Nonprofits’ unique needs and budgets require different fundraising strategies, but some high-profit fundraisers can help nearly any organization reach a variety of goals. In this guide, we’ll look at four fundraising ideas and how they can help your nonprofit succeed. Let’s begin.
Auctions
Turn product sales into a creative fundraiser by auctioning off items donated by local businesses and members of the community. Auctions are a fun way for supporters to give and your organization will keep most of the profits.
To ensure your auction’s success, choose items your supporters will be interested in. Ideally, these items will be unique and diverse, offering products or experiences that supporters couldn’t purchase in their day-to-day life. For example, consider collecting the following auction items:
- Experiences: Movie or concert tickets, class or workshop passes, or sports event tickets
- Antique furniture: Unique pieces of furniture or household items that supporters wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else
- Artwork: Paintings, sculptures, or other pieces of artwork from local artists
As you secure auction items, remember to provide items that will fit into a variety of budgets. When you set low, medium, and high prices, you’ll appeal to a larger audience of supporters because there will be something for everyone to bid on.
More than monetary returns, your nonprofit will benefit from incorporating auctions into your fundraising strategy because these fundraisers effectively engage your donors. Instead of donating outright, your supporters will have the excitement of bidding on an item they really want.
Discount card fundraisers
Nonprofits can also partner with local businesses through a discount card fundraiser. Order discount cards through a provider like ABC Fundraising. Then, sell the cards to supporters and put the profits toward your cause. The discounts might apply to services or products from:
- Restaurants
- Museums
- Zoos
- Retail stores
- Spas
- Barber shops or hair salons
When your nonprofit sells discount cards, everyone wins! Your nonprofit raises money for its cause, supporters get coupons in exchange for their donations, and local businesses gain visibility in the community.
As an added bonus, nonprofits can build and strengthen connections with local businesses. The partnership might lead to event sponsorship, cause advocacy, or discounted services for your nonprofit. Plus, members of the community who run these businesses will be more inclined to support your cause after you bring attention to their organizations.
Charity dinners
The most effective way to bring awareness to your cause is by explicitly explaining it to potential supporters. Create opportunities to engage supporters through events such as charity dinners. While supporters are enjoying a meal, you might give a speech or presentation about your cause and the impact of their support.
To generate revenue through this dinner, you might invite local businesses to sponsor it and sell tickets for admission. You can also lean on community support for the resources you’ll need to host the dinner. For example, organizations and supporters might contribute:
- A venue: A school or church might allow your nonprofit to host the dinner in their gym, auditorium, dining area, or other space for free.
- Entertainment: Find volunteers such as a speaker or band to entertain your audience.
- Food: A local restaurant may provide food for free or at a discounted price. For a less formal dinner, consider asking attendees to each bring a dish and make it a potluck.
Hosting the dinner at a low cost to your organization allows you to keep most of the revenue for your cause. Also, this fundraiser can help you expand your reach by inviting active donors to bring along their family members or friends.
Text-to-give campaigns
To forgo the venue, entertainment, and other overhead costs required in fundraising events, launch a text-to-give campaign. Supporters will appreciate the convenience of mobile fundraising and your nonprofit can focus on revenue management rather than event details. Use the following tips to encourage donors to give:
- Choose an easy-to-remember shortcode. All that is required in a text-to-give fundraiser is sending a text. Simplify the process by choosing a shortcode your supporters can’t forget.
- Promote the campaign on your social media channels. Switching between apps is easy. If your supporters learn about your text-to-give campaign on social media, they can easily send a text and then get right back to scrolling.
- Explain the process with brief and concise language. Communicate the simplicity of the process to let your supporters know how easy it is. You might create a short step-by-step guide or infographic.
- Follow up with supporters. After they send their text, show them your gratitude with a thoughtful “thank-you” message.
Text-to-give fundraising is easy for donors and also gets right to the point by raising money to fund a specific cause. This direct fundraising can help your organization raise money quickly and efficiently for your urgent fundraising needs.
A robust fundraising strategy will leverage multiple high-profit ideas. Diversity in your strategy will help you reach more supporters and grow your donor base. Creatively engage your community with these ideas to maximize your fundraising potential and form long-lasting connections with more supporters.