To inform your decision-making, Classy launched a resource to help nonprofits confidently navigate giving season complexities. Our year-end webinar series, aptly named Unlock Generosity, is here to serve as the compass guiding organizations toward greater success.

This series is a comprehensive dive into the three primary pillars of nonprofit fundraising, defined by Classy to align with today’s donor landscape: storytelling, experience, and connection.

Today, we will uncover the transformative power of storytelling in nonprofit fundraising and how it can be harnessed to captivate donors, create unforgettable experiences, and forge deeper connections this year-end season and beyond. Let’s dive in.

Navigating Today’s Changing Charitable Trends

It’s not news that nonprofits are facing challenges that demand a fresh approach to captivate audiences and drive meaningful change.

Recent statistics show year over year, the sector experienced a decline in the number of donors and the amounts they contribute.¹ Research from Classy’s State of Modern Philanthropy report also indicates a staggering 70% of donors never return after their initial gift, signaling a crisis in donor retention. Additionally, in a world oversaturated with information, the average person encounters a mind-boggling 10,000 ads daily.

There is, however, more to the story.

One thing we know for certain is that givers give. Once a person has decided to open their wallet, they are twice as likely to give again within the year—whether to that cause, another cause, or across giving modalities. This goes against all drivers of the scarcity mindset and the concept that nonprofits must compete for market share.

Today, we have the ability to engage with anyone, anywhere, instantly. While this presents its own hurdles, it offers nonprofits exciting opportunities to create meaningful connections with more people in more places, knowing there is no such thing as a strictly capped wallet.

Defining Storytelling and Its Role in Effective Fundraising

In the world of nonprofit fundraising, storytelling is not just a tool. It serves as a magnetic force, drawing donors into your orbit and helping them forge a deep and meaningful connection with your cause. But storytelling isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s a versatile and multifaceted gem that plays a role in every aspect of your organization.

Personalization Matters

Personalized storytelling is a breath of fresh air in a world where everyone is bombarded with generic messages.

Use data and insights to tailor your stories to the interests and motivations of your donors. Show them how their specific contributions are making a difference. Donors who feel part of a personalized journey will likely stay engaged and continue supporting your cause.

Don’t be afraid to show your personality. Donors want to connect with real people and genuine narratives, not polished corporate jargon. Becky Endicott, co-host of Classy’s first Unlock Generosity webinar, shared, “Use contractions, use emojis. Have a soul as an organization.” Although seemingly simple advice, we rarely see it put into action in the sector due to uncertainty of how it will resonate. Here is your sign to give it a try.

Authenticity Is Key

There is a broad distrust of mainstream media and businesses. It’s why individuals often look to their networks or communities to learn more.

Share the authentic stories of the individuals you’re helping and the impact you’re making on the ground. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the bedrock of lasting donor relationships.

Jon McCoy, Founder, Visionary, and CEO at the We Are For Good podcast, shared during Classy’s Unlock Year-End Fundraising: Strategies to Connect Your Community to Your Mission webinar, “Having different perspectives and values adds depth to your storytelling.” That depth allows for more impactful engagement.

Familiarize Yourself with Psychological Storytelling Principles

In our recent blog, Why Do People Give to Charity? The Psychology of Storytelling and Its Impact on Nonprofit Fundraising, we discuss what motivates people to donate and how storytelling can fuel giving in powerful ways.

Written in collaboration with our partners at DonorVoice, this blog defined the four attributes of storytelling success:

1. Speed
2. Volatility
3. Volume
4. Circuitousness 

Grounded in foundational storytelling techniques and the associated effective psychological principles, these attributes can serve as your nonprofit’s framework for stories that stick in donors’ minds for the long term.

Secure the Right Technology

The right fundraising platform is more than just a means to collect donations; it is a powerful tool for storytelling and advocacy.

To stand out and make a lasting impact, nonprofits must leverage technology that aligns with their missions, values, and storytelling capabilities. Securing the right tools plays a pivotal role in not only raising funds but also effectively representing your story and communicating it at scale.

The right fundraising technology also empowers organizations to communicate with the right people at the right times. Through email marketing, social media, and online campaigns, nonprofits have the potential to reach a broader audience. They can tailor their messaging to different donor segments and personalize interactions, fostering a sense of connection and engagement.

This scalability and syndication is essential for nonprofits looking to expand their reach and influence, as it enables them to mobilize supporters, drive advocacy, and raise funds efficiently. See how Atlas Free achieved a 43% conversion rate by combining storytelling and streamlined giving on Classy.

Bring Your Stories to Life with Actionable Blueprints

The next step is implementing these adaptive best practices into your nonprofit stories. If you’re overwhelmed by where to begin, we invite you to attend the remaining sessions of Classy’s six-part webinar series, Unlock Generosity: Year-End Giving. Once registered, you will gain access to the recordings of any previously hosted sessions and a free virtual seat for all upcoming discussions.

To access additional resources, explore Classy’s Giving Tuesday Resource Hub. Complete with a comprehensive library of all year-end giving resources today’s nonprofits need to succeed, we know you will benefit from a quick visit to the site.

And as always, our Classy coaches are here to help. Explore all the essential learnings you need to raise more on Classy this year-end season. Sign up for our year-end coaching series today.

Article Source

1. “2022 Fundraising Showed Substantial Weakness Through Q4,” Research & Reports, AFP, last modified April 16, 2023, https://afpglobal.org/2022-fundraising-showed-substantial-weakness-through-q4.

What Is Elevate?

Salesforce.org’s Elevate is a tool that helps nonprofit organizations reach their fundraising goals. This customer-driven product allows them to create campaign donation pages that link directly to campaigns within their Salesforce CRM instance.

Elevate also allows organizations to accept payments that flow into Salesforce’s Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP), evaluate recurring donation programs with a unified view, and personalize donation pages with engaging, customized content.

However, as Salesforce began evaluating Elevate earlier this year, the results revealed there was a limited future innovation envelope, and the intended value was not being delivered with the available resources. The result was the tough decision to sunset the product by the end of 2024.

What Nonprofits Currently Using Elevate Need to Know

The Salesforce platform will honor all existing contracts to provide ample time for migration to alternate online donation solutions. Its team is also committed to maintenance and bug fixes, although there will be no innovation with the tool.

While this news can overwhelm organizations leveraging Elevate for their giving pages or other fundraising needs, Classy’s deep Salesforce integration and long-standing partnership enable a smooth transition with minimal operational downtime. We’re committed to supporting nonprofits through this change to protect and fuel your impact.

Top Migration Considerations for Your Next Fundraising Software

It’s critical that your team has access to the right tools to propel your mission forward. Deciding which software is best for your organization comes down to knowing what to ask a potential vendor.

A few technical questions to ask during your evaluation include:

• What types of organizations are most successful when using your solution?
• Is there a limit to how many campaigns I can create?
• Which payment options do you offer?
• What are the standard transaction fees?
• Does everything operate seamlessly on a mobile device?

In addition to technical questions, you’ll want to understand a provider’s rate of innovation and how it can support your other fundraising needs, like expansion and scalability. Here are a few holistic questions to add to your list:

• What’s ahead on your company’s roadmap and plan for future product innovation?
• What makes your company stand out in the market beyond its products?
• What do you envision as the future of giving, and how are you working to support organizations like mine in preparing?

For additional guidance, here are 20 questions to ask during your nonprofit software evaluation.

