ready to wear those sweats? Find businesses willing to allow their employees to pay for a day of casual wear and then donate the earnings to your nonprofit. If the dress at an office is already relatively relaxed, suggest themed or dress-up days instead.

17. Email Fundraising Campaigns​

Sometimes it doesn’t take an elaborate fundraiser to inspire donors to give to your organization. A well-written email with a straightforward call-to-action can be an effective way to raise funds between events.

18. Grant Writing​

Applying for grants is often hard work but can be well worth the payoff if done correctly. Be sure to explore all the types of grants available to nonprofits and only to apply for ones for which your organization meets all the criteria.

19. Donation Drive

Turn old clothing, knick-knacks, electronics, and more into money for your nonprofit with a donation drive. Encourage your supporters to help collect unwanted items that can be donated in exchange for funds (usually paid by the pound).

20. Parents’ Night Out​

Parents need a night off, so why not offer them a low-cost evening to themselves? You will be raising money for your organization while providing your donors with a valuable service they’re bound to appreciate. If it’s a hit, you might even consider making it a recurring event.

Let’s Get Together: Top 7 Fundraising Event Ideas

Fundraising can be done in many forms, but there is nothing quite like a full-scale fundraising event to excite and engage your supporters. It doesn’t matter what your cause is, whether your nonprofit is large or small, or who your constituents are, don’t pass up the opportunity to bring your supporters together with a memorable event that will raise funds, build loyalty to your organization, and inspire future involvement and donations.

21. Silent Auction​

The key to a successful silent auction is to have enticing auction items and to set an enjoyable atmosphere in which people can eat, drink, and enjoy themselves as they battle to be the highest bidder.

22. Gala

Galas can take anywhere from a few months to an entire year to plan but are a rewarding investment of your time and resources when carried out successfully. Bring top-tier donors together at one of these glamorous events to thank them and encourage continued involvement.

23. Chili Cook Off​

Calling all cooks! Put your supporters’ culinary chops to the test and raise money for your organization by charging to attend or vote on the best dish. Don’t like chili? Don’t sweat it; you can host a cook off for any kind of food.

24. Walkathon

Walkathons may take some planning but have the potential to raise a significant amount of money for your nonprofit through donations and pledges. Not to mention, participants have the chance to get a little exercise in the process.

25. 5K Race​

In our health-conscious world, 5K and 10K races are popular fundraising events that promote active living while raising money for your cause. To make yours a little different than the rest, consider incorporating a fun theme or costume contest.

​26. Trivia Night

Put people’s knowledge to the test for a night of fun and fundraising. Charge a small entry fee for teams to participate and consider selling concessions or hosting at a local pub or restaurant willing to donate a portion of the evening’s profits.

27. Carnival​

Go big with rides, attractions, and professional entertainment or keep it more simple with traditional games and fun snacks. Either way, a carnival offers donors the chance to do something fun with their whole family and show their support for your organization at the same time.

Stand Out with the 5 Most Unique Fundraising Ideas

Ever heard of No-Shave November?

No one could have guessed that skipping shaving for a month could be so powerful, but now what started as a unique way to raise cancer awareness has turned into a nationwide movement to fundraise for cancer research.​

This quirky fundraiser proves that one of the best ways to ensure the success of your fundraising campaign is to be memorable. Every interaction you have with your donors is a chance to leave a lasting impression that will impact their willingness to give both in the present and future.​

Ask yourself what your nonprofit can do to set itself apart from the rest and don’t be afraid to try something a little off-the-wall.​

​28. Oddball Events

The crazier, the better. Find something unique that will raise awareness about your cause and can also be used to encourage donations. The possibilities are limitless.

29. Dollars for Dares​

Do you dare to dare? Create a campaign to encourage supporters to donate a set amount in return for the completion of their dare. Just be ready to do some wild and wacky things.

30. Overnight Zoo​

Ever been driving through your neighborhood and seen a lawn full of pink flamingos (or some other, equally embarrassing lawn ornament)? Raise money by charging supporters to “flock” a friend or neighbor’s yard and then offer a paid clean-up service to the recipients.

31. Jail & Bail

Who would you pay to see behind bars? You can choose from different variations of the jail and bail fundraiser by either having supporters pay to put willing participants in jail or donate to help “make bail” for the volunteers already locked away.

