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

Whether your organization is building a recurring giving program from the ground up or looking to strengthen an existing one, a clear strategy can safeguard your long-term financial health and help you grow.

This guide will cover what recurring giving is, why it matters, and how to plan and launch a campaign. We’ll also go over ways to brand and present your program, strategies for promotion and donor acquisition, and tips for retaining and growing your supporter base.

What is recurring giving?

Recurring giving is when a donor commits to making automatic gifts at regular intervals, most often once a month. Donors choose the amount they give and can pause or stop at any time. Nonprofits often refer to this model as monthly giving or subscription giving.

Why is recurring giving important?

Recurring giving provides a steady, predictable revenue stream. It helps your organization avoid the ups and downs of seasonal fundraising and reduces the constant pressure of applying for new grants.

A strong recurring giving program:

• Provides reliable income to sustain and expand your work
• Increases annual contributions and donor lifetime value
• Improves donor retention by deepening relationships and fostering a sense of community

GoFundMe Pro data shows recurring donors are more than 9x more valuable than one-time donors. About 25% also make at least one extra one-time gift within the same year.

Over time, their contributions almost always exceed the amount of a single gift. Higher retention rates also give your nonprofit more stability for long-term planning.

Recurring donors also tend to be some of your most committed supporters—84% go beyond giving money by volunteering, attending events, advocating for your cause, or fundraising on your behalf. These donors are invested in your mission and ready to go the extra mile.

Planning: goals, audience, and launch

Before you start asking for recurring gifts, it’s essential to create a plan. Defining your goals, understanding your audience, and preparing a thoughtful launch strategy will set the foundation for a program that grows steadily and retains donors over the long term.

Set your recurring giving goals

The first step in building a strong recurring giving program is to set clear goals and outline how you’ll achieve them.

Common ways to measure success include:

• Monthly recurring revenue (MRR): The amount you can expect to receive each month from recurring gifts. Also, track lost MRR (or churn), which is the income lost when donors cancel.
• Number of active donors: The number of supporters currently making recurring gifts.
• Recurring gift increases: The number of recurring donors who increase their donation amount each year, by how much, and the percentage of your total donor base that represents (even small increases add up)

Know your audience

Take time to study your donor base to know who to target, how to reach them, and how much your ask should be. Factors to consider include:

• Donor personas
• Past gift sizes
• Giving methods (in person, online, at events)
• Donor survey results

The better you understand your donors’ motivations, preferences, and giving patterns, the more effectively you can segment them into groups and tailor your appeals.

When setting ask amounts, remember that recurring gifts are often smaller than one-time gifts. Identify levels that feel attainable for each donor segment while still making an impact for your organization.

Launch your campaign

Build a promotion plan and calendar to guide your campaign rollout.

• Prepare for a soft launch: Start with your most dedicated supporters if your program is new. Invite them to be your first recurring donors and help build momentum.
• Engage current recurring donors: Thank them for their ongoing support, ask them to share why they give, and invite them to increase their gift.
• Announce and promote: Share your campaign across all communication channels to reach a wider audience.
• Thank, nurture, and steward: Send a welcome email to new donors, share regular impact updates, and recognize their contributions. This sets the stage for a successful ask to increase their gifts over time. Remember, recurring donors are investing in your mission long term—treat them as a special group.

Branding and presentation

Your recurring donors are more than supporters: They’re a dedicated community investing in your mission. Make them feel special by giving your program a unique name, visual identity, and story.

Define your story and purpose

Start by clarifying the long-term purpose of your recurring giving program. Ask:

• What impact will these recurring gifts have?
• How is recurring support different from other contributions to your organization?

Your answers can inspire the name, theme, and branding for your program.

Create a unique look and feel

Give your program a visual identity that fits within your nonprofit’s overall brand but still stands out. This could include:

• A program name and tagline
• A logo or custom imagery
• Photos or videos that illustrate your mission

Include the essentials for your campaign

Strong branding works best when paired with a compelling story. These core elements can help your recurring giving campaign stand out:

• Align your branding elements: Use your nonprofit’s colors, fonts, and style for consistency. Also, add unique messaging, logos, and visuals for the program.
• Define your purpose: Explain clearly why recurring donors are essential to your mission and what their support makes possible.
• Use impact blocks: List suggested donation amounts from highest to lowest on your GoFundMe Pro campaign page. Include short, specific examples of how each level will make a difference and consider using icons or photos to make it visual.
• Optimize your donation page: Keep suggested recurring gift amounts lower than your one-time gift options. You might disable one-time gifts altogether. Also, offer mobile-friendly payment methods like digital wallets and ACH to improve conversions.
• Strengthen your thank-you page: Use a clear headline and message that reinforces the supporter’s impact. You can also add a secondary call to action, like subscribing to your newsletter or following your social channels, to keep them engaged.

Make donors feel like insiders

If possible, offer benefits to recurring donors to strengthen their connection to your organization. Examples include:

• • Invitations to exclusive events
  • Quarterly impact reports
  • A monthly donor newsletter

• Community perks or behind-the-scenes updates
• Impact photos or videos

These benefits not only show appreciation but also help build loyalty, increasing the chances that supporters will stay with you and even increase their gift over time.

Promotion and appeals

Like any fundraising campaign, your recurring giving program needs consistent promotion to succeed. Make sure your entire community knows it’s an option and understands the impact of joining.

Create a website

Create a dedicated page or microsite for your recurring giving program and make it easy to find from your homepage. Use this page for:

• Explaining the purpose and long-term impact of recurring gifts
• Highlighting any benefits or special access for members
• Sharing stories or examples that show the value of ongoing support

Send an appeal through email

Send recurring giving appeals multiple times a year, segmenting your email lists to personalize messages for different donor groups. In your appeals, cover:

• Why your nonprofit needs ongoing support
• How recurring gifts create more impact over time
• How easy it is to set up a recurring gift online
• What special updates, perks, or access can supporters get

Pro tip: Every donation form should include the option to make the gift recurring. This is a simple way to convert one-time donors.

Make a direct appeal on social media

To avoid dominating your social feeds with asks, only use social media to make a direct appeal for recurring gifts occasionally. Between asks, focus on social proof, like:

• Sharing news about the program
• Highlighting the collective impact of recurring donors
• Recognizing individual supporters

Consider featuring one or two recurring donors each month, sharing their stories and the difference their gifts make. This builds credibility for your program while giving loyal donors public recognition.

Drive donations

Whether supporters arrive from an email, blog, or social post, their final step will be completing your donation form. Keep the process short, clear, and visually aligned with your recurring giving brand.

On GoFundMe Pro, one way to emphasize recurring giving is to disable one-time gifts to nudge donors to choose from preset recurring amounts or enter a custom amount.

Acquisition and stewardship

A strong recurring giving program keeps donors engaged and grows support through new supporters and increased gifts from existing ones.

