How to Start a Successful Fundraiser in 15 Easy Steps

Want to make a real difference while bringing people together? Starting a fundraiser might be exactly what you’re looking for! 

Whether you’re raising money for a cause close to your heart or organizing a charity event for your workplace, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create an unforgettable fundraising experience.

What Makes a Successful Fundraiser?

A successful fundraiser combines three key elements: a compelling cause, strategic planning, and genuine connection with donors. 

The most effective fundraisers create emotional resonance while maintaining professional organization and clear communication throughout the entire process.

According to the Giving USA Foundation, Americans donated $499.33 billion to charitable causes in 2022. That’s a lot of generous hearts making a difference! 

Let’s help you tap into that spirit of giving with proven strategies that work. Here are our 15 steps to help you create a fundraiser that’ll not only meet your goals, but exceed them!

Step 1: Define Your Compelling “Why”

The heart of every successful fundraiser beats with purpose. 

Your “why” is as much a goal as it is the story that will inspire others to join your cause.

Start by crafting a clear mission statement that explains exactly what you’re raising money for and why it matters. Share specific examples of how donations will create change, like “Every $100 provides a week of meals for a family in need” or “Your donation helps fund groundbreaking cancer research at local hospitals.”

Research shows that donors are more likely to give when they understand the specific impact of their contribution. Back up your mission with concrete data while keeping the emotional connection strong. For example, if you’re raising money for education, share both the statistics about graduation rates AND the story of a student whose life was transformed through similar programs.

Connect Through Shared Values 

Beyond impact, understanding what motivates your donors on a personal level is crucial for building lasting support. Studies show that donors are more likely to give to causes that align with their personal values. Make these connections explicit:

• For environmental causes: Appeal to donors’ desire to preserve nature for future generations
• For education initiatives: Connect to parents’ hopes for their children’s futures
• For health-related causes: Tap into universal desires for wellbeing and caring for loved ones

Real-World Example: Instead of saying “We need money for school supplies,” say “In our district, 67% of teachers spend their own money on basic classroom supplies. Ms. Rodriguez spent $800 last year just to provide her students with notebooks and pencils. Your donation of $50 equips an entire classroom with essential learning tools for a month.”

Pro Tip: Create a “Values Statement” alongside your mission statement. This helps potential donors quickly see how your cause aligns with their own beliefs and priorities.

Connecting with others, including potential donors, requires people skills! Improve yours with our comprehensive training program: 

Step 2: Set SMART Fundraising Goals

Numbers matter in fundraising, but they need context and strategy to become achievable. The SMART goal-setting framework transforms vague hopes into actionable targets by making them:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish
• Measurable: Include concrete numbers and metrics
• Achievable: Set realistic goals based on your resources
• Relevant: Align with your mission and cause
• Time-bound: Set clear deadlines and milestones

Instead of saying “raise money for the animal shelter,” a SMART goal would be something like “raise $25,000 to fund medical care for 100 rescued pets by December 31st.”

For more info on setting SMART goals, check out our comprehensive guide: SMART Goals: 5 Tips for Successful Goal Setting.

Your primary goal might be financial, but don’t forget about meaningful secondary objectives that support your success:

• Community Engagement Goals: Track how many new donors you bring into your cause’s community. This helps build long-term support beyond just one event.
• Social Impact Metrics: Measure the actual change you’re creating, like “provide 1,000 meals” or “fund 50 hours of counseling services.”
• Volunteer Recruitment: Set targets for building your support team, which expands your reach and impact.

Real-World Example: The local animal shelter moved from “Help us save pets!” to “Fund 100 pet surgeries by June.” Their donations doubled when they showed that every $250 covered one life-saving operation.

Pro Tip: Create a visual goal tracker that shows both dollars raised AND impact made (like “12 surgeries funded so far!”). Donors love seeing both numbers grow.

Step 3: Choose Your Fundraising Format

Your format needs to match both your goals and your audience’s preferences. Think about what will resonate most with your potential donors and what’s feasible for your team to execute well.

For professional networks, consider:

• Charity Galas: Perfect for corporate sponsorships and high-value donations. Add unique elements like silent auctions or entertainment to increase engagement.
• Skills-based Events: Host workshops or seminars where professionals share expertise while raising funds.

For community-focused fundraisers:

• Athletic Events: Organize runs, walks, or sports tournaments that bring people together for active fun.
• Cultural Celebrations: Plan festivals or performances that celebrate your community while supporting your cause.

