Year-end is a key fundraising period for nonprofits, and it’s also one of the most challenging times of year. There are many ways you can improve your year-end fundraising efforts and help get your organization in front of more potential donors.
Here are 10 fundraising tips to help your nonprofit
1. Prepare your website
First and foremost, make sure your website is up to date and properly optimized for search engines. This is especially important around the holidays. Having up-to-date information about your organization, including stories from clients who have been helped by your work, can help encourage potential donors to give.
2. Send an email appeal
Whether you have a large list of existing donors or are just starting to build your database, a well-crafted email appeal can be a successful way to drum up support at the end of the year. Make sure it is clear, concise, and compelling – and don’t forget to include links that make it easy for people to donate online!
3. Host an event or special promotion
Consider hosting a fundraising event or running a special promotion at the end of the year that will get people excited about supporting your organization and encourage them to give. This could be anything from a holiday bake sale to a raffle drawing for a prize donated by one of your supporters.
4. Leverage corporate matching gifts
Many companies offer a matching gift program for their employees, which provides an opportunity to double or even triple the impact of each donation received. Reach out to your donors and let them know that their gift may qualify for this benefit – it could be the difference between meeting your goal and falling short!
5. Request year-end giving pledges from major donors
If you have supporters who are able to make larger donations, consider asking them to pledge what they can give before December 31st so that you can include those funds in your end of year total. This is a win-win situation – not only do these pledges help ensure that your organization meets its fundraising goals, but also they help supporters plan their giving for the coming year and feel good about their contribution.
6. Utilize social media to spread the word
Whether you’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other popular platform, use it to reach out to your donors and let them know what you’re up to. Post photos of recent events, share updates about ongoing projects, and express gratitude for those who have already given. People will be more likely to donate if they feel connected to your organization!
7. Use peer-to-peer fundraising tools like Crowdrise or GoFundMe
These platforms make it easy for supporters to raise money online by creating a customized fundraising page that can be shared with family members, friends, coworkers, and other contacts. Not only can this help you raise more money in the end, but also it will increase awareness and engagement with your organization throughout the year.
8. Reach out to foundations
Many nonprofits rely on grants from foundations for a significant portion of their overall funding – and these grants are often awarded at the end of each year, providing an opportunity to secure much-needed funds before December 31st! Keep track of any deadlines you find and make sure to follow up as needed.
9. Engage board members and volunteers
They may not be able to provide financial support themselves, but they can help make a big difference by sharing your message with their own friends and family. Make it easy for supporters to get involved by putting together an email or social media campaign that board members can send out to their contacts or asking them to share information about your organization on their own social networks!
10. Lay the groundwork for next year
Finally, make sure you have a plan in place to thank all of your supporters and donors. Nothing is more important than showing appreciation for those who have chosen to help your organization! This could be anything from a heartfelt handwritten note or even an exclusive event just for the people who made donations during the year-end fundraising season.
End of the year is always a busy time, but as long as you’re prepared and know what you’re doing, you should be able to meet (or even exceed!) your fundraising goals. Stay focused, reach out often, and remember that every gift makes a difference.
