Top Fundraising Best Practices for a Successful Campaign

Whether this is your first event or your hundredth, you know one truth: fundraising can be overwhelming. There are countless pitfalls to avoid and plenty of ways to streamline the process. With decades of experience helping people launch successful fundraising campaigns, here are our DOs and DON’Ts of fundraising.

8 Fundraising DOs and DON’Ts for Nonprofit Organizations

1. DO have realistic fundraising goals

You have to know what you plan on doing, who you plan on targeting for donations, what your fundraising goal is and, most importantly, why you’re doing this. Without this crucial first step, none of the rest matters.

2. DON’T try to do too much

The key word is “realistic.” Find your goal and stick to it. If you’re asking too much from potential donors or yourself, you probably won’t achieve the levels of fundraising success you’d like. If you are unsure of what counts as realistic, take a look at past years’ events and confirm average donor annual spend or gift contributions; these metrics can help you decide if the pricing or donations you’re asking are too aggressive for your donor pool.

3. DO give people a reason to give

Incentive, incentive, incentive. Every fundraiser needs to have a reason for people to give. If all you‘re offering is that good feeling you get from being charitable, you’re not giving enough. Give them a takeaway: a donor gift, a membership, a discount, cookies, or even an update on how your project is coming along.

4. DON’T make giving a challenge

If a donor has to work to make a donation, then they aren’t going to donate. Make donating simple. A dedicated phone line, P.O. boxes, direct mail donation forms, booths, or online donation pages—no matter what you choose, ensure people of all generations can feel comfortable and happy giving to your organization’s cause.

5. DO acknowledge generosity

Your donor base should not go unnoticed. Make this fundraiser one that each individual donor will remember; follow up with donors by sending them a thank-you note, gift, or a message that tracks the progress of your campaign, so they can see how their donations have an impact on their community.

6. DON’T forget to promote where your donors are listening

You’ve set the foundation for your fundraising program. Now ensure it reaches a wide audience. From direct mail campaigns to in-person flyer handouts to online social media campaigns, don’t forget to spread the news about your event. Review your target audience and create a campaign that meets them where they are actively consuming content or communicating.

7. DO choose the right fundraising activity

Not every fundraising event is the perfect fit for every organization. Keep your audience and organization’s mission in mind when you choose your next activity, whether it be a large charity gala, a small silent auction, or a modest brick fundraising campaign.

8. DON’T do it own your own

Part of fundraising is building relationships between the people in your organization and the surrounding community. Reach out to local businesses to see if they would be interested in donations or sponsorships. Create a team of co-workers, friends, and volunteers to help you organize your event.

You can also partner with fundraising professionals, like the team at Fundraising Brick, to access decades of experience and fundraising know-how, free fundraising tools, and more.

Fundraising Best Practices FAQs

The core elements of a good fundraising initiative include:

  • Setting realistic goals and benchmarks for success
  • Knowing your target audience and reflecting that in your messaging
  • Staying true to your organization’s mission when creating your fundraising plan
  • Going beyond new donor outreach and maintaining past donor relationships
  • Being organized about tracking campaign costs, profits, and other key performance metrics

Great online fundraising events can include virtual silent auctions, interactive webinars, and social media challenges.

Current major trends in donor gifts show a shift away from cash-based gifts toward more personalized and aligned with the values of the organization and donor base.

Engaging and retaining donors is one of the most important parts of running fundraisers. Ways to better engage donors include personalized messages, thoughtful thank-you notes, and follow-up messages that inform donors of how their generosity had a tangible impact on your organization.

A capital campaign is a massive undertaking for nonprofit organizations. Stretched into several phases over years, these complex fundraising campaigns are designed to generate significant funds for massive organizational needs, such as the construction of a new gym or parking lot.

Bonus: DO earn more with Fundraising Brick

At Fundraising Brick and our sister organization, Ceramica, we have mastered the fundraising best practices that leave a lasting impression on communities across the country. Working with us means you get access to decades of tried-and-true fundraising strategy and expertise to earn more and get the most out of your fundraiser.

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