For digital-first approaches:

• Virtual Challenges: Create social media-friendly campaigns that encourage participation and sharing.
• Hybrid Events: Combine in-person gatherings with digital elements to reach a broader audience.

Real-World Example: A local tech startup chose a “Code for Good” hackathon instead of a traditional gala. Teams paid entry fees and created solutions for local nonprofits, raising $30,000 while building useful tools.

Pro Tip: Survey your existing supporters about their preferred event types before deciding. Often, what organizers think will work best differs from what donors actually want.

Step 4: Build Your Dream Team

A successful fundraiser runs on people power. Your team structure should reflect both the scale of your event and the skills needed to make it shine. Make sure to match roles to talents and ensure clear communication channels.

Core roles to fill:

• Event Director: Your strategic leader who keeps everyone aligned with the mission and timeline.
• Finance Manager: Tracks budgets, expenses, and donation processing with precision.
• Marketing Coordinator: Crafts your message and ensures it reaches the right audiences.

Create clear responsibilities and regular check-in schedules for each role. When everyone knows their part and how it connects to the bigger picture, your fundraiser gains momentum naturally.

Real-World Example: A struggling school fundraiser took off after assigning a local real estate agent as Sponsorship Coordinator. Her networking skills brought in five corporate sponsors worth $15,000.

Pro Tip: Give each team member a “deputy” or backup person. This prevents burnout and ensures smooth operation even if someone needs to step away.

Want more? Learn how to build your ultimate dream team: How to Build a Dream Team with Shane Snow

Step 5: Create a Realistic Budget

Smart budgeting makes the difference between a fundraiser that thrives and one that struggles. Start by researching average costs for similar events in your area. Then plan for both essentials and surprises.

Key budget categories to consider:

• Venue and Equipment: Account for rental fees, insurance, and any technical needs.
• Marketing Materials: Include both digital and physical promotional items.
• Operating Costs: Consider staffing, permits, and day-of expenses.

Always set aside 10-15% of your total budget as a contingency fund. This gives you flexibility to handle unexpected costs without derailing your plans.

Real-World Example: One animal shelter saved $5,000 on venue costs by partnering with a local brewery that offered their space for free in exchange for publicity and a percentage of drink sales.

Pro Tip: Create two budgets: a “bare minimum” version that covers just the essentials and an “ideal scenario” version with everything you’d like to include. This helps with flexible planning.

Step 6: Develop Your Marketing Strategy

Your marketing plan should tell a story that moves people to action. 

To do so, non-profit founder Bruce Pelz recommends creating seven “touchpoints” with your potential donors. He breaks these down into four phases using a farming analogy: plowing the fields, watering the seeds, fertilizing the seeds, and harvesting the fruit.

To become a fundraising farmer, create a multi-channel approach that builds momentum:

Start with your digital presence:

• Email Marketing: Design a sequence that nurtures potential donors by sharing impact stories, progress updates, and clear calls to action.
• Social Media: Create shareable content that supporters can easily spread to their networks, expanding your reach organically.
• Website or Landing Page: Build a dedicated online home for your fundraiser where people can learn more and take action.
• Use photos and videos to tell stories! People connect with people not causes. Be sure to share lots of photos and videos telling stories that will connect you with the right donors.

According to research^{1 https://som.yale.edu/story/2024/understanding-donor-behavior-insights-increasing-engagement-and-charitable-giving#:~:text=The%20research%20also%20showed%20that,care%20about%2C%20driving%20donation%20intent.} , donors are particularly drawn to organizations that share research-based findings and make data-driven decisions. Include scientific evidence and impact studies in your marketing materials to build trust. Consider using calls-to-action that reflect donor aspirations— for example, ‘GIVE & LEARN’ might perform better than generic ‘GIVE NOW’ buttons.

Traditional marketing still matters too:

• Local Media Coverage: Connect with journalists by sharing compelling human interest angles about your cause.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses and organizations to amplify your message.

Real-World Example: A youth mentorship program created short “day in the life” videos of their mentees. These 30-second clips shared on social media brought in 40% more donations than their traditional email campaign.

