When trying to start a new program or venture, raising money is one of the biggest hurdles. You can and should apply for grants, or reach out to people who can make large donations. But a valuable method of fundraising that you should definitely think about is crowdfunding. When crowdfunding, you can get support from a group of individuals who believe in your idea and want to bring it to reality. It is a great way to build community while you’re fundraising.

According to Fundly’s latest report, crowdfunding sites have allowed entrepreneurs around the world to fundraise for their businesses and causes, adding $65 billion in revenue to the global economy in 2020.

It’s true that online fundraising becomes more popular every year. But no matter what goes on online, one thing that will never go out of style is the fundraising letter. A compelling fundraising letter is one of the most valuable tools in your organization’s toolkit. A fundraising letter is a great way to connect with current and potential donors.

You can incorporate fundraising letters into your fundraising strategy all year long to help you raise support for new programs, get funding for capital campaigns, in-kind donations, sponsorships, and other types of support. These letters are also another opportunity to tell your story and demonstrate your organization's impact.

Check out the tips we have rounded up to help you write excellent fundraising letters!

Donation receipts may seem like a task that you don’t want to deal with. They are sometimes thought of as a “necessary evil,” and are required by the IRS. However, their role in tax deductions is not the only purpose they serve. Your donor receipts can serve as another touchpoint to connect with your donors. And that means they’re important for you to pay attention to!

Picture this: You send a beautifully-crafted donation appeal to a prospective supporter who has previously shown interest in your cause. Upon reading the ask, they decide to take action and give to your organization. They navigate to your online donation form (or mail in a check, send a mobile gift, etc.) and provide the required information to submit and process their contribution. They close their browser, return to scrolling through social media, and⁠—now what?

Will they continue giving to your nonprofit and its mission? Or is this the end of the road for that individual? It shouldn’t be; because the optimal donor journey doesn’t stop there.

Social media is an essential tool for nonprofit marketing. According to a study done by Pew Research Center, 72% of the American public uses some type of social media. With numbers like that, not using social media is a huge missed opportunity for an organization. Furthermore, like all of our messaging tools, social media opens another avenue to enhance our fundraising!