Donors are at the core of your nonprofit’s success. To retain their support, you must understand what motivates them to give and stay engaged.

If your retention rates are falling short of industry benchmark or your own internal goals, a donor survey is a great way to close the gap. With average response rates ranging from 15% to 50%, surveys give you direct access to meaningful feedback from a significant portion of your donor base.

Donor surveys help you better understand supporters’ preferences, expectations, and motivations so you can strengthen relationships and improve retention over time.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how often to survey your donors, which questions to ask, which common mistakes to avoid, and how to analyze your results to drive stronger outcomes.

How often to survey your donors

Many nonprofits recognize the value of donor feedback and may already send an annual survey. However, when thoughtfully designed and strategically timed, donor surveys can do much more than check a box. They can deepen engagement and reveal meaningful insights about your supporters’ motivations and preferences.

Just as you analyze email performance metrics to refine your outreach strategy, evaluate survey results and response patterns to better understand how and when your donors prefer to engage.

Essential questions every donor survey should include

Every organization is unique, so the best donor survey questions for your nonprofit will vary based on your goals. However, we’ve identified six question categories for a general survey structure, which you can customize to your needs:

• Donor profile
• Program-specific
• Supporter-interaction
• Branding and messaging
• Donor preferences and marketing engagement
• Donor opinions

Donor profile questions

Whether the goal of this portion of your survey is to better understand new supporters or confirm accurate information for existing advocates, it’s critical to ask the right questions. Start by identifying donor demographics and confirming their contact preferences. These six key questions can help:

1. What’s your most up-to-date email address? This is the most crucial piece of information for maintaining contact with your donor pool.
2. What’s your most up-to-date mailing address? This question provides demographic information and allows you to implement other outreach initiatives, such as snail-mail campaigns or local events.
3. What is your birthday? This detail reveals the age of your supporters, informing things like consumption habits and giving behaviors.
4. Where do you spend most of your time online? This question identifies your base’s browsing habits, helps to pinpoint additional opportunities for donor engagement, and provides insight into potential campaign promotion avenues.
5. Why did you make your gift? Supporters’ responses to this question help you understand why your base gives, which helps you tailor your campaign trajectory to their motivation.
6. How was your donation experience? This question helps you understand whether your donor had a positive or negative donation experience and optimize donors’ preferred outreach pace and expectations, which is helpful for long-term donor retention.

Program-specific questions

Program-specific questions root out the most valuable information to resonate with your base, allowing you to fine-tune future outreach while keeping donors satisfied. The following five questions can draw out this information:

1. Which of our programs is most appealing to you? This question helps you tailor outreach to better align with their interests.
2. What new programs, if any, would you recommend we create? This prompt assesses your programs’ viability and welcomes donor feedback to provide crucial strategy direction.
3. Are there any programs you would like to get more time in the spotlight? Responses to this question expose gaps in your marketing while introducing untapped opportunities.
4. How often do you like to receive campaign updates? This information helps shed light on how often donors want to hear from you. Too much contact results in unsubscribes, whereas insufficient outreach can lead to missed opportunities. Finding the right communication balance helps maintain donor relationships effectively.

Supporter-interaction questions

These questions reveal a deeper level of motivation in your donor, exposing unique opportunities for future engagement. Let’s take a look at the five main questions:

1. How would you best describe your relationship with our nonprofit? This question helps you understand how donors define their relationship with your organization, which provides insight into their motivations and long-term involvement capacity.
2. Which types of communication do you enjoy receiving from our team? This prompt reveals which communication styles work best and helps create a path for future stewardship.
3. Are you interested in volunteering with our nonprofit? This question provides a valuable piece of information that helps you identify who you can lean on when you need additional support.
4. Are you interested in joining our recurring giving community? Anyone who responds yes to this question has a clear interest in expanding their impact. Use this insight to tailor your recurring acquisition audience and tactics.
5. Do you share campaigns with your network via social media, email, word of mouth, or other means? This information helps determine whether your donors are active participants or passive supporters, and identifies opportunities to drive greater peer-to-peer sharing and visibility.

Branding and messaging questions

Understanding your brand’s public perception is essential to long-term success and engagement. Surveying brand-specific questions reveals your participants’ inner thoughts, allowing you to assess and refine your marketing and PR strategies as needed. Here are four strategic questions:

1. What are some of your favorite brands? This info-packed question reveals aspects of your donors’ values and identity, which you can use to inform market segmentation, brand positioning and messaging, and strategic partnerships.
2. Please choose three traits from the list that best describe our branding. The traits your supporters select tell you whether your brand resonates as you hope or whether you might benefit from revisiting your current brand-building tactics.
3. How do you perceive our brand? This question helps you understand whether your public perception aligns with your internal efforts and sets the direction of your future campaigns and initiatives.
4. Which social media channels do you use to engage with our brand? With so many available channels, historic forms of engagement may no longer hit the mark. Perhaps your audience doesn’t read emails, but they will tap or swipe to donate on a social media channel.

Marketing engagement and preferences questions

Understanding how someone engages with your nonprofit’s marketing strategy is key. Asking marketing survey questions, like the five presented below, provides insight into the effectiveness of your strategy.

1. How likely are you to recommend donating to our nonprofit? This question helps you understand whether your audience is willing to recommend your nonprofit, determines how active and passionate they are about your cause, and exposes whether there’s potential to activate them in new ways, like community fundraising or recurring giving.
2. Do you prefer to be contacted by phone, text, email, or other means? Supporters’ responses to this question help you implement donor communication preferences that foster a strong rapport.
3. Which types of content do you prefer: email updates, blog posts, educational videos, behind-the-scenes clips on social media? This question exposes donors’ online habits, providing insight so you can allocate your content strategically.
4. Would you allow us to publicly celebrate your impact on a future fundraising campaign? A yes or no to this question helps you understand donor motivation. Some donors appreciate recognition, whereas others prefer anonymity.
5. Would you be willing to provide us with a quote or testimonial? Understanding this information can help you shape a strategy that reflects and reinforces your supporters’ respect for your organization.

Donor opinions and feedback questions

Donor opinions help feed your organization’s mission. Here are five questions you can ask your supporters:

1. How well do we demonstrate the real-world impact of donor contributions? This information reveals whether supporters feel acknowledged and informed about their gift’s impact and determines your level of value reinforcement, a key driver of donor retention.
2. What do you like most about our mission? This question reveals donors’ motivation, connection, and passion for your cause.
3. What type of updates would you like to see from us in the future? This prompt takes donors’ preferences into account and informs how to shape future outreach.
4. What would inspire you to sign up as a monthly giver? This insight informs how you can amplify donor impact, such as introducing donation incentives or community-building initiatives for recurring donors.
5. What would you recommend to improve our storytelling, if anything? This question puts the power in the donor’s hands to voice their opinion, helping you optimize the structure of your communication.

Advanced survey strategies for maximum response rates

If you want healthy response rates, you need to take survey length and timing into account.

Short introductory surveys perform best with 3 to 5 questions, whereas a comprehensive survey may incorporate 15 or more questions. Optimizing your survey for mobile use ensures you reach a broader audience and makes it easier for supporters to complete it at their convenience.

Strategic timing is equally as important. Post-help session surveys show that your organization values donor experience and feedback, whereas gift anniversary surveys remind supporters of the impact they’ve made and re-engage them in your mission. After supporters complete a survey, consider how you’ll continue to steward the relationship.

Analyzing and acting on survey results

Once you’ve issued your survey and collected the responses, it’s time to put the data into action.

First, consider creating automated alerts for negative feedback. If respondents flag a gap in your messaging, you’ll want to know right away.

Next, identify the broadest trends in your pool’s input. Look for areas that perform well and those that may need reevaluation. For areas needing attention, nonprofits should:

• Identify specific strengths and weaknesses to understand where programs or messaging are effective and where improvements are needed.
• Thank respondents for their time, showing that you value their input.
• Communicate next steps to demonstrate how you’ll use their feedback.

Following up: Turning survey insights into stronger relationships

Successful surveys make supporters feel heard and appreciated, while also providing valuable donor information. This, in turn, can grow into long-sustaining donor relationships.

Once a donor completes a survey, nurturing the relationship is crucial. Email can be one of the best ways to continue post-survey relations.

However, make sure to tailor that post-survey outreach by donor persona, so your message lands and your donor knows you considered their feedback. A donor persona is a summary of your donor’s habits and preferences, which you can use to apply to potential donors with similar demographics. Implementing this technique post-survey is critical to donor retention and sustained engagement.

This helps you determine the best donor retention strategies. For example, your Gen Z donors may prefer small monthly donations via social media platforms, whereas your Baby Boomer base may prefer an annual donation, solicited via email at the same time each year.
Reviewing and understanding your donor survey data is key to maximizing conversion. Your survey data can also help you segment donors, such as those who participate in Giving Tuesday and those who don’t.

Common survey mistakes to avoid

While donor surveys can fuel your nonprofit’s planning and strategy, implementing them incorrectly can have a negative impact. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Sending surveys too often, which can alienate and exhaust your donor base
• Writing your questions in a way that encourages a particular response, increasing the chance of bias—for example, asking how much a donor enjoyed making their contribution assumes the donor experienced enjoyment, whereas asking them to describe their donation experience is neutral and open-ended, drawing an authentic response from the participant
• Failing to follow up, preventing your nonprofit from further stewarding that relationship
• Providing too few response options, which don’t cover all sides of a question
• Providing too many questions, which can lead to survey fatigue or abandonment

Turn donor insights into action

Keeping your donor community engaged is essential to nonprofit success, and surveys can provide a foundation for strong, long-term relationships. Effective donor surveys follow a simple structure: Begin with a warm welcome, address program-specific topics, invite meaningful supporter input, and reflect your organization’s branding and messaging throughout.

With this framework, you’ll be better positioned to gather insights into donors’ communication preferences, engagement habits, and overall perceptions of your work.

Most importantly, act on what you learn. Demonstrating that you’ve heard and implemented donor feedback reinforces trust and shows appreciation for the time and insight they’ve shared.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

This blog was written in collaboration with the team at Double the Donation, an online donation matching tool built to amplify nonprofit fundraising.

For many nonprofits, donation matching feels like a no-brainer. Matching programs drive more than $2–$3 billion in donations annually, and 84% of donors say they’re more likely to give if a match is offered. Yet, persistent myths about matching gifts still hold organizations back from maximizing their fundraising potential and reaching their goals.

Understanding the mechanics of matching is the first step toward building a sustainable revenue stream. Let’s get started.

The basics of donation matching in nonprofit fundraising

Donation matching is a form of philanthropy where a third party (often a company, major donor, or foundation) matches contributions from individual donors.

While many people think primarily of corporate matching, the truth is that matching encompasses several different forms. These include:

Employee matching

With employee or corporate matching gift programs, companies match employees’ donations to nonprofits and schools. According to Double the Donation research, over 26 million individuals work for 24,000+ companies that match donations.

Fundraising matches

Similar to employee matching gifts, fundraising matches empower employees to request funds for donations they raise. These initiatives often coincide with peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, such as run/walk/rides and other event-a-thon experiences.

For example, if a fundraiser collects $1,000 for a 5K charity run, they can request an employer match, even if they didn’t contribute the funds themselves.

Custom matching gift programs

With a custom matching gift program, a company matches its employees’ donations. However, it matches gifts to a single nonprofit through an established partnership.

Donation match challenges

Through donation match challenges, a major donor agrees to match gifts up to the total collected within an established time frame. These initiatives instill urgency and often align with time-based efforts like Giving Tuesday.

Matching grants

With matching grants, the recipient collects a predetermined amount (typically equal to the match) via other donations. For example, a donor might propose a $10,000 donation. However, the nonprofit must first raise $10,000⁠ on its own.

Debunking common donation-matching myths

Let’s take a closer look at the most common myths about matching donations. Clearing up these misconceptions can remove unnecessary friction and set your organization up for a more successful campaign.

1. Few companies provide donation-matching programs

Many nonprofits hesitate to pursue employer-matching gifts, assuming that companies offering these programs are rare. In reality, the opposite is true.

Our research shows that tens of thousands of companies offer matching-gift initiatives for employees. This includes 65% of Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft, Coca-Cola, State Street, and more.

Pro tip: Invest in a comprehensive matching gift database to easily identify program availability, guidelines, and submission processes.

2. Match-eligible donors are aware of the opportunities

Another common myth is that corporate match-eligible donors are already aware of the opportunity. We mentioned that over 26 million individuals work for companies that match gifts. However, most of them have never heard of these programs. In fact, research indicates that 78% of eligible donors are unaware of whether their company matches donations.

