Top Fundraising Tips
1. Pick a Strong Campaign Name
Your campaign name is the first thing people see. Make it stand out.
Tips:
Start with action words like “Help,” “Support,” “Build,” or “Save”
Include who or what the fundraiser is for
Keep it short and clear (under 60 characters)
Examples: “Help Rebuild Amy’s Home” or “Support the Animal Shelter Today”
2. Share a Real Story
People want to know why your fundraiser matters. Tell them the full story.
What to Include:
Start with something that grabs attention
Explain what the problem is and why it matters
Share who will benefit and how
Explain your personal connection
Tell people how the nonprofit you have chosen will use the money
Example: “$1,500 for school supplies, $1,000 for food, $500 for transport”
3. Use Photos and Videos
Pictures and videos help people feel more connected to your cause.
How to Do It:
Choose one strong photo to lead your campaign
Show different parts of your story
Add a short video if you can, it helps people care more. If it is of you speaking, that's even better!
4. Start Strong in the First 72 Hours
The first few days of your fundraiser are super important.
What to Do:
Share your campaign within 6 hours of posting it
Ask your closest friends and family first
Share it 8–12 times in the first three days
Make it urgent, but stay positive
5. Share in Lots of Places
The more people see your fundraiser, the more likely they are to give.
Where to Share:
Social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc.
Email your contacts personally
Make posters or flyers for local sharing
Talk to clubs, schools, or churches
Each new place you share can really grow your reach
6. Ask for Specific Help
Be clear about what you’re asking for, don’t just post a link.
How to Ask:
Share the link with a short message
Suggest donation amounts ($10, $25, etc.)
Explain what each amount can do
Example: “$25 helps feed one family for a week. Can you help 4 families today?”
Create giving levels like: Supporter ($10), Helper ($25), Hero ($100)
7. Keep Everyone Updated
This is really important. Regular updates keep people interested and build trust.
How Often:
Post your first update within 5 days of launching
Keep sharing updates every week
Celebrate when you hit 25%, 50%, 75% of your goal
Show photos or short videos of progress
Fundraisers with updates raise 4x more money
8. Say Thank You and Stay Connected
A little appreciation goes a long way. Make sure donors feel valued.
How to Say Thanks:
Send a personal thank-you within 24 hours
Post a public thank-you (with their permission)
Share what their money helped you do
Stay in touch, even after the fundraiser ends
You can even mail a thank-you card for big gifts
Extra Fundraising Ideas
Best Times to Launch
Tuesdays through Thursdays are best for donations
Avoid major holidays unless they match your cause
Match your campaign with the season when possible
Set the Right Goal
Start with a goal that feels doable
Raise your goal once you’re close to reaching it or use Better Giving's automatic goal setter that raises the goal each time it is met.
Publicise how many people are donating on the donation wall, it helps others join in
Build a Community
Make a Facebook group or email list
Ask supporters to share their stories too
Host a live or online event to connect
Work with Businesses
Look for companies that care about your cause
Create a short presentation to share with them
Offer to thank them publicly or include their logo
How to Track Success
Look at these numbers to see how you’re doing:
Conversion Rate: How many visitors become donors
Average Donation: Try to increase this over time
Share Rate: How often people share your campaign
Update Reactions: Are people reading and liking your updates?
Repeat Visitors: Do people come back to check progress?
Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use boring, general messages: Make it personal
Don’t stop posting updates: Keep the momentum going
Don’t ignore your donors: Always thank them
Don’t be vague: Be clear about what you need
Don’t just share in one place: Spread the word everywhere
Final Advice
Good fundraising is all about real connections. Show why you care, be honest, and thank your supporters often. People want to help, they just need to see the impact they can make.
Don’t just ask for money, invite people to be part of something bigger.
If you’re clear, passionate, and organized, your fundraiser will have the best chance to succeed.
Good luck and here's to better fundraising for a nonprofit near you!