Offer multiple giving frequencies

While monthly giving is the most common, offering additional options can make donating easier for supporters and better align with your mission. GoFundMe Pro supports these giving frequencies:

• Annual
• Semiannual
• Quarterly
• Monthly

Each option has its advantages. For example, a weekly donation may work well for faith-based nonprofits, while a quarterly gift can be ideal for membership-based organizations—like museums, zoos, performing arts centers, or cultural institutions. Annual donations are especially useful for memberships or pledge programs.

On any campaign or donation page, you can choose which recurring donation frequencies to display, making it easy to match your setup to your audience and campaign goals.

Grow your program

When looking for new recurring donors, start with your most loyal one-time donors. The “Returning One-Time Donors Report” in GoFundMe Pro identifies supporters who have given multiple times, making them strong candidates for a recurring ask.

Once or twice a year, invite current recurring donors to increase their gift—even a $5 monthly increase adds $60 annually. Always connect the ask to a tangible impact to help donors see the difference their extra support will make.

You can also encourage recurring donors to become peer-to-peer fundraisers. These supporters already believe in your mission and may be excited to share it with their networks.

Thank donors from the start

Whether you send a handwritten note or an email, make sure your thank-you message includes:

• The donor’s name
• The size of their gift
• The name of the campaign
• A signature from a staff member

Also, add social sharing buttons to your confirmation page and follow buttons in your emails for donors to easily spread the word.

Keep supporters engaged

Consider creating a monthly email or newsletter for recurring donors. Share your best stories, videos, blog posts, and mission updates to keep them connected and inspired to give.

Retention and growth

The first step to growing your recurring giving program is shoring up your retention strategy.

Offer the option to pause

When donors consider canceling their recurring gift, offer a “pause” option instead. It’s far better to endure a temporary gift loss than to lose the donor altogether.

Remind them how valuable they are to your mission and express your appreciation. Approach the conversation with understanding and empathy, as this makes it more likely they’ll return when they’re financially ready.

Build lifetime partnerships

To keep donors engaged for the long haul, express your gratitude regularly. Remember, most of your communications should focus on thanking supporters and sharing updates—not asking for more gifts.

Also, be responsive to any concerns or questions from monthly donors. Prompt replies show that you value their support and care about their experience.

It’s also essential to stay ahead of potential payment issues. GoFundMe Pro offers tools to help with this:

• Automatic Credit Card Updater works quietly with card networks to refresh expired or replaced card information to prevent donation interruption.
• Upcoming Expiring Recurring Plans Report lets you identify donors whose cards are about to expire, giving you a chance to reach out and help update their payment details to prevent missing a gift.

Ask for increased support

Once a donor’s recurring gift has been active for about a year, consider asking if they can increase their contribution. Show them the impact of their current giving and explain how even a small increase can make a meaningful difference for your mission.

Build lasting support through recurring giving

Recurring giving is a proven path to financial sustainability, but it requires ongoing effort. It begins with creating an engaging program that donors are excited to join. From there, consistent communication and genuine appreciation keep supporters connected and invested over time.

Whether launching a new program or revitalizing an existing one, investing in recurring giving is essential for setting your nonprofit up for long-term growth and stability. Schedule a demo today to learn how GoFundMe Pro can help.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

Halloween generates a lot of community excitement every year, making it a prime time for nonprofits to fundraise. And since October is often when a nonprofit organization begins preparing for end-of-year giving, this spooky season can also be a great time to test new event ideas.

With the right approach, Halloween fundraising can help you meet your fundraising goals, engage your community in fun ways, and set the stage for year-end success. To help inspire your next campaign, here are eight creative Halloween fundraising ideas, plus key takeaways for how to make each one work.

1. Have a pumpkin carving contest

A pumpkin carving competition is a seasonal classic that can double as a fundraising event. There are multiple ways to generate revenue through this event:

• Charge an entry fee to participate.
• Secure event sponsorships.
• Encourage attendees to vote for their favorite pumpkin by donating a dollar.
• Share the best designs across social media to boost visibility.

You can also create a fundraising page to allow participants who can’t attend in person to still cast their vote and donate. Plus, sharing the best designs across social media can help extend the fun, boost visibility, and inspire additional giving. This is an easy, festive way to bring supporters together while raising funds.

2. Host a Halloween party

A Halloween event is one of the most flexible fundraising opportunities of the season. With GoFundMe Pro’s Live Events features, you can manage everything from ticket sales and RSVPs to auctions, raffles, and donations in one place. The platform supports in-person, virtual, or hybrid events to help you reach supporters wherever they are. You’ll also have access to tools like mobile check-in, real-time leaderboards, and reporting dashboards that help keep your fundraising on track.

Make your party appealing to all age groups by including activities like a haunted house, costume contest, or a Halloween movie. Add fundraising elements—such as a raffle, bake sale, or themed cupcakes and baked goods—to generate even more support.

With the right setup, your Halloween event will create lasting memories, engage your community, and maximize your fundraising potential.

3. Let supporters fundraise while trick-or-treating

Families can turn their Halloween night into a chance to give back. Inspired by the long-standing “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” tradition, you can provide kids with collection boxes—or modernize the approach with a QR code that links directly to your donation page.

With GoFundMe Pro’s Campaign Studio, you can quickly build a branded fundraising page that tracks these fundraising efforts in real time. Studio makes it easy to set up donation options, customize messaging, and share the campaign link for neighbors and friends to contribute on the spot.

This family-friendly fundraising idea allows community members to weave generosity into their Halloween celebrations, inspiring a spirit of giving alongside candy collecting.

4. Activate impact creators and influencers

Influencers and content creators can bring your Halloween campaign to a much wider audience. Invite them to dress up and participate in a virtual costume contest, encouraging their followers to donate in support of their favorite look. The creator who raises the most wins bragging rights for having the best costume.

Influencers and content creators can bring your Halloween campaign to a much wider audience. Invite them to dress up and participate in a virtual costume contest, encouraging their followers to donate in support of their favorite look. The creator who raises the most wins bragging rights for having the best costume.

5. Create a spooktacular silent auction

A Halloween-themed silent auction is a fun and engaging way to bring your community together while raising funds. Encourage local businesses to donate items like gift baskets, unique experiences, restaurant vouchers, or other seasonal goodies that capture the spirit of the holiday. Displaying these items creatively, whether it’s an online or in-person event, can generate excitement and friendly competition among bidders.

GoFundMe Pro makes this online fundraising opportunity easy with live and silent auction tools. You can bulk import items, set starting bids or “Buy Now” prices, and let participants bid directly from their phones. Automated outbid notifications and a mobile-friendly checkout keep donors engaged and help maximize your fundraising potential.

This flexible, mobile-first setup allows you to reach more supporters, whether they’re attending in person, joining virtually, or browsing from home. It’s a festive, high-return way to engage your community while supporting your nonprofit’s mission.