Pro Tip: Use the “Rule of 3” in your marketing: share your message across at least three different channels (like email, social, and print) for maximum impact. Want more tips? Read on: 21 Tips on The Psychology of Advertising to Maximize Sales

Step 7: Secure Sponsorships

Corporate sponsorships can transform your fundraising potential, but make sure you find alignment between your cause and potential sponsors’ values. Just like donors are more likely to donate to causes that match their values, consumers are more motivated to purchase from companies that share their ideals. 

Create tiered sponsorship packages that offer clear value:

• Brand Visibility: Offer logo placement, social media mentions, and speaking opportunities scaled to contribution levels.
• Community Impact: Show how sponsorship directly supports your cause’s mission with specific metrics.
• Engagement Opportunities: Provide ways for sponsors to connect meaningfully with your audience.

Real-World Example: A local food bank secured a major grocery chain sponsor by offering to feature the store’s nutritionists in a series of healthy cooking workshops for food bank clients.

Pro Tip: Create a one-page “sponsorship cheat sheet” that your team can easily share, highlighting your reach, audience demographics, and specific sponsorship opportunities.

Step 8: Choose the Perfect Timing

Timing can make or break your fundraiser’s success. Consider your audience’s schedule and competing events in your community. A corporate giving event might work best during the work week, while a family-focused fundraiser could thrive on weekends.

Charitable giving tends to peak during certain periods:

• End of Year: December typically sees the highest donation rates.
• Special Awareness Months: Align with months dedicated to your cause.
• Local Community Calendars: Avoid conflicts with major community events.

Real-World Example: A breast cancer awareness run switched from October (breast cancer awareness month) to September to avoid competing with five other similar events, resulting in 60% higher participation.

Pro Tip: Create a “Fundraising Competition Calendar” for your area. Track when similar organizations host their events and find the sweet spots in between.

Step 9: Select and Book Your Venue

Your venue sets the tone for your entire event. Whether physical or virtual, it needs to align with both your practical needs and atmospheric goals. Consider accessibility first—can all your potential donors easily participate?

Essential venue considerations:

• Capacity: Allow for comfortable movement and interaction among your expected attendance.
• Technical Requirements: Ensure proper lighting, sound, and internet connectivity for your planned activities.
• Atmosphere: Choose a space that reflects your cause’s professionalism and mission.

Real-World Example: A literacy nonprofit hosted their fundraiser at a historic library after hours. The unique setting created perfect photo opportunities, and their social media engagement tripled compared to previous events.

Pro Tip: Always ask venues about their “dead periods” or off-peak times. You can often get significant discounts by booking during these slots.

Step 10: Set Up Your Digital Infrastructure

Modern fundraising requires robust digital tools. Your technology should make it easy for donors to support your cause while helping you track and manage contributions effectively.

Essential digital elements include:

• Payment Processing: Choose secure, user-friendly platforms that accept multiple payment methods.
• Donor Management: Track contributions and maintain supporter relationships with a reliable CRM system.
• Communication Tools: Set up automated thank-you messages and progress updates.

When setting up donation options, less is more. Research shows that reducing preset donation amount options from five to three actually increases donation rates. Keep your giving process simple and streamlined.

Real-World Example: A small arts organization doubled their donations by adding Apple Pay and text-to-give options alongside traditional payment methods.

Pro Tip: Test your donation process with first-time users. If they can’t complete a donation in under two minutes, simplify your system.

Step 11: Create Engaging Content

Content is your bridge to donors’ hearts and minds. A recent study revealed that people respond more generously to detailed stories about individual beneficiaries than to general statistics. This “identified victim effect” shows that tangible, specific information makes donors feel their contributions will have real impact.

Focus your content strategy on:

• Impact Stories: Share detailed examples of how donations create change for specific individuals
• Progress Updates: Keep supporters engaged with concrete, tangible results
• Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses: Show the actual work that goes into your cause

Real-World Example: A homeless shelter created “60-second success stories” featuring former clients who found housing, including specific details about their journey and how donations helped. These brief but detailed videos received 5x more shares than their general promotional content.

Pro Tip: When sharing statistics, always pair them with a detailed story about one person who represents that statistic. This combines the credibility of data with the emotional power of personal narrative.

Step 12: Recruit and Train Volunteers

Volunteers multiply your impact while bringing energy and authenticity to your cause. Create a volunteer experience that’s both meaningful and well-organized. 

Structure your volunteer program with:

• Clear Role Descriptions: Define exactly what each position entails and what success looks like.
• Training Materials: Provide resources that help volunteers represent your cause effectively.
• Support Systems: Establish clear communication channels and problem-solving procedures.