32. Reverse Raffle​

Turn your traditional raffle upside down with the reverse raffle. Instead of drawing a winning ticket, all the tickets drawn are eliminated until only the winner remains.

7 Wonderful Winter Fundraising Ideas

It may be cold outside, but the winter season is the season of giving and seems to bring out a unique warmth and generosity in people that makes this the perfect time of year for fundraising. Offer your donors a fun way to keep warm when the temperature drops or help celebrate one of the season’s many holidays. Just don’t miss out your chance to host a winter fundraiser for your nonprofit.

33. Hot Cocoa Stand​

Just like lemonade in the summer, nothing hits the spot quite like a rich cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter day. Find a well-traveled place to set up your stand and consider offering some fun holiday toppings.

34. Gift Wrapping Service​

There’s nothing like ripping the paper off a present on Christmas morning, but going through the hassle of wrapping them is another story. Set up a table outside of a popular store during holiday shopping season and offer gift wrapping services for a small fee (or free with a noticeable donation jar).

35. Christmas Caroling for a Cause​

Spread holiday cheer while raising for your charity with a Christmas caroling fundraiser. You can either go door to door or offer caroling telegrams that people can pay to have sent to friends and family.

36. Pictures with Santa​

Capture a glimpse of the magic of Christmas by offering pictures with Santa. Aside from a volunteer willing to sit as Ol’ Saint Nick, you’ll want to find one good with a camera and some festive holiday scenery to make your Santa photo shoot a success.

37. Christmas Light Removal​

Ever been tempted to leave your Christmas lights up until you need them again next year? Christmas decorations look great but are a pain to take down, so most people will be happy to pay for a removal service, especially if the proceeds are going toward a good cause.

38. Christmas Cookie Swap​

A Christmas Cookie Swap is a festive way to bring people together for the holidays to enjoy their favorite sweet treat. Have all your guests make 2 dozen cookies, one to sample and one to swap, and raise money by charging a small participation fee.

39. Wall of Love

Thinking of throwing a Valentine’s Day fundraiser? Give people the opportunity to proclaim their love by setting up a Wall of Love on which they can pay to post valentines.

Spring into Action with These 5 Spring Fundraising Ideas

Spring is a joyful season full of hope and excitement as the dreary winter days pass away and summer draws near. Holidays like Easter and Mother’s Day offer great opportunities for fundraising, and spring fundraisers are also the perfect time to take advantage of the warmer weather with fun outdoor events.

40. Easter Egg Hunt

Bring families together for a fun Easter outing with an Easter egg hunt. For the cost of entry, children can hunt for eggs filled with candy and other surprises. You might even have the Easter bunny make an appearance to add to the excitement.

41. Mother’s Day Breakfast

Mothers deserve to be pampered, so what better way to give them the recognition they deserve while fundraising for your nonprofit than with an elegant Mother’s Day brunch? You can plan a menu or set up a breakfast buffet, but be sure your food cost will be adequately covered by your ticket sales.

42. Lawn Mowing​

Spring means the flowers are starting to bloom and the grass is starting to grow. Offer paid lawn care or gardening services to keep the community served by your nonprofit looking good.

43. Fashion Show​

If you are looking for a trendy way to welcome springtime and bring your supporters together, try hosting a fundraising fashion show. Ask local shops to provide fun clothing for the event and flatter friends, family, and donors by asking them to act as models for the evening.

​44. Spring Cleaning Garage Sale

When spring rolls around, people feel the need to give their homes a good cleaning, but they often don’t know what to do with everything they clean out of their houses. Hosting a community garage sale gives people an outlet to donate their belongings and a chance to shop for bargain items, all for a good cause. Plus, anything you don’t sell can be donated in exchange for money for your organization.

Make a Splash with 7 Summer Fundraising Ideas

Everyone loves summer, and it’s full of endless fundraising possibilities. Whether you keep it as simple as an ice cream social or go big with a beach party blowout, summer is the prime time to host a fun event to reconnect with past donors and engage new ones.

Find out whether your supporters would rather have a little fun in the sun or find a way to beat the heat, then plan the perfect summer fundraiser that will be enjoyable for your donors and beneficial for your organization.​

45. Ice Cream Social​

I scream, you scream…that’s right, it’s time for ice cream! In the heat of the summer, an ice cream social is a fun way to bring together people of all ages to support your organization while enjoying everyone’s favorite frozen treat.