How Classy Can Fuel Your Fundraising Long-Term

Classy’s comprehensive fundraising platform and payment offerings, coupled with our proven migration capabilities, ensure:

• Unlimited access to scalable tools designed to grow as you do
• Seamless, optimized giving experiences and donation forms that help nonprofits double revenue to do more for their communities
• Multiple ways for donors to get involved, including five campaign types and multiple payment methods
• Flexibility to tell your stories in personalized ways and tools to share them at scale
• Seamless communication between your front-end and back-end experiences through thoughtful integrations and award-winning APIs
• No fundraising hiccups due to unprotected data or unreliable technology

Classy vs. Classy Alternatives

Classy’s robust suite of products makes it possible to create the right experience for the right donor at the right time, every time. When evaluating Classy versus Classy alternatives, there are a few key differentiators worth noting:

• Embedded donation forms: Drive conversions up to 2x the industry standard thanks to a mobile-first, streamlined design.
• A/B tested: Benefit from A/B tested Classy donation experiences with large sample size, real-world conditions, time and cost efficiency, and insights from long-term trends and patterns that inform development and innovation for future functionality.
• Peer-to-peer and registration with fundraising: Activate your supporters to raise on your behalf and extend your reach to their networks.
• Auctions, mobile bidding, and on-site payments: Engage networks through events and Classy Live by developing customized and curated experiences that act as a powerful springboard for extending supporter lifetime value. With flexible, scalable options, like auctions, mobile bidding, and on-site payments, you have the ability to boost attendee engagement and generate more revenue opportunities.
• Payment flexibility: Make it easy to give more, and more often, with a campaign experience backed by Classy Pay that offers donor payment flexibility.

What does transitioning to Classy look like?

Classy and Salesforce’s long-standing partnership has resulted in the deepest integration in the industry. Our alignment in shared values and customer success means you can transition from Elevate while maintaining and strengthening your Salesforce environments.

We also understand how crucial it is for your fundraising and CRM solutions to integrate seamlessly within your unique use case. With a dedicated Classy for Salesforce team and an innovative approach to our solution, Classy for Salesforce works for you now and in the future.

To empower Elevate customers with Classy, we’re offering special packaging that includes the following for the first year with a three-year subscription term:

• $0 subscription fee
• Free recurring donor migration
• Free Classy for Salesforce integration
• Comprehensive onboarding assistance

Transform Your Fundraising Future With the Right Technology

We encourage nonprofits to demand more of their technology, with the ideal fundraising suite seamlessly operating in the background. This allows your impact stories to take center stage.

Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, deterring donors due to a lack of trust, disruption in the storytelling process, or distraction from the call to action. A fundraising experience’s quiet efficiency determines a nonprofit’s ability to establish deep, meaningful personal connections at scale. So how does your current experience ladder up?

For more information on how Classy can support your fundraising efforts, we encourage you to request a demo and see our in-house payment processing, expansive fundraising campaign portfolio, industry-leading user experience, and more in action.

This national holiday offers nonprofit organizations the opportunity to:

• Spread awareness of their impact to new audiences
• Thank existing donors for their loyal support
• Attract and strengthen corporate partnerships
• Kick off a powerful fundraising campaign

Here are five ways to empower new and existing donors to show support with a one-time gift or a recurring donation on National Nonprofit Day 2023.

How to Nail Your Fundraising On National Nonprofit Day

1. Launch a crowdfunding campaign with compelling impact blocks

Crowdfunding campaigns offer nonprofits a powerful way to share their success stories, rally supporters and local communities, and fund their programmatic initiatives. Rather than simply informing supporters that your campaign is important, create a felt experience. You can do this through sensory language, compelling visuals, and creative impact blocks.

To take your National Nonprofit Day campaign to the next level, make sure to:

• Maintain a style and voice that is consistent with your brand
• State the core issue you want to address in your campaign
• Explain how you will address the problem with donor support
• Showcase the tangible benefits of each donation with customized impact blocks
• Include relevant visuals or high-quality graphics
• Optimize your donation form for conversion

Impact blocks ensure a supporter understands where their donation goes, who it benefits, and what it accomplishes.

Consider sharing brief stories about your beneficiaries or describing what each dollar amount can accomplish.

Make sure the donation amounts you suggest on your campaign page align with the typical donation amounts your organization sees, including stretch goals. Keep the number of impact blocks to four or fewer so donors can access your campaign on a mobile device.

2. Drive traffic to your social posts with #NationalNonprofitDay

It can be challenging to stand out on social media. Generate hashtag momentum to boost your cause’s awareness and drive traffic to your campaign page.

When it comes to hashtags, think engagement. Within the first 24 hours of posting, it’s crucial to draw in as much activity as possible to expand your reach to new followers. High engagement signals to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn that your post is quality, which means your content is pushed higher on supporters’ newsfeeds.

To stop supporters from scrolling past your post, leverage compelling imagery or engaging video to tell your story. This could be in the form of a podcast clip or quote from a recent webinar.

Craft a powerful caption with descriptive language, and consider asking donors to leave a comment or testimonial with a few reasons why they support your organization. Include a link to your campaign page and #nationalnonprofitday and any broader hashtags like #donate or #charity to expand your reach and join the more extensive conversation.

If you’re still wondering whether TikTok is right for you, check out our blog with everything you need to know about TikTok for nonprofits.

3. Thank donors with a personalized message

National Nonprofit Day is the perfect opportunity to let donors know how much they’re valued and appreciated. Personalized communication creates a touchpoint that humanizes your organization and develops stronger donor relationships.

To help show donors your appreciation, consider a handwritten thank-you note for their donations or a special gift. Let them know you took time out of your day to write an intentional message. You might even pick up the phone and personally thank each supporter for their positive impact on your organization.

Here are a few other creative ways to say thank you:

• Newsletter shoutouts
• Gratitude videos
• Social media posts
• Show appreciation on your website

4. Promote in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities

Working directly with your organization may motivate volunteers to make a one-time donation or subscribe to recurring giving.

Think of creative experiences to get your donors involved this National Nonprofit Day. You can explore ideas like serving hot meals, handing out water at a charity run, or assisting at a fundraising event. Promote these opportunities on your website, social media channels, and newsletter leading up to the special day.

Consider adding an online component to your in-person volunteer opportunities to expand your reach and connect with new audiences. If you’re hosting an event for National Nonprofit Day, invite virtual volunteers to spread the word on social media or judge a live contest.

Regardless of your idea, make sure each volunteer feels valued and appreciated. Establishing that relationship could be enough to keep them returning or motivate them to support in monetary ways. These volunteer appreciation ideas can help.

5. Encourage donors to amplify their impact with a recurring gift

A well-developed recurring giving program can protect the long-term health of your organization and help you scale. Leading up to National Nonprofit Day, spend some time studying your donor base to identify a list of candidates for subscription giving, how to appeal to them, and how much to ask for.

Send a compelling appeal to your target audience with the following points:

• Why your organization needs recurring support
• How recurring support allows you to create more impact
• The simplicity and ease of online recurring donations
• The special updates or access granted to recurring supporters

To meet each donor where they’re at, offer multiple recurring gift frequencies. Allow your donors to give a weekly, quarterly, or annual contribution to make budgeting more manageable and reduce their likelihood of churn. Why? Classy’s Recurring Donor Sentiment Report found over half of recurring donors prefer to give outside of monthly increments when given a choice.

With Classy’s recurring donation platform, nonprofits can present donors with eight choices to give on a cadence they prefer.

Tie your ask back to National Nonprofit Day by telling your organization’s story and providing tangible examples of ways your nonprofit impacts the lives of your beneficiaries. Emphasize how a strong recurring giving program can continue to make this possible and how each donor’s contribution will make power good work.

A Day to Celebrate

With these five tips in mind, start planning to optimize your donation potential. Remember, telling a compelling story can bring your work to life and help donors make the emotional connection that often drives giving.

Above all else, take a minute to appreciate your organization’s work and the impact your efforts have made. National Nonprofit Day is a celebration of you, so share the love with your team and know that our world is grateful for hearts like yours.

Fall is officially here, so the busy season for nonprofits is in full swing. 2023 marks the eleventh year the world has rallied together to support Giving Tuesday, so why not make it your most memorable campaign yet?

On Giving Tuesday 2022, the social sector raised over $3.1 billion in the U.S. alone.¹ Don’t let the assumed cost of building a new campaign cause you to miss this opportunity to drive your mission forward.

Below, we’ll introduce eight free, easy-to-use resources to boost your Giving Tuesday campaign. Get ready to attract loyal donors and establish solid momentum for the new year.

8 Free Additions to Your Giving Tuesday Toolkit

1. Classy’s Giving Tuesday Resource Center

Learn how to elevate your fundraising strategy for Giving Tuesday 2023 with over 50 of our top resources all in one place.