6. Hold a Halloween-themed trivia night

For another interactive and fun Halloween fundraiser, host a trivia night. You can theme it around scary movies, folklore, or a murder mystery format.

Partner with local breweries, coffee shops, or restaurants to host the event. Many local businesses are always willing to donate space or proceeds from drinks to support a good cause. Charge teams a participation fee and give out small prizes to winners.

7. Partner with a local pumpkin patch

Fall is the perfect time of year to get creative with fundraising partnerships. Connect with local businesses like pumpkin patches to host fun, family-friendly fundraising activities that support your nonprofit’s mission. From ticketed hayrides and pumpkin picking to seasonal concessions or making jack-o-lanterns, a portion of the proceeds can go directly to your organization.

This type of partnership not only taps into the excitement of the season but also strengthens relationships with the community and local businesses.

8. Organize a Halloween season fun run

A seasonal fun run can quickly become a highly anticipated annual tradition in your community. Encourage participants to wear costumes and turn it into a Halloween costume contest as well.

Offer themed T-shirts for registrants and promote the event as a chance to get active while giving back to a good cause. With GoFundMe Pro, you can streamline registrations, donations, and team fundraising.

Engage supporters with Halloween fundraiser ideas this spooky season

Halloween is a great opportunity to connect with your audience and try new approaches. From family-friendly trick-or-treat campaigns to full-scale community events, the possibilities are endless.

Turn your fundraising ideas into reality with GoFundMe Pro. Request a custom demo today.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

Photo Credits: kayugee, jasleen kaur

A successful crowdfunding campaign starts with compelling storytelling, clear goals, and a sense of urgency that motivates potential backers to act. Whether raising funds for a new prototype, reaching stretch goals, or driving recurring donations, crowdfunding allows you to build strong momentum through strategic messaging and outreach.

With GoFundMe Pro, you can easily create a customized campaign page that supports everything from launch-day teasers to post-campaign follow-up. Your campaign landing page acts as the central hub to showcase your funding goal, highlight perks or impact, and engage your target audience through high-quality visuals and calls to action.

Below, we share crowdfunding checklists to help you set up and optimize your GoFundMe Pro crowdfunding campaign for fundraising success. From designing a compelling hero block to creating a clear thank-you journey, here’s a step-by-step breakdown for crowdfunding success.

Set up your campaign landing page

Your campaign landing page is often the first impression supporters will have of your fundraiser. It sets the tone, builds trust, and inspires action. A strong page combines eye-catching visuals, clear messaging, and intuitive design to guide visitors toward giving. 

With GoFundMe Pro’s Campaign Studio, you can customize any landing page to turn it into a crowdfunding page. Here are the key steps to ensure your page is compelling and effective. 

Hero block

• Are you maximizing your fundraising success by using one of GoFundMe Pro’s flexible campaign templates?
• Discover data-backed templates with an optimized design, preset settings and elements, and default messaging for your campaign type.
• Start here for a guide to shaping a powerful hero block for your campaign.
• Have you applied your brand guidelines to the template to ensure it’s consistent with your other assets?
• Use GoFundMe Pro templates to select a custom font and enter your exact color hex codes to match your branding.
• Have you added a short and powerful title to your campaign page?
• Did you add a brief appeal to motivate donors to give and a slightly longer “About the campaign” section to share your story?
• Did you select a compelling hero image? 

Impact tiles

• Do you showcase impact tiles on your landing page? 
• Use impact tiles to help you highlight how suggested donation amounts move you toward your mission. 
• Have you customized the headline and image for each impact tile?
  
• Did you provide strategic options for recommended donation amounts? 
• Highlight the impact of each gift by describing what each suggested dollar amount can accomplish or sharing brief beneficiary stories. 
• Arrange impact tiles from highest to lowest amounts.  
• Keep the number of impact tiles to four or less to optimize the campaign for mobile.
• Did you incorporate high-quality images or graphics? 

Campaign activity

• Does your page highlight activity on your campaign? 
• Display recent donations and comments to keep your donors up to date and engaged.
• Customize the headline to best fit the campaign (for instance, you might use the word “community”).
• Consider hiding this entire block when you first launch your campaign until donations come in so that donors can see activity.

Content blocks

• Did you add custom content to your landing page?
• Include additional information or expand on something highlighted in a previous section. On GoFundMe Pro, you can use:
  • Elements and widgets, which are set blocks that let you easily add text, images, and videos.
  • Custom blocks, which let you use custom code like CSS or HTML.
• Dedicate space on the campaign page to thank your sponsors.  
• Highlight beneficiary testimonials.
• Provide actionable examples of how each donation will make an impact.
• Include an FAQ section about your campaign.

Customize your donation page

Your donation page is where interest turns into action. This is the moment supporters decide to give. A well-designed page should feel seamless, trustworthy, and aligned with your brand while also making the giving process as quick and easy as possible. Below are key elements to customize to maximize conversions and encourage long-term donor relationships:

• Set up domain masking to maintain brand consistency.
• Keep the copy concise and compelling to encourage donors to finalize their gifts. 
• Make sure you offer your donors multiple ways to give (for instance, credit cards, ACH, Apple Pay/Google Pay). 
• Incorporate a monthly donation option to encourage recurring giving. 
• Set a default donation value to suggest donors give at a certain level. We recommend defaulting to the second-highest value.
• Give donors the option to select program designations (if applicable). 
• Add the necessary custom questions to gather additional information about your donors. 
• Enable the option for donors to cover a portion of the fees.

Remember your thank-you page and follow up

Your thank-you page and follow-up communications are equally as important as the donation itself. They give you the chance to show gratitude, reinforce the donor’s impact, and begin building a lasting relationship. By customizing these touchpoints, you can leave supporters feeling valued and inspired to stay connected even after your campaign ends.

• Have you customized your thank-you page?
• Upload a new background image. 
• Write a strong headline and message to emphasize the impact of each donation and how it’ll lead to lasting change. 
• Have you included the progress bar on your thank-you page to increase supporters’ motivation and highlight key milestones?
• Have you enabled social sharing links to encourage supporters and influencers to share about their donation with their network?
• Did you personalize the language within your follow-up email?
• Include a secondary call to action for donors (for instance, following you on social media). 
• Customize your email receipts to reflect your cause.

Use a crowdfunding campaign checklist to level up your next fundraising effort

Launching a successful crowdfunding project takes more than a great idea. It requires careful planning, strategic messaging, and a seamless donor experience. By following these crowdfunding checklists, you’ll set up your campaign landing page to achieve your fundraising goals, optimize your donation flow, and strengthen your thank-you and follow-up communications.

Remember, your pre-launch efforts are equally as important as what happens after you go live. Building early momentum, testing your messaging, and ensuring your crowdfunding platform is ready will set the stage for long-term success.