Pro tip: Take a proactive approach to marketing corporate matching to close the knowledge gap and ensure donors double their gifts.

3. Donation matches are “one-and-done” events

Donation matches aren’t a single-use tool. Whether within a single campaign or across your annual calendar, frequency breeds urgency rather than fatigue.

The more opportunities to double impact, the better. You can even turn a recurring match into an annual event, such as a gala or a Giving Tuesday tradition.

4. Donation matching is seasonal

Giving Tuesday and year-end giving are great opportunities to prompt matchable donations. However, proper communication can make your match successful any day.

In fact, dedicated donation matches can be the perfect way to boost donation amount and volume during the summer downtime, spring appeals, cause awareness days, or other events.

5. If you create a match, donors will come

It’s critical to view your match as you would any other campaign and promote it to as many donors as possible to maximize the return.

Consider your:

• Subject lines or email headers
• SMS campaigns
• Website announcement bars
• Social media stories and ads
• Donation page pop-ups

A donation match isn’t necessarily effective because it’s available. If donors don’t know how to take action within your match window, they’re unlikely to get involved.

6. A match is limited to specific donations

Many organizations believe that donation matches apply only to standard one-time appeals. In reality, you can (and should) leverage matching gifts across your entire fundraising ecosystem. This includes:

• Events: From galas and benefit concerts to 5Ks, event-related contributions often qualify for corporate matching.
• Community fundraising: Adding a matching component to individual fundraising pages can go a long way in empowering advocates.
• Recurring gifts: Unbeknownst to some, monthly donations and payroll gifts are typically eligible for matching. To streamline the process, batch donations for a single annual submission.

The bottom line is that donation matches are far more versatile than most realize. By expanding your matching-gift opportunities to include diverse campaign types, you ensure that every donor has the chance to double their gift.

7. Donation matching is complicated

Our final myth is a leading cause of unclaimed matches. It’s the idea that the matching gift request process is complicated for supporters.

However, the truth is that requesting a match is typically quick and easy. Although the donation process varies by company, most programs involve a brief online matching gift form that requests basic information about the employee, their donation, and the nonprofit organization.

Pro tip: Equip your nonprofit with best-in-class matching gift technology. Get a demo of Double the Donation and be sure to mention that you use GoFundMe Pro.

How donation matching works (step-by-step)

Whether leveraging a corporate program or establishing a challenge grant, here’s how the typical lifecycle goes:

1. Finding the match: Your nonprofit identifies a funder (a corporation, major donor, or board member) willing to match incoming donations.
2. Securing the initial donation: A supporter contributes during the active match period.
3. Verifying eligibility: For corporate matches, the donor researches their employer’s program. For challenge grants, the fundraising tool automatically tracks the gift toward the match goal.
4. Activating the request: For corporate matches, the donor submits a request to their employer. For challenge grants, the match is “unlocked” once the total goal is reached.
5. Disbursing the match: The funding source (the company or major donor) sends the matching funds to the nonprofit once the conditions are met.

This process ensures that every dollar has the chance to go twice as far. Fundraising software can also automate these steps with reminders and real-time progress bars.

Benefits of a complete donation-matching strategy

Beyond the extra money, donation matches offer several advantages for nonprofits. These include:

• Increased retention: Supporters feel more connected to a mission when they see their contributions doubled.
• Higher conversion rates: A match creates a “now or never” feeling, pushing undecided visitors to complete their gifts. This urgency helps nonprofits convert observers into contributors.
• Corporate connections: Employee matching is often the first step toward a corporate relationship. By tracking which companies match gifts to your cause, you can identify high-value prospects for future partnerships.
• Improved supporter data: When donors search for their company, you gain valuable insights into where they work. This data enables personalized outreach and helps you understand supporters’ professional demographics.

A matching gift strategy is about more than the immediate financial gain. It’s a tool for building long-term sustainability and deepening relationships among the nonprofit, individual donors, and the corporate world.

How to source and secure matching gifts

Finding a partner involves examining your network from a new perspective. Here are a few strategies to consider:

Corporations

Corporations can be your most valuable sources of matching gifts. Clear communication (and ample resources to assist donors in advocating for new matching programs⁠) encourages participation.

Companies may also consider funding a matching challenge, a matching grant, or another type of match to expand beyond their workforce.

Small businesses

Look to nearby boutiques, accounting firms, grocery stores, service providers, and restaurants. Smaller businesses often receive fewer sponsorship requests, and your shared commitment to the local community can make outreach more personal and effective. As a result, these partnerships may be easier to establish and grow.

Influencers and impact creators

Influencers and impact creators can mobilize modern supporters in powerful ways. With their broad reach and engaged online audiences, they can encourage followers to give toward a matching campaign. And if they’re personally aligned with your mission, they may even contribute a matching gift themselves.

Major donors

A major donor-funded match amplifies gifts from other individuals by leveraging a generous supporter’s contribution. To get started, use prospect research strategies to locate a donor willing and able to fund a match. From there, consider face-to-face meetings or video chats to pitch the idea.

Board members

A nonprofit’s board of directors is one of its most valuable donors and an ideal prospect for funding a match. Many companies (such as U.S. Bank, Autodesk, and Schneider Electric) even offer unique matching gift programs for board members.

Crowdfunding

While nonprofits often rely on a key contributor to supply a matching gift, some organizations lack the capacity to secure a match from a single donor. In that case, consider a crowdfunding campaign to combine smaller or midlevel gifts.

Creating your dynamic matching gift strategy

Donation matching isn’t just a bonus for your fundraising. It’s a vital part of a modern strategy. By dispelling the myths that hold you back, you can significantly increase your revenue and engagement.

And remember⁠, empowering your team with the right technology can go a long way. Learn more about how GoFundMe Pro and Double the Donation⁠ can help.

FAQs about donation matching

We’ve addressed common donation matching inquiries to help you navigate the process with confidence.

How do I pitch a donation-matching partnership?

Start with the relationships you already have. A warm introduction can make all the difference when approaching a potential partner.

Does a staff member know the owner of a local business? Do multiple donors work for the same generous employer? Leverage existing connections to open doors and build a strong foundation for the partnership.

What is the average donation match ratio?

The most common ratio is 1:1, meaning the company or major donor matches the initial contribution dollar for dollar. However, some match campaigns offer 2:1 or 3:1 matches to achieve greater impact.

Can you layer multiple matching gift opportunities?

Most often, yes. To amplify the impact of donations, consider layering multiple matching gifts, such as an employee match on top of a challenge gift.

For example, imagine an individual donates $100 during a challenge match, bringing the total to $200. When the donor’s company contributes an additional $100, the total comes to three times the initial gift.

Are there deadlines for requesting a match?

Yes. Challenge matches are generally organized during a specific period, such as an affinity month or designated giving day. Meanwhile, most companies require employees to submit match requests by the end of the calendar year or within a few months after the donation.

What types of organizations are eligible?

Most 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools qualify for donation matches. However, some companies or foundations may have restrictions on religious or political organizations, so it’s crucial to check their specific policies.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

Peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising is one of the most powerful ways for nonprofits to expand their reach, engage new donors, and increase giving. By empowering people to fundraise on your behalf, you unlock networks your organization might never reach on its own.

But here’s the reality: Traditional peer-to-peer campaigns are hitting their natural limits.

Participation across traditional peer-to-peer channels is declining. Social fundraising on platforms like Facebook is down year over year. And even when signature events like runs, walks, or rides draw crowds, many nonprofits are seeing lower dollars raised per individual fundraiser than in years past.

However, that doesn’t mean peer-to-peer is losing relevance. It means it’s evolving.

Supporters still give because of people and stories they trust, but they want more flexibility, ownership, and authenticity. That shift is driving the rise of community fundraising, which expands peer-to-peer beyond time-bound events into everyday moments that supporters choose to champion.

In this post, we’ll share actionable community fundraising tips to help nonprofits strengthen traditional peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns while embracing community-driven initiatives. You’ll learn how to empower supporters to tell your story in their own words, activate new audiences, and scale impact, all while reducing friction with platforms like GoFundMe Pro.

Empower your supporters, expand your impact

Traditional peer-to-peer campaigns often revolve around a single moment, like an in-person event. Community fundraising expands that model by recognizing a simple truth: Support doesn’t only show up on event day.

Community fundraising invites supporters to fundraise for your cause in ways that reflect their lives and values, such as birthdays, personal milestones, creative challenges, memorials, livestreams, or moments of urgency. It turns supporters into advocate-fundraisers, not just participants.

The community fundraising tips below will help nonprofits embrace this shift, without abandoning the traditional P2P fundraising efforts that already work.

1. Grow your reach through your personal networks

One of the most effective community fundraising tips is also the simplest: Let people do the talking.

Peer-to-peer fundraisers work because trust is at their core. New supporters are far more likely to give when a friend, family member, or colleague asks them directly—especially when paired with a personal story.

To expand your reach:

• Encourage fundraisers to share why your cause matters to them, not just what your nonprofit organization does
• Promote sharing across multiple channels: social media platforms, text, email, and group chats
• Show supporters that participation doesn’t have to look like a run or walk—nonprofit fundraising can happen anywhere

Strong storytelling makes these asks more compelling. One helpful approach is guiding supporters through a simple framework:

• Why I care (personal connection)
• Why now (urgency or moment)
• How to help (clear call to action)

Resources like nonprofit storytelling worksheets can help supporters shape authentic messages without sounding scripted.

Platforms like GoFundMe Pro also help extend your reach by operating within a broader ecosystem. When supporters use a fundraising platform people already know and trust, their calls to action not only reach personal networks but also GoFundMe’s 200M+ donor community, lowering barriers to participation and increasing visibility.

2. Adopt a community fundraising mindset

If there’s one fundraising tip that unlocks long-term growth, it’s to stop limiting how supporters can show up.

When practicing community fundraising, the nonprofit sets the inspiration and, at times, the framework, whereas the supporter drives the action. Peer-to-peer participants might decide to stream a video game marathon, run 100 miles, host a dinner party, or shave their heads. They choose the activity that fits their lifestyle and their network.

This matters because it changes the dynamic of the relationship. You aren’t just asking them for a favor. You’re giving them agency. Even better, you’re inviting them to be a co-owner of your mission.

This approach is especially effective with Gen Z and Millennials, who are highly motivated by causes but less interested in rigid, event-based participation. They value flexibility, digital-first fundraising tools, and the ability to align giving with their identity and values.

GoFundMe Pro makes community fundraising easier, whether your supporters launch a fundraiser, take on a challenge, or create a campaign that directly benefits your nonprofit. Even better, once you claim your verified Nonprofit Page, your GoFundMe Pro dashboard automatically captures all donations and supporter details for seamless reporting.

In 2025 alone, supporters created over 80,000 challenge-style fundraisers, from yoga challenges and hikes to readathons and gaming events.

3. Reduce friction with built-in coaching and guidance

One reason community fundraising stalls is a lack of confidence. Supporters want to help you reach your fundraising goals, but they’re not always sure what to do next, when to share, or how to succeed.

That’s why providing coaching and ongoing support is one of the most critical elements of a successful community fundraising strategy.

Traditional approaches often rely on:

• PDFs and static toolkits
• One-time training sessions
• Manual check-ins that don’t scale

Effective community fundraising requires automated, data-driven coaching at scale.

With GoFundMe Pro, fundraisers have support from start to finish through built-in coaching, activity tracking, and smart nudges that spark engagement. Each fundraiser has access to a personal command center with recommended next steps, prewritten social media posts and emails, and suggestions for whom to reach out to next.

This guidance helps supporters move forward with confidence, without feeling micromanaged. It also frees nonprofits to focus on strategy while our platform handles the heavy lifting, drawing on insights from a community that has raised over $40 billion.

When it’s easy for supporters to succeed, everyone wins.

4. Celebrate fundraisers to foster long-term engagement

Celebration isn’t just about motivation. It’s about retention.

Celebrate supporters by recognizing first-time fundraisers, highlighting milestones, such as first gifts or goals reached, and sharing thank-you messages that connect their efforts directly to impact. This reinforces that community fundraising isn’t a one-off initiative. It’s part of a lasting relationship.

Plus, GoFundMe Pro makes this easier with real-time tracking and alerts, allowing nonprofits to acknowledge progress quickly and authentically.

5. Make giving easy and mobile-friendly

The most nonprofit website traffic comes from mobile users (including phones and tablets). Mobile users accounted for 52% of all visits in 2024, and desktop users accounted for 48%.

Making giving easy and mobile-friendly isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s essential.

More importantly, mobile-first experiences support in-the-moment sharing and spontaneous giving, which are critical to successful peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns and community fundraising methods. When someone sees a friend’s personal fundraising page, they should be able to give instantly and seamlessly.