Whether you’re strategizing your first Giving Tuesday campaign or looking for fresh Giving Tuesday ideas to take your fundraising success to the next level, tap into Classy’s resources to elevate your donor experience. We’ve included a comprehensive library of free blogs, guides, checklists, templates, and webinars tailored to your organization’s needs.

Dive in now to tap into your full potential.

2. Free Stock Images: Pexels and Pixabay

Elevate your Giving Tuesday campaign and social media posts with strong visuals that bring your narrative to life.

Pexels and Pixabay offer millions of free stock photos and videos to help your nonprofit cement an idea in supporters’ minds and motivate donations. All content is safe to use without asking for permission or giving credit to the artist—even for commercial purposes.

People remember imagery. These extensive libraries of easily-accessible content allow you to provide donors with a memorable experience, especially when pricey photo shoots are out of the question.

On Classy, nonprofits can easily access a built-in library of high-resolution Pixababy stock images to feature on their donation sites. These are particularly handy for impact blocks if you don’t have quality images on hand.

3. Color Palettes: ColorHunt 

The right color scheme on your fundraising campaign page is critical to delivering your message and motivating action. Harmonious colors can help generate certain emotions and spark interest. Color choices also have the potential to deter donors from exploring pages further if the palette is unappealing or distracting.

ColorHunt is an open collection of color palettes that can help you find the perfect fit for your project. Easily save your favorites to find them again in the future, manage your collection, or copy the color codes to use on your campaign page.

Each palette is public property and not owned by a specific creator, so you can explore the latest collections without a second thought. You can even create and submit your own color combination if you feel inspired.

4. Icons and Illustrations: Icons8

Don’t waste time relying on an advanced designer to create icons for your team. Icons8 is an icon pack software for Windows and Macintosh that is available in both a free and paid version.

Easily download the program and put it to use right away. Explore an expansive library of icons, photos, and illustrations to find what you need. Select your favorite graphic, customize it to the right color or size, and then drag and drop it into any design tool.

It’s important to note that all graphics can be used for free, but users must link to the Icons8 website on donation pages or other digital locations where the icon, photo, or illustration is used.

5. Graphic Designer Platform: Canva

Create beautiful designs for your successful Giving Tuesday campaign with Canva. Edit photos without the need for extensive photo-editing knowledge or experience. This tool allows you to easily build templates and custom-sized text images that can be used year after year for your peer-to-peer, crowdfunding, and hybrid or virtual events campaigns.

Miry’s List tapped Canva’s design tools to create a unique, eye-catching “About the Campaign” section for their Afghanistan Emergency Action Fund on Classy to elevate its visual appeal.

To create a customized text image on Canva for your own campaign, follow these steps:

• Select Create a design in the main navigation
• Choose from a template or select Custom size from the drop-down menu (Miry’s List used a 600 x 150 px template for “THE NEED IS NOW”)
• Enter your preferred dimensions, then Create a new design
• Choose a font, resize your copy to fill the white space
• Download as a .png or .jpeg
• Upload the file to your campaign
• Tip: To make the background transparent, use Canva’s transparent editor, Remove.bg, or Experte.

6. Online Presentation App: Google Slides

Google Slides are not just useful for creating and formatting presentations, they also provide a solution to creating text images for your nonprofit organization’s campaign hero block.

Your hero block is the first thing a supporter sees when they land on your page. Grab their attention and inspire support by elevating your design with a custom hero image.

Try it yourself:

• Create a new, blank presentation
• Type your text on any slide in a font of your choice
• Click Slide from the navigation bar, then Choose background
• Select the Color dropdown, choose Transparent at the bottom
• Click Done
• In the File dropdown, select Download
• Save as a .png
• Upload the file to your campaign

7. Web Analysis Service: Google Analytics

Understanding your campaign’s effectiveness is critical to the future success of your Giving Tuesday fundraising efforts. Since it can be challenging to find the time to assess your site, Google Analytics developed a solution.

This free web analytics tool offered by Google can help provide an inside look at your audience and how they engage with your campaign. Track all kinds of information about your site, including:

• How many visitors you’re getting
• How many of those visitors are new
• Where they’re coming from
• How long they’re staying on your page

Connect your Classy and Google Analytics 4 accounts to track which strategies work best with your giving day audience, then use that knowledge to continue shaping your Giving Tuesday outreach, appeal, and stewardship strategy. Learn more about Classy’s seamless integration with Google Analytics 4.

8. Writing Assistant: Grammarly

Nothing ruins a heartfelt donation appeal more than a spelling mistake. Use Grammarly to ensure all the copy in your emails, campaign page, and donation form is free of spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors before pushing them out to your donor base.

This AI-powered application helps you communicate more effectively by correcting grammatical mistakes and making your writing more understandable. Grammarly checks the tone of your message and provides synonym suggestions to make the text more readable and precise.

Achieve Your Giving Tuesday Goals With Classy

Classy’s comprehensive fundraising platform is designed to improve the giving experience for everyone involved from the initial Giving Tuesday countdown through year-end and beyond.

On Giving Tuesday 2022, we processed over $44 million of donations with the support of our best-in-class technology. Our tools enable organizations to connect supporters with the causes they care about, accelerate their impact, and future-proof their nonprofit fundraising.

Take advantage of Classy on Giving Tuesday to: 

• Create customizable, modern, mobile-optimized campaigns to showcase your brand and elevate your nonprofit’s story.
• Give donors options to make a larger impact with a recurring donation at any of the eight frequencies we currently offer—one-time, daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and yearly.
• Make it incredibly easy for Giving Tuesday donors to give through intuitive payment options such as digital wallets, mobile payments, and bank transfers.
• Tap into low-cost transaction fees, automatic credit card updating, industry-leading fraud protection, and more with Classy Pay, our seamless integration with Stripe
• Form seamless connections across your essential tools with our integrations, like Salesforce, Boundless Fundraising, and Facebook.

Request a demo today to learn more.

Make It a Year to Remember

Capitalize on the fervor of Giving Tuesday by setting your strategy and taking advantage of these eight free, easy-to-use resources.

Whether your organization is on a tight budget or just looking for new ways to get creative, these tools are a great way to up-level your campaign page to attract new supporters, retain existing donors, and motivate your larger community to stay involved through year-end and beyond.

Article Sources

1. “Millions Worldwide Celebrate GivingTuesday 2022 with Acts of Generosity & Giving,” GivingTuesday, last updated November 30, 2022, https://www.givingtuesday.org/blog/millions-worldwide-celebrate-givingtuesday-2022-with-acts-of-generosity-giving/.

As the saying goes, small things, done consistently, can add up to big things over time.

While crowdfunding campaigns and peer-to-peer fundraising are centered around raising money to achieve a funding goal, the primary difference is how the funds are solicited. The main call to action for a crowdfunding initiative is to donate. The purpose of peer-to-peer fundraising is to call supporters to fundraise on behalf of an organization, typically through online platforms.

How Crowdfunding Works

Crowdfunding is a team effort. It can help a startup get off the ground, provide small business owners with enough funding to open their doors, or support nonprofit relief efforts when disaster strikes.

In general, successful crowdfunding campaigns are composed of four steps:

1. Platform Selection
2. Platform Acceptance
3. The Pitch
4. Receiving Payout

It’s important that your target audience remains at the center of each decision throughout these four steps. Regardless of your goal, the key to crowdfunding success is engaging the right people in meaningful ways.

Start by identifying who you’re talking to. From there, craft your strategy to align with those supporters’ preferences, tendencies, and behaviors.

Selecting a Crowdfunding Platform

When it comes time to choose a crowdfunding platform, the process can be overwhelming. We’ve broken it down into three simple recommendations.

Evaluate the Fundraising Platform’s Pricing and Fee Structure

• Credit processing fees. A small percentage of each monetary gift to a crowdfunding campaign goes to the online platform that hosts the campaign’s processing service. That fee covers transmitting the data, authorizing the transaction, and depositing the funds. Look for a site that offers benefactors the choice to cover the processing fees to avoid missing out on impactful fundraising dollars.
• Percentage platform fees. While the percentage taken in processing fees can vary from platform to platform, it’s important to know that they are often calculated and deducted from the total amount of money you raise. This is how platforms make most of their revenue. Carefully consider how this deduction from your funds could impact your fundraising goal.

