Ultimate Guide to Raising Funds for a Nonprofit

Intimidated by the idea of fundraising? Don’t be! While it can be overwhelming to ask for donations, there are some surefire ways to raise funds and awareness about your nonprofit or charity.

Best Ways to Raise Money for Your Organization

From simple things like creating a donation website to more involved events like annual galas and auctions, there are so many interesting ways to raise money for your cause.

A Donation Website

Raising funds online is pretty simple but would it surprise you to know that not every nonprofit or charity has a website?

Online platforms like BetterWorld make it easy to create a donation page. Effortlessly share your donation page with your potential donors or link to it from your existing website. The pages will also integrate seamlessly with your social media apps for easy sharing.

Since most people access the internet on their phone, make sure your donation page is mobile-friendly!

Launch a Peer-to-Peer Donation Campaign

People love to support people they know. By launching a peer-to-peer donation campaign, you can solicit help from your biggest supporters.

Volunteers can use a donation website to raise funds from people in their network. Make it more fun for your volunteers by turning it into a competition and offering prizes when they hit different fundraising goals and milestones.

Set Up Recurring Donations

Being able to rely on a steady stream of income helps when it comes to balancing your organization’s budget. It’s what makes recurring donations a great way to get some money in the door, especially when your nonprofit is in-between fundraising campaigns.

Make it super easy for your biggest supporters to set up a monthly or quarterly recurring donation to your charity. Put a link on your website. Include in it your email campaigns. The goal is to get the word out about your recurring donation program!

Ask Businesses for Sponsorships

Businesses, especially small local businesses, love to support local charities and nonprofits that are in alignment with their values. Often, all you have to do is ask if they can help you raise funds!

And remember, sponsorships don’t always have to be monetary donations directly from the business. You can ask for in-kind donations, volunteer hours from employees, or enabling employee payroll donations.

Host an Annual Gala

People love to get dressed up — especially for a great cause!

Organize a gourmet sit-down dinner, hire a band or DJ, and get ready to have a great night! You can also add an auction or other games to make the evening more fun to help raise more money for your organization.

Set Up an Online Auction

Speaking of auctions, they don’t have to be in person! Online auctions can be just as engaging and entertaining for your audience. They are also usually cheaper to host online and they reach more people than just those in your immediate area.

Send Out Donation Letters

Donation letters are one of the most classic fundraisers for nonprofits. Write a heartfelt and engaging letter that raises awareness about your cause while also encouraging people to donate funds.

Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope, or better yet, a generated dynamic QR code that will take potential donors right to your website to process their donation online to increase your chances of a successful campaign.

Partner with a Local School

Schools are often looking for ways to raise money and give back to local charities in their community. Reach out to schools to partner with them on fundraising events like a 5k or block party, or easier methods like hosting a pajama day, pizza party, or penny war.

Building a partnership with your local schools is especially important if you are a children-based charity.

Start a Membership Program

People love to be a part of a community! When you are raising funds online, add a membership level. For a higher donation, your members could gain access to special events or merchandise relating to your nonprofit.

Engage in Matching Gift Programs

Most major corporations offer a matching gift program where they will make a matching donation to your charity if their employee does. Find out how your nonprofit or organization can get on the list of eligible organizations.

Establish an Annual Signature Fundraiser

Think about how successful Girl Scouts cookie sales are. That’s because the Girl Scouts have created a brand out of this fundraiser. Everyone knows what Girl Scout cookies are and when it’s cookie season.

Find a signature way to raise funds people will look forward to participating in every year.

Start a Text Donation List

Make it easy for people to donate to your cause! Use a service to send out mass text messages to your donors with a link to take them directly to your donation page.

General Advice on Fundraising

Regardless of how you decide to raise money for charity, always follow a few general rules.

• Say thank you – often! Whether someone is a recurring monthly donor or they donate one dollar, make sure they feel appreciated. Appreciated donors will often donate again.
• Make your mission clear. When people understand what your charity does and why you’re raising money, they are more likely to donate.
• Help your donors feel connected to your mission. People will donate more when they feel engaged in your work. Send out updates on what you’re doing and how you’re helping.
• Remind people about all of the good things that you’re doing! Keep your donors engaged at all times, without overwhelming them with information.

Count on BetterWorld

Looking for a user-friendly platform that knows how to raise money for a nonprofit? We have just what you need! Sign up for free at BetterWorld today!