That means fast-loading donation pages, streamlined checkout flows, AI-powered donation forms, and clear suggested amounts with impact statements that make it easy to act in the moment.

GoFundMe’s seamless mobile experience is for these exact moments, making it easier for supporters to act on their emotions and generosity.

6. Use data to track, learn, and celebrate success

Strong community fundraising strategies don’t stop at launch. They rely on ongoing measurement.

Tracking performance helps nonprofits understand what works, where supporters are most engaged, and where to focus next. Key metrics to monitor include:

• The number of active fundraisers/individual fundraising pages
• Average dollars raised per fundraiser
• Amount raised among top fundraisers
• Share activity
• Conversion rates

With these insights, organizations can identify high-performing fundraisers, test new approaches, and celebrate meaningful milestones. GoFundMe Pro’s reporting and analytics tools make it easier to visualize performance, take action, and support recognition and stewardship that drive repeat engagement and overall fundraising success.

7. Collaborate with influencers and community leaders

Influencers don’t have to be celebrities. In fact, the most effective advocates are often trusted voices within a specific community: teachers, creators, local leaders, or deeply passionate supporters.

This is especially true for younger donors, as Gen Z and Millennials are increasingly inspired by impact creators—people who use their platforms to raise awareness and drive charitable donations. More than half of Gen Z say they trust impact creators to donate on their behalf, highlighting the growing role of social-driven philanthropy.

Partnering with these community-based influencers can expand your reach into new networks, add credibility to your campaign, and inspire others to start fundraisers of their own. It’s a powerful way to scale community fundraising organically, fueled by trust and authenticity.

8. Share impact stories often

Finally, close the loop. Donors and fundraisers want to know whether their efforts made a difference. Consistently and authentically sharing impact stories keeps supporters engaged and reinforces why community fundraising works.

By highlighting the real people, programs, and outcomes made possible by community support, you turn participation into pride, and pride into long-term advocacy. For practical tips on doing this well, check out our storytelling guide.

GoFundMe Pro helps nonprofits bring those stories to life. With modern, branded donation pages, expansive community fundraising, Meta social sharing, and user-friendly live event tools, nonprofits can reach millions and amplify impact storytelling across their community.

The future of peer-to-peer fundraising is community-led

Peer-to-peer fundraising isn’t fading. It’s transforming. The nonprofits that will thrive are those that treat their mission as a shared cause and empower their community to lead. Embracing community fundraising means moving beyond rigid events and scarcity thinking to spark real connection, creativity, and momentum.

With the right tools, strategy, and platform, nonprofits can mobilize supporters, expand their reach, and build lasting communities of advocates, alongside the 200M+ already active on GoFundMe.

Now is the moment to modernize your community fundraising approach and unlock what your supporters can achieve together.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

Peer-to-peer fundraising has fueled nonprofit growth for years, from 5K runs and cycling events to birthday fundraisers on social media. However, many organizations are starting to notice cracks in what was once a reliable model.

Participation across traditional peer-to-peer channels is declining, social fundraising on platforms like Facebook is down year over year, and even when events still draw crowds, individual fundraisers are often raising less per person than in the past.

This doesn’t mean peer-to-peer is broken. It means supporter behavior has changed.

People still give when moved by the people and stories around them, but they want more flexibility and ownership in how they show up. A fundraising page and a carefully curated script are no longer enough to inspire action. That’s where the evolution begins.

Shifting how supporters lead the way

More nonprofits are embracing community-led fundraising activations that empower people to tell your story in their words, through the channels and moments that feel most authentic.

This shift isn’t about walking away from what works. It’s about building on it.

Community fundraising extends beyond traditional peer-to-peer efforts by providing supporters with more opportunities to engage on the channels they already use and to connect with each other. By fostering a sense of shared purpose, this approach helps organizations reach new audiences, reverse participation declines, and build a more resilient fundraising engine.

The difference between peer-to-peer and community fundraising

To understand the future of fundraising, we have to look at where we started. Traditional peer-to-peer campaigns often feel top-down: the nonprofit decides on an event (such as a fundraising gala or a walkathon), sets the rules, creates the graphics, and invites people to sign up. The supporter is a participant, whereas the nonprofit is the director.

Community fundraising flips the script.

In this model, the nonprofit sets the inspiration and, at times, the framework, while the supporter drives the action. They might decide to stream a video game marathon, run 100 miles, host a dinner party, or shave their head. They choose the activity that fits their lifestyle and their network.

This matters because it changes the dynamic of the relationship. You aren’t just asking them for a favor. You’re giving them agency. Even better, you’re inviting them to be a co-owner of your mission.

When people feel ownership over a cause, they work harder for it. They speak about it with passion and become more than donors or fundraisers—they become advocates for your brand.

Why trust is your most valuable asset

Trust in large institutions is slipping as people increasingly seek authenticity over polished corporate statements and generic marketing emails.

The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer report reveals that 48% of people trust recommendations from friends and family when making decisions, compared to 33% for ads and 17% for the news. Similarly, GoFundMe’s The Social State of Giving report highlights the influence of social media creators, with most Gen Zers and Millennials following impact creators online.

Notably, 1 in 4 Gen Z respondents reported donating because of a social media creator, and 51% said they would trust impact creators to make donations on their behalf.

Using a platform trusted by millions, such as GoFundMe, makes it easier for supporters to act, fostering confidence, trust, and meaningful engagement from the first step.

The double trust model in action

When a supporter starts a fundraiser for your organization, they lend you their credibility. They essentially tell their network: “I believe in this mission and trust this organization with my time and money, and you can too.”

This is what GoFundMe refers to as the double trust model. By combining your organization’s credibility with supporters’ personal connections, your brand reaches places it might not otherwise. A generic email from a nonprofit might get deleted immediately, but a heartfelt post from a friend gets read, liked, and shared.

Community fundraising also decentralizes your brand voice. Instead of one voice shouting from the mountaintop, thousands of supporters are having trusted conversations in living rooms, group chats, and social feeds. This creates a web of trust far stronger—and more resilient—than a traditional marketing funnel.

Taking trust one step further: The triple trust model

GoFundMe amplifies this effect through a triple-trust model. In addition to your organization’s credibility and supporters’ personal endorsements, our platform adds another layer of trust.

Supporters feel confident giving on GoFundMe because it’s secure, widely recognized, and designed to make giving simple. Together, these three layers of trust make people more likely to give, share, and return, strengthening your fundraising impact in ways no single channel could achieve on its own.

Expanding your reach into new communities

Every nonprofit wants to reach new supporters, but traditional advertising is expensive, crowded, and often inefficient.

Community fundraising changes the game by introducing your mission to entirely new networks, building awareness in ways traditional campaigns can’t. Even if someone doesn’t give, they learn about your organization from someone they trust, which is increasingly rare in today’s saturated market.

In fact, in 2025 alone, 155,000 people started fundraisers for nonprofits on GoFundMe, including 85,000 first-time organizers stepping up on an organization’s behalf—showing just how much your message can extend into new communities when supporters take action.

Micro-communities matter

Consider your supporters’ networks: colleagues, friends, neighbors, and communities that you might not be able to reach alone. When a supporter launches a fundraiser on GoFundMe, they bring your mission into these micro-communities in a context that resonates.

A gamer connects you to the gaming world. A runner introduces your mission to the fitness community. A baker shares your cause with fellow foodies. You don’t need to be an expert in every subculture—you just need to empower the people who are.

Turn individual efforts into impact with smarter tools

People don’t just want to give. They want to do for the causes that matter to them.

GoFundMe Pro makes that easier, whether by launching a fundraiser, taking on a challenge, or creating a campaign that directly benefits your nonprofit. Even better, once you claim your verified Nonprofit Page, your GoFundMe Pro dashboard automatically captures all donations and supporter details for seamless reporting.

In 2025 alone, supporters created over 80,000 challenge-style fundraisers, from yoga challenges and hikes to readathons and gaming events.

By empowering supporters to take action, you expand your reach, build trust, and turn awareness into meaningful supporter acquisition.

Letting go of the reins

This is often the hardest part for nonprofit professionals because you’re trained to protect the brand at all costs. You’ve established brand guidelines, approved messaging, and strict rules for logo usage, so the idea of letting “random” supporters create campaigns can feel terrifying.

What if they use the wrong font? Or what if they explain the mission incorrectly?

These are valid concerns, but they’re outweighed by the benefits. In the era of community fundraising, authenticity beats perfection every time. A slightly grainy photo of a supporter volunteering is often more compelling than a stock photo of a smiling model. A caption written in a supporter’s voice, even with a typo or two, lands with more emotional weight than a press release.

You have to trust your community. If they care enough to raise money for you, they care enough to represent you well.

How the right technology makes this easier

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you leave them entirely alone. Even with the most enthusiastic supporters, fundraising can feel intimidating. They aren’t experts like you.

Nonprofits create campaign pages that reflect their brand and bring calls to action to life, using drag-and-drop tools to add leaderboards, engagement features, and other interactive elements.

Once the page is live, our platform supports fundraisers from start to finish. Built-in coaching, activity tracking, and nudges spark engagement and motivation. Meanwhile, fundraisers have access to a personal command center with recommended next steps, premade social content, and suggestions for whom to reach out to next in their network.

This approach lets your nonprofit focus on strategy while GoFundMe handles the heavy lifting, supporting fundraisers at scale with insights from our community of over 200 million and $40 billion raised.

Using a platform trusted by millions makes it easier for supporters to take the first step. With the right guidance and resources, they can manage their fundraisers with confidence. When it’s easy for them to succeed, both they and your nonprofit benefit, while the experience stays flexible and personal.

Building a feedback loop

One of the hidden benefits of community fundraising is that it functions as a massive focus group.

When you observe how supporters talk about your mission, you learn what resonates. Maybe you’ve been focusing your marketing on one specific program, but you notice that your top fundraisers are now talking about a different aspect of your work.

Pay attention to that. Your supporters can show you what the public finds most compelling about your organization.

You can also use this to identify your next generation of leaders. The person who raises $5,000 for their birthday isn’t just a donor. They’re a superfan. Even better, they’re a potential board member, ambassador, major donor, or volunteer leader. Community fundraising helps you identify these people to nurture those relationships.

Getting started

If you’re ready to embrace this shift, you don’t need to overhaul your strategy all at once. Start by looking for opportunities to say “yes” to your community. Here are five to get started.

1. Claim your Nonprofit Page

Claim your Nonprofit Page to get started with GoFundMe’s peer-to-peer tools. It’s an easy first step to connect with new supporters and tap into our 200 million-strong community.

2. Create a “fundraise your way” option

Ensure your website has a clear and easy-to-find destination where supporters can start fundraisers. It should be front and center. Celebrate it.

Show examples of other people who have done it. If a supporter has a wild idea for a fundraiser, your answer should be, “That sounds amazing. How can we help?”

3. Equip them with the right tools

Your supporters are busy. If starting a fundraiser is difficult, they won’t do it. You need an intuitive, mobile-friendly, and beautiful platform.

This is where GoFundMe Pro shines. We combine the trust and familiarity of the GoFundMe brand with the custom controls your nonprofit needs.

4. Coach, don’t command

With GoFundMe’s built-in coaching tools, recommended next steps, and helpful resources, we’ve removed much of the guesswork from fundraising, and the heavy lifting is off your nonprofit’s staff.

Remember, when fundraisers feel supported, they stay motivated to keep going.

5. Focus on the story

Remind your supporters that they don’t need to be professional salespeople. They just need to share their “why.”

• Why does this cause matter to them?
• Why did they decide to get involved?

Encourage them to be vulnerable and share their personal experiences. That’s what resonates with donors.

Measuring success beyond the dollar

In a transactional peer-to-peer model, the only metric that matters is the total amount raised. In a community fundraising model, consider a broader set of metrics to understand your brand’s health.

Look at the number of new donors acquired. Did these people enter your ecosystem through a friend? Look at the retention rate of your fundraisers. Are they coming back every year? Look at the social reach. How many people saw your brand because a supporter shared it?

These metrics tell you if you’re building a movement, not just balancing a budget.

The future is community-led

The nonprofits that’ll thrive in the next decade are those that treat their mission as a shared cause powered by community.

When you embrace community fundraising, you move from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. You stop worrying about how many emails you can send and start wondering how many conversations you can spark.

This shift requires bravery. It requires stepping back and letting others take the spotlight. The reward: an organization that’s more resilient, more diverse, and more deeply connected to the world it serves.

Your supporters are ready to lead. Are you ready to follow them?