Investigate Ease of Use and Customization Options

• Ease of use. Time is our most valuable asset. Make sure you’re looking for a fundraising platform that keeps things simple. The less time you spend building, updating, and optimizing your crowdfunding campaign page, the more time you have to raise money.
• Customization options. Consistent branding on your crowdfunding campaign helps create an identity for your organization. It shows who you are, what you stand for, and how this crowdfunding initiative will help sustain your good work. Advanced customization options allow you to easily communicate your values, clarify your call to action, and tell your nonprofit brand story that resonates with anyone who visits your donation site.

Identify Available Resources and Customer Service Offerings

• Accessible resources. The key to success is having the right tools. Explore each potential fundraising platform’s site to look for online tutorials, resource guides, or even a list of up-to-date FAQs. These easily accessible resources can be a major source of time savings throughout your crowdfunding campaign.
• Attentive customer service. If you run into a problem in the creation or launch phase of your crowdfunding campaign, you’ll want the comfort of knowing that someone is there to help. Try contacting customer support before you select a fundraising platform to ensure their support team is both helpful and responsive.

Getting Accepted by a Fundraising Platform

While this isn’t always the case, certain platforms may require you to fill out online forms and provide documentation before being accepted to host your crowdfunding campaign on their site. This process ensures you’ve met the platform’s creator requirements and will use it as intended.

Requirements vary from platform to platform, but here are a few examples:

• You are 18 years of age or older
• You are a permanent resident of one of the eligible countries
• You have an address, bank account, and government-issued ID based in the country you’re creating the project in
• The linked bank account belongs to the person who verified their identity for your project
• You have a major credit or debit card

The Pitch

Once a fundraising platform accepts you, you’ll be asked to pitch your project to their team to ensure it’s a good fit. What are you trying to accomplish? How much are you hoping to raise? How do you plan to solicit support?

Prepare for this pitch by proactively identifying your campaign narrative and laying out your nonprofit marketing plan. Think of the pitch similarly to promoting your organization through word of mouth, social media, and paid ads. It’s your opportunity to sell your story and garner support from donors, accredited investors, family members, or others who feel passionate about your initiative.

Receiving Payout From Your Crowdfunding Campaign

This is where all of the research you did before selecting your crowdfunding platform comes into play. Some platforms will payout all the money you raised during your campaign regardless of the final total, while others may only offer a payout if you hit your fundraising goal. The pricing and fee structure also plays a large part in the percentage of funds that will land in your organization’s bank account once the campaign wraps.

With the ultimate goal of raising as much money as possible, be sure the platform you select doesn’t have any fine print that could interfere with your success.

Crowdfunding Types

Crowdfunding is used most commonly by startup companies or growing businesses, as well as nonprofit organizations raising money for worthy causes. Although these organizations are all working toward the same result, the different types of crowdfunding they’re applying are different. Below, we break them down to help you understand which applies to your organization.

Rewards-Based and Equity-Based Crowdfunding

When someone contributes funds in exchange for something, it falls into the rewards-based crowdfunding bucket. This is typical for startups that might offer free swag or a discounted service. Similarly, equity-based crowdfunding, or equity crowdfunding, allows small businesses and startups to give away a portion of their business in exchange for funding.

Donation-Based Crowdfunding

The simplest type of crowdfunding is donation-based crowdfunding, which means someone gives money for nothing in return. While seemingly lackluster for the donor, this crowdfunding type can be extremely rewarding. It attracts loyal supporters who are passionate about your work, which we see happen year after year across the social sector.

Crowdfunding Use Cases

Depending on your unique goal, how you conduct a crowdfunding campaign may differ. Below we break down the most common applications of crowdfunding and how to successfully bring each strategy to your organization.

Philanthropy

Demonstrated by global giving initiatives like Giving Tuesday, crowdfunding has proven its impact on the long-term health and sustainability of nonprofits worldwide.

A crowdfunding campaign is built to inspire support for your cause with a robust narrative that ultimately drives people to make a gift. It consists of a campaign landing page highlighting your impact to draw people in and a donation form to simplify the transaction process.

Crowdfunding campaigns are a great way to create a sense of urgency with your target audience and motivate immediate action. A few common nonprofit crowdfunding applications include:

• General donation fund
• Time-bound project
• Disaster relief

Science

Crowdfunding supports impactful scientific research that may be impossible otherwise. Capturing the interest and backing of thousands of individuals willing to donate can significantly change the way science evolves in the future.

Researchers pitch a proposal to garner support through a crowdfunding page. Patients, medical professionals, and individuals with a strong belief in a specific area of science can contribute to the project by simply donating online. Broad support allows for greater intellectual freedom and independence and provides scientists with an opportunity to build credibility.

Just look at the Gray family, devastated by their young daughters’ 2015 diagnosis of the fatal and incurable Batten Disease. They turned to crowdfunding to accelerate research in three promising treatment options. 

With $1 million dollars, the family would be able to hire a team of doctors and scientists committed to researching to treat the rare disease. Since its start, they have raised $2.6 million and counting and have started FDA filings for a clinical trial. 

Startups

Rather than depending on traditional funding sources, startups can capitalize on the support of friends, family members, entrepreneurs, and potential investors to get their businesses off the ground.

Crowdfunding makes it easier for startups to amass capital and market their new business to larger audiences. Investors want to see a company do well when their finances are involved. That usually makes them eager to spread the word about the new products and initiatives you’re working on.

These organic conversations lead to greater brand awareness, which could motivate other investors to get on board or encourage future customers to purchase your products or services.

Startups typically offer investors something in return, most commonly through rewards-based or equity-based crowdfunding. They use social media and crowdfunding websites to educate both primary and extended networks about the opportunity to fund an emerging business. Doing so highlights the perks and incentives people will receive in exchange for support.

Oculus, the wildly popular virtual reality headset, started on a crowdfunding site. Within four hours of launching the campaign, they achieved their goal of $250,000 and went on to raise $2.4 million.

Crowdfunding Websites

When you’re looking for people to help fund a new project or business venture, it’s critical that the transaction process is as seamless as possible. Social media is a great place to raise awareness, but finding the right fundraising platform to convert supporters into donors or investors is critical.

Below we’ll break down the best crowdfunding sites to help you understand what makes each site unique.

Classy.org

Made for nonprofits, Classy’s crowdfunding platform allows charitable organizations to create evergreen microsites that simplify the donation experience and maximize conversions.

Easily customize campaigns with a complete set of advanced design tools to communicate a clear mission. Offer flexible payment options, manage online donor activity with ease, and take the stress out of the tax preparation process with Classy.

GoFundMe

Best for personal fundraising, GoFundMe is a versatile platform that helps individuals raise money for everything from medical needs to emergency response.

The GoFundMe platform makes it simple for families and communities to receive the funds they need to get back on their feet quickly.

Complete with a 0% platform fee, this site can help individuals reach their fundraising goals by offering support in trying times.

Indiegogo

If you’re looking to launch a new idea or product, Indiegogo offers the tools to set up a 60-day campaign to help raise funds and garner support. By giving entrepreneurs a platform to introduce clever or unconventional products to the world, this site fuels innovation.

Indiegogo’s crowdfunding campaigns allow entrepreneurs to get curious and creative and provide early backers and angel investors a place to discover groundbreaking products before they hit mainstream availability.

KickStarter

Kickstarter is a place for creatives to share their visions with communities that will support them. No matter how big or small, the platform wants to help creators of all kinds, including filmmakers, artists, musicians, designers, and more. They can easily spread the word about their new projects and welcome backers to become part of the magic.

Common Crowdfunding Questions

How much money can you make through crowdfunding?

The revenue a crowdfunding campaign will generate varies from hundreds to millions of dollars depending on multiple factors.

On average, crowdfunding campaigns that successfully reached their goals raised $28,656 with an average pledge of $96. When we look at all crowdfunding campaigns, rather than just successful campaigns, the average raised is $824 with a pledge size of $88.

