Nonprofit organizations that serve the most vulnerable people, places and animals on Earth are facing new challenges. Federal funding cuts HURT. But you and your org survived the pandemic and you’ll survive this, too. We’re here to help you leverage creative ways to engage each individual donor and appeal to their generous hearts.
Here’s how. .
Benefit Auctions + Fundraising Events
Attracts: Everyone!
Events, Auctions and online fundraisers are incredible ways to raise cash. We know you have great stories; now all you need are some fab items, an engaged audience and the right vibe. This is SO our jam!
Make It a Winner
- Plan the right vibe for your guests. Respect their time with a tight and impactful run-of-show and leverage your historical data to make better informed decisions (check out our recent webinar on data to learn more!).
- Remember to include a Special Appeal or paddle raise. Our data tells us that more than 80% of money earned from the stage comes from your appeal.. NEVER UNDERESTIMATE its power!
- Secure unique, high-value auction items—think VIP experiences, travel, or exclusive access events.
- Use a quality mobile bidding platform and leverage high-performing online auctions in lieu of traditional paper bidding silent auctions. When people can bid from anywhere, you often make more money with the SAME ITEMS!
- Secure a professional Benefit Auctioneer (we know a few!) who knows how to consult wisely, generate excitement and deliver results!
New Funding Through Private Grants
Ideal for: ALL Nonprofits
Private foundations and grantmakers provide billions of dollars in funding each year. Tapping into these opportunities can provide substantial financial support for your nonprofit. If you haven’t looked into private grants as a source of funding for your nonprofit, there’s no better time than NOW! (Need a grant writer? Just ask! We know a few fabulous folks.)
Seek + Secure Private Grants
- Seek out professional grant writers – maybe there’s a trained one on your board? Or hire a pro – it’s well worth the investment!To increase your chances for renewal, be prepared to show measurable results and always be transparent and accountable.
- Do some research on foundations that align with your mission and values
- Get to know grant officers and build relationships with them, like you do with your donors
Direct Mail Campaigns: Let’s Get Personal
Ideal for: Boomers, Gen X, Traditional Philanthropists
Direct mail still works, especially when it’s personalized. While digital fundraising is on the rise, donors still respond well to a heartfelt appeal letter. Here’s where your want to flex your storytelling chops!
Successful Mail Campaigns
- Send personalized letters, telling compelling story about your impact in your community and in the lives of the folks you serve. Handwritten notes provide an especially personal touch.
- Outline impact metrics, using charts, graphs and infographics.
- Use eye-catching envelopes and engaging designs. Use mission imagery when you can.
- Provide a pre-paid return envelope or simple digital giving methods. Always, always make it fast, easy and convenient for your donors to give!
Fresh Marketing + Communications
Ideal for: everyone!
- Remember to stay in front of your supporters in ALL POSSIBLE WAYS..
- Segment your donor lists so you’re communicating with folks in such a way that it will move them to action – whether this is by age, income, interest, what they value…etc.
- Vary your outreach methods, so youget in front of your supporters effectively and frequently.
- Stand out! Think of new ways to share your org’s incredible stories and beef up your impact messaging. Now is not the time to do “what you’ve always done” – it’s time for innovating!
Corporate Matching: Double the Impact
Best for: Employees of Mid-to-Large Companies, Boomers, Gen X
You’ve probably seen companies offer donation-matching programs, where every dollar an individual donates is doubled (or sometimes even tripled). Get in on this awesome action!
Tap Into Corporate Matching
- Ask your donors to check with their employer to see if they offer donation matching.
- Create an easy-to-use guide or webpage listing companies you know participate in matching programs.
- Encourage workplace giving campaigns and team challenges.
- Share social media shoutouts when matching gifts come in—donors love seeing their impact multiplied! Perhaps you know the feeling? And employers love the recognition. Win win!
Social Media + Peer to Peer Campaigns
Best for: Millennials and younger generations
How best to reach your younger donors? No question about it – DIGITALLY!
Attract Younger Donors
- Engage followers via your social media platforms.
- Tell them how much you need them, and – as with all your donors – make it easy for them to give.
- Peer-to-peer fundraising is on the rise (and for good reason – it’s incredibly effective!) Ask your younger donors if they’d be willing to start one on your behalf.
Relationship-Building
Ideal for: Everyone!
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. RELATIONSHIPS are what donor stewardship is all about. Meaningful relationships make all the difference. It’s far better to keep and grow your donor base, while you’re simultaneously seeking out find new ones.
Monthly Giving: Long-term Impact
Perfect for: Millennials, Gen X, Boomers
Imagine if all of your supporters chipped in just a little each month. Those small gifts would stack up fast and provide you with steady, predictable income. You’d like this, right? RIGHT? Here’s what it takes to make it happen.
Attracting Monthly Donors
- Give your program a fun, mission-forward, community-driven name (like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s “Partners in Hope” program)
- Show what a monthly donation could actually do. $10 a month might feed a family, while $50 could keep a program running. The more specific you can be about exactly what your donors are providing, the better.
- Offer perks like behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive updates, or donor appreciation events
- Use social media to foment a sense of urgency: “If 100 of you give just $25 a month, that’s $30K a year—just like that! Who wants to go first?”
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs): Hidden Goldmines
Great for: Boomers, High-Net-Worth Donors
Some donors already have money set aside for giving through DAFs. They’re just waiting for an important cause to support. Make it be YOURS!
Get in Front of DAF Holders
- Educate them! Not all donors know they can direct their DAF funds directly to your nonprofit
- Share stories about the impact DAF gifts make
- Include a step-by-step guide or a friendly webinar
- Post about it on LinkedIn and Facebook. These platforms are hotspots for DAF holders
Sponsorships: Partner with Businesses That Believe in Your Mission
Ideal for: Corporate Partners, Local Businesses, Large Companies with CSR Initiatives
Now more than ever, it’s time to find business sponsors who love and support your mission. Even if you aren’t hosting a big event, you can still seek out valuable sponsorships. How?
Attract + Retain Sponsors
- Make it known you’re looking for sponsorships in your email campaigns, social media and at friendraisers.
- Use video storytelling. Give businesses a chance to promote their brand while sharing why they support your cause.
- Offer tiered sponsorships, with increasingly valuable benefits
- Acknowledge your abundant appreciation for your sponsors in your newsletters, website features, and social shoutouts
- Foster long-term relationships. Make them feel like true partners in your mission, as opposed to dollar signs.
Capital Campaigns: High-Impact Funding for Big Stuff
Ideal for: Major Donors, Corporate Sponsors, High-Net-Worth Individuals
When you need to fund something BIG—a new building, major expansion or endowment—a capital campaign is often your best bet to bring in large gifts and transform the future of your nonprofit.
Crush Your Capital Campaign
- Identify major donors who can lead with substantial gifts.
- Create a compelling case for why this project matters.
- Use a mix of personal asks, private events and corporate sponsorships.
- Recognize and honor donors in meaningful ways (name something after them, create donor walls, host exclusive events).
Let’s Change the World Together!
NOW is the time to step on the gas and ramp up your fundraising! Your programs, your staff and the people you serve are counting on you. You got this! You’ve got the tools, the ideas and the community to make it happen.Get personal. Get creative. Show gratitude (always!). But most importantly, start today. Need fresh ideas or a strategy boost? Let’s chat! We fundraise to fuel the change we wish to see in the world. Let’s get busy.