46. Car Wash​

Summer weather is ideal for putting on a car wash. All you need is a couple of buckets, sponges, soap, and a water hose to get your car wash up and running.

47. BBQ Cookout​

Food brings people together, and nothing says summer quite like a cookout. You can choose to raise money by selling tickets to the event or charging per plate and can even incorporate fun outdoor activities for your guests to enjoy.

48. Pool Party​

Make a splash for your nonprofit this summer with a pool party fundraiser. Rent out your neighborhood pool, stock up on summer snacks, and let the family fun begin.

49. Swim-a-Thon

A fun, summer adaptation of the popular walkathon, a swim-a-thon offer participants the chance to raise money for your organization by collecting both donations and pledges to donate a given amount per lap for however many laps they are able to swim in the allotted amount of time.

50. Water Balloon Fight​

Hosting a water balloon fight is as easy as filling a few hundred water balloons. It is up to you whether you prefer to charge an entrance fee for the event or per balloon before and during the fight.

51. Pie Eating Contest​

Want to have your pie and eat it too? A pie eating contest makes an entertaining fundraiser, which can be used to raise money through the participation fee and also by encouraging peer-to-peer fundraising. And if you want to increase participation, break your contestants up into different categories or hold several different pie-eating events.

5 Festive Fall Fundraising Ideas

When you think of fall, you think of a time of friends, family, and festivities, which is just the feeling you want to foster among your supporters as you work to raise funds for your organization.

Try incorporating anything from back-to-school events and football season to autumn holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving into your fundraising efforts, and you might be surprised by just how quickly you’ll be raking in the support.​

52. Fall Festival​

A fall festival is just a seasonal spin on your traditional carnival. Get creative and find fun, new ways to incorporate pumpkins and other fall-themed items into your games, snacks, and attractions.

53. Haunted House​

Some people enjoy a good scare, so why not celebrate Halloween this year by setting up a haunted house to fundraise for your nonprofit organization? Just be sure to keep your target audience in mind when determining how scary your haunted house should be.

54. Football Tailgate Party​

With Fall comes football season, which is the perfect opportunity to gather your supporters for food and fellowship while rooting on their favorite teams. To raise funds, charge for admission to the event and/or sell concessions individually, as well as incorporating another fundraiser like a raffle or eating contest.

55. Rake-a-Thon​

As the temperatures begin to drop so do the leaves on the trees. Gather volunteers to rake yards and see how much money you can make for your organization while also serving your community.

56. Pumpkin Patch​

It wouldn’t be fall without a few pumpkins. To sell pumpkins for your organization, all you need to do is find a pumpkin distributor and set up your pumpkins in a festive pumpkin patch. You could even find a photographer to take fall family photos with the pumpkins.

11 Successful Church Fundraising Ideas

Fundraising is fundamental in the running of any nonprofit, but this is especially true for churches and religious groups. Aside from just meeting basic operational needs, they also require funds for mission trips, construction and renovation, community involvement and support, group-specific activities, and any other special programs or events they might be relied upon to provide throughout the year.

​While some churches may be hesitant to ask for the support of their congregation beyond standard tithes, finding the right fundraising events will provide the opportunity to grow together as a community and encourage generosity that will benefit both the donor and the church body as a whole. To be most effective, figure out what excites and inspires your congregation and then find creative ways to tie that in with your fundraising efforts.

57. Work-a-Thon​

Give back to the community and raise funds for your organization with a work-a-thon. Volunteers can do any odd-and-end jobs that donors need done in exchange for donations, and they can even collect pledges from other friends and family for their hours worked.

58. Giving Kiosk

Make giving easy by setting up a giving kiosk in your church and at all of your events. Programs like DipJar conveniently allow people to give using a credit or debit card instead of cash or check.

59. Family Fun Day​

A family fun day is an event centered on giving parents the opportunity to connect with their children through crafts, games and other activities. You can even make it a regular event that your donors look forward to attending each month.

60. Congregation Cookbook Fundraiser​

Everyone has that one recipe that they make better than anyone else. A church cookbook offers the opportunity to gather all of those knock-out recipes in one place while creating the perfect product to sell as your next fundraiser.

61. Text-to-Tithe​

It seems like nobody carries cash these days, but people are never without their phones. By setting up a text-to-tithe program, members of your congregation will be able to give by sending a simple text message.