Crowdfunding is projected to grow by $300 billion by 2030, so we can expect that these averages will continue to fluctuate.¹

Believe it or not, America’s first major crowdfunding project dates back to the summer of 1885 when the Statue of Liberty was shipped in pieces from France, awaiting assembly. Americans could not raise the $250,000 they needed for a granite base for the statue until the launch of a fundraising campaign in The New York World newspaper.²

What’s the difference between peer-to-peer and crowdfunding?

The primary difference between crowdfunding vs. peer-to-peer fundraising is the call to action.

Crowdfunding campaigns are versatile appeals for support with the main call to action to donate. A peer-to-peer campaign invites supporters to fundraise on behalf of your organization to reach a larger audience.

Both include the option to complete a one-time donation, but the goal of a peer-to-peer page is to recruit individuals who will appeal to their personal networks.

How do crowdfunding campaigns work?

Crowdfunding is raising money from many people to fund a project, new business venture, product launch, or worthy cause. Crowdfunding campaigns are typically conducted online through a fundraising site and intended to garner support to achieve a set fundraising goal. These crowdfunding examples do a great job of laying it out.

How do I tell a good story for a crowdfunding campaign?

Nonprofit storytelling is a huge part of creating meaningful connections with supporters. Rather than simply informing people about why your campaign is important, create a felt experience with sensory, descriptive language.

Keep your text short and include compelling imagery, like photos or videos. Clarify the tangible impact of each contribution and focus on one clear call to action that will drive conversions.

What is a crowdfunding Quizlet?

If you’re hoping to learn more about crowdfunding, a set of flashcards might just do the trick. A crowdfunding Quizlet is a free learning tool you can use to familiarize yourself with the topic while reviewing flashcards, playing games, and creating study sets to take with you on the go.

Ready to Start Crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is a central fundraising model worldwide. These campaigns serve as both a tool to bring personal projects to life and a powerful way for impactful organizations, creators, and businesses to share their stories. It can help fund programmatic and operational initiatives with the support of an extended network.

Tell your nonprofit story and inspire support for your cause with Classy’s conversion-optimized crowdfunding platform and give your mission the recognition it deserves.

Article Sources

1. “Crowdfunding Statistics: Market Size and Growth,” Resources, Fundera, last updated January 23, 2023, https://www.fundera.com/resources/crowdfunding-statistics.
2. “The Statue of Liberty and America’s Crowdfunding Pioneer,” News, BBC, last updated April 25, 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-21932675.

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) understands the critical value of establishing lasting supporter connections and adopting the right technology to initiate and nurture each relationship. That’s why BPL partnered with Classy to further cultivate its community and increase awareness of the infringements on teens’ First Amendment rights through its Books Unbanned program.

Who is Brooklyn Public Library?

Brooklyn Public Library serves 2.5 million individuals across 61 locations throughout Brooklyn, New York. The nonprofit offers free resources and services that include literacy programs, lectures, resume and career help, computer centers, and teen internships.

Additionally, BPL received an Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries, for its Outreach Services department and efforts to serve Brooklyn’s most vulnerable populations.

What is the Books Unbanned program?

Books Unbanned is a program BPL launched in response to the increasingly coordinated and effective effort to remove books from schools and libraries. The program offers free Brooklyn Public Library electronic library cards to teens and young adults aged 13 to 21, anywhere in the United States, in a valiant effort to defend the freedom to read.

Brooklyn Public Library Delivers Curated Giving Experiences With Classy’s Comprehensive Fundraising Suite

Now, with its fundraising suite of choice, Brooklyn Public Library is ready to scale. By implementing tools like program designations and embedded donation forms (along with recurring giving, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer, and event fundraising campaigns), BPL has demonstrated its commitment to optimizing the overall giving experience for everyone involved so they can raise more to do more.

Copy Editor: Ayanna Julien

Managing donor data is essential to successful peer-to-peer fundraising for nonprofit organizations. With a clear plan and access to the right donor management software, you can easily identify and nurture active fundraisers and connect with those making an online donation to your cause for the first time.

A sophisticated donor management strategy and streamlined nonprofit CRM help your organization:

• Track donor interactions
• Evaluate fundraisers’ performance
• Utilize segmentation to personalize pre- and post-campaign communication
• Steward new donors more effectively

Here, we’ll explore the value of donor management and donor relationships in peer-to-peer fundraising and provide practical tips for implementing a successful strategy.

What Is Donor Management?

Donor management is the process of tracking, engaging, and stewarding donors to build strong relationships and maximize supporters’ lifetime value.

At Classy, we believe if online fundraising conversions aren’t followed up with intentional outreach and strategic donor stewardship tactics, it risks leaving potential donors untapped for your organization.

Access to accurate donor information is key to creating a sustainable and successful peer-to-peer fundraising strategy and establishing meaningful relationships with your supporters.

What’s the Point of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising?

Peer-to-peer fundraising is an extremely effective, efficient way to raise money and source new supporters for your organization. In Classy’s State of Modern Philanthropy report, we found that time-based campaigns with a peer-to-peer element raise, on average, 3.8x more than all other time-based campaign types. Plus, four out of five donors who donate to a peer-to-peer campaign are brand new to the organization.

When you factor in the impact of higher donation volume and wider reach on the ability to execute your mission, the value of peer-to-peer fundraising almost goes without saying. Plus, peer-to-peer campaigns create a sense of ownership and investment in your cause, leading to increased levels of supporter engagement and long-term donor retention.

At its core, a peer-to-peer campaign is a stage for storytelling and an opportunity for meaningful connection. Your nonprofit fundraising team has the chance to distill your brand, mission, and impact into a succinct narrative that supporters can share with their personal networks proudly. That trickle-down effect is extremely powerful in inspiring people to join your community.

5 Reasons Why It’s Worth Tracking Your Peer-to-Peer Donor Data

1. Craft Segmented, Tailored Outreach to Re-engage and Retain Generous Supporters

It’s crucial to know who engaged with your appeal and if those individuals are interested in further supporting your mission following a peer-to-peer campaign. To begin that process, you need to know who fundraised on your behalf or donated to a supporter’s personal fundraiser and how to connect with them.

Then, after the initial discovery steps, it’s critical to know each supporter’s level of previous involvement, giving history, and volunteer history with your organization to reach out in a way that resonates. Craft a personalized, intentional message that captures their attention and expresses your gratitude for their contribution.

From there, customize your message as you see fit to present opportunities for re-engagement, whether through a volunteer event, upcoming campaign, or branded content on social media.

2. Pivot Your Strategy in Response to Timely Giving Trends

A real-time analysis of campaign performance and levels of donor engagement is vital for identifying what’s working and what’s not. Doing so allows you to shift or redefine your strategy as needed.

One crucial element of campaign success is capitalizing on timely giving trends. If your campaign doesn’t perform as you hoped, your donor data can provide you with the contact information to learn firsthand what donors and fundraisers loved (or didn’t love) about the experience.

For example, if they let you know that their preferred payment method wasn’t available on your donation form, you can immediately incorporate that option into your campaign with some back-end adjustments or take a mental note for the next time.

Pro Tip: Keep close tabs on today’s donor preferences, like preferred payment types, communication channels, and campaign types. Staying current on the latest fundraising trends can help guide your decision-making, ensuring donors are satisfied with the donor experiences you serve.

3. Understand Your Target Audience Better and Identify Ways to Expand Your Reach

Different generations of donors look for different things. Specifically, regarding next-gen donors, Classy’s Why America Gives report found that they are:

• 2.7x as likely to host an individual fundraising page on behalf of an organization they support
• 3x as likely to advocate on an organization’s behalf than traditional donors
• 1.6x as likely to be motivated to donate following a sudden news event or crisis than traditional donors

If your cause aligns with current events or emergency response, these insights might inform why you see a majority of Gen Z donors in your peer-to-peer database. And while that demographic is becoming increasingly philanthropic, engaging various donor profiles is critical.

Once you identify who your primary donor base is, you can start strategizing how to target other generations more effectively.