Real-World Example: A neighborhood cleanup campaign created “Block Captain” roles for volunteers. Each captain adopted a street and recruited their neighbors, turning a one-day event into a sustainable program.

Pro Tip: Create volunteer “buddy teams” pairing experienced helpers with newcomers. This builds confidence and improves retention rates.

Step 13: Plan Day-of Logistics

Success lives in the details. Create a minute-by-minute timeline for your event day, including setup, main activities, and cleanup. Share this schedule with all team members and include buffer time for unexpected situations.

Essential logistics planning includes:

• Setup Timeline: Map out when and where each element needs to be prepared.
• Team Communication: Establish clear channels for real-time updates and problem-solving.
• Emergency Procedures: Prepare for potential issues with backup plans and contact lists.

Real-World Example: A charity auction created a visual setup map with photos of exactly how each display should look. This cut setup time by 45 minutes and reduced volunteer confusion.

Pro Tip: Create a “go box” with emergency supplies like extension cords, tape, markers, and backup nametags. You’ll be surprised how often these come in handy.

Step 14: Execute and Monitor

During your fundraiser, stay focused on both the big picture and critical details. Set up a command center where key team members can coordinate responses to any situations that arise. Monitor progress toward your goals in real-time so you can make adjustments as needed.

Key monitoring areas include:

• Donation Tracking: Watch contribution patterns to identify and amplify what’s working best.
• Participant Engagement: Gauge audience response and adapt activities accordingly.
• Technical Systems: Ensure all digital tools continue functioning smoothly.

Real-World Example: One gala event set up a real-time donation tracker on large screens. Seeing the numbers climb created friendly competition among tables, increasing donations by 35%.

Pro Tip: Assign a dedicated “problem solver” who isn’t tied to specific tasks and can handle unexpected issues as they arise.

Step 15: Follow Up and Say Thank You

The end of your fundraiser is actually the beginning of your next success. Follow-up actions often determine whether one-time donors become long-term supporters. In a recent Burk Donor Survey^{2 https://clairification.com/2019/07/08/donors-lament-didnt-thank-properly-2/#:~:text=In%20a%20recent%20Burk%20Donor,of%20the%20acknowledgement%20they%20received.} , 45% of donors said that they were inspired to give again by a genuine thank you letter.

Critical follow-up actions include:

• Immediate Acknowledgment: Send personalized thank-you messages within 48 hours.
• Impact Reports: Share specific details about how contributions will be used.
• Future Engagement: Offer clear ways for supporters to stay involved with your cause.

Real-World Example: A youth sports program sent donors short video thank-yous from the kids who received equipment through their contributions. Their donor retention rate increased from 45% to 78%.

Pro Tip: Create a “stewardship calendar” that plans donor touchpoints throughout the year, not just around fundraising events.

Different Types of Fundraisers: Finding Your Perfect Format

Different types of fundraisers serve different purposes and communities. The key to success is matching your format to both your cause and your audience. Let’s explore the most effective types of fundraisers and what makes each one unique.

Peer-to-Peer Events

The power of peer-to-peer fundraising lies in its ability to transform your supporters into active fundraisers themselves. These events harness the strength of personal networks and social connections, often leading to broader reach and deeper community engagement.

• Walk/Run/Bike Events: Participants collect pledges and join a physical challenge
• Virtual Fitness Challenges: Track activities like steps or miles through apps
• Birthday/Celebration Campaigns: Supporters dedicate special occasions to your cause

Key Requirements:

• Easy-to-use fundraising pages
• Mobile-friendly donation tracking
• Social sharing capabilities

Community Gatherings

Nothing beats the energy and connection of in-person events. Community gatherings create memorable experiences while building lasting relationships with your supporters. These events often become annual traditions that donors look forward to year after year.

• Auctions and Galas: High-end events with entertainment and bidding
• Food and Culture Festivals: Celebrate community while raising funds
• Sports Tournaments: Engage athletic communities through competition

Key Requirements:

• Venue logistics expertise
• Local business partnerships
• Strong volunteer coordination

Virtual Fundraisers

The digital revolution has transformed fundraising, opening up new possibilities for reaching supporters anywhere in the world. Virtual fundraisers offer unique advantages in accessibility and scalability.