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

A strong fundraising appeal is one of the most powerful tools a nonprofit organization has. By using a mix of appeal styles, nonprofits can keep supporters engaged and motivated to achieve their fundraising goals.

At the heart of every compelling appeal is a compelling story—one that highlights real people, real needs, and real impact. Today’s donors, however, expect more than a great message. They expect the giving experience to feel simple, personal, and fast. That’s why nonprofits must pair emotional storytelling with smart, low-friction technology that turns inspiration into action.

Below, we share six types of fundraising appeals to try that, when paired with the power of GoFundMe Pro, can help boost conversion rates and fuel your organization’s mission.

1. Lead with a human story

Instead of leading with statistics or program details, try focusing your message on one person, one moment, or one challenge your community faces. This approach adds a personal touch to your appeal letter and helps potential donors understand why your mission matters right now.

Stories create connection. When supporters can picture the life or lives they change, your ask feels less like a request and more like an invitation to be part of something meaningful.

Check out our guide on telling inspiring impact stories for more ideas on developing compelling characters and shaping a powerful narrative.

How to bring this to life with GoFundMe Pro

Campaign Studio, our versatile campaign builder, is the perfect tool for creating and launching custom donation pages that bring your story to life. Add photos, short videos, quotes from the people you serve, and meaningful impact metrics to make your appeal feel real and trustworthy.

When your campaign aligns with and reflects your nonprofit’s brand, it builds confidence and makes donors more likely to give.

Real-world example

Starlight Children’s Foundation added a personal touch to its email appeal by including real quotes from parents of the children it serves. These voices help ground supporters in the impact their donations can have on children’s lives.

2. Invite donors to be partners in the story

Help donors see themselves as a critical piece of your fundraising plan to increase their connection to your cause. For example, shift the language from “we need your help” to “you can make this possible.” This second-person framing allows supporters to feel like active partners in your nonprofit’s mission.

When donors see themselves as valuable problem solvers, your response rate across email appeals, direct mail fundraising letters, and other messaging mediums may increase as they feel moved to answer that call for help.

How to bring this to life with GoFundMe Pro

It’s critical that your appeals appear wherever your supporters already spend time, including on your website, across social media channels, and in online communities and forums. Reaching donors in these key places keeps your message front and center, and makes it easier for them to take the next step when they feel inspired.

GoFundMe Pro makes this possible by helping you create uniquely branded campaigns, build trust with supporters, and reach more people across the web, social media, and the GoFundMe community of over 200 million. With AI-powered donation forms, seamless giving flows, and peer-to-peer and social sharing tools, anyone who feels moved to help can act right away.

Real-world example

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago used Instagram to highlight a full-circle moment for one of its mentees, who later became a mentor for the program. The organization paired this with a fundraising appeal, saying, “The next match starts with you,” offering donors the opportunity to be the reason behind the next success story.

3. Personalize your ask amounts

When donors see a blank field or generic donation amounts in the call to action, they may hesitate because they’re unsure how much to give. That hesitation can lead to abandoned gifts or smaller donations.

Personalized ask amounts remove that friction. Instead of showing every supporter the same $25, $50, or $100 options, tailor the ask to their history and engagement. This helps first-time donors feel comfortable while also encouraging major donors to stretch their generosity.

Over time, this approach can help support stronger retention because donors feel understood—the path forward is clear and relevant to them.

How to bring this to life with GoFundMe Pro

Intelligent Ask Amounts, our AI-powered donation amounts, uses machine learning to predict the amount a donor is most likely to give and to customize an ask for that individual. You can set a campaign goal—whether that’s higher conversions, more recurring gifts, or increased revenue—and our AI optimizes your campaign to help you get there.

Pair each option with tangible impact—such as the number of meals, books, or hours of support that gift provides—so every amount feels meaningful and inspiring.

4. Add ease and urgency to your appeal

Today’s donors are busy, distracted, and often give from their phones. If your online donation experience feels slow or confusing, you risk losing their attention, even if they care deeply about your cause. One of the best ways to drive quick action is to create a sense of urgency.

Time-bound matches, challenges, and countdowns remind supporters that there’s no time to waste. Making simple updates to your messaging, like email subject lines or social media captions, can help capture their attention and prompt them to donate right away. Think, “24 hours left to reach our goal.”

How to bring this to life with GoFundMe Pro

With 0.3-second load times, our lightweight, embedded donation forms keep supporters in the moment. Mobile-optimized, fast-loading flows help turn urgency into action, and abandoned cart reminders bring donors back if they get distracted before completing their gift.

Real-world example

SBP, a nonprofit dedicated to helping communities shorten the time between disaster and recovery, ran a “Home for the Holidays” campaign that highlighted a gift-match of up to $100,000. The campaign also leveraged Intelligent Ask Amounts and framed the donor as a key partner in the cause who could “be the reason a family returns home” that holiday season.

5. Turn emotion into ongoing support

The most effective fundraising efforts invite supporters to stay involved after their first donation. One simple way to do this is by highlighting monthly giving as part of your giving campaign. Even small monthly gifts add up over time and create a powerful, long-term impact for your mission.

Recurring donations provide steady funding that helps nonprofits plan ahead, grow programs, and respond quickly when needs arise. This is especially valuable at the end of the year, when many donors are motivated to give back and make a lasting difference.

For more tips on cultivating monthly donors, check out our guide on turning year-end donors into recurring supporters.

How to bring this to life with GoFundMe Pro

Use recurring nudges to gently invite donors to upgrade after a one-time donation. These prompts make it easy for supporters to turn a one-time moment of generosity into ongoing support.

6. Give supporters a way to lead

When supporters are inspired by your cause, many want to help beyond donating. They want to share your story, invite friends to participate, and feel like part of something bigger. This peer influence is a powerful way to grow your fundraising initiatives.

Supporters can promote your cause through social media, personal emails, and everyday conversations, extending your reach far beyond your owned channels. Your board members can also play a powerful role, leading by example and inviting their networks to participate.

However, peer-to-peer fundraising is evolving. Traditional models often asked supporters to follow a set script or join a single event. Today, people want more freedom and ownership. This is why nonprofits should consider moving beyond traditional peer-to-peer campaigns to a community fundraising approach.

Doing so lets supporters lead on the channels they already use: social media, group chats, neighborhood events, gaming livestreams, or personal challenges, for example. When supporters can show up authentically, they become powerful ambassadors of your brand.

How to bring this to life with GoFundMe Pro

To take full advantage of our peer-to-peer fundraising suite, start by opting in to claim your Nonprofit Page. This opens the door to organic community fundraising across GoFundMe’s 200 million-strong community. From there, add a “Fundraise Your Way” prompt on your website to give supporters a fast, easy way to get started.

Connect your fundraising appeals to tools that drive giving

Strong appeals are the heartbeat of any fundraising campaign. Ace them, and you’ll unlock deeper supporter connections, stronger trust, and lasting excitement. Start today with GoFundMe Pro and watch your mission take off.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

When it comes to long-term growth, donor lifetime value is one of the clearest indicators of organizational strength. One-time gifts matter, but lasting success comes from donors who stay engaged, give again, and deepen their support over time. Those sustained relationships help nonprofits move their missions forward with confidence.

Focusing on lifetime value (also known as LTV or donor LTV) helps organizations weather uncertainty and spend less on continuous acquisition. When you invest in long-term donor relationships, you raise more, retain more, and build momentum year after year.

Below are five practical strategies to improve this key fundraising metric and boost long-term fundraising success.

1. Track and use donor data intentionally

Increasing donor lifetime value starts with organizing your donor information.

If you don’t already track key donor touchpoints, start now. Consider email analytics like open rates, click-throughs, and new subscribers. Also, look at gift histories, event attendance, and volunteer interest. The more you know about how someone interacts with your organization, the easier it is to engage them in meaningful ways. Good data removes guesswork and helps you make fact-based decisions.

A customer relationship management (CRM) system is key to this work. It stores donor data, demographics, and past activity to reveal patterns over time. In addition to GoFundMe Pro’s seamless integrations with top CRMs, our platform enables organizations to collect real-time reporting at the campaign, supporter, and transaction levels.

With visibility into metrics like giving history, number of gifts, and donation amount, you can identify what works and what needs attention.

This information helps you calculate the donor lifetime value, or the likelihood that a supporter will give over the average donor lifespan. When you know who gives, how often, and at what level, you can tailor communications and build stronger relationships.

2. Strengthen relationships early with first-time donors

Many first-time donors give once and don’t return—because no one encouraged them to come back. The days after a first gift are one of your biggest opportunities to build lifetime value. A warm, intentional welcome can turn a single donation into a long-term relationship.

Start with a simple onboarding flow for new donors. Send a genuine thank-you, share a brief story about the impact of their gift, and invite them to stay involved. This early connection bridges donor acquisition to donor retention.

Improving your donor retention rate begins with consistent outreach and thoughtful stewardship. Email works well, but consider adding text messages, phone calls, or handwritten direct mail for a more comprehensive approach. When donors feel seen and appreciated, they’re more likely to give again.

Every follow-up can increase donor engagement, raise the likelihood of repeat giving, and increase the number of donors who stay with you over time.

3. Make recurring giving an easy and inviting default

Recurring giving is one of the most effective ways to increase donor lifetime value. Recurring donors stay engaged longer, give more over time, and help build predictable revenue that strengthens your programs month after month. Even if each gift is smaller, the total impact often exceeds that of a one-time donation.

To encourage recurring giving, make monthly options visible and appealing on every donation form. Share impact stories, progress updates, and small milestones that show why ongoing support matters. These repeated touchpoints help donors feel like partners, not just one-time participants.

GoFundMe Pro strengthens this approach with recurring nudges built directly into the donation flow. If someone selects a one-time donation size—say, $100—a prompt will appear suggesting that they consider giving $25 monthly instead (one-quarter of the one-time amount). When these smaller monthly giving levels feel achievable, donors are more likely to convert to sustained support and stay involved over time.

Recurring revenue also supports your long-term fundraising strategy by reducing reliance on donor acquisition costs. When donors continue to give automatically, you retain more supporters with less effort and strengthen lifetime value with every passing month. Recurring giving is a growth multiplier.

4. Optimize donation forms to encourage the right gift every time

A strong giving experience can lift donor lifetime value before you even send a thank-you email. When the donation process feels simple, intuitive, and personal, donors are more confident in their choice and more likely to return. That’s why optimizing your nonprofit donation form is one of the smartest ways to strengthen long-term revenue.

GoFundMe Pro helps organizations raise more from day one. Backed by 15 years of industry experience and powered by a community of over 200 million, our out-of-the-box donation forms are already trailblazing.

From there, we enable the flexibility to customize and optimize over time as your needs evolve. With lightning-fast 0.3-second load times and no-code updates, our lightweight forms help your site load faster, rank higher, and keep donors focused through intuitive, distraction-free flows—without sending them off your website.

You can brand every step of the experience, from colors and logos to personalized design elements that reflect your mission, creating seamless donor journeys that feel familiar, trustworthy, and built to maximize impact.

Intelligent Ask Amounts take this a step further by suggesting personalized giving levels based on session data, nonprofit data, GoFundMe platform data, and third-party census and population data.

Instead of static recommendations, the form adjusts amounts dynamically, helping donors make a choice that feels meaningful and comfortable. When supporters feel they’ve given “the right amount,” satisfaction increases, fueling stronger retention among existing donors.

5. Personalize your donor journey over time

Donor lifetime value increases when supporters feel recognized and connected throughout their giving journey. When communication becomes personal, a single gift can turn into a long-term relationship that sustains generosity over time.

Begin by grouping supporters into meaningful donor segments, like interests, gift level, or giving frequency. This allows you to tailor messages to the people most likely to respond.

For example, major donors may need one-on-one updates or invitations to special events to agree to their next major gift. Meanwhile, one-time donors may become recurring supporters after seeing impact stories that show how monthly giving drives lasting change.

Effective donor management means meeting people where they are. Share updates that connect them to the mission, invite them into experiences that matter, and offer new ways to get involved. Encourage supporters to lead a peer-to-peer challenge or host a fundraiser for their birthday. When donors become advocates, they build community and strengthen their sense of purpose in the process.

Increase donor lifetime value to support your nonprofit’s mission

Donor lifetime value isn’t built through one big moment. Rather, it’s built over years of shared purpose, trust, and connection with supporters. When you focus on long-term relationships instead of single transactions, your nonprofit organization raises more, improves retention, and moves closer to its mission.

With the right tools behind you—like customizable campaign pages, Intelligent Ask Amounts, and recurring nudges—you can strengthen loyalty and increase sustainable revenue over time. These improvements compound, reducing donor acquisition costs and helping your fundraising program thrive.

