3 free templates to make “the ask” easier

Fundraising gaps happen to even the most established nonprofits. Maybe a donor stepped back, a grant was delayed, or rising costs caught you off guard. Your mission still matters, and you’re not alone in facing these challenges.

In 2024, Americans gave an estimated $592.5 billion, a 6.3% increase from 2023, but competition for those dollars is stronger than ever.

To help you out, we are sharing 3 free, ready-to-use templates so you can reach donors, make a clear ask, and keep your funding on track.

Template 1: Business plan template for nonprofits

A nonprofit business plan is a structured guide that defines your mission, outlines your goals, details your programs, and explains the strategies you will use to achieve them. It signals to funders, board members, and partners that your organization is prepared and operating with a clear, long-term vision.

Without it, decisions are often reactive, priorities can become unclear, and valuable funding opportunities may be lost. For instance, applying for a significant grant without a business plan makes it difficult to show how your programs align with your broader mission or how you plan to sustain them over time.

Inside our template guide: Our business plan template addresses these challenges by providing a ready-to-use framework with dedicated sections for your mission, vision, impact goals, branding strategy, and fundraising plan. It is designed to help your nonprofit stay ahead of the competition and move forward with a defined, strategic direction.

Template 2: Social media strategy template

A social media strategy is your game plan for using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to connect with supporters, share your mission, and inspire action.

Without one, your posts can feel scattered, your message inconsistent, and your audience engagement low. That’s a missed opportunity—especially when 32% of people say social media is the communication tool that most inspires them to give, and 93% of nonprofits agree that a strong online brand boosts donor engagement.

With over 310 million social media users in the U.S. in 2025 (more than 93% of the population), you can’t afford to post without a plan.

Inside our template guide: Our social media strategy template helps you reach them with purpose. You’ll find guidance on tracking meaningful metrics, setting KPIs, and creating a simple crisis communications plan so you’re ready for the unexpected.

No random posts—just a strategy that keeps you visible and relevant.

Template 3: Donation request template

Asking for donations can be tricky—you want to inspire support without sounding pushy or impersonal. That’s where a clear, well-structured donation request makes all the difference.

It frames the need, shows the impact, and gives people a reason to take action right now. Miss the mark, and you risk sending messages that donors skim over or ignore altogether.

Inside our template guide: This template helps you get the timing, tone, and structure right. Whether you’re mailing a letter, sending an email, or sharing a PDF, you’ll have formats ready to customize to your voice and campaign.

You’ll also see where to weave in a compelling story or a strong stat—because a well-timed, well-framed ask has a much better chance of sparking action than a generic “please donate.” The result? Requests that feel personal, relevant, and far more likely to turn interest into actual contributions.

Your free templates are ready!

You’ve got the mission. You’ve got the passion. Now you’ve got the tools to ask with confidence. These three templates aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re the kind of resources that save you hours of guesswork and help you show up prepared every time you reach out to donors, funders, or your community.

Download them today, tweak them to fit your voice, and keep them in your back pocket for your next campaign. When the moment comes to make the ask, you won’t be scrambling—you’ll be ready.

Click here to download your free templates!