Whether you’re a brand-new nonprofit founder, a volunteer turned fundraiser, or someone who just got handed the job of “bringing in money” — welcome!
Fundraising can feel intimidating, but it’s also one of the most energizing, purpose-driven roles in the nonprofit world.
The good news?
You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Here are 10 practical tips that every new fundraiser should know — complete with example language, tech recommendations, and quick wins you can put into action today.
1. Start with Your Story
Your nonprofit needs more than a mission statement. It needs a story people can feel.
The best fundraising appeals are rooted in a clear, emotionally compelling narrative. One that explains the problem, shows what your organization is doing to solve it, and paints a picture of a better future — with the donor’s help.
Try this story template:
“Meet [Name]. Like many in our community, [Name] faced [describe the problem]. Because of supporters like you, they now [describe the positive transformation].”Be specific. Be human. Donors give when they care, and stories build that connection.
2. Make the First Ask Personal
Don’t start with strangers. Start with the people who already believe in you.
Your first donors will likely be:
- Friends and family
- Colleagues
- Past volunteers or program participants
- Board members (if you have them)
How to start:
Write a list of 25 people who support you personally.
Send a personalized message via text, email, or social media.
- “Hey [Name], I’ve started something I believe in — and I’d love to share it with you. Can I tell you more?”
You’re not asking for money. You’re inviting people to care.
3. Set Up a Donation Page That Works
A confusing or outdated donation form is a deal-breaker.
Your donation page should:
- Be mobile-friendly
- Load fast
- Explain how the money will be used
- Offer recurring gift options
- Givebutter
(great for new nonprofits, free with tip-based model) - Donorbox
(simple integrations with Stripe/PayPal) - Network for Good (robust CRM for small orgs)
“$25 = school supplies for one student for a month”
4. Don’t Wait for Perfection — Launch and Learn
We see it all the time:
“We’ll launch our first campaign after the website is done… the logo is finalized… the board is bigger…”
But the best fundraisers start before they’re ready.
Your first appeal won’t be perfect. That’s okay.
What matters most is getting it out there, seeing what resonates, and iterating from there.
Start messy. Learn fast.
5. Thank Early and Often
Gratitude isn’t a transaction. It’s a relationship-builder.
Thank your donors within 24–48 hours of every gift — and do it personally if you can. A well-timed thank-you boosts donor retention and trust.
Ideas:
- Handwritten thank-you note
- Short video from your phone
- Email with a quick impact story
“Your gift made it possible for Jamie to get a warm meal last night. Thank you.”
6. Focus on Retention, Not Just Acquisition
It’s exciting to bring in new donors. But the real magic (and long-term sustainability) happens when you keep them.
In fact, it costs 5x more to acquire a new donor than to retain an existing one.
How to retain donors:
- Keep them in the loop with updates
- Show them their gift made a difference
- Invite them to be part of the next step
Make your donors feel like partners — not ATMs.
7. Create Simple, Repeatable Fundraising Campaigns
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every month.
Build a few core fundraising structures that you can grow over time:
A monthly giving program (“$10/month makes you a Hero Member”)
An annual peer-to-peer campaign (great for Giving Tuesday)
A signature event (virtual or in-person)
Tool to try:
- Classy or RallyUp for peer-to-peer
- Eventbrite or Zoom for online fundraising events
Systems scale. One-off appeals don’t.
8. Use Social Media for Storytelling, Not Just Promotion
If your social posts are only “Donate now!” or event flyers, you’re missing the chance to build trust and connection.
Instead, use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to:
- Share mission moments
- Post short videos from staff or program participants
- Highlight donors or volunteers
Think engagement, not just announcements. The more people care about your work, the more likely they are to give.
9. Lean Into Urgency and Impact
Donors are more likely to act when:
- There’s a reason to give now
- They know what their gift will do
“Help us reach our $10K goal by Friday — and provide meals for 100 families this weekend.”
“Just $5 provides a hygiene kit for a refugee arriving today.”
Time + transformation = action.
10. Invest in Your Growth as a Fundraiser
Fundraising is a skill. A craft. A mindset.
And like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and improved.
Resources to explore:
- OSU’s Fundraising Certificate Program
(100% online) - The Nonprofit Storytelling Conference
- AFP Membership
(Association of Fundraising Professionals)
Final Thought
You don’t need to be a natural-born fundraiser.
You just need to care, show up, and keep learning. Fundraising is about building relationships.
Telling stories.
Creating opportunities for others to be part of something meaningful.
Start with these 10 tips — and when you’re ready to deepen your skills and strategy, the Oregon State University Fundraising Certificate is here to help.
You’ve got the mission. Let’s help you fund it.
