Are you tired of pouring every spare moment into your nonprofit only to see donations barely trickle in? You’re not alone. Over 75% of small nonprofits struggle with inconsistent funding, leaving leaders stuck in survival mode. If you’ve ever lain awake at night wondering how to keep the lights on next month—or dreamed of finally having the resources to achieve your mission—this blog is for you. In the next few minutes, we’ll dive into proven fundraising strategies that will help you build reliable funding streams, take charge of your efforts, and give you the breathing room to focus on what truly matters: your mission.
What Are Fundraising Strategies?
Fundraising strategies are the carefully planned methods nonprofits use to secure financial support from donors. Unlike one-off fundraising ideas, strategies provide a structured approach to acquiring, retaining, and upgrading donors. A solid fundraising strategy isn’t just about asking for money—it’s about building relationships, telling your story, and creating a sustainable model for long-term growth.
Many nonprofits unknowingly fall into a common trap: bouncing from one fundraising idea to the next without a clear strategy. One day it’s a raffle; the next, it’s an event or a Facebook post asking for donations. This scattershot approach is unpredictable and exhausting. But what if you could stop chasing random ideas and start following a proven system that works?
How to Develop a Successful Nonprofit Fundraising Strategy
I’m Joanne Toller, a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), and I’ve spent the last 30 years helping nonprofits raise millions. I’ve seen it all—and I know that moving from unpredictable fundraising to a reliable system is possible. Enter the ARU Method, a simple but powerful three-step approach: Acquire, Retain, and Upgrade donors.
Step 1: Acquiring Donors
Donor acquisition isn’t about blasting social media posts or sending cold emails, hoping someone will donate. It’s about finding people who believe in your mission and want to be part of your story.
Top Tips for Acquiring Donors:
Start with your why. People don’t give to organizations; they give to stories that move them. Share the emotional core of why you exist.
Tap into your existing donors and stakeholders, asking them about work in their networks that might support your organizations.
Increase visibility, sharing impact stories on social media, speak at local events, and collaborate with community influencers.
Be specific in your asks. Instead of a vague “Please donate,” try, “Your $50 provides a week of meals for a local family.”
Never stop learning: Pay attention to what works, listen to feedback, and stay curious.
Step 2: Retaining Donors
Did you know that nonprofits lose an average of 60% of donors after their first gift? Imagine the impact if you could cut that in half—or better yet, keep donors coming back year after year.
How to Retain Donors:
Practice meaningful gratitude by skipping the generic thank-you email. Send handwritten notes or make personal phone calls.
Stay connected year-round by sharing stories, send newsletters, and keep donors updated.
Tell stories, not just stats: While numbers matter, it’s the stories that keep donors emotionally invested.
Involve your donors by inviting them to volunteer, attend events, or offer their insights.
Step 3: Upgrading Donors
Upgrading donors isn’t about twisting arms for bigger checks—it’s about inviting loyal supporters to play a bigger role in your mission.
How to Upgrade Donors:
Acknowledge their loyalty by recognizing repeat donors and the impact they’ve made.
Show them what’s next by inviting them to sponsor projects or join exclusive groups.
Leverage matching gifts by encourage major donors to offer matching gifts to motivate others.
Have a conversation, not a transaction: Understand their motivations and invite them to become heroes in your story.
What is the Best Fundraising Method?
The best fundraising method isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s a strategy that aligns with your nonprofit’s mission, resources, and community. By focusing on acquiring, retaining, and upgrading donors through the ARU Method, you’ll build a sustainable fundraising model that doesn’t just survive—it thrives.
Ready to Level Up Your Fundraising?
If you’re serious about making a real impact, consider applying the ARU Method to your fundraising strategy. Need guidance? Schedule a quick call to see if my program is the right fit for you. Even if you’re not ready for a full program, you can start implementing these strategies today.
Your mission matters, and with the right fundraising strategy, you can achieve lasting impact. You’ve got this!
Joanne Toller, CFRE (Ret.) 🌿
The Cause Specialists
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