4. Identify Donors With the Potential to Increase Their Impact

One of the most important factors of fundraising sustainability is asking existing supporters to increase their involvement over time. Their support safeguards your revenue streams and opens the door to powerful relationship-building opportunities.

A simple way to increase loyal fundraisers’ impact is by inviting them to subscribe to a recurring giving plan. Nailing down your recurring donor acquisition strategy may feel overwhelming, but your donor data will streamline and guide the way.

Once you know who’s a potential candidate and how they prefer to engage with your cause, get up to speed on the talk tracks, resources, and communication styles that feel most comfortable to them.

From there, emphasize the benefits and impact of becoming a recurring donor. Consider highlighting testimonials from others who have already joined your recurring community. You may also consider creating a customizable email template for recurring donation appeals this since they’ll occur regularly.

5. Recruit Top-Performing Fundraisers to Advocate for Your Cause

When someone is willing to dedicate time and effort to a peer-to-peer campaign for your cause, it’s a sign that they feel a deep connection to your work. Capitalize on that connection to plant a seed and discover if they’ll take their advocacy to the next level.

Whether through social media, speaking opportunities, or just casual conversation with friends and family, ask your top-performing fundraisers if they’d be willing to spread the word on behalf of your mission.

Equip them with a fundraiser toolkit or brand book that tells them everything they need to know about your story. You could also invite them to your community events to get face-to-face time with your beneficiaries or just connect with others who care about your cause as much as they do.

3 Nonprofits Making the Most of Classy & Virtuous to Fuel Peer-to-Peer Success

1. Portland Rescue Mission

Portland Rescue Mission has been there to give hope and restore life to men, women, and children struggling with hunger, homelessness, and addiction since 1949.

Through effective peer-to-peer fundraising and many other campaigns on Classy’s fundraising platform, the nonprofit can offer meals and shelter, comprehensive recovery, vocational training, and community transitions.

2. Oasis for Orphans

Oasis For Orphans meets an immediate need to bring children in Kenya into an environment of safety and belonging through a holistic development model.

The nonprofit utilizes a unique model to develop kids holistically. Specifically, the program gives children hope and molds them into community leaders, supported by peer-to-peer fundraising and a balanced mix of other revenue streams.

3. Kids Around the World

Kids Around the World is on a mission to share God’s transforming hope with kids and their communities through food, play, and story. The team creates environments where kids will experience hope through a daily meal, a safe place to play, and stories from the Bible—none of which would be possible without effective fundraising campaigns.

Refine Your Donor Management Process Now, Reap the Benefits for Years to Come

Proactively defining your data collection and organization processes is a huge piece of the fundraising puzzle. Without the right donor management system and fundraising tools, that can be an impossible challenge.

Explore how Classy and Virtuous can help solve any current fundraising software or donation management roadblocks you experience, and lean on our data-backed best practices to guide your strategy for 2023 and beyond.

This special occasion is known as a cultivation event, a valuable opportunity to showcase your organization’s mission and needs creatively, without directly soliciting donations.

A cultivation event unfolds in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, often in the form of a house party or cocktail reception. It allows for meaningful interactions centered around your mission, leaving guests emotionally gratified and more invested in your cause.

Turning Fundraising Into Celebration: Key Elements for a Successful Donor Appreciation Event

Attendees include your leadership team, volunteers, board members, staff, and a client whose life has been positively impacted by your organization.

The goal is to create an environment that feels like a party rather than a fundraising event, sharing your impact and initiating conversations comfortably and naturally. By doing so, your donors will depart feeling emotionally fulfilled and deeply connected to your mission.

A well-planned cultivation event holds immense power as a nonprofit marketing tool. Not only can it secure major gifts, but it also nurtures a stronger bond between your organization and its most significant donors.

During a session at the BBCON philanthropic conference, Penelope Burke, the esteemed author of “Donor-Centered Fundraising” and “Donor-Centered Leadership,” highlighted compelling research findings:¹

• Donors who attended donor cultivation events rated their satisfaction level between 5 and 7 on a scale of 1 to 7.
• A remarkable 33 percent of event attendees made unsolicited gifts.
• 35 percent of solicited donors who made a gift attributed their decision to the event.

To help you plan and host a successful cultivation event, here are our top ten donor appreciation event ideas:

1. Get the Details Right

Once you have set the date for your cultivation event, mark it on your company calendar and secure a venue. Establish the start time and create a project timeline outlining the necessary steps leading up to the event. As you finalize the specifics, take these additional steps:

• Book special guests well in advance, such as a client with a compelling success story.
• Determine the roles of staff, volunteers, and your nonprofit board members.
• Confirm the attendance of all invitees as they RSVP.

Remember that the response rate for events can be modest, typically ranging from 10 to 30 percent. To ensure a robust turnout, invite more people than you expect to attend your cultivation event.

2. Transform Your Event Into a Celebration

Your donors anticipate a fun and enjoyable experience without feeling obligated to give. Remember, thanking donors should be the primary focus of this event.

A cultivation event offers an opportunity for engaging, meaningful conversations that are light-hearted and relaxed. Your aim is to create an atmosphere where guests feel comfortable, deepening their connection with your nonprofit organization and naturally inspiring them to contribute.

The simple word “party” can transform your event entirely. The term carries a more inviting and relaxed connotation, which may entice more donors to attend. Use “party” instead of “event” in your invitations, email communications, and marketing materials when describing your gathering.

3. Curate an Exceptional Experience

A cultivation event is an extension of your nonprofit brand, which is why you want a keen attention to the details. Your invitees likely have deep pockets and are used to attending lavish events and gatherings. Ensure your event appeals to their expectations while remaining mindful of your budget.

It’s vital that your event reflects your organization’s personality and culture. For example, if your nonprofit is based in California and supports children’s orphanages in Mexico, consider having a taco stand with high-quality meals. Encourage your staff to assist with serving to engage in personal conversations with guests.

Pro tip: Encourage your staff to help with serving so they are in a position to strike up personal conversations with guests.

4. Surprise and Delight

Create moments of surprise and delight throughout the event to make it truly memorable for your donor base. These unexpected elements can leave a lasting impression and deepen their emotional connection to your nonprofit organization.

Consider incorporating unique and interactive entertainment options that align with your cause or theme. For example, you could invite a local artist to create live artwork during the event or organize a short performance by individuals who have directly benefited from your organization’s programs. These unexpected elements can engage and captivate your donors, making the event more memorable.

Another idea could be preparing personalized tokens of appreciation for each donor attending the event. These can be small gifts, such as customized keychains, bookmarks, or handwritten inspirational notes. The personal touch demonstrates your attention to detail and reinforces the appreciation you have for their support.

By incorporating surprise elements, you can elevate your donor appreciation event to new heights and create a truly exceptional experience for your supporters.

5. Showcase Collaborative Achievements

Highlight the collaborative achievements made possible by the partnership between your organization and its donors. This approach not only recognizes the impact of their contributions but also emphasizes the collective effort. You can do this through:

• An Impact Wall. Create a donor recognition wall or display area at the event where you can showcase photos, stories, and tangible results of projects or initiatives that were made possible by donor support. Use visual elements such as infographics or videos to effectively communicate the progress and achievements. Encourage donors to interact with the display to learn more, ask questions, and share their thoughts.
• Collaborative Presentations. Incorporate collaborative presentations or panel discussions into the event program. Invite beneficiaries, staff members, and donors to share their experiences, perspectives, and success stories. This allows donors to witness the direct impact of their contributions and fosters a sense of pride and connection to the outcomes.

6. Engage Your Board Members

Involve your board members actively in your cultivation event. Give them an official welcome role, making them the first faces donors see upon arrival. Additionally, they can introduce guests to one another, stimulating conversations, and engage with those who may be more reserved.

Consider assigning board members to converse with high-profile guests during the event. Encourage them to initiate casual discussions, such as asking for initial impressions of your organization. Avoid any direct requests for donations; instead, focus on genuinely getting to know individuals while sharing important information about your nonprofit.

Pro tip: Highlight your board members by assigning them a color-coded name tag to differentiate them from other guests.

7. Prioritize Your Guest List

While all of your guests that will attend your cultivation event serve a purpose, there will undoubtedly be some guests that are on your V.I.P. list.

