Raising funds for a charitable organization requires creativity and strategy to engage donors and maximize contributions. But trying to figure out the right initiatives can feel a bit like racking your brain. Either you’ve run out of creative ideas, or this is your first time fundraising and you aren’t sure where to start. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with a few ideas.
1. Host Fundraising Events
Events have been a staple in charity fundraising for decades, but there’s been some major evolution over the past few years (particularly post-COVID). In-person events still work, but it can be difficult to fully maximize potential with just an in-person gathering. Virtual and hybrid events can take your efforts to the next level – especially if your donor base is spread across different locations.
Instead of relying solely on in-person gatherings, a virtual fundraiser allows you to reach a broader audience. A live-streamed auction or online gala, for example, can bring together ers from across the country. Likewise, a hybrid event where some people attend in person while others tune in virtually provides the best of both worlds.
To make your virtual or hybrid fundraiser a success, invest in a good streaming platform, ensure seamless communication with attendees, and create engaging content that keeps participants excited. From guest speakers to live entertainment, the goal is to make the experience memorable while encouraging donations.
2. Use Social Media for Crowdfunding Campaigns
If your organization isn’t using social media to fundraise, you’re leaving money on the table. Crowdfunding allows you to connect with a vast audience and encourage donations in a simple, effective way.
To run a successful crowdfunding campaign, focus on storytelling. People donate when they feel emotionally connected to a cause, so share compelling stories about the impact of your organization’s work. Whether you highlight a beneficiary’s success story or show behind-the-scenes efforts of your team, authenticity will resonate with potential donors.
Encourage ers to share your campaign on their own social media pages. The more people who see your fundraiser, the greater the chances of hitting your goal. Additionally, try using Instagram and Facebook Live to interact with donors, answer questions, and provide updates on fundraising progress in real time.
3. Sell Custom Calendars to Raise Funds
Selling custom calendars continues to be one of the most underrated ways to raise money. Not only are they practical, but they also serve as a year-long reminder of your charity’s mission.
Creating a custom calendar is both simple and cost-effective. First, decide on a theme that aligns with your organization’s purpose. If you work with animal rescue, feature heartwarming images of pets. If your focus is education, highlight student success stories. Pair each month’s image with a short message or inspirational quote that reinforces your cause.
Once your design is ready, find an online calendar printing service that offers bulk discounts. The key is to sell the calendars at a price that generates a profit while remaining accessible to donors. Consider offering discounts for multiple purchases or bundling them with other merchandise to increase sales.
Calendars also make excellent gifts, so encourage ers to buy extras for friends and family. With the right marketing strategy, a custom calendar campaign can become an annual tradition that raises significant funds for your charity.
4. Run a Donor Matching Program
A donor matching program is one of the easiest ways to double your donations and encourage more people to contribute. In this type of fundraiser, a business, major donor, or foundation agrees to match donations up to a certain amount. For example, if a corporate sponsor pledges to match donations up to $10,000, every dollar donated by ers is effectively doubled.
To make the most of a matching campaign, you need to build momentum. Announce the program through email newsletters, social media, and your website. Create a sense of urgency by setting a deadline – like a 48-hour challenge – to motivate donors to act quickly.
Transparency is key here. Let donors know exactly where their money is going and how their contributions will be used. If possible, share updates throughout the campaign to highlight progress and encourage more participation. When ers see that their contributions have a greater impact, they’re more likely to give.
5. Organize a Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaign
Peer-to-peer fundraising puts the power in your ers’ hands by allowing them to raise money on your behalf. Instead of relying solely on your organization to bring in donations, you leverage your network of volunteers, donors, and advocates to spread the word.
To make the process easy, provide fundraisers with the tools they need to succeed. For instance, you can offer pre-written email templates, social media graphics, and messaging guidelines to help them share their campaigns effectively. And be sure to recognize top fundraisers with incentives to provide a little added motivation.
Take Your Fundraising to the Next Level
Fundraising is challenging yet rewarding – if done right. Thankfully, you don’t have to guess anymore. There are plenty of best practices and methods that work. You just have to find creative ways to apply them to your own situation so you can be successful.