With GoFundMe Pro, you have the tools to create a crowdfunding project that not only meets your goals but also builds deeper connections with your supporters. Leverage the power of GoFundMe Pro to launch your next campaign with confidence.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

Time is one of your nonprofit’s most valuable resources, and your donation pages must make the most of it. Each campaign deserves a page tailored to your brand, built to perform effectively, and created efficiently. GoFundMe Pro’s mobile-responsive, easy-to-build pages through Campaign Studio bring this reality to life.

With most donors now giving on a mobile device, your online fundraising strategy must prioritize accessibility. In fact, 28% of U.S. adults are smartphone-dependent, with no other form of internet access. This makes mobile fundraising crucial for reaching supporters where they are. 

GoFundMe Pro’s mobile-friendly campaigns help you deliver a seamless giving experience that boosts supporters’ confidence in your mission and your nonprofit’s revenue. Read on to discover four simple ways to optimize your campaign for mobile fundraising success.

1. Focus on your biggest fundraising opportunities

Every nonprofit has big moments, whether it’s building a base of recurring giving donors, planning year-end appeals, or bringing people together during annual fundraising events. With Studio, you can build the right page for each fundraising idea in minutes.

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

Plus, Studio makes it easy to connect with donors on their mobile devices by:

• Using impact tiles to show how different gift amounts support your mission
• Previewing and editing your page in mobile view to see what supporters will experience
• Putting key content, like your donation form or story, at the top of the mobile layout
• Uploading high-quality images that display well on any device
• Dragging and dropping elements directly into mobile-optimized layouts
• Adding background images to mobile sections for a strong visual impact
• Offering one-click checkout with prefilled digital wallets, like Apple Pay, and autocomplete fields for a fast, easy giving process

With these tools, Studio helps you create personalized campaigns that stand out in crowded inboxes and social feeds, keeping donors engaged across every device.

2. Leverage embedded donation forms

Your website is often your most-visited online page. By embedding your donation forms, supporters can give directly on the page that inspired them without leaving your site. This experience keeps donors focused and helps you reach your fundraising goals faster.

Studio’s embedded forms are user-friendly and easy to set up. Plus, for WordPress users, the Studio plug-in makes installation even faster. After a one-time setup, you can place your campaign on multiple pages or sites while controlling layout, branding, and functionality.

Supporters benefit from multiple ways to give, including:

• Credit card, ACH, PayPal, Venmo, and mobile wallets
• Recurring giving and donor-covered fee nudges to encourage larger gifts
• In-line donation options tailored for partner sites while maintaining your branding at checkout 

Embedded forms also connect with analytics and tracking tools, helping you see how donors interact with your pages.

3. Stick with what works

With Studio, you don’t have to start from scratch for every campaign. The platform gives nonprofits access to prebuilt templates, intelligent tools, and customizable layouts to help you save time, stay consistent, and plan ahead for future fundraising campaigns.

When looking for ways to stay adaptable and appeal to a mobile audience, keep these tips in mind.

Create year-round campaigns

By leveraging ongoing campaigns, you can keep the momentum toward your goals without having to put the effort into launching something brand new. Just remember to keep your fundraising pages relevant by updating content, messaging, images, and goals in real-time. Staying current helps your nonprofit fundraising adapt to new opportunities.

Jump-start your next campaign

Studio offers prebuilt templates designed for specific needs, including:

• Recurring giving programs
• Crowdfunding campaigns
• Segmented appeals or virtual drives
• Annual giving days and quick-response campaigns
• Year-end campaigns
• Gift or program catalogs

Each template comes with layouts focused on your main ask, default messaging, and preset elements. Tested and optimized based on continuous A/B testing across thousands of nonprofits, these configurations help you get started with a setup that already works. Plus, the templates are fully customizable, allowing you to match your brand and audience.

Save time and get inspired

Studio gives you tools and inspiration to make campaign creation faster and smarter. Whether looking for design ideas, branding consistency, or copy that converts, it helps you work more efficiently. 

Browse the Inspiration Hub to see successful campaigns from other nonprofits and get ideas for layouts, messaging, and calls to action.

4. Let supporters help you find new donors and raise more

Your supporters can be one of your most powerful tools for expanding your reach and increasing donations. By empowering them to share your campaigns across mobile platforms, you can tap into new networks and make your fundraising efforts even more effective.

Encourage sharing and social proof

Add features like progress bars and activity feeds to your donation or thank-you pages. These elements provide social proof and extra motivation for donors to share your campaign on social media, helping attract new supporters and expand your impact.

Personalize your calls to action

Use your thank-you page to guide donors toward the next step. A personalized message can encourage supporters to increase their commitment to your nonprofit by:

• Sharing your campaign
• Signing up for recurring giving
• Exploring other giving options
• Attending your next in-person live event
• Joining a volunteer day
• Subscribing to your newsletter

Leverage our first-of-its-kind Meta integration

With our Meta integration, supporters can easily share your campaigns on Facebook and Instagram, helping reach new donors and boost online giving by:

• Extending your campaign’s reach through supporters’ networks
• Increasing engagement with visual updates, progress bars, and clear calls to action
• Encouraging giving from friends and family who may not have discovered your organization otherwise
• Standing out in social feeds with polished, first-to-market sharing tools
• Accessing rich donor data and insights from funds processed exclusively through GoFundMe Pro

Claim your Nonprofit Page on GoFundMe

Your Nonprofit Page on GoFundMe serves as a central hub for your organization, making it easier for supporters to find, donate, and fundraise on your behalf.

Key benefits include:

• Discoverability: Help new supporters find your nonprofit through the GoFundMe community and your search engine optimized page, expanding your reach to audiences at a time when donor acquisition is more competitive than ever.
• Donor insights: Access donor management data for all donations to help your team better understand supporter behavior and engagement.
• Credibility and trust: Showcase your mission, programs, and impact to build confidence and encourage giving.

Your Nonprofit Page also makes it easier for your team to manage campaigns, onboard supporters, track activity, and harness supporter-led fundraising to grow your reach and strengthen relationships.

Create mobile-friendly campaigns to engage supporters where they are

Meeting your supporters where they are is essential for acquiring potential donors, keeping them engaged, and building long-term relationships. By designing campaigns with a seamless giving process, you ensure your story comes across clearly and your supporters have an effortless path to give.

With Campaign Studio, you can launch campaigns that perform, not conform. Built-in tools like Intelligent Ask Amounts and customizable fields, along with easy social sharing, help you create a conversion-optimized experience for every visitor. The result? Our giving platform data shows that campaigns launch 81% faster, helping you see real impact sooner.

Take your mobile fundraising to the next level by streamlining your campaign creation and engaging donors today with GoFundMe Pro.

Copy editor: Ayanna Julien

The right corporate sponsorship can have a massive impact on your organization. In addition to providing another source of income, a company participating in your fundraising campaigns and events connects your work to their employees and customers, gaining you incredible exposure and powerful brand association.

