Fundraising today comes with more pressure—and more potential—than ever. But while plenty of nonprofits have great fundraising ideas, many still struggle with scattered efforts, unclear goals, and the constant stress of trying to keep up with changing donor expectations.
In fact, only 43% of nonprofits have a cohesive fundraising plan in place (Nonprofit Research Collaborative). That means the majority still operate without a clear strategy to guide campaigns, connect with donors, or measure progress.
What does it take to build a fundraising approach that actually works? Drawing from our experience helping hundreds of nonprofits optimize their fundraising efforts, we’ve narrowed down a list of eight practical, essential elements to include in your nonprofit fundraising strategy.
1. Set Goals & Measure Impact
A strong fundraising plan begins with a goal—and not just a dollar amount. The most effective teams break down fundraising targets into clear, trackable milestones using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), adapted for nonprofit work.
Try this 5-step process:
- Define a specific dollar or donor goal
- Add a deadline that makes sense for your campaign
- Identify metrics beyond dollars (e.g., number of recurring donors, event attendance)
- Assign owners to each goal
- Choose the nonprofit technology tools you’ll use to track and report progress
This approach ensures your entire team is working toward the same outcomes—and it gives you a clear view of how close you are to hitting your targets, allowing for corrections when needed.
2. Focus on Donor Retention, Not Just Acquisition
Many nonprofit fundraising plans focus on getting new donors in the door—but retaining the ones you already have is where the real value lies. Donor retention strategies are more cost-effective and yield higher returns over time.
Simple ways to improve retention:
- Personalize your follow-ups with names and past giving data
- Share updates on the impact of their gift
- Use a mix of email, phone, and social media to stay in touch
- Celebrate donor milestones like anniversaries or recurring gift streaks
3. Use Multiple Fundraising Channels
Donors connect in different ways. A multi-channel fundraising approach ensures you’re reaching people where they already are—whether that’s online, through events, or by mail.
| Channel | Pros |
| Email Campaigns | Low cost, easy to personalize |
| Peer-to-Peer | High engagement, encourages social sharing |
| Events (virtual/in-person) | Builds community and brings energy to your mission |
| Text-to-Give | Fast and mobile-friendly for quick donations |
| Direct Mail | Great for reaching older or less digitally connected supporters |
The key is choosing the right mix based on your audience—and finding the right tools to streamline communication without all the manual work!
4. Plan Your Budget with ROI in Mind
Every fundraising campaign comes with costs—marketing, staff time, printing, you name it. That’s why budgeting strategically is essential to avoid waste and ensure your campaigns are sustainable.
Break down your fundraising budget into:
- Promotion (ads, print materials, design, digital marketing)
- Staff time and training
- Tools and fundraising platforms
- Event logistics (if applicable)
- Donor engagement and follow-up (thank-you gifts, emails, calls)
Then, track how much each campaign raises compared to what it costs. That simple ROI check can help you make smarter decisions next time. This data-driven approach helps you allocate resources to your highest-performing fundraising activities and adjust underperforming ones, maximizing your mission impact over time.
5. Choose the Right Fundraising Platform
There’s no shortage of fundraising platforms out there—but picking one that truly supports your nonprofit’s needs can make all the difference.
Here’s a simple checklist for evaluating a platform:
- Does it support multiple fundraising formats (donations, events, auctions, peer-to-peer)?
- Can it handle donor communications, receipts, and reporting in one place?
- Is it user-friendly for your team and your supporters?
- Does it reduce the need for manual data entry or extra tools?
- Can it grow with you over time?
An all-in-one platform like Giveffect checks all those boxes—helping nonprofits bring fundraising, donor data, and campaign tools into one connected experience that saves time while increasing donations
6. Use Storytelling to Make Donors Feel Connected
Data can motivate, but stories create a connection. Your fundraising strategy should include a strong storytelling plan that highlights impact, speaks directly to your supporters, and consistently reflects your mission across all channels.
Tips to tell stronger stories:
- Highlight real people or communities impacted by your work
- Use visuals—photos, video, infographics—to bring emotion and clarity
- Keep it short, clear, and focused on how the donor helped
- Don’t forget to show progress and results over time
Avoid long, vague appeals. Focus on what donors helped make possible—and invite them to be part of what’s next!
7. Map Out a Realistic Fundraising Calendar
Good campaigns need good timing. A clear, well-paced fundraising calendar helps your team stay organized, prevents burnout, and gives donors space to engage without feeling overwhelmed.
When building your calendar:
- Mark major seasonal campaigns (GivingTuesday, year-end, etc.)
- Space out appeals to avoid fatigue
- Include internal fundraising planning time for each campaign
- Track performance after each event to inform future plans
8. Build Stronger Fundraising Through Partnerships
You don’t have to do it all alone. Strategic collaborations can open doors to new supporters, bring in additional resources, and extend the reach of your fundraising efforts in powerful ways.
Ways to build collaborative fundraising into your strategy:
- Corporate sponsorships or matching gift programs
- Peer-to-peer fundraising that turns supporters into ambassadors
- Community-driven events co-hosted with local businesses or groups
- Shared campaigns with aligned nonprofits or coalitions
Look for partnerships that align with your mission and values, and be sure to outline clear goals and responsibilities on both sides.
Build a Better Fundraising Strategy with Giveffect
Each of these elements plays a critical role in effective fundraising. But, managing them across separate tools or teams can slow you down and hold your results back.
Our all-in-one platform supports every part of your strategy—from fundraising planning and execution to tracking and donor communication. With everything connected in one place, your team can spend less time on manual work and more time building relationships, raising funds, and moving your mission forward.
Schedule a Call to see how Giveffect can help you reach your fundraising goals—without the stress of piecing it all together.