62. Brick Fundraising Campaign​

Give donors the chance to leave their legacy by selling engraved bricks. This fundraiser works especially well when raising money for new building projects at your church.

63. Clothing Swap Shop​

Most people have clothes in their closet that are in great shape but, for one reason or another, are never worn. A clothing swap shop offers an opportunity to get rid of unwanted clothing and find new items to wear, all in the name of charity. Charge an entrance fee to the event and exchange any leftover clothing for additional cash for your organization.

64. Numbered Envelope Fundraiser​

Also called the Wall of Money, this fundraiser challenges donors to fill each envelope with the labeled amount. With 100 envelopes, your organization can raise more than $5,000, and 200 envelopes can bring in more than $20,000. Just be sure to find a prominent location for your display.

65. Appreciation Grams​

In order to foster a strong sense of community in your church, it is important for members to let others know how much they care. Sending appreciation grams for a small fee can raise church funds while simultaneously allowing members to encourage one another.

66. Lost Treasure Hunt​

For a fun spin on a penny drive, try hosting a lost treasure hunt instead. Ask your congregation to check their cars, bookbags, purses, and under their couch cushions for spare change they can donate. You might be surprised by how much they find.

67. Host a Movie Night​

If you want to raise financial support for your church while offering your members an opportunity to introduce their friends, family, and neighbors to their church in an inviting, non-threatening setting, then hosting a movie night is the fundraiser for you. Be sure to select an uplifting movie anyone can enjoy and consider selling concessions to boost your fundraising efforts.

Follow-Up: 7 Ways to Say Thank You After the Fundraiser​

What is the best way to keep donors happy and even make them excited for their next opportunity to give to your cause?

Saying thank you, of course!​

It may seem simple, but a genuine display of appreciation will make your donors feel happy that they gave and encourage them to do it again. A well-timed and carefully constructed thank you note could make all the difference in whether you secure a long term advocate for your cause or lose touch with a one-time donor that wasn’t engaged after their initial gift.

Here are some useful tips on how to say thank you when following up with your donors to help make sure they stick around.​

  1. When you thank new donors, provide them with a next step to get them more involved with your organization, such as visiting your website, joining your e-mail list, or attending a new donor event.​
  2. Send a handwritten fundraiser thank you card instead of a generic letter or email. It may cost a little more and take a little more time, but nothing more genuinely expresses your gratitude than the thought and effort that goes into writing a note by hand.
  3. Do not ask for more money when thanking your donors, avoiding any mention of future donations you might be hoping for or looking forward to. You want them to feel appreciated and not like you are (ungratefully) already asking for more.
  4. Make each thank you personal, avoiding careless errors and broad generalizations. Check things like spelling and punctuation, especially the names of donors and their spouses, and try to send thank yous that refer specifically to the event that they participated in or attended and even the role for which they volunteered.
  5. Focus on the donor and not on your organization. Make sure that the number of times “we” is used in the thank you note is far less than “you,” so the donor feels like a hero for his or her contribution to your cause.
  6. BE PROMPT. The quicker you can thank your supporters, the better. Not only will the thank you seem more sincere and arrive while your cause is still fresh on the donor’s mind, it will also reflect well on your nonprofit, making it seem more organized, efficient, and reliable.
  7. Follow up with results after the initial thank you note. In order to encourage future involvement, make sure your donors know the impact of their donations. Share specific ways in which their contributions played a part in carrying out your organization’s mission, and they are likely to be inclined to continue their support.

How Can Acendia Boost Your Fundraising Efforts?

Is your nonprofit ready to start fundraising but lacking the technology to carry out an effective fundraiser?

If so, Acendia is the solution you’ve been searching for. An all-in-one tech platform designed to help nonprofits reach more, raise more, and work smarter, Acendia integrates different fundraising efforts into one, easy-to-use software platform.​ Technology is an integral part of the world we live in today, and it is our goal to make sure your nonprofit is using the most up-to-date software available so that your fundraisers are optimized for success.


Originally published at learn.acendia.com on July 25, 2017.

Miles Anthony Smith

Written by

Husband/Father, #Ambivert, #SerialSpecialist, Digital Marketer & #Audiobook Author Why #Leadership Sucks & Becoming #Generation Flux http://www.audible.com/search/?searchAuthor=Miles+Anthony+Smith

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