Corporations may be the ones contributing to a nonprofit organization, but sponsorships work both ways. Just as any healthy relationship requires clear expectations and mutual participation, corporate sponsorships also require effort from both partners.

In this guide, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to understand the most appropriate type of sponsorships for your organization. You’ll also find out what it takes to find and secure an effective relationship, no matter the size of your team.

Step 1: Grow self-awareness

Corporate sponsorships come in all shapes and sizes, including event sponsorships, cause marketing campaigns, employee giving programs, and more. Once you’ve decided which types of partnerships you’d like to pursue, the first step is to have a deep understanding of your organization, its capacity, and its mission. A strong sense of your goals and assets are necessary to:

• Choose a compatible partner.
• Prepare a clear value proposition for them.

You’ll want to identify and articulate the following things:

Your core values, culture, and brand

Successful partnerships hinge on an alignment of organizational core values, culture, and brand image. To find businesses that will be a good match, you first need to articulate these details about your organization.

From there, consider similar organizations in your space and answer the following questions:

• What makes your organization stand out?
• Is your operational approach different in any way?
• What’s at stake? What would happen if your organization didn’t exist? 

When you can communicate your values and what makes your organization unique, you strengthen your offering as a potential partner.

Your target demographic and reach

Companies care about your audience because it provides business value for their sponsorship agreements. The more you know about this group, the easier it will be to explain their worth to potential sponsors.

Be prepared to discuss the:

• Size of your reach via email, social media, and direct mail
• Average attendance/participation rate of your previous campaigns
• Projected attendance/participation with sponsorship
• Social demographics of your audience

Demonstrating alignment between your existing audience and a company’s target consumer articulates the business value of the partnership, making it a no-brainer for organizations seeking sponsors. 

Step 2: Find like-minded organizations

To secure a sponsorship that resonates with your audience and fosters a lasting relationship, consider corporations that share similar values and missions. By taking the time to find a good fit, you not only make your pitch more attractive to the corporation but also safeguard your organization’s reputation.

Do your research

In addition to exploring your connections and fostering existing relationships with corporations, keep a pulse on industry news and trends. By staying up to date with the for-profit world, you’ll be more prepared to approach them in a well-informed manner.

Recently, Charina Lumley from the Movemeant Foundation shared how she researches potential corporate sponsors. After learning that Under Armour had recently launched a commercial featuring women’s gymnastics, she pitched a sponsorship of Movemeant’s gymnastics programs, rather than suggesting soccer or lacrosse.

Look locally

Another tip is to keep an eye on organizations in your geographic vicinity. A study from Fidelity Charitable Foundation reported that on average, 4 out of every 5 donors recommended at least one grant to a nonprofit located in their metro area. This demonstrates that donor support of local nonprofits is a powerful driving force behind giving. 

Apart from simple online research, you can also identify corporations that might be interested in sponsoring your organization through LinkedIn’s advanced search options. Narrow your scope by identifying fields like location and industry.

Use the right tools

Finding the right corporate sponsors for your nonprofit becomes a more manageable task with the right tools. For example, Double the Donation’s corporate giving database simplifies the process by providing comprehensive, up-to-date information on companies actively involved in matching gifts, volunteer grants, in-kind donations, and more.

The Double the Donation platform also taps into companies already represented in your supporter base. By analyzing your existing audience, you can uncover which companies are most likely to offer support based on employee engagement, helping to create sponsorship opportunities.

Connect with the right person

The process of securing a sponsorship can span several months. That means, the sooner you identify the sponsorship decision-maker at a corporation, the sooner you can move the process forward and secure the funding you need.

This might include reaching out to:

• Corporate social responsibility or philanthropy managers
• Marketing or brand managers
• Human resource leaders
• Community relations or public affairs staff
• Executive directors or senior leadership

One effective technique for reaching the decision-maker is to reach out to as many people as possible. Charina refers to this tactic as “the hustle:”

“I sent the same deck, the same email with slight variation, to six people in the company—one in finance, one in marketing, one in product, etc. Eventually, it landed on the decision-maker’s desk about four times, and they’re like, ‘Okay, I have to call them back because it’s landed on my desk so many different times.’ You have to talk about everything all the time to everybody.”

Step 3: Prepare your proposal

When you initiate your sponsorship outreach, prepare to make your pitch in case it leads to a conversation. The more prepared you are during the dialogue, the better impression you’ll leave. 

Create your slide deck

Create a brief, general slide deck you can use to pitch to corporations when you first reach out. This deck will tell your organization’s story and mission. It should also convey an overall sense of how sponsoring your organization will benefit the business and what the partnership could look like.

“The goal of any pitch deck is to make it look super polished with very few words.” – Charina, COO of Movemeant

Dig deeper⁠: Establish the corporation’s priorities

To articulate how you can solve a company’s goals, you’ll first want to complete a discovery conversation that explores what they’re looking for. Ask questions like:

• What do they want from the relationship? What goals and objectives would this sponsorship support?
• How would they measure the success of the sponsorship?
• What can your organization provide that would create a positive return on investment for them?

After you have a clear sense of what’s essential to the corporation, you can create a personalized presentation and report specific to their goals.

Charina cites this business approach as what sets them apart from other organizations also seeking sponsorships:

“I think what gives us a little bit of an edge is that [corporations] understand that we’re very business-minded ourselves. We do talk a lot about [our] mission, but we also talk a lot about [their] return.”

Draft a catered presentation/report materials

When you advance beyond a discovery call and reach this stage in the process, it’s essential to keep the focus on the corporation’s goals and key results. Include the following in your proposal:

Sponsorship value proposition

A unique value proposition clearly communicates what makes your organization an attractive investment. It should answer the following questions:

• Who are you? What does your organization do?
• Why should a corporation sponsor you?
• Why should this matter to them?

How you answer questions three and four, in particular, is key, as it conveys what the potential return will be on the corporation’s investment.

Marketing initiatives

Convey a clear picture of how a partnership could boost the company’s visibility by providing specific, co-branded examples. You can even create mock-ups (or provide prior examples) of email appeals, social media posts, videos, testimonials, and more, where their name or logo would appear. 

Campaign pages

Let’s say the corporation agrees to circulate your fundraising page or participate in an employee giving program. In that case, you’ll want to provide a predesigned campaign page with the company’s logo, along with any broader marketing assets. 

When you build these assets ahead of time, you make a smooth transition and avoid extra work on the part of the corporation. Through GoFundMe Pro’s software, this transfer is quick to complete by adding others as campaign administrators.

Success measures

To set clear expectations and determine if the sponsorship is successful, include details on what metrics or key performance indicators you’ll monitor. Consider the following questions:

• What are the key results you’ll monitor throughout your campaign?
• How do you plan to assess if the relationship has proven fruitful for both parties?  

