Natasha and I recently consulted with a nonprofit experiencing a very common challenge: their needs have outgrown their support base.
They have a small, dedicated group of donors that have been part of their mission for dozens of years. Each donor is already giving generously.
But this organization needed to raise their budget by 50% within a few months due to a sudden rise in needs.
The founders are already doing a lot right:
- They send a daily email read by over 60% of their donors.
- They record a weekly video with updates on their work.
- They have spent years building genuine relationships with their supporters.
Natasha and I were tasked with helping them get creative to meet their financial goals through increased giving and growth in total donors.
Here are a few of the strategies we explored with them.
Don’t think of this as a checklist. Think of it as an “idea sheet” to help inspire small actions you can take to increase donations in a pinch.
1. Reaching out to the founders’ friends, family, and network with specific needs.
People close to the founders already care about the mission, but they may not realize how urgent the need is. A personal message, whether through a phone call, email, or in-person ask, can turn into quick support.
2. Sharing videos from current donors on why they support this organization.
Social proof goes a long way! Short, authentic videos – shot simply on a phone – can inspire others to give. These can be shared via email, social media, or directly in fundraising appeals.
3. Writing a letter to donors.
Many organizations only send mail on Giving Tuesday or the end of the year… a time when most donors are already flooded with promotions. But you can write a letter to your donors any time.
4. Turning a major donor’s gift into a public donation-matching campaign.
People love to see their donations doubled. If a major donor is willing, turn their gift into a matching challenge and promote it through email and social media.
5. Creating resources that current donors can use to invite others to join.
Make it easy for your biggest supporters to spread the word! Provide email templates, Facebook post templates, text message scripts, and even small printed cards they can hand out.
6. Inviting top donors to host a home fundraiser.
Some donors are happy to give but would be thrilled to do more. Ask them to invite friends, set a fundraising goal, and share why they give. A simple gathering with coffee and conversation can bring in new donors.
7. Creating a welcome packet for new donors with a thank-you note and exclusive information about the cause they’re supporting.
First-time donors should feel like they’re joining something meaningful. A thoughtful welcome packet – including a signed note, stories of impact, and clear next steps to stay involved – makes them more likely to give again.
8. (Re)launch your monthly giving campaign.
Q1 is one of the best times to build a monthly donor base. Give the program a name, create a sense of community, and make sure donors know what their recurring gifts will accomplish.
The Bottom Line:
Doing the same strategies really well for a long time is usually the best plan. But when you need to grow, getting creative can help bridge the gap.
Even small tweaks can make a big difference. If your nonprofit is facing a sudden funding gap, don’t just wait for the next big campaign – start testing new ideas now.
Not every strategy will be a perfect fit, but taking action today sets you up for stronger, more sustainable fundraising tomorrow.
If you’d like to brainstorm ways to grow your donor base or increase giving, we’re here to help.
You’ve got this!
Christian Hinojosa
Communications Strategist