If you’re ready to deepen donor commitment and increase lifetime value, GoFundMe Pro can help you get there. Request a demo today to get started.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

The giving season is almost here. It’s that time of year where generosity surges, campaigns take off, and donor systems light up with activity. 

Behind every great donor experience is a seamless data experience. That’s why we’ve been hard at work improving our integrations to make your data flow smoother, faster, and more reliable than ever.

Whether you use Nonprofit Cloud (NPC), Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP), Sales Cloud, or rely on our public APIs and webhooks, these updates will help you make the most of this high-impact time of year.

Real-time fundraising visibility with GoFundMe Pro outbound webhooks (open beta)

When donations start pouring in, timing matters. A delayed sync can mean slower acknowledgments and missed opportunities for relationship-building. 

That’s where GoFundMe Pro’s outbound webhooks (open beta) come in. Webhooks let your systems talk to each other the moment something happens—a new donation, a supporter update, or recurring plan change—without waiting for a manual refresh or scheduled sync. 

With your customer relationship management (CRM) platform, analytics, email, and marketing tools staying in lockstep with fundraising updates in real-time, your entire team feels empowered to act on the most current data available. Webhooks deliver real-time fundraising visibility at the same pace that generosity flows to your organization. 

Here’s what you can do with GoFundMe Pro webhooks:

• Access instant donor record updates: Log new donations and updates as they happen.
• Power faster follow-up workflows: Activate acknowledgment emails, tasks, or thank-you journeys without delay.
• Drive custom automation flexibility: Connect to middleware tools for cross-platform workflows.
• Reduce sync load: Keep your data flow light and efficient with webhooks pushing data as events occur, decreasing dependency on scheduled sync jobs.

Webhooks are still in open beta, and we’re refining them based on customer feedback. So if your team thrives on responsiveness, this is your chance to get early access and help shape the future of how nonprofits engage supporters with real-time data.

From real-time responsiveness to reliable data flow

Real-time updates are a game changer, but it’s essential to look at the systems that support it. For organizations using Salesforce, optimizing your integration is the next crucial step to ensure reliability and high performance when donation activity peaks.

If your organization uses a GoFundMe Pro x Salesforce integration, a quick check-in before giving season can go a long way. A few updates now can make all the difference, ensuring your data moves smoothly and securely when volume increases.

Stay current: update to the latest Salesforce version 

Before the giving season commences, take a moment to confirm you’re on the latest version of your GoFundMe x Salesforce integration package.

We continuously release updates throughout the year—adding new features, optimizing performance, and improving data handling. Staying up to date with the most recent package version ensures you get the most reliable and efficient integration experience possible.

Here’s what keeping your integration up to date ensures:

• Better performance during high-volume giving periods
• Access to the newest optimization features
• Fewer sync errors and smoother donor data flow

If you use the NPSP integration or our core integration with the Sales Cloud, you can check your version in the GoFundMe Pro Control Panel V2 in Salesforce. For NPC users, version details are in your Salesforce setup.

Power through high-volume giving with dynamic bulk processing 

If your organization regularly processes large volumes of donations—especially during the giving season—bulk processing (also known as Dynamic Bulkification) helps ensure your systems are ready to handle high-transaction volumes efficiently at year-end. 

Available for our NPSP and core Sales Cloud integrations, Dynamic Bulkification allows you to handle multiple records together rather than one at a time. This batching approach helps your Salesforce organization handle high-volume activity with greater speed and stability.

Here’s what Dynamic Bulkification does for you:

• Combines up to 20 records into a single API call
• Reduces the risk of record locking and sync failures
• Keeps data flowing smoothly during donation surges

Disclaimer: Dynamic Bulkification is currently only available for NPSP and Sales Cloud integrations. However, we continue to deliver enhancements across all integrations, including NPC and Education Cloud.

Activate cleaner data, faster syncs, happier teams

We’ve made improvements to how GoFundMe Pro sends events across all Salesforce integrations. In the past, similar events might have been sent more than once for the same action, creating extra noise in your data stream. Now, our smarter event delivery ensures Salesforce only receives what’s most important, making your data cleaner, faster, and more reliable. 

Here’s what you can expect with our smarter event emission:

• Similar or repetitive events aggregated into a single, streamlined event, reducing noise while keeping essential details intact 
• Nonessential events that don’t impact integration results are automatically filtered out, keeping your Salesforce data focused and actionable
• Less data congestion for faster sync times and more consistent performance, even during high-volume donation periods 

These event enhancements make your Salesforce integration more efficient, and ensure that the integration only receives the information that truly matters. This reduces clutter and improves overall sync speed—especially when donation activity spikes.

Your giving season readiness checklist for Salesforce

Here’s how to make sure your Salesforce integration is ready to perform at its best this giving season:

• Update your integration package: Confirm you’re on the latest version to access all recent improvements. For NPSP users, check your version in the GoFundMe Pro Control Panel V2. Sales Cloud and NPC users will need to verify version information in your Salesforce setup.

• Enable bulk processing (if eligible): In NPSP or Sales Cloud, go to your integration settings and select Dynamic Bulkification under Data Process Mode.

Continuous improvements, year-round

These enhancements are part of GoFundMe Pro’s ongoing commitment to making our integrations faster, smarter, and easier to manage. Whether you use NPC, NPSP, Sales Cloud, or our public APIs and webhooks, we’re continuously investing in ways to help your team work more efficiently and focus on what truly matters: connecting with donors and driving impact.

So before the giving season begins, take a few minutes to update, optimize, and prepare. Your future self (and your CRM) will thank you.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

Peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising campaigns are one of the most effective ways for a nonprofit organization to broaden its reach and engage new supporters. These campaigns empower your dedicated supporters to act as volunteer fundraisers, rallying friends, family members, and social networks to support your cause. This strategy not only raises money but also strengthens personal connections with your donor base, creating lasting relationships beyond a single campaign.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step of building a successful peer-to-peer fundraising campaign. Whether you’re new to this type of campaign or want to take your efforts to the next level, this checklist equips you with fundraising tools, best practices, and actionable strategies.

Why peer-to-peer fundraising works

P2P fundraising leverages the power of personal connections and social networks to amplify your nonprofit’s message. Studies show that 48% of people trust recommendations from friends and family over traditional advertising, making P2P fundraising highly effective. This trusted connection makes it easier for individual fundraisers to inspire others to give.

Research also reveals that 80% of people who donate to P2P campaigns are first-time donors, meaning these efforts can significantly expand your donor base. Through personal stories and authentic outreach, fundraisers inspire new donors and build deeper engagement with your mission.

Benefits of peer-to-peer fundraising

P2P fundraising is effective because it:

• Expands your reach: By engaging supporters’ social media platforms and networks, you can attract new donors who may not have discovered your nonprofit otherwise.
• Humanizes your cause: Personal fundraising pages allow supporters to share why your mission matters to them, creating more meaningful connections.
• Drives fundraising success: P2P campaigns often outperform traditional efforts through personal storytelling and social sharing.

What’s changed with peer-to-peer fundraising?

Program diversification is driving the industry forward, and successful P2P fundraising is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach.

• DIY is on the rise: More nonprofits are empowering supporters to launch fundraising initiatives whenever they’re inspired, turning personal moments into powerful giving opportunities.
• Layering strategies is key: Combining different types of P2P campaigns—like a signature event with an ongoing DIY program—helps you engage more supporters in more ways.
• Gen Z has entered the room: This new generation of givers is passionate, digitally savvy, and ready to rally their networks for causes that matter to them. They expect authentic, social-first experiences.

Fundraising campaign page essentials

Your campaign’s landing page serves as the central hub for your peer-to-peer fundraising efforts. It’s where fundraisers and donors learn about your cause, take action, and track progress. Here’s how to optimize your campaign page for maximum impact.

Use the hero section to grab attention

The hero section is the first thing visitors see when they land on your page and it sets the tone for everything else. Use a compelling headline and a high-quality image or video that connects emotionally with your audience to convey the heart of your nonprofit’s mission. However, be sure to avoid clutter and stay consistent with your branding by using your organization’s brand colors—entering HEX color codes ensures precision.

Track progress for motivation

Fundraising thermometers, or progress circles, create excitement by showing real-time gains toward your goal. Make sure to wait until you’ve reached one-third of your fundraising goals before displaying since people are more encouraged to contribute when they see a campaign gaining momentum. Once you’ve reached that initial milestone, a visible progress tracker can inspire further action. This approach encourages participation and inspires friendly competition among fundraisers and teams.

Add clear calls to action

Unlike traditional crowdfunding campaigns, P2P campaigns can have two prominent calls to action: “Start fundraising” and “Donate now.” These buttons should be easy to find, allowing visitors to quickly choose their preferred way to support your campaign. Offering clear calls to action can increase engagement and broaden your campaign’s impact.

Creating content that drives engagement

Storytelling is at the heart of any successful P2P fundraising campaign. From your about section to social media posts, email templates to individual or team fundraising pages, every piece of content should feel personal, relatable, and aligned with your nonprofit’s mission.

Connect with supporters in the about section

Replace generic default language with personalized messaging that reflects your nonprofit’s voice. Write an engaging headline—something more compelling than “About the campaign.” Use your brand colors for text, buttons, and icons to maintain consistency throughout the page.

Make sure to clearly communicate your campaign goal and the difference supporters will make. Minimizing long sections of text with icons, infographics, or visuals can improve readability and keep visitors engaged.

Inspire action with impact blocks

Show donors and fundraisers how their contributions make a tangible difference. Highlight the impact with clear examples and visuals, like:

• $250 raised: Covers educational supplies for 10 children
• $500 raised: Provides meals for 15 families for a month
• $1,000 raised: Funds job training for five individuals

Use these impact blocks in P2P fundraising pages and personal fundraising pages to motivate fundraisers and donors to aim higher.

Gamify fundraising with leaderboards

A leaderboard showcasing top fundraisers or donors can spark excitement and healthy competition. For some, waiting to display this section until there are several active fundraising pages can be beneficial for engaging more participants. However, a populated one always motivates others to join the effort.

Enhance the campaign with custom content sections

These sections can provide even more value for donors and fundraisers, enhancing the overall campaign experience. You can create them using simple text, images, or video blocks, or use custom code for more advanced options if your platform supports it.

Consider including:

• For potential donors: Use beneficiary testimonials, sponsor recognition, and concrete examples of your work’s impact. These elements build trust and demonstrate accountability.
• For fundraisers: Offer practical resources like email templates, social media graphics, and fundraising tips. Link to downloadable PDFs with outreach templates and best practices to set your advocates up for success.
• For everyone: Set up a FAQ section addressing common questions about your organization, campaign goals, and fund usage. This transparency builds confidence and removes barriers to participation.

Supporting fundraisers and donors

Successful P2P campaigns rely on providing dedicated supporters with the resources they need to succeed. Here’s how to support fundraisers and donors effectively.

Empower organizers with the right tools

Equip fundraisers with toolkits that include email templates, social media graphics, and creative peer fundraising ideas. Hosting webinars or sharing training videos can further empower fundraisers to build impactful personal fundraising pages and share compelling personal stories.

Provide coaching and tips for success

Giving your fundraisers regular coaching and helpful tips can significantly boost their chances of reaching their goals. Did you know that GoFundMe P2P fundraisers include built-in coaching, helpful tips for your fundraisers, and nudges for donors? This takes the heavy lifting off your team while still encouraging engagement and success for your campaign.

Build trust with donors

Include testimonials, examples of your nonprofit’s impact, and clear answers to common questions in your FAQ section. Make sure your donation forms are secure and offer donation options, like matching gift opportunities, to maximize contributions.

Offer incentives and recognition

Encourage participation with rewards like T-shirts, exclusive updates, or public recognition for milestones achieved. For example, celebrate when your campaign reaches 50% of its goal or when a top fundraiser achieves a specific amount.

Optimizing the donation experience

A streamlined donation process is essential for converting interest into action. Follow these fundraising best practices for your donation pages:

• Use concise copy and high-quality visuals to create an emotional connection.
• Offer multiple payment options, including credit cards, ACH payments, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
• Allow donors to cover transaction fees to maximize contributions.
• Include options for recurring donations to sustain long-term support.

Personalizing thank-you pages

After a donation, redirect supporters to a custom thank-you page. Highlight the immediate impact of their gift and include secondary calls to action, such as signing up for your newsletter or following your nonprofit on social media platforms.