 A call to action

The final component of your pitch should be a clear call to action. By this point, the corporation should have a thorough understanding of your organization’s ask and have sufficient information to decide how to move forward. 

Step 4: Deliver the pitch spectacularly

Once you meet a prospective partner in person, consider the following to ensure that what you have to say and deliver will be meaningful to the corporation.

Establish a strong presence

While your materials are essential, your presence and delivery matter equally as much. Here are a few recommendations to consider as you complete your sponsorship presentation:

• Sit and stand tall: Good posture conveys professionalism and confidence, reassuring potential sponsors that your organization is capable and reliable.
• Control your breathing: Pausing and speaking clearly ensures your audience has time to absorb your mission and the impact of the partnership.
• Occupy space: Gestures, movement, and eye contact help convey enthusiasm and keep sponsors engaged in your story.
• Don’t let a mistake make you lose focus: If you lose your place, reset with confident body language and refocus on your nonprofit’s impact.

Prepare, don’t memorize

The other key to a successful pitch? Knowing more about your topic than anyone else in the room.

Actual preparedness doesn’t come from memorization or your ability to stick to a script and recite the perfect string of thoughts. It comes from a deep understanding of the subject matter. To deliver the pitch spectacularly, focus less on your exact wording and more on the concepts and ideas.

Landing high-value partnerships to achieve your campaign goals

Dedication to a strategic corporate sponsorship approach will ensure a higher success rate as your nonprofit pursues these high-value partnerships. By nurturing your relationships with organizations aligned with your goals and values, you’ll identify partners that have the potential to grow beyond a single campaign or event while working toward your mission.

Copy Editor: Ayanna Julien

When disaster strikes, nonprofits are often the first to mobilize and the last to leave. They step in to provide urgent relief, such as food, clean water, shelter, and medical care. Equally as critical, they remain on the ground long after the headlines fade, helping families rebuild, restoring infrastructure, and supporting long-term recovery.

Nonprofits play a vital role in getting resources where they’re needed most, but they can’t do it alone. Fundraising is one of the most powerful ways to make this possible.

Below, we’ll walk you through practical steps, tools, and strategies to launch an effective disaster relief fundraiser. From preparing your nonprofit to creating a compelling campaign, you’ll learn how to raise money to maximize impact when it’s needed most.

Why start an emergency fundraiser?

Disasters capture public attention and inspire immediate generosity, creating a pivotal moment for nonprofits. In fact, a survey found that three in five U.S. donors directed at least half of their annual giving to disaster relief organizations in a single year.

By launching an emergency fundraiser, your nonprofit can turn this surge of goodwill into urgent aid and lasting support. Acting quickly not only delivers help when it’s needed most but also builds relationships with new donors who can sustain long-term natural disasters recovery.

Preparing your nonprofit to mobilize quickly

Nonprofit organizations that prepare for emergency response are better positioned to launch disaster relief fundraising and support first responders on the ground.

Start by assessing your nonprofit’s readiness for an emergency response. Building a crisis team with clear roles ensures nothing gets overlooked when disaster strikes. For example:

• A decision-maker can set goals and delegate tasks
• A spokesperson can communicate with volunteers and media
• A social media coordinator can share updates with your community in real time

Having these roles assigned early means your team can act quickly when every hour counts.

Equally important is developing a communication strategy before a crisis occurs. Drafting email and social media templates now allows you to send timely appeals later. These messages should include placeholders: 

• Explaining the situation
• Outlining immediate needs
• Showing how donations will make a direct impact

Creating a compelling disaster relief fundraising campaign

A strong fundraising campaign starts with a clear, emotional story. When disaster strikes, donors want to know exactly what happened, why support is urgent, and how their contributions will make a difference. Use your fundraising page to explain the immediate need and reassure supporters that their donations will go directly to helping affected communities.

Trust and transparency are essential. That’s why it’s critical to be clear about how you’ll allocate funds. As the campaign progresses, update your page with new information, photos, and milestones to show the impact of donations. Sharing supporter testimonials or stories from the ground can also help build credibility and inspire others to give.

To launch fast, prepare the building blocks of your campaign page in advance. Keep assets like your logo, boilerplate text about your nonprofit’s work, and a library of photos readily available. That way, when you need to start a crowdfunding campaign, you can get it live quickly.

GoFundMe Pro makes this process even smoother. With ready-to-use templates optimized for performance, you can create an emergency relief donation page in a few clicks with the following features:

• Urgency-focused messaging
• A prominent call to action
• Intelligent Ask Amounts
• Social sharing incentives

You’ll also have access to key blocks, including:

• Activity feed
• Share button
• Impact block
• FAQ
• Donation form
• Transaction details

Plus, by saving your brand kit—including logos, colors, and fonts—you’ll ensure every campaign looks consistent without extra setup.

Finally, set a realistic fundraising goal. The number should reflect the urgency of the disaster and the scale of the relief you aim to provide. A clear, attainable goal helps motivate donors and builds momentum as you approach each milestone. And don’t forget: Donations made through your nonprofit’s campaign may be tax-deductible gifts, giving supporters another reason to give generously.

By planning and using the right fundraising platform, your organization can launch campaigns quickly, raise more funds, and show affected communities that help is on the way.

7 effective fundraising and supporter stewardship strategies

Raising funds for disaster relief efforts requires more than a donation button. By combining multiple approaches and keeping supporters engaged, nonprofits can maximize their impact and build a strong, lasting community of donors. Here are seven strategies to guide your efforts.

1. Use multichannel promotion

Promote your campaign across email, social media, your website, and paid ads to reach the widest audience possible. Each channel offers unique opportunities to connect with supporters, share updates, and highlight urgent needs. Using multiple channels also ensures your fundraising ideas reach existing and new donors.

2. Partner with local businesses and community leaders

Amplify your reach and credibility with local partnerships. Businesses can sponsor virtual events, match donations, or share your campaign with their networks, whereas community leaders can help spread the word and encourage participation. Collaborating with trusted voices strengthens your nonprofit’s presence in the community.

3. Incorporate peer-to-peer and crowdfunding approaches

Encourage supporters to create mini-campaigns on your behalf through peer-to-peer fundraising. Crowdfunding campaigns empower individuals to share your mission with their friends and family, expanding your online fundraising reach. These methods turn your supporters into ambassadors for your cause.

4. Thank donors and share impact updates regularly

Show appreciation by sending timely thank-you messages and progress updates. Highlight how donations address immediate needs and include photos or stories from the scene of action. Regular communication builds trust and encourages continued support.

5. Engage recurring donors and encourage increased gifts

Encourage recurring donors who already provide a reliable funding base to increase their monthly gifts or give a one-time donation in addition to their ongoing amount. Small increases from multiple donors can add up to a significant boost for your fundraising campaign.

