CAUTION!
Steer clear of pitfalls
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what works. Minor missteps—like unclear goals or being unprepared to explain the details of your fundraiser—can cause major headaches down the line.
Fundraising Strategy: A Practical Playbook for Nonprofits & Community Groups
We've spent decades learning from fundraising managers who are experts at raising money for their causes. Their wins, however, didn't happen overnight.
Behind every successful fundraiser is a thoughtful, well-planned fundraising strategy—and we’re sharing this proven roadmap with you. In this playbook, you’ll find everything you need to confidently strategize, launch, and manage a fundraising strategy for your organization.
Set goals
Before you start coming up with ideas, assess your goals first. Ask yourself: What do you want to achieve with your fundraising this year? Go beyond “raising as much as possible”; rather, identify a specific, tangible goal—like covering travel costs, buying new uniforms, or supporting a renovation project.
Then, break your goal down into manageable, measurable targets. Clear goals make it easier to choose the right fundraising methods and determine how much effort you’ll need to invest.
Brainstorm fundraisers
Once you’ve set your fundraising goals, you can begin exploring the best ways to reach them. Think about what types of fundraisers align with your goals, your group’s strengths, and your supporters’ interests.
Create your seasonal plan
Not sure where to begin? Our list of 20 profitable fundraising ideas is a great place to get inspired. Then, pair it with our free 12-Month Fundraising Workbook to turn that inspiration into a realistic, well-timed plan.
Get buy-in
Success is a team effort, so you’ll want to get your leaders, decision-makers, or core volunteers aligned early. If you’re part of a school, religious group, or athletic program, this might include the principal, finance team, board members, or coaches. If you're in a nonprofit or community aid group, consider your executive director or committee chairs.
You can use the 12-Month Fundraising Workbook to document all your goals, ideas, and timeline, so you’ll be prepared to make the case for your fundraising strategy and illustrate its effectiveness in supporting your group’s mission.
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Understand key motivators
The first step to nurturing a motivated group of supporters is knowing what drives people to act. Psychology plays a key role in how people engage, whether it’s a direct benefit, an emotional connection, a sense of urgency, or a desire to be part of something bigger. You can create a fundraiser that captures attention and inspires involvement by tapping into basic psychology principles.
Use these 6 psychology-based tactics to fuel your fundraiser >
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Transparency builds trust
People are more likely to get involved—and stay involved—when they understand the impact of their participation. Be clear about how much you're raising and how the funds will be used. Keep supporters in the loop with updates and celebrate milestones and wins together. A little transparency can go a long way in building trust and engagement.
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Choose the right partner
Thinking about partnering with a fundraising company to sell products or host an event? It’s critical to choose one that fits your needs, as not all fundraising companies offer the same experience. You’ll want to get a sense of what it takes to manage the fundraiser, how much support you’ll receive, and whether the program aligns with your goals, timeline, profit target, or values.
Key considerations for choosing a trusted fundraising company >
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Manage your budget wisely
Once the main logistics are in place, shift your focus to the numbers. A clear, realistic budget is one of the most valuable tools in your fundraising strategy—it’ll help you plan more effectively, avoid unexpected costs, and make smarter decisions with your time and resources. Regardless of your budget size, staying on top of it ensures your fundraiser runs smoothly from start to finish.
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Use best-practice marketing tactics
Promoting your fundraiser is essential for raising as much money as possible. After all, even the best-planned fundraiser won’t succeed if no one knows about it. Marketing—both online and offline—is crucial for your fundraising strategy. It's important to know how to reach your community and drive participation with the right messaging, timing, and channels.
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Reward and incentivize
Don’t underestimate the power of rewards and incentives. People thrive on recognition and appreciation, so offering prizes or perks to your participants can spark even more momentum for your fundraiser. Plus, it can encourage more people to talk about your cause and even bring others on board.
Other fundraising avenues
Beyond hosting events or selling products, consider these money-generating fundraising strategies to earn more.
Corporate giving
Look into becoming a beneficiary of a corporate giving program (think matching gifts or employee volunteer grants) to lift your earnings with minimal effort. Start by connecting with businesses in your network, or reach out to those that align with your organization’s goals or values.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships are a win-win—local businesses support your cause with a monetary donation, and they get exposure in return. Consider tailoring your request if you’re fundraising for a specific need, like new marching band uniforms or expenses to attend a youth sports tournament.
Follow these five steps to secure a fundraising sponsorship >
Partnerships
Beyond sponsorships and giving programs, local businesses can support your organization in other meaningful ways. Whether they offer their location as a venue, send a team of volunteers, or donate proceeds, you can cut costs, gain more support, and uplift your cause by partnering with local businesses.
Get tips on partnering with businesses for greater support >
RaiseRight
Having an “always-on” fundraiser—a steady, passive stream of funds that flows in year-round—is a great way to round out your fundraising strategy. RaiseRight programs enable families and participants to earn money by buying gift cards, shopping online, or dining at restaurants. It’s the most convenient way to fundraise, no matter your cause or organization.
Express your gratitude
Whether it’s a personal thank-you note, public recognition, or a simple incentive, showing appreciation uplifts your community and inspires them to support your next efforts.
Track performance
How did your fundraiser perform? What will you do better or differently next time? Assessing your campaign’s performance will help you make smart, savvy adjustments for the future.
Ready to raise more?
If your organization is already using RaiseRight, bookmark the Coordinator Resource Center for tools and tips to boost earnings.
New to RaiseRight? Enroll for free and start earning passively while planning your next big move.