Peer-to-peer fundraising events

P2P fundraising events combine online fundraising with in-person community building, creating memorable experiences for participants. Examples include:

• A-thons: Walk-a-thons, bike-a-thons, or dance-a-thons that encourage team fundraising
• Giving days: Special fundraising events like Giving Tuesday, Colorado Gives, or San Diego Gives to rally your donor base
• Virtual challenges: Friendly competition between groups of individuals or teams to drive engagement

Promote these events through email templates, social media posts, and your fundraising platform to maximize participation.

Measuring success and refining your strategy

Tracking your campaign’s performance helps you identify what works and where to improve. Key metrics to monitor include:

• Fundraiser acquisition rates
• Donor retention rates
• Average amounts raised per individual
• Percentage of new donors
• Milestones achieved

Use these insights to refine your next peer campaign and replicate your successes.

Building your path to sustained growth

Peer-to-peer campaigns thrive when participation feels impactful and achievable. Use this checklist to ensure your campaign inspires your community, empowers your fundraisers, and advances your mission.

A great P2P campaign not only raises money but also builds lasting connections between your supporters and your cause. By creating an engaging, well-designed experience, you lay the groundwork for relationships that extend far beyond a single campaign—and GoFundMe Pro can show you how.

Ready to get started? Your supporters are waiting to champion your cause. Give them the tools and inspiration they need to succeed, and watch your impact grow.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

Photo by: Brooke Cagle

The end of the year is one of the most important times for nonprofit fundraising. In fact, 30% of all annual giving happens in the month of December, and 10% of donations come in during the last three days of the year. With so much generosity concentrated in this short window, thoughtful planning can make a big difference in your impact.

A successful year-end campaign starts with preparation. Whether this is your first campaign or your tenth, having a clear plan helps your nonprofit organization stay focused and make the most of the year-end giving season.

This year-end fundraising checklist will guide you through every step, from outlining your goals and launching your campaign to thanking donors and preparing for next year. Use it to stay organized, build stronger relationships, and end the year on a high note.

Plan your campaign

Planning is the foundation of a successful year-end fundraising effort. This stage is all about setting your direction: deciding what you want to achieve, how you’ll get there, and who will help make it happen. A well-planned campaign keeps your team aligned, ensures your messages are consistent, and helps you stay focused during the busiest months of the year.

Before the first email goes out, take time to build a strong foundation. Use these steps to set clear goals, coordinate your team, and create a roadmap that will guide every part of your campaign.

Evaluate past campaign performance. Review last year’s results to identify what worked and what didn’t. Analyze key data points like conversion rates, average gift size, and donor retention. Combine that with qualitative feedback from staff, volunteers, and donors to uncover insights and opportunities for improvement.

Establish the campaign’s focus. Identify the story or impact you want to highlight this year. Beyond financial goals, articulate how your campaign will advance your mission, whether it’s funding a new program, expanding services, or deepening community partnerships.

Describe your why. Work with your team to brainstorm tangible, emotional stories that illustrate your mission in action. These stories will form the heart of your appeals and campaign messaging, connecting donors to your “why.”

Create a timeline. Map every task, from campaign page design to appeal send dates, and assign clear owners and deadlines. This ensures accountability and helps balance team workloads during the hectic holiday season.

Set a SMART goal. Use the SMART framework—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound—to set your online fundraising goals. For example: “Raise $75,000 between November 1 and December 31 to fund 100 new student scholarships.”

Segment your donors. Drive results through personalization. Group your supporters—one-time donors, recurring donors, major donors, and volunteers—and tailor your messages and asks to each segment.

Gather assets early. Create or collect all campaign assets—photos, videos, copy, graphics, and testimonials—before the rush begins. This prep work will save you time later and ensure consistent branding across channels.

Execute your campaign

Once your fundraising plan is in place, it’s time to bring your year-end campaign to life. The execution phase is where strategy turns into action: your messages go out, your campaign page goes live, and your supporters begin to engage.

This stage is about visibility and consistency. The goal is to keep your campaign in front of donors during one of the busiest giving seasons of the year, using clear communication and a strong online presence to inspire generosity. Every touchpoint, whether it’s an email, social media post, or printed fundraising appeal, should reflect your campaign’s focus and connect donors to your mission.

Use the following fundraising tips to ensure your outreach is coordinated and your campaign page is polished.

Communication strategy

Send a save the date. Give your supporters a heads-up in October about your campaign’s start date. If your campaign page and donation form are live, include the link for early supporters to give or share right away.

Plan for direct mail. Build in time for printing and mailing if you’re sending print appeals. Keep the design consistent with your digital campaign and include your campaign URL or a QR code to your online donation page.

Increase your touchpoints. Plan to send multiple emails and post frequently on social media throughout the season. Repetition builds awareness, and donors expect to hear from you during the holidays.

Don’t fear donor fatigue. Focus on heartfelt storytelling and gratitude in every message. The giving spirit is high this time of year, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Campaign page essentials

Use a GoFundMe Pro Campaign Studio template. Let GoFundMe Pro’s next-generation fundraising tool make it easy to launch professional, high-performing campaigns in minutes. With a no-code, drag-and-drop editor and prebuilt templates for year-end appeals, crowdfunding, and recurring giving, you can create branded pages that look great, convert donors, and provide a smooth, secure giving experience.

Publish early. Avoid delaying your launch for perfection. Get your campaign page live as soon as possible. You can refine copy and design as you go.

Repurpose your Giving Tuesday page. Short on time or resources? Rebrand your Giving Tuesday page for year-end by swapping out imagery, colors, and messaging.

Make it personal. Include compelling visuals, impact blocks, and authentic stories that show donors exactly who they’ll help and how.

Run A/B tests. Measure what matters—click-through rates, conversion rates, average gift size—to establish benchmarks for next year’s campaign.

Follow up and steward your donors

Your campaign doesn’t end when the donations come in. The follow-up phase is equally as important as the ask itself. Stewardship—the process of thanking donors, showing impact, and nurturing relationships—is what turns one-time gifts into recurring donations.

This step helps donors feel appreciated and confident that their gift made a real difference. It also lays the foundation for future donor engagement, whether that means another donation, volunteering, or even launching a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign next year.

Use these steps to close your campaign on a strong note and build lasting connections with your supporters.

Say thank you twice. Send a warm, personalized thank-you email right after each donation and follow it up later with a separate, more personal message or note.

Close the loop. Show donors how their gifts made a difference after your year-end giving campaign. Share campaign totals, impact metrics, and beneficiary stories to bring your campaign full circle.

Share heartfelt videos. Create short thank-you videos featuring your staff, board members, volunteers, or the people you serve. Sending these to your most engaged supporters is a powerful way to express genuine gratitude and remind them why their giving matters.

Segment your gratitude. Customize your thank-you’s. Major donors might receive a phone call or handwritten note, whereas recurring donors might get a personalized video message.

Strengthen next year’s results with smarter donor management

When the giving season winds down, take time to pause and reflect. Reviewing your year-end campaign results is about learning what worked, what didn’t, and how to strengthen your strategy for next year. Look closely at your metrics, from total dollars raised to donor retention rates, and record your insights in a shared recap so your team can refine its approach rather than start fresh each year.

Celebrate your wins, too. Share key results and impact stories in your annual report or donor updates to remind supporters how their gifts made a difference. Recognizing their role in your success helps strengthen relationships and inspire continued giving.

By pairing thoughtful reflection with strong donor management practices, you’ll set your organization up for even greater success in the year ahead. And with the right tools, the process can be even simpler and more effective.

Schedule a demo today to learn how GoFundMe Pro’s fundraising platform can help you streamline your workflow, engage donors, and make your next year-end campaign easier.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

A successful online fundraising campaign requires more than sharing a donation link. It needs to combine strong supporter relationships with digital tools that make giving simple, meaningful, and engaging.

Below, we share 10 practical tips that can help your nonprofit maximize online donations. Whether creating donation pages that inspire trust to offering flexible payment options, encouraging matching gifts, or building year-round giving programs, these strategies provide big-picture guidance and actionable steps you can put into practice today. We also highlight how GoFundMe Pro can simplify this work for your team.

By applying these tips, your nonprofit can attract new supporters, strengthen existing relationships, increase engagement, and drive long-term fundraising success.

1. Make your branding clear and consistent

A smooth and trustworthy donation process begins with clear branding. When supporters see your logo, colors, and consistent design, they immediately know they’re giving to the right organization.

Campaign Studio, GoFundMe Pro’s next-generation fundraising tool, makes it simple to launch and customize your campaigns. Its no-code, drag-and-drop editor lets you design branded giving campaigns that look great and convert while offering supporters a smooth and secure checkout experience.

Be sure to customize every touchpoint, including your donation page URL, email receipts, and browser icon, so your brand is clear and recognizable. Well-branded donation forms look professional, feel familiar, and make it easy for supporters to give with confidence.

2. Harness the power of setting campaign goals

Setting clear goals for your fundraising campaign helps keep your efforts on track and can drive year-over-year growth. However, goals do more than guide your team. They can also motivate supporters to give faster and more generously.

Visual progress indicators, like thermometers or progress bars, let donors see how their gift moves the campaign forward. People are more likely to contribute when they know their donation can make a real impact.

One strategy is to start your campaign with a soft launch for a small group of loyal supporters. By showing 5%-10% of your goal already met, you create momentum and help supporters avoid the challenge of being the first donor. Once the campaign goes live to your wider audience, your progress metrics provide visible motivation.

Be sure to keep supporters updated throughout the campaign. Celebrate milestones like reaching 50% of your goal or highlight that you only need a few donations to reach the finish line. Using smaller, tangible steps to meet your goal makes giving feel more achievable and meaningful.

3. Offer modern payment options to boost conversions

Providing flexible and convenient ways to give is essential for reaching today’s donors. GoFundMe Pay offers various payment options that make it easy for supporters to complete their donations quickly and securely.

In addition to standard credit card transactions, GoFundMe Pay supports digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo. For mobile donors, these options appear automatically at checkout, letting them give with a single click. With their payment information already saved, donors can complete their gift without entering card details manually, which helps increase conversion rates.

GoFundMe Pay also supports ACH payments, allowing donors to contribute directly from their bank account. This is especially useful for recurring monthly gifts since there’s no need to worry about card expiration dates.

By enabling digital wallets and ACH payments, nonprofits can make giving easier for supporters and improve overall conversion rates, all with a few clicks in GoFundMe Pro.

4. Leverage matching gifts to increase donations

Matching gifts are a powerful way to encourage donors to give—or give more—because they double their impact.

A common misconception is that matching gifts are only effective during Giving Tuesday or year-end campaigns. In reality, they can drive year-round donations. If your organization has corporate partners or major sponsors willing to provide a matching gift for a specific period or up to a certain amount, it’s simple to set this up in GoFundMe Pro.

You can also repurpose an existing donation as a match or combine several smaller contributions into a larger match to further motivate supporters. Using matching gifts strategically helps increase overall donations while making donors feel their gift truly matters.

5. Let supporters cover processing fees

GoFundMe Pro makes it easy for donors to cover processing fees, ensuring that more of each gift goes directly to your mission. Most donors are happy to add a small amount on top of their donation, especially when prompted with clear, friendly messaging.

With Studio, nonprofits can use customizable nudges to encourage donors to cover fees. You can tailor these prompts to match your branding and campaign goals and set them as the default option for all donations.

By giving supporters the option to cover processing fees, your organization can maximize every donation while keeping the checkout experience smooth, transparent, and engaging.

6. Turn on Intelligent Ask Amounts

GoFundMe Pro’s Intelligent Ask Amounts uses AI to suggest personalized donation amounts for each supporter. By analyzing donor behavior across millions of donations, the tool helps your campaign ask for amounts most likely to convert, increase revenue, or encourage recurring gifts.

Nonprofits can also set minimums, maximums, or specific ask amounts for milestones or special events, giving you control while letting AI guide the optimal suggestions. During campaign setup, you can see real-time projections of how specific ask amounts may impact giving. Then, after launch, analytics show how AI-driven suggestions perform compared with traditional donation tiers.

Turning on Intelligent Ask Amounts helps ensure each supporter sees a donation suggestion that feels relevant and achievable, making it easier to maximize contributions while keeping the giving experience simple and personalized.

7. Use an activity wall to raise conversions

GoFundMe Pro’s activity wall shows real-time updates of supporter activity, including donations, registrations, and peer-to-peer fundraising page creations. This feature not only keeps you informed but also helps you engage directly with supporters.

You can comment on any activity, and your message is automatically emailed to the donor. This quick, personal acknowledgment makes supporters feel seen and appreciated, turning a simple thank-you into a meaningful connection.

Using the activity wall increases conversion rates, making it a simple but powerful tool to strengthen donor relationships while encouraging ongoing engagement.