6. Use social proof and donor stories to build a community

Share stories from donors and the people your nonprofit serves to help create a sense of community. Social proof—such as testimonials, milestone celebrations, social media shoutouts, and other recognitions of supporters—reinforces the importance of giving and encourages others to participate.

7. Leverage earned media and outreach

Expand your nonprofit’s visibility with earned media, such as news coverage, social media mentions, and influencer endorsements. Reach out to journalists and media outlets with compelling stories and integrate your campaign into your owned channels to amplify coverage. This strategy increases credibility, drives more donations, and supports your crowdfunding and peer-to-peer fundraising efforts.

Mobilize support for effective disaster relief fundraising

By preparing your nonprofit, creating compelling campaigns, and engaging supporters strategically, you can provide emergency relief quickly and effectively while building a community of support that lasts.

GoFundMe Pro provides templates and tools to help nonprofits launch campaigns quickly, while also connecting them to GoFundMe’s wider network of supporters eager to make a difference. We highlight nonprofit initiatives during times of need, like those featured on our verified hubs.

From peer-to-peer fundraising to multichannel promotion, your organization can use these toolkits to maximize impact and accelerate recovery efforts.

Copy Editor: Ayanna Julien

Fundraising events are one of the best ways for nonprofits to engage donors, attract new supporters, and raise funds. From dinners to marathons, live events create meaningful moments that can turn one-time donors into lifelong supporters of your cause.

Success depends on careful planning and execution. With the right plan, you can create an engaging experience that drives donations and builds lasting connections with your supporters. Whether hosting a gala, 5k, or virtual event, we can help you launch a successful fundraising campaign.

This checklist will guide you through the key steps, from setting up mobile-friendly donation pages to using text-to-give tools, ensuring your campaign is easy to engage with and delivers strong results.

Pre-event planning essentials

Before diving into campaign details, start by building a strong foundation. Define your fundraising goals and align them with your nonprofit’s mission. Are you focused on attracting new donors, increasing donations from current supporters, or encouraging peer-to-peer fundraising? Knowing your goals will shape your event strategy.

Next, decide on your event format. In-person events build emotional connections, whereas virtual events let you reach supporters who can’t attend in person. Hybrid events combine both, giving you flexibility to involve more people and accommodate different needs.

Also, offer a flexible giving experience. Today’s donors expect options like credit cards, Apple Pay, and Venmo. Adding text-to-donate tools can also boost participation, making it easy for supporters to give during your event.

Campaign page optimization

Your registration page is the center of your fundraising event. Make sure it’s mobile-friendly, as many supporters will access it from their phones or tablets. A seamless mobile experience is essential to keep donors engaged.

Build simple, compelling registration pages that allow people to register to attend, fundraise on your behalf, and donate. Also, use visuals like impact statements, photos, and testimonials to tell your story and motivate donors.

If you’re hosting an in-person event, add QR codes to your materials for attendees to quickly access your donation page. This eliminates the need for typing long URLs and makes it easier for supporters to give.

Technology and platform integrations

Choose a fundraising platform that supports every aspect of your event. The right platform should handle event registration, enable mobile giving, and integrate with your donor management systems. GoFundMe Pro’s Live Events offers features like donation tracking, real-time reporting, and flexible setup for in-person, online, or hybrid events. It also enhances day-of-event engagement with support for live and silent auctions.

Integration is key. Your platform should sync with your customer relationship management software to keep donor information organized and simplify personalized follow-ups. Look for tools that offer text messaging capabilities to remind supporters about deadlines, share updates, and promote giving opportunities.

If your event includes auctions, consider adding mobile bidding software. This allows bidders to browse items, place bids, and get outbid alerts right from their phones.

Registration and ticketing setup

Streamline your event registration to make it easy for attendees to sign up. You can also offer multiple ticket types, such as VIP packages, general admission, and virtual attendance. Each ticket should clearly outline what it includes and specify any tax-deductible items.

Your event registration software should accommodate group purchases and collect additional information—like dietary needs or seating preferences—during the registration process. Early-bird pricing is a great way to encourage sign-ups and help you plan the details. You can also offer discount codes for volunteers, board members, or major donors to recognize their contributions.

Also, add opportunities for attendees to donate during registration. Many supporters are willing to give beyond the ticket price, and making this easy can boost your overall fundraising.

Mobile giving and payment processing

A seamless payment experience is essential for modern nonprofit fundraising. Your payment processor should handle various payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and recurring donations. Ensure the system is fast, reliable, and works seamlessly across mobile devices.

Text-to-donate tools also provide an easy way for people to give during your event, especially during emotional moments or urgent appeals. Set up keywords that supporters can text along with their donation amounts and provide automated responses to complete the process.

A flexible giving platform like GoFundMe Pay can offer multiple giving options to meet different preferences, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo, to make giving more convenient.

Content and communication strategy

A strong content and communication plan is essential to driving excitement and engagement. Build a content calendar that focuses on pre-event promotion, event-day updates, and post-event follow-ups. Then, share behind-the-scenes moments, feature testimonials, and highlight your mission to create personal connections.

For peer-to-peer fundraising, provide participants with resources like email templates, social media graphics, and talking points to help them raise money on your behalf.

Also, use multiple channels to reach your audience. Text messages work well for urgent updates, emails can provide detailed information, and social media can broaden your reach. Tailor your messaging for each platform while keeping it consistent.

Day-of-event execution

On the day of your event, ensure your team has the necessary mobile fundraising tools for seamless real-time management. Our upcoming Live Events mobile app lets staff check in guests, access registration lists and donor data, and use communication features to keep things running smoothly.

Set up donation stations at your venue with tablets or QR codes for on-site giving. Volunteers can then assist attendees who need help accessing donation pages. You can also use digital displays to show real-time fundraising totals and highlight top donors or fundraising teams to encourage participation.

Also, text messaging is a powerful tool during live events. Use it to share updates, fundraising milestones, or time-sensitive opportunities, like auction closings. Keep the energy high by celebrating progress toward your goals.

Auction and special activities

If your event includes auctions, use mobile bidding tools for a user-friendly and engaging process. Clear item descriptions, high-quality photos, and reasonable starting bids are key. You can even include “buy now” options for popular items to increase donations.

For paddle raises or live pledges, integrate mobile giving tools for participants to make their contributions instantly. This also helps virtual attendees join in the giving, creating a more inclusive experience.

To add friendly competition, gamify your event. Display leaderboards for fundraisers or table groups to inspire donors to give more.

Live Events tools make it easy to bring any of these fundraising efforts to life, enhancing attendee involvement, streamlining communications, and increasing revenue for your cause.

Post-event follow-up and stewardship

Follow up with donors immediately after your event to thank them for their support. Be sure to personalize your messages based on their contributions and explain how their money will make an impact. Using photos or videos from the event reinforces your gratitude.

Next, segment your audience for future outreach. First-time donors may need different follow-up strategies than VIP attendees or major donors. Use the data collected during your event to craft meaningful, targeted communication plans for each segment.