These very important people may include:

• Long-term donors
• Donors with deep pockets
• People you are cultivating for a future gift

These priority guests should not only be paid special attention but there should also be a plan on how to engage them. Prior to the cultivation event, find out who they are, why they are coming, and any background information that could be used as a conversation starter, such as a hobby they are interested in. Assign these prospects to your staff and board members so they make it a point to talk to them throughout the evening.

8. Determine Your Budget

Incorporate cultivation events into your annual nonprofit budget to determine the allocated funds accurately. Consider the following costs when planning your event:

• • Food and drink — Catering, open bar, appetizers
    Money saver: Purchase your alcohol from a local grocery store.

• • Venue — Space rental fees
    Money saver: Hold the event at a board member’s house.

• • Flowers — Hiring a florist to create and deliver center-pieces
    Money saver: Pick up ready-made bouquets at the grocery store or from a local florist.

• • Equipment Rental — Extra chairs, tables
    Money saver: Skip the chair covers.

• • Entertainment — You may need to pay for or provide travel expenses for special guests
    Money saver: Hire local talent.

• • Graphic Design — Invitations, marketing materials, pamphlets
    Money saver: If your office has the technology and staff, design in house.

• • Printing/materials — Professional printing costs for banners, signs, posters, marketing collateral, activities.
    Money saver: Print what you can using your own office printer and save the bigger projects for a professional.

9. Bring the Wow Factor

The day of your cultivation event has finally arrived, and your guests are eager to mingle with one another and your staff. Avoid keeping them waiting by opening the doors 15 minutes before the official start time for early birds.

Strategically position your board members to be the first people guests see upon entering. Set up a welcome table with guest name tags, and have staff or board members stationed there as well.

Appoint a single point person (which could be you) to oversee the smooth running of the event. The primary objective is to make your guests feel special and to express gratitude. Consider the following tips to achieve this:

• • • Personally welcome each individual donor as they collect their name tag and check in.
    • Ensure key staff members and board members engage and mingle with donors throughout the event.
    • Keep food and drinks fully stocked and readily available.
    • Capture photos during the event, which can be used in future marketing materials, email newsletters, social media posts, and office bulletin boards to inspire and motivate employees.
    • Assign an employee to be the timekeeper, ensuring the event adheres to the schedule.
    • Pay attention to small details, such as ensuring there are enough seats for all guests during speaker presentations, providing pamphlets about your organization to each guest, and confirming the functionality of microphones before the event begins.

10. Follow Up With Attendees

Within a week of your cultivation event, send a thank-you letter to each person who attended, whether they made a donation or not. By promptly thanking your attendees you are not only being polite, but also cultivating the relationship you established at the event. This is also another opportunity to communicate and connect with your current and prospective donors.

Germaine Frechette of Great Blue Hill (GBH) says, “Most people don’t expect event follow up, so you have an opportunity to stand out among other organizations. Perhaps you have an attractive photo of the donor at the event—this is always a great reason to write and say, ‘Thanks for attending, great to meet you and here’s a nice memory.’”

Even no-shows should be sent follow-up letters. This is an opportunity to develop a relationship that could result in attendance at your next event or even a donation. Tell your no shows you are sorry they weren’t able to make it, give a brief event recap, include any pertinent materials handed out at the event, and say you hope to see them at the next one.

Ultimately, the goal should be to get to know your donors on a more personal level. This kind of relationship is what builds trust and deeper donor loyalty. Frechette adds,

Meaningful events keep the conversation going between the organization and its supporters. Like any relationship, the more you engage with someone, the more you learn about what motivates them into action.

Count on Classy

With Classy’s supercharged platform and tools, your nonprofit can throw the party of the year, leaving donors in awe and ready to support your cause. It’s all about creating an unforgettable experience that’s equal parts fun, engaging, and heartfelt. Classy brings the tech-savvy magic that amps up event planning while ensuring smooth operations.

So, grab your dancing shoes, prepare to mingle, and let Classy be your partner in nonprofit partying. Together, we’ll help elevate your donor management initiatives and make a lasting impact on your mission.

Cheers to unforgettable events and changing the world, Classy style!

Article Sources

• 1. Burk, Penelope. Donor-Centered Leadership. 1st ed., Cygnus Applied Research, 2003.

Whether automating data entry, generating AI video content, leveraging writing tools to elevate your reports, or streamlining administrative processes, AI-powered systems can handle these tasks with remarkable precision, allowing nonprofit teams to focus on what matters most—making a difference.

In this blog, we’ll explore 12 of the best AI tools nonprofits can use to streamline internal workflows, inform decision-making with predictive AI models, elevate marketing and brand messaging, and increase outputs in less time to propel their missions forward.

What Value Can AI Tools Offer Nonprofits?

As alluded to above, nonprofits often face resource constraints and limited budgets, making it essential to maximize funds. Increased efficiency translates into cost savings and improved productivity, contributing to greater impact and scaled services.

For starters, nonprofits often struggle to reach target audiences effectively and communicate their missions in a crowded digital landscape, especially now with Google’s new AI search experience taking effect. AI tools and machine learning can help address these challenges by analyzing large amounts of data to uncover audience preferences, behaviors, and trends.

Additionally, AI design and copywriting tools, like image generation and natural language content engines, can help take your brand to the next level. Do you struggle to build or optimize your website? Have you ever experienced writer’s block when sending email appeals? Do you have a vision in mind for your nonprofit logo but can’t get it onto paper? AI tools can solve these problems and more.

Although we’ve only scratched the surface, this captures the sentiment that AI tools can empower nonprofits to do more with less. Let’s explore a few of the specific user-friendly tools your team can start leveraging today to strengthen your social impact and raise more for your community.

12 AI Tools for Nonprofits to Help Amplify Output

Marketing

1. AdCopy

AdCopy AI can help alleviate the stress of formulating ad copy for your fundraising initiatives and achieve your anticipated result in less time with fewer resources.

The tool’s AI is specifically for direct-response marketing and driving conversions. You can leverage high-speed autofill to generate and paste your copy into your Ads Manager and maximize its full customization capabilities to craft the perfect ad that reflects your cause.

If you’re interested in this functionality but less inclined to invest in a new tool or AI platform, most ad platforms have already built or have started to build this into existing technology. I encourage you to research whether your current ad platform has or is developing free in-engine AI writing tools that can help you achieve similar results.

2. Buffer

Buffer AI Assistant is a content creator’s dream, providing reliable social media management tools that help your nonprofit create content faster, run experiments, boost engagement, and repurpose social media posts with ease. Create personalized content for your target audiences and set nonprofit brand guidelines that specify your voice and tone to ensure consistency across channels.

Buffer can also assist with translating analytics, navigating comments, building customized landing pages, and generating ideas. Plus, there is a free plan option for those getting started with social media and wanting to get comfortable with the basics. This option includes tools that assist with planning and publishing, generating landing pages, and AI-powered optimizations.

3. Canva Magic Write

Magic Write, powered by OpenAI, is Canva’s AI text generator built to help you write faster and complete content creation tasks in seconds. This content generator can help your nonprofit write anything from social media captions and website copy to email appeals and blog posts.

Take advantage of Magic Write by simply entering a few keywords as a prompt, and it will transform your prompt into high-quality content ready to tweak, refine, and make yours.

4. Surfer SEO

Surfer SEO can provide the workflow to boost your organic traffic, increase visibility, and improve rankings. This AI technology streamlines content creation by researching, writing, and optimizing your words to help your team create more and capture more traffic.

With Surfer SEO, your nonprofit can generate briefs, blogs, and annual reports, write and optimize content in any language, and ensure your writing is plagiarism-free. This is done with search engine optimization in mind—the key to navigating Google’s algorithms and sustaining healthy web performance.

Design & Digital Experiences

5. 10Web

10Web AI Website Builder helps you build or recreate any website in minutes. Create a one-of-a-kind platform that meets your organizational needs and reflects your impactful work through content and images.

Start by answering a few simple questions about your organization, and the AI will generate tailored content based on your responses. You can customize its outputs, add more pages, and complete your website with personal touches. The tool also offers widgets to premium account holders that edit every design element of your website.

