Fundraising Strategies for Small Nonprofits
Do you feel like fundraising is an overwhelming feat with limited resources? Fret not, for we've got you covered! In this blog post, we'll help you maximize your fundraising impact, even on a modest budget. We've compiled practical techniques that small nonprofits can use to cultivate donor relationships, leverage online fundraising, engage in peer-to-peer fundraising, host creative fundraising events, seek grant opportunities, and develop a monthly giving program. So, let's dive in!
Cultivate Donor Relationships:
Start HERE! As a nonprofit organization, fostering strong relationships with your donors is crucial to keep your operations running smoothly. However, many organizations struggle with fundraising because they fail to build rapport with their supporters. So how can you create meaningful connections with your top donors? One way is to start by identifying those who give the most or have the capacity to give and invite them for a coffee or a visit to your nonprofit. This will allow them to see firsthand their support's impact. But that's just the beginning. Consistent communication, like regular updates and personalized year-end cards, will help you build lasting relationships with your donors. And don't forget to develop a donor stewardship plan for each top supporter, including in-person, virtual, and phone connections. By nurturing these loyal advocates, you'll strengthen your organization and spread your mission's message to others who may be willing to support your cause.
Leverage Online and Peer-to-Peer Fundraising:
Online fundraising has been revolutionized by digital platforms. We have had the privilege of working with some organizations that have successfully raised over $500k annually through these platforms. Although it requires some tech-savvy skills, there are a few uncomplicated steps to develop your online fundraising strategy.
1) Ensure that your organization has an attractive online presence through a user-friendly website, social media profiles, and donation portals.
2) Choose online donation platforms that best suit your organization's needs and donor preferences. A few reliable and popular platforms include Donorbox, an easy-to-use donation software that allows monthly recurring donations and offers customizable donation forms. Another is GoFundMe, a platform known for its ease of use, social sharing capabilities, and focus on individual and small nonprofits. Lastly, consider Classy, a platform that not only provides online donation tools but also offers crowdfunding, peer-to-peer, and event fundraising solutions. By incorporating these platforms into your fundraising strategy, you can widen your donor reach and streamline the donation process!
3)Engage your followers and prompt them to donate through creative marketing techniques. Make it easy for donors to share your message, and don't forget to optimize your website for mobile devices.
Host Creative Fundraising Events:
Are you ready to make a difference with your fundraising efforts? Hosting unique and fun events is a fantastic way to create excitement around your cause! Consider partnering with local businesses and individuals to promote your event to their networks. Whether it's an online auction or a virtual run/walk event, there are plenty of creative ways to raise funds and garner support. Remember, the return on investment is crucial, so be sure to prioritize events that make the most impact!
1) Charity Gaming Tournament: Host a virtual gaming competition where participants sign up for a small fee and compete for a prize. The fee goes towards your cause, and you can also encourage players to gather donations from their network. This event is perfect for engaging a younger audience and harnessing the power of esports for good!
2) Virtual Cooking Class: Team up with a local chef or food enthusiast willing to donate their time and expertise. Sell tickets for your audience to join a live-streamed cooking class. Attendees can learn to make a new dish while supporting your cause. You could also create an accompanying digital recipe book to sell as an additional fundraiser.
3) Sponsor a Mile: Arrange a virtual walk/run/bike event where participants secure sponsors for each mile they commit to completing. The unique twist? Instead of a one-day event, let this run over a month, allowing participants to complete their miles at their own pace. This event promotes health, allows people to participate at their comfort level, and raises funds over an extended period.
Seek Grant Opportunities:
Grants can be a significant source of funding for nonprofit organizations. Research local, state, and federal grant opportunities that align with your mission. Prepare a compelling grant proposal that demonstrates your organization's impact and how it aligns with the funder's priorities. Build strong relationships with funders and follow up with them after submitting your proposals.
Develop a Monthly Giving Program:
Did you know that one simple yet effective way to ensure a steady stream of revenue for your organization is by setting up monthly giving programs? By highlighting the positive impact of sustained giving, you can encourage supporters to become monthly donors. And to make it even more enticing, create a dedicated web page for monthly donations and promote it to drive traffic. Keep the donation process streamlined and donors up-to-date on the impact of their contributions. And hey, why not launch an end-of-year giving campaign to encourage supporters to renew or increase their monthly gifts? Start building a dependable source of funding today!
Conclusion:
Fundraising may seem daunting for small nonprofits, but it's not impossible. Every donation counts and every fundraising effort can make a difference in the lives of those you serve. Together, let's push forward and never give up on our mission. Small nonprofits are mighty, and can make a GIANT impact!
