Your nonprofit relies on donor support to fulfill its mission. Nearly 90% of charitable organizations say individual donations are important to their work. We offer fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations that will help engage your supporters.
Spread the word about achievements
When you meet certain benchmarks, like financial or mission-specific goals, share them! People want to know where their donations go and how it helps the community. When it comes to nonprofits, potential donors are more likely to contribute if they can see tangible results.
Spread the word on your website, social media channels and printed products. You can also reach out to local media outlets. And don’t forget the importance of word of mouth! Regardless of the outlet, garnering more attention for your nonprofit’s success will attract other supporters.
Host a scavenger hunt with fundraising swag
Show supporters—and your community—what you’re all about with a fun, interactive event. Invite everyone to your nonprofit headquarters or another community gathering space. Make it family-friendly to encourage more people to attend.
You can hide candy, small prizes or other items for your patrons to find. Hand out fundraising swag—like custom cotton totes—for them to collect their new treasures. You can direct people to your website or mobile app to make a donation by imprinting a QR code right on the bag.
The event is an opportunity to let donors see how fundraising dollars can help renovate your space to better serve your clients, purchase needed materials or help the community. Start things off with a brief presentation outlining the impact of donations. You can provide a tour of your facility to identify the areas that may need improvements. Or share a testimonials about your organization’s impact.
Give out prizes to donors
Saying thanks to donors doesn’t have to break the bank. Fundraising prizes can be as simple as custom stickers. Give supporters a few extra to hand out to their family and friends. Add an element of fun by making an “X” on the back of a few of the stickers. Whoever gets one of those stickers wins an extra prize like a can kooler.
Livestream events on social media
Online tools are a great way to expand your reach. If you’re hosting an event, consider livestreaming it on Facebook or other channels. These real-time updates can inspire viewers to virtually donate in the moment.
Other ways you can use social media include:
- Creating a YouTube® channel
- Hosting Instagram® Live Events
- Posting often on Twitter®
- Sharing infographics on Pinterest®
- Creating trendy videos on TikTok®
Your supporters are sure to appreciate accessible and easy-to-consume updates about your nonprofit. Remember to optimize each social media site and use interesting visual content.
Host a donor challenge
Issuing a challenge to donors is a great way to ignite their competitive natures.
Competitions could include:
- A designated giving day: Urge donors to contribute on a specific day. Give out prizes to the top donors to encourage participation.
- A matching incentive: Get one of your top donors on board and ask them to match contributions up to a certain amount.
- Social media frenzy: Ask donors to post stories, pictures or videos related to your nonprofit. The donor with the most ‘likes’ wins a cooling neck gaiter or glass mug. Give everyone who participates a Bic® Intensity Clic Gel Rollerball Pen.
Market your event through social media, email blasts and your newsletter to generate awareness and build anticipation.
Up your fundraising game
Grow your support by implementing these fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations. Whether utilizing social media or giving away stickers for fundraising, these tactics will make donors feel appreciated and excited to back your mission.