You can also share highlights from your event through social media, email newsletters, or blog posts. Showcasing the success of your campaign keeps donors engaged and demonstrates the impact of their contributions.

Also, encourage attendees to join your recurring giving program—if they haven’t already. Monthly donations provide consistent revenue and help sustain your nonprofit’s work throughout the year.

Measuring fundraising event success and planning ahead

After your fundraising event, review your results to see what worked and where you can improve. Look at metrics like total dollars raised, donor acquisition costs, and average donation amounts. You should also analyze giving data to see which tools were most effective.

Next, document lessons learned and create a playbook for future events. Capture details about what succeeded, what didn’t, and how you can make your next campaign even better.

Lastly, start planning your next event while this one is fresh in your mind. Annual events build momentum year after year, and incorporating new ideas or technologies can keep them exciting for supporters.

With the right planning, tools, and strategy, your fundraising event can inspire generosity and create lasting connections—that’s what we call a success. To explore how GoFundMe Pro can simplify your fundraising event planning and boost your results, request a demo today.

Copy Editor: Ayanna Julien

This blog was written in collaboration with Steve Latham, CEO and co-founder of DonateStock.

Philanthropy is at an inflection point.

Today’s fundraisers face numerous headwinds—including a shrinking donor base, economic uncertainty, and massive cuts in federal funding. While most households may feel cash poor, millions remain asset rich. 

In fact, among the top 25% (35 million) of U.S. households, cash represents less than 10% of assets. The remaining 90% is in securities (like stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds), donor-advised funds (DAFs), vehicles, real estate and other noncash assets. 

Yet, most fundraisers spend 90% of their time pursuing 10% of donor assets. This presents a significant opportunity for forward-thinking fundraisers.  

Why cash is not king

Russell James’ groundbreaking research illustrated the substantial benefits of reducing reliance on cash gifts. In short, fundraisers that grow noncash giving faster than cash giving outperform those that rely predominantly on cash. 

The table below shows how nonprofits that solicit cash and noncash gifts grew almost 5x faster than those that relied solely on cash. Organizations that solicited stock gifts grew even quicker.

The king of noncash assets

Noncash gifts can include stocks, bonds, DAFs, IRAs (qualified charitable distributions), cryptocurrency, vehicles, real estate, art, antiques, and more. Among these, public securities—such as stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds—are the largest and most widely held.  

Today, more than half of U.S. households own more than $40 trillion in stocks, ETFs and mutual funds. Based on the number of potential stock donors, annual stock gifting should exceed $95 billion.

Why stock gifting?

Gifts of stock and mutual funds offer compelling advantages for donors and nonprofits alike.

Donors can avoid capital gains taxes and deduct the full market value of appreciated stock held for more than one year. As illustrated, the tax savings can be significant:

• A donor who invested $1,000 in NVIDIA (NVDA) five years ago now has stock worth approximately $14,000 that they’d like to donate to your organization.
• If they sell the stock, they’d have to pay as much as $4,500 in taxes (depending on the state) on the $13,000 capital gain. This would leave them with only $8,500 to donate.
• If they donate the shares instead, there’s no tax on the gain, and you would receive $14,000 versus $8,500. The donor also receives a much larger tax deduction of $14,000. 

Appreciated securities allow for much larger gifts (averaging $7,000 in 2024) with unmatched tax benefits. When donors gift stock, everyone wins.

The stock gifting gap

Despite its benefits, stock gifting has been drastically underutilized for a few key reasons: 

1. Lack of awareness: Few donors are aware of this option, let alone understand its tax benefits.  
2. Cumbersome process: Traditional stock gifting is a manual and time-consuming effort for donors and advisors. 
3. Fundraiser reluctance: Many fundraisers avoid promoting stock due to the perceived complexity and difficulty in reconciling gifts that arrive without the donor’s identity. 

DonateStock’s analysis of 100,000 nonprofit (990) tax returns revealed that only $11.7 billion in stock gifts were made directly to nonprofits (excluding DAFs) in 2023. If you exclude the small number of mega-gifts, the normalized total was only $1.4 billion.  

This makes appreciated securities the single largest untapped source of charitable funding. 

Introducing an easy button for stock gifting

Technology and innovation remove barriers to stock gifting, making it accessible and manageable for organizations of all sizes. 

How DonateStock makes stock gifting easy

1. Simple donor experience: What once took hours, now takes five minutes with DonateStock’s Easy Button for Stock Gifting™.  Real-time notifications and dashboards deliver transparency throughout the process, improving the donor experience and encouraging recurring gifts. 
2. Full transparency:  With a birds-eye view of all stock gifts, past and present, there’s no more confusion about which donor gifted which shares. Mystery gifts largely disappear, saving countless hours while enabling better donor stewardship.
3. Ability to scale: By automating manual processes, such as facilitating transfers, liquidating securities, reconciling donations, and producing acknowledgement letters, you remove operational friction. More than 90% of DonateStock’s customers process and acknowledge stock gifts through their 501(c)(3). By offloading the busy work, fundraisers can exponentially grow stock gifting while freeing up their team to focus on more important tasks. 
4. Enablement and support: Recognizing that stock gifting is still confusing for many, DonateStock provides live training, playbooks, toolkits, content, and guidance to educate donors and advisors. 

Stock gifting integration with GoFundMe Pro

With the DonateStock and GoFundMe Pro integration, nonprofit teams can simplify the management and tracking of stock donations. Once connected, stock gift transactions sync directly into GoFundMe Pro and can pass directly to your customer relationship management software. 

This automation reduces the manual effort typically required to process and reconcile stock gifts. More importantly, it gives fundraisers valuable time back to engage donors, craft appeals, and advance your organization’s mission. With technology handling the administrative complexities behind the scenes, your team can stay focused on what matters most.

Stock gifting in action

One nonprofit benefiting from stock gifting is World Central Kitchen. By making stock gifting prominent and easy for donors, World Central Kitchen saw stock gifting grow from 1.3% of proceeds to almost 9%—a 6x relative increase versus other channels. 

World Central Kitchen also saw tremendous efficiency gains. By outsourcing the back-end process of selling, reconciling, and acknowledging gifts, it scaled its program without increasing head count. 

Explore the full case study to learn how World Central Kitchen made it happen.

Bringing it all together

Appreciated securities represent trillions in untapped potential. By encouraging donors to share their wealth, nonprofits can grow faster and reduce their reliance on cash. 

The opportunity is clear: Millions of donors have appreciated assets ready to give. All they need is for you to ask them for it and give a simple way to act.

With barriers removed, stock gifting offers a meaningful way for donors to contribute their assets, providing opportunities for growth, deepened relationships, and mission advancement. To learn more about the DonateStock and GoFundMe Pro integration for stock gifting, get in touch with our team today.

Copy Editor: Ayanna Julien