• Online Auctions: Digital bidding on donated items
• Livestream Events: Virtual concerts, performances, or presentations
• Social Media Challenges: Viral campaigns that spread organically

Essential Technology Tools: Your Digital Fundraising Toolkit

In today’s digital world, having the right technology can make or break your fundraising success. 

Let’s explore the most effective platforms for different aspects of your fundraising efforts.

Donation Management

The foundation of your digital toolkit should be a reliable donation processing system. These platforms handle everything from one-time gifts to recurring donations:

• Qgiv:^{3 https://www.qgiv.com/} Perfect for smaller nonprofits, offering user-friendly interfaces and customizable forms at reasonable rates
• Givebutter:^{4https://givebutter.com/} Modern platform that excels at social integration and transparent fee structures
• DonorPerfect:^{5 https://www.donorperfect.com/} Comprehensive solution for organizations needing robust donor relationship tracking

Event Management

Whether you’re running a virtual auction or an in-person gala, specialized event software can streamline your operations:

• Eventbrite:^{6 https://www.eventbrite.com/} Excellent for ticket sales and registration, with strong marketing features built in
• OneCause:^{7 https://www.onecause.com/} Specialized fundraising features including mobile bidding and peer-to-peer capabilities
• GiveSmart:^{8 https://www.givesmart.com/} Premier choice for auction management with powerful mobile bidding tools

Marketing and Communication

Keeping your supporters engaged requires consistent, professional communication across multiple channels:

• MailChimp:^{9 https://mailchimp.com/} Create professional email campaigns with automated sequences
• Canva:^{10 https://www.canva.com/} Design beautiful promotional materials even without a graphic designer
• Hootsuite:^{11 https://www.hootsuite.com/} Manage all your social media accounts from one dashboard

Pro Tip: Start with one tool from each category and master it before adding more to your toolkit. This prevents technology overwhelm and ensures you’re using each platform effectively.

Advanced Marketing Techniques: Taking Your Fundraiser to the Next Level

Modern fundraising requires sophisticated marketing approaches that go beyond basic outreach. Here’s a deep dive into strategies that can transform your fundraising results from good to exceptional.

Storytelling Through Data

Numbers alone rarely inspire action, but stories backed by data can be incredibly powerful. Here’s how you can present your impact in ways that resonate emotionally while providing concrete proof of success:

• Create visual impact reports showing exactly how donations are used
• Share progression stories that track specific projects or beneficiaries over time
• Use interactive dashboards that let donors explore your impact metrics

Example: A youth education program increased donations by 85% after creating “Journey Maps” showing how $100 increments directly affected a student’s educational path.

Learn how to tell stories the right way! Read on: How to Tell a Great Story: Learn Science of Storytelling

Multi-Channel Automation

Smart automation helps you stay connected with donors without overwhelming your team:

• Design email sequences that gradually deepen donor engagement
• Create targeted social media ad campaigns based on previous interaction
• Implement SMS updates for time-sensitive campaigns or matching gift opportunities

Pro Tip: Test your automated sequences by signing up yourself first. Pay attention to timing and frequency—you want to stay top-of-mind without becoming annoying.

Social Proof Strategies

People are more likely to donate when they see others supporting your cause. Leverage this psychology through:

• Live donation feeds during events showing real-time contribution activity
• Donor walls that highlight different giving levels
• Impact testimonials from beneficiaries and supporters
• Corporate partner spotlights that showcase business community support
• Encourage a hashtag for people to share their donation on social media

Community Ambassador Programs

Transform your most passionate supporters into powerful advocates:

• Create tiered ambassador levels with specific goals and rewards
• Provide branded content kits that make sharing easy
• Host exclusive ambassador events or preview opportunities
• Track and celebrate ambassador success with recognition programs

Example: A local food bank doubled its monthly donations by recruiting 50 “Hunger Heroes”— community ambassadors who each committed to raising $1,000 through their networks.

Pro Tip: Update your marketing approaches every quarter based on performance data. What works today might not work tomorrow, so stay agile and ready to adapt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Starting a Fundraiser

Your Fundraising Success Starts Now

Starting a successful fundraiser takes dedication, planning, and heart. By following these 15 steps, you’ll be well-equipped to create an impactful fundraising campaign that resonates with donors and achieves your goals.Want to learn more about building the kind of community that supports your cause? Check out our guide on How to Build a Community, With Sarah K. Peck to develop deeper connections with your supporters.