8. Use optimized templates from Campaign Studio

Creating a campaign from scratch can take time, but Campaign Studio makes it easy to launch professional, high-performing fundraising pages quickly. The platform offers prebuilt templates designed for specific needs, including recurring giving programs, crowdfunding campaigns, segmented appeals, annual giving days, and year-end campaigns.

Each template includes layouts focused on your main ask, default messaging, and preset elements—tested and optimized across thousands of nonprofits—so you can start with a setup that already works.

To make the most of your templates:

• Create year-round campaigns to maintain momentum without rebuilding from scratch.
• Update content regularly to keep fundraising pages current and engaging.
• Browse the Inspiration Hub for ideas and examples of successful campaigns from other nonprofits.

By using optimized templates in Studio, your nonprofit can save time, maintain consistency, and launch campaigns that attract donors and drive results.

9. Launch year-round campaigns to sustain revenue and diversify giving

Many fundraising appeals are often tied to specific dates, like Giving Tuesday or year-end campaigns. However, creating campaigns that live on your website year-round gives supporters a consistent way to engage with your nonprofit and helps build sustainable revenue.

Here are key strategies to make year-round campaigns effective:

• Clear donate button: Ensure your main donate button is easy to find and takes supporters directly to the checkout form. Be sure to brand it and follow donation page best practices.
• Recurring giving option: Offer a monthly giving program alongside one-time donations. Recurring donors are a major asset—they’re more than 10x as valuable than one-time donors over time. Consider creating a dedicated crowdfunding campaign for recurring giving to explain its impact clearly.
• DIY peer-to-peer campaigns: Give supporters the tools to fundraise on your behalf all year. Highlight options like birthday fundraisers, athletic milestones, or other creative campaigns. Peer-to-peer fundraising engages existing supporters, helps acquire new donors, and keeps your community active and invested.

By maintaining year-round campaigns, your nonprofit provides continuous giving opportunities, strengthens donor engagement, and creates a more diverse and reliable fundraising strategy.

10. Make donor communication a priority

No matter how well you plan your campaigns, clear and consistent donor communication is essential to your fundraising success. Here are best practices to keep your supporters engaged and appreciated:

• Segment your email lists: Tailor messages to different groups of donors to increase engagement. Even small personal touches, like acknowledging a monthly donor’s past contributions before sending your appeal, can make a big difference. Segmentation also helps prevent overcommunicating with supporters who don’t need every message.
• Communicate frequently: Send multiple emails during a campaign—ideally five or more—and post updates on social media. Announce the campaign launch, share progress, give reminders, and follow up with thank-you messages. Limited communication can make it harder to reach your goals.
• Support peer-to-peer fundraisers: Provide toolkits with instructions, tips, and sample email and social media content. This helps fundraisers feel confident and effective in spreading your mission.
• Enhance donor stewardship: Use GoFundMe Pro to send timely thank-you emails to donors, attendees, and fundraisers. Send one immediately after a gift, and consider a follow-up later to share the results of their contributions. This shows that donations truly make an impact and builds long-term trust.
• Go the extra mile: Use personal touches, like handwritten thank-you cards or phone calls, to create memorable moments and strengthen relationships.

Remember that strong donor communication helps supporters feel valued, increases engagement, and encourages repeat giving, making it a cornerstone of every successful fundraising strategy.

Turn your online fundraising campaigns into lasting impact

Successful online fundraising relies on thoughtful strategy, clear messaging, and tools that make giving easy and meaningful. By following the tips in this guide—from designing branded donation pages and offering modern payment options to using AI-driven ask amounts, activity walls, and year-round campaigns—your nonprofit can engage supporters more effectively and increase one-time and recurring donations.

Every interaction with your donors is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, inspire advocacy, and build momentum for future fundraising. GoFundMe Pro helps your team simplify campaign management, personalize the giving experience, and ensure every supporter feels recognized, appreciated, and motivated to give again.

With this approach, your nonprofit can drive meaningful engagement today while creating a foundation for long-term growth and sustainable success.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

Over the last decade, the world of fundraising has changed a lot. For many nonprofit organizations, traditional methods—such as mailing solicitations, running email campaigns, and making year-end appeals—no longer deliver the same results. These efforts now cost more and bring in less, leaving nonprofits in need of more effective ways to reach new donors.

Part of this shift comes from how people decide which causes to support. Today’s prospective donors are more influenced by personal connections. To keep up, nonprofits need to rethink their donor cultivation strategies. Building trust and creating strong relationships matter equally as much as how and when you ask for gifts.

Below, we’ll explore why it’s getting harder to acquire first-time donors, give practical ways to improve donor cultivation in this era of giving, discuss the role artificial intelligence (AI) and data can play in this work, and explore how GoFundMe Pro can help.

Why it’s getting harder to acquire new donors

For many nonprofits, attracting potential donors is becoming more difficult as trust continues to shift. People are more likely to believe recommendations from friends, influencers, and community members than from organizations. Even people they know only through social media are often viewed as more persuasive and credible than brands or institutions.

At the same time, information overload makes it harder for any single message to stand out. Donors scroll through endless posts, emails, and ads every day. To reach them, nonprofits can no longer rely only on their own outreach. They need to tap into the power of social media and the authentic voices of supporters who already believe in their mission.

This shift has a direct impact on fundraising. Rather than focusing only on traditional channels, like email or direct mail, nonprofits must build stronger donor relationships and expand into earned spaces, such as peer-to-peer sharing, media coverage, and community advocacy. Prospect research can also help identify those most likely to engage, opening new opportunities for connection and trust.

From owned to earned: rethinking donor cultivation

Traditional donor cultivation—through welcome emails, fundraising events, and storytelling—still works, but today’s nonprofits need to go beyond their owned channels. The goal is to meet supporters where they already are and empower them to share your mission with their networks, strengthening your cultivation process and building lasting donor relationships.

Here are some practical ways to rethink donor cultivation in today’s era of earned influence:

• Empower supporters as advocates: Encourage board members, volunteers, and current donors to share personal stories in person or on social media. Hosting in-person meetings can introduce friends and potential donors to your cause.
• Leverage impact creators: Identify community champions or local leaders whose networks align with your mission. Their endorsement strengthens relationship-building and can attract new supporters.
• Simplify participation: Use peer-to-peer fundraising tools or social sharing options that make it easy for supporters to represent your organization and engage others.

By focusing on earned channels, nonprofits turn every supporter into a potential advocate. This approach not only attracts new donors but also strengthens existing donor relationships, creating a foundation for long-term engagement and stewardship.

Remember, every interaction with your supporters is a potential amplifier. Cultivation isn’t just between you and a supporter—it’s also between a supporter and their network.

Getting the most from your owned channels

You can also improve donor cultivation by optimizing how you use your owned channels and leveraging the resources already available to your nonprofit. Here are a few high-impact ways to make the most of them:

• Claim your Nonprofit Page on GoFundMe: Connect your organization to GoFundMe’s community of 200 million donors with this free resource, expanding your reach and visibility. Your Nonprofit Page acts as your official presence on the world’s largest fundraising platform, where supporters can easily discover your mission, donate, or launch fundraisers on your behalf. Once claimed, you’ll also gain access to donor insights and fundraising data to better understand your audience and strengthen future campaigns—all within one integrated dashboard.
• Create shareable content: Develop Instagram posts, TikTok videos, or bite-sized updates that supporters want to reshare. Use data, visuals, and storytelling to highlight the impact of your organization’s work.
• Personalize outreach: Segment your audience based on interests or past engagement to deliver personalized communications that resonate and increase retention rates.

Using donor data and AI to cultivate smarter

Today’s nonprofits have more insights than ever before. Engagement data, a donor’s giving history, and referral sources offer a wealth of information. However, many organizations struggle to use it strategically. Tracking interactions in a CRM and understanding donor segments can help prioritize outreach and guide cultivation efforts that have the greatest impact.

As AI tools continue to advance, they provide new opportunities to fundraise smarter. GoFundMe Intelligence enhances donor cultivation in several ways:

• Personalized donor engagement: Suggests tailored ask amounts, frequencies, and nudges for every supporter who lands on your donation forms.
• Predictive giving insights: Optimizes campaigns for recurring gifts, one-time donations, or conversions to achieve your unique goals.
• Campaign performance optimization: Uses AI tools A/B tested on over 6 million sessions, with strategies backed by published results.
• Coaching for supporters: Provides AI-driven goal recommendations that automatically adjust as fundraisers gain traction on GoFundMe.

It’s crucial to remember that AI doesn’t replace human connection. Instead, it frees nonprofits to focus on storytelling, creating empathy, and building meaningful donor relationships, while also improving donor engagement and stewardship.

GoFundMe has been at the center of these changes, connecting individual action with collective impact. The platform continues to develop smarter tools to help organizations harness data and AI for more effective donor cultivation and acquisition.

Leverage fresh donor cultivation ideas for a new era of giving

The future of donor cultivation is about nurturing networks. Successful nonprofits design a thoughtful donor journey that includes authentic engagement opportunities and regular follow- up through check- ins and meaningful thank-you letters.

Organizations can also provide volunteer opportunities and initiatives that connect nonprofit donors directly with your beneficiaries. By offering templates and additional resources to staff members, you help maintain consistency in donor management and major donor cultivation, ensuring every interaction strengthens relationships.

The ultimate goal is sustainability: increasing lifetime value and growing a resilient donor base across all giving levels. By combining strategic cultivation with meaningful engagement, nonprofits can strengthen their networks and ensure their mission thrives for years to come. Connect with the GoFundMe Pro team to help you cultivate a sustainable donor base in today’s giving landscape.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

Photo by: Nikola Jovanovic

Giving Tuesday is the most generous day of the year for nonprofits. This global day of giving inspires millions to support causes they care about. To make the most of this generosity movement, your organization needs a solid plan for social media. A great strategy helps you connect with your community, tell your story, and drive people to your online donation page.

We’ve created 12 Giving Tuesday social media templates to help you build or refine your plan. These templates cover everything from the buildup to the big day, and the important follow-up after. You’ll find ideas for Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn to boost donor engagement and make your Giving Tuesday campaign a success.

Let’s get your social media ready for the big day.

Pre-Giving Tuesday social media posts

Your communication in the weeks before Giving Tuesday is key to building excitement. This is your chance to educate your followers about the global movement and let them know how they can participate. Use this timeline to plan your posts and get your supporters ready for an act of generosity. For a complete plan, check out our essential Giving Tuesday checklist.

1 month before

When: 1 month before Giving Tuesday
What: Introduce your audience to #GivingTuesday. Explain what it is and share how your organization will be part of it. This is a great time to look back at what you achieved last year and tease what’s coming.

Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn:
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are all about shopping, while #GivingTuesday is about giving back. This year, we’re thrilled to join forces with you on this global day of giving to [state your mission, e.g., support local communities with meals]. Thanks to your generosity, we made a big impact last year—and 2025 is going to be even bigger. Stay tuned for what’s next! [Link to your blog or donation page]

X:
Last year’s #GivingTuesday was a huge success. Get ready for what we’re planning in just a few weeks. This is a day of the year you won’t want to miss. #Nonprofits #Fundraising [Link to your blog or donation page]

2 weeks before

When: 2 weeks before Giving Tuesday
What: Remind your followers the big day is almost here. Build excitement for your fundraising campaign and share a sneak peek of what you’ve planned.

Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn:
We’re only 2 weeks away from #GivingTuesday. Here’s a sneak peek into what we’ve been working on to make this the most generous day of the year. #OnlineFundraising

X:
Only 2 weeks till #GivingTuesday. Get ready for what’s next. #GlobalDayofGiving

2 to 5 days before: “Campaign is live” announcement

When: 2 to 5 days before Giving Tuesday
What: Announce that your Giving Tuesday campaign is officially live and encourage early donations to build momentum. This is also a good time to mention any matching gifts or incentives you have planned.

Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn:
Our #GivingTuesday campaign has officially launched! This year, we’re raising $[ amount] to [specific impact, like “fund our new initiatives”]. Donate now to get us started and share this post with your friends. Stay tuned for some fun surprises on the big day. [Link to your campaign donation page]

X:
Our #GivingTuesday campaign is LIVE! Donate now and help spread the word. Every online donation helps us make an impact. #FundraisingCampaign [Link to your campaign donation page]

1 day before

When: The afternoon or evening before Giving Tuesday
What: Create a sense of urgency by reminding everyone that tomorrow is the day to give back. Inspire generosity and make a final push before the big event.

Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn:
#GivingTuesday is tomorrow! After all the shopping, take a moment to give back. Your support helps us [restate your mission]. Donate now and help us start #GivingTuesday strong. #GenerosityMovement [Link to donation page]

X:
After #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday, it’s time to give back. #GivingTuesday is TOMORROW. Will you join our global movement? [Link to your campaign donation page]

Day-of Giving Tuesday social media posts

When Giving Tuesday arrives, your social media needs to be active. The goal is to drive as many people as possible to your campaign page. Social media moves fast, so don’t be afraid to post frequently—even hourly. You need to cut through the noise so get creative and use urgency to bring your community together.

Early morning kickoff

What: Early morning on Giving Tuesday, announce the start of the day. Clearly state your fundraising goal and include a strong call to action that directs people to your donation page.

Facebook/LinkedIn:
#GivingTuesday is HERE! We’re off to a great start. With supporters like you, we know we can reach our $[amount] goal in no time. Together,  we can make this a successful Giving Tuesday. [Link to your campaign donation page]

X:
#GivingTuesday is finally here! Donate now and help us reach our $[amount] goal to [specific impact]. #SocialMediaFundraising [Link to your campaign donation page]

1 hour after your first post

What: 1 hour after your first post, share a message that focuses on the charitable feeling of the day. Create an emotional connection with a potential donor.

Facebook/LinkedIn:
#GivingTuesday is the charitable answer to Black Friday. Once you’ve treated yourself, consider sharing the gift of [your cause] with others today! Every act of generosity counts. [Link to your campaign donation page]

X:
A small change can make a big impact. Today, consider donating the cost of your daily coffee to fund [your cause]. #GivingTuesday [Link to your campaign donation page]

Late morning: Progress update and storytelling

What: Late morning, share an update on how much you’ve raised. Use this opportunity to share your story. Why should people give? What is the specific impact of their online donation?

Facebook/LinkedIn:
Thanks to your support last year, we raised $[amount] on #GivingTuesday to [specific achievement]. Let’s make an even greater impact this year. Your help makes all the difference. [Link to campaign donation page]

X:
Last year, we [specific achievement] through our #GivingTuesday campaign. Join us to create an even bigger impact this year. #Nonprofits [Link to campaign donation page]

Matching gift announcement

What: If you have a matching gift, now is the time to announce it. This creates urgency and can double your donations for a set period.

Facebook/LinkedIn:
Great news! A generous donor is matching $[amount] in gifts. For the next 2 hours, your donation DOUBLES. Make twice the impact today. #MatchingGift #GivingTuesday [Link to your campaign donation page]

X:
A generous donor is MATCHING all gifts for the next 2 HOURS. Your donation doubles instantly. Give now. #GivingTuesday [Link to your campaign donation page]

Halfway-point celebration

What: Let your audience know when you’re halfway to your goal. This builds momentum and encourages new donors to help you cross the finish line.

Facebook/LinkedIn:
You’re amazing! We’re already halfway to our #GivingTuesday fundraising goal! We’ve made serious progress, but we’re not stopping now. There’s still time to jump in and help us reach the finish line. [Link to your campaign donation page]

X:
We’re halfway to our #GivingTuesday fundraising goal! There’s still time to donate and be part of this special day. [Link to your campaign donation page]

Last call for donations

What: As the day winds down, send out a final message. This is your final call to action for people to contribute to your Giving Tuesday campaign.

Facebook/LinkedIn:
What an incredible day. We’re so close—only $[amount] away from our $[goal]. If you haven’t already, please consider supporting our mission before the day is over. #GivingTuesday [Link to your campaign donation page]

X:
The sun sets on #GivingTuesday, but our campaign is still going strong. If you haven’t already, you can still donate now and make a difference. [Link to your campaign donation page]

Post-Giving Tuesday social media posts

The work isn’t over when the day ends. Now’s the time to thank supporters and keep the momentum going for your end-of-year fundraising. You’ve just activated a community of new donors, so keep the conversation going.

The day after: Say thank-you

What: This is your chance to show sincere gratitude. Thank everyone and share the final results. Use “you” language to make your supporters feel like heroes.

Facebook/LinkedIn:
You did it! Our #GivingTuesday goal was $[amount]. With your help, we raised over $[final amount]. More than [number] individuals like you supported [your cause]. THANK YOU for making such a difference.

X:
You helped us change lives! Over [number] of you rose to the challenge, and we’re so grateful. Thank you for an incredible #GivingTuesday. #ThankYou #Nonprofits

1 week after: Look ahead

What: 1 week after Giving Tuesday, reconnect with supporters. These donors are likely to give again, especially as the holidays approach. Encourage them to continue supporting your mission.

Facebook/LinkedIn:
A week ago, you helped us set a new fundraising record on #GivingTuesday. With the holidays around the corner, we’re now working toward our $[end-of-year goal]. Join us in making an even greater impact—your support means everything. [Link to your end-of-year campaign]

X:
Thanks to you, we set a #GivingTuesday fundraising record! Now, help us reach our $[end-of-year goal]. Will you give again to make an even bigger impact? #EndOfYear #Fundraising [Link to your end-of-year campaign]

Pro tips for your Giving Tuesday social media

To make your Giving Tuesday social media posts even more effective, keep these tips in mind.

• Use high-quality images and videos. Visual posts get significantly more engagement.
• Always link to your donation page. Make giving easy. Use a link shortener to track clicks and other metrics.
• Go live. Use Facebook or Instagram Live to create real-time excitement. You can thank donors as donations come in or host a Q&A with your team.
• Encourage sharing. GoFundMe Pro’s Meta integration tools let donors share their generosity directly to Facebook or Instagram from the confirmation page. This helps you reach more people through their networks.
• Use the right hashtag. #GivingTuesday is the official hashtag. Include it in all your posts to join the larger conversation. You can also create a unique hashtag for your campaign.

With these templates and tips, your nonprofit will be set for its most successful Giving Tuesday yet. For more fundraising tips and tools, GoFundMe Pro has you covered. Connect with us today to get started.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

Successful fundraising is about more than asking for donations. While that’s a key part of any nonprofit’s strategy, the overall funding landscape is rich with diverse opportunities. Nonprofit organizations can fuel their missions with a mix of funding sources, including corporate sponsorships, grants, individual giving, and events, among others.

Having multiple sources of revenue is crucial for sustainability. It protects nonprofits when one source of funding unexpectedly dries up, ensuring your organization can continue its crucial work without interruption. To build a resilient funding strategy, it’s essential to understand the different options available. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the modern nonprofit funding models that can help your organization thrive.

Power your mission with individual donors

Individual giving is the cornerstone of fundraising for many public charities, making up most of their charitable contributions. These donations come from individual donors in all shapes and sizes, from small, one-time gifts to major contributions that can fund entire initiatives. Building a strong base of individual donors is a powerful way to create a steady source of revenue.

Direct giving and crowdfunding

Thanks to online fundraising platforms, giving to nonprofit organizations has never been easier. Donors can support your cause with a few clicks from anywhere in the world.

Crowdfunding campaigns are a great way to rally your community around a specific project or a time-based initiative. By telling a compelling story and showing the direct impact of donations, you can motivate supporters to contribute to a shared goal. Features like progress bars and real-time activity feeds build momentum and create a sense of urgency, which GoFundMe testing shows can lift conversions.

Peer-to-peer fundraising

Peer-to-peer fundraising empowers your most passionate supporters to become fundraisers for your cause. Instead of making a personal donation, they create fundraising pages and ask their friends, family, and social networks to contribute.

This model extends your reach far beyond your existing donor base. In fact, on average, 80% of donors to peer-to-peer campaigns on GoFundMe Pro are new to the organization. Each new supporter who creates a page introduces your mission to a new audience, helping you grow your community and raise awareness. This approach is ideal for fundraising efforts tied to events, giving days, or personal milestones.

Recurring giving

A recurring giving platform is one of the most effective ways to build a reliable source of funding. By encouraging supporters to make automated monthly or annual donations, you create a predictable stream of revenue. This financial stability allows your nonprofit to plan for the future with confidence and move away from a feast-or-famine fundraising cycle.

Monthly donors also tend to stick around longer and give more over time. With GoFundMe Pro, you can create customized, branded recurring donation pages and offer flexible payment options. Plus, our Intelligent Ask Amounts feature uses machine learning to suggest personalized donation amounts to each supporter. This helps you optimize for recurring donors and maximize every gift, making it easier for your supporters to commit to ongoing support.

Supporter-led fundraising on GoFundMe

Your most dedicated supporters are always looking for ways to help. With Nonprofit Pages on GoFundMe, you can empower them to fundraise on your behalf. By claiming your page, you make it simple for individuals to start fundraisers for their birthdays, special events, or just because they believe in your cause.

This type of advocacy connects you with new donors inspired by your supporters’ personal stories. You also gain access to a powerful community of givers and valuable insights into supporter activity, helping you build deeper relationships.

Giving Funds and major donors

A Giving Fund is a new type of donor-advised fund (DAF) that allows individuals to set aside money and potentially grow it through investments specifically for the verified nonprofits available on GoFundMe. This creates a pool of potential donors actively looking for causes to support. By making your nonprofit visible on platforms that support DAFs, like GoFundMe, you can connect with these strategic funders and unlock a new source of revenue.

Major donors are another critical component of individual giving. These are supporters who can make a big financial impact, especially during a crisis or pivotal moment in their philanthropic journey. They’re crucial for building long-term, sustainable support for your mission.

“Major gift” definitions vary by nonprofit size, but the approach to cultivating these relationships is similar. You’ll need ongoing communication, personalized engagement, and a good grasp of what motivates these funders to give.

Secure funding through grants

Grants from private foundations, corporations, and government agencies are a significant source of funding for many nonprofits. Often designated for specific programs, geographic areas, or types of work, finding the right grant opportunities is key to securing these funds.

Foundation grants

There are thousands of private foundations in the U.S., from large, well-known grantmakers to smaller family foundations. These organizations often have specific focus areas, such as education, health, or environmental conservation.

To find the right fit, use resources like the Foundation Directory to search for grantmakers whose priorities align with your mission. Grant applications can be complex, so it’s critical to start the process early and tailor each proposal to the specific grantmaker.

Government grants

Government grants, from federal, state, and local agencies, can provide substantial funding for nonprofits. These grants often support initiatives in areas like mental health, housing, and community development.

Finding and applying for federal grants can be a lengthy process. However, websites like Grants.gov are a central source for federal grant opportunities. While many nonprofits hire professional grant writers to navigate the complex application requirements and improve their chances of securing this type of funding, this isn’t always necessary. State governments and local government agencies also offer grant programs, which can be a great source of revenue for organizations with a local focus.

Engage your community with events

Fundraising events have long been a staple for nonprofit organizations. From galas and auctions to charity runs and walks, events offer a unique opportunity to engage your community, raise your profile, and generate significant revenue.

Your event can even incorporate multiple funding models. For example, a single gala might include ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, a silent auction, and a direct appeal for major gifts. Whether in person, virtual, or hybrid, the right tools can help you streamline registration, manage attendees, and inspire giving. With features like mobile bidding, live leaderboards, and text-to-donate, you can create an engaging experience that maximizes your fundraising efforts.

Build partnerships and earned income

Diversifying your nonprofit funding sources also means looking beyond traditional donations. Strategic partnerships and earned income initiatives can provide additional stability and open up new avenues for growth.

Corporate sponsorships

Forming partnerships with small businesses and corporations can lead to valuable sponsorships. Companies often support nonprofits whose missions align with their values or who serve the same community. In exchange for financial support or in-kind donations, your nonprofit can offer brand recognition through event promotions, social media shoutouts, and other forms of public acknowledgment.

Your board of directors can be an excellent resource for identifying potential corporate partners. Encourage them to leverage their professional networks to make introductions and advocate for your cause.

Earned income

Some nonprofits generate revenue by selling products or services that align with their mission. This could include merchandise, educational workshops, or consulting services. Earned income can provide a reliable source of funding that’s not dependent on donor generosity. However, it’s critical to ensure that these business activities don’t conflict with your tax-exempt status. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the income must be related to your organization’s exempt purpose to remain tax-free.

Create your path to financial sustainability with diverse funding sources

Securing funding for your nonprofit is a significant undertaking, and a diverse range of funding models is available to support your work. By combining individual giving, grants, events, and strategic partnerships, you can build a resilient financial foundation for your organization.

Start by assessing your existing strengths. If you have a strong community of supporters, focus on peer-to-peer fundraising and recurring giving. And if your team has experience with grant writing, dedicate resources to pursuing grant opportunities. As your organization grows, you can expand your fundraising efforts and bring on team members with specialized skills. With the right strategy and the right tools, like GoFundMe Pro platform, you can achieve financial sustainability and focus on what matters most: making a difference.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

Photo credit: Micheile Henderson