6. Adobe Generative Recolor

Generative Recolor, currently in beta, is part of an innovative new suite of AI-powered capabilities powered by Adobe Firefly. Available through the Illustrator app, this tool is for designers and marketers to fine-tune their brand identity, adjust marketing materials, or generate fresh takes on past vector designs, illustrations, or assets,

Nonprofits can use Generative Recolor for any vector design. Personalize your work from the sample color palette prompts provided or enter your color palette prompt inspired by your brand. Whichever experience you try, your designers and volunteers will save time and resources on what used to be a tedious, manual task.

7. Framer

Framer AI offers a complete set of tools to design and maintain a stunning nonprofit website. Generate and publish your site with AI in seconds based on the details you provide. Each section is a unique combination of layout, copy, and styling to capture your brand story and communicate the impact of your cause.

Leverage Framer AI’s built-in copywriter to improve your site’s storytelling and calls to action, elevate your visual navigation to make it easier for donors to find their way around your site, and implement search engine optimizations to improve your site’s Google ranking. Plus, Framer AI automatically formats everything you create for desktop, tablet, and mobile.

8. FullStory

FullStory helps identify what’s working on your site—and what’s not—with data to inform smarter decisions. Use its proprietary automated-capture technology to see where and why users struggle with your website, identify root causes or opportunities for improvement, and practice continued optimization to scale your supporter base and raise more.

After all, creating a unified digital destination is key to upholding a cohesive narrative across all channels, making it easier for donors to familiarize themselves with your organization’s mission, values, and impact. Plus, a poor user experience impacts loyalty and revenue, so finding ways to elevate the steps between acquisition and long-term retention is integral to fundraising.

9. Adobe Photoshop With Generative Fill

Generative Fill can support your nonprofit’s photo editing and art generation tasks, from simple retouches to expert-level refinements. Quickly create, add to, remove, or replace image elements within Adobe Photoshop with simple text prompts powered by Adobe Firefly’s generative AI. Currently, in beta, this AI image technology can help your team push its creative boundaries.

Remove the microphone stand in a photo of your keynote speaker addressing fundraising event attendees or extend the background of an image your volunteer took while supporting crisis relief efforts. Although seemingly small touches, these elevations to your images can open the door to greater storytelling opportunities.

10. Stockimg AI

Stockimg.AI helps nonprofits generate logos, stock images, illustrations, art, and more. With a base of over 1 million users, this AI tool has proven its ability to generate standout creations that consistently exceed expectations.

Need ways to represent your daily impact better? Create images with AI that help tell your story. Ready to launch a new recurring giving program? Leverage Stockimg.AI to generate a fresh logo that celebrates your recurring donor community. You can also create stock images for each impact block displayed on your Classy crowdfunding campaign.

Task Automation

11. Tango

Tango instantly turns any process into a beautiful, shareable how-to guide with cropped screenshots and visuals that lead the way. Instead of screen sharing to walk your newest volunteers through the back end of your nonprofit customer relationship management software, Tango can help save the time you would spend conducting that training by automatically creating an interactive walk-through and detailed templates anyone can easily understand.

12. Krisp

Krisp improves the productivity of online meetings with its AI-powered meeting assistant tools. Are you tired of note-taking while your team runs through a new campaign idea or jotting down all the numbers discussed in your quarterly budget meeting? This tool’s automatic meeting transcription removes that barrier, allowing you to engage with your colleagues in real-time.

Additionally, we all know the pain of a lackluster online meeting when your co-worker’s dog barks over everyone or the echo of your office conference room makes it impossible to understand your boss. Krisp’s voice clarity tool includes background noise cancellation, call summaries, and more to elevate a better experience for everyone involved.

Unlock Your Nonprofit’s Potential With AI Tools

AI tools hold immense potential for nonprofits to unlock time-savings and cost efficiency and elevate marketing strategies and brand messaging. By embracing these no-code technologies, nonprofits can maximize efficiency, amplify outputs, and propel their missions forward with a greater sense of purpose and effectiveness.

If your 501(c)(3) nonprofit is on a mission to raise more and do more this year, we encourage you to discover how Classy can serve as your fundraising partner. Request a demo to dive into the top features of our comprehensive fundraising platform or learn how Classy fuels nonprofits to achieve goals from our extensive library of customer stories.

Copy Editor: Ayanna Julien

Now, imagine a future where artificial intelligence (AI) takes center stage, revolutionizing the organic search landscape as we know it. With the introduction of Google’s groundbreaking new AI experience, the impact on organic search is nothing short of transformative.

In this blog post, we dive into the possibilities ahead, exploring how Google’s AI advancements will influence website rankings, user behavior, and the future of SEO strategies. Get ready to unlock the doors to a new era of organic search.

Google AI 101: Understanding the Basics

At its core, Google’s new AI experience leverages advanced machine learning algorithms and natural language processing capabilities to understand the intent and context of each query. It goes beyond keyword matching, aiming to provide users with more relevant and tailored search results.

This development marks a paradigm shift in how Google discovers websites and ranks them in organic search results—websites that align more closely with the user’s intent and offer high-quality content will likely gain visibility. Catering to the user’s needs is now just as critical as optimizing for particular keywords.

This means website owners and digital marketers like yourselves must adapt their SEO strategies to align with these new AI-driven algorithms to stay competitive in the ever-evolving online landscape.

So how do you do that? Let’s first dive into the AI experiences currently available to the public or offered in beta to understand what Google users can expect in the coming months.

Google Bard

There are currently two components of Google Bard: the standalone AI experience and the generative AI search experience.

Introducing Bard

Google Bard is a large language model (LLM) chatbot developed by Google AI. It’s an advanced technology that uses machine learning to generate human-like responses based on the provided prompts.

Bard’s standalone AI experience is still under development but already capable of things like:

• Translating languages for easy comprehension
• Answering detailed prompts in a clear, concise way
• Generating creative content like blog posts, poems, code, musical pieces, and more
• Working with other Google apps to help accomplish tasks more efficiently

Introducing the Bard AI Search Experience

Google Bard’s AI search experience offers a new way to search the web. It uses generative AI to understand the nuances of people’s queries better, leading to more precise results.

When you search for something on Google Bard, you’ll see results like:

• AI-powered snapshots of short, human-like summaries that provide a tailored response to users’ queries
• AI-powered answers consisting of longer, more detailed responses to more complex concepts
• Traditional search results that you’re used to seeing on Google, but now supplemented with the AI-powered snapshots and answers introduced above

Creating high-quality, relevant, and engaging content that satisfies user intent is more important than ever. Additionally, understanding how to optimize content for AI-driven search algorithms will play a crucial role in improving organic search rankings and driving traffic to your websites.

While that answer is still unclear, we’ll update this blog as we test the beta experience and identify the most effective strategies.

What to Expect With Google Bard’s AI Search Experience

So far, we see a few notable features:

• Bard will answer commercial and informational queries
• Bard will not answer “Your Money or Your Life” (YMYL) queries
• Bard users can view the sources referenced to craft its summary within the AI snippet box
• Bard users can expand the AI snippet box and see corroborated information in a line-by-line breakdown

When an AI response appears in search results, it pushes search engine results page (SERP) features, like featured snippets, images, videos, People Also Ask, knowledge panels, and organic search results, below the fold. This is significant because it confirms that the new Google AI experience heavily favors AI-generated results.

Google Perspectives

Like the motivation behind Google Bard, Google Perspectives leverages generative AI to help users navigate more effectively and discover the information they seek more easily.

Google Perspectives factors in the importance of what others have to say on a particular topic and feeds users long- and short-form videos, images, and written posts that people have shared on discussion boards, Q&A websites, and social media platforms relating to certain queries.

Generally, Google Perspectives appears in search when users may benefit from the advice or personal feedback of others regarding their query. For example, if you searched “Low maintenance houseplants” and tap the Perspectives filter, you’ll see a page of results with advice from other people, like personal stories told through videos or tips from commenters on Reddit.

What to Expect With Google Perspectives

In its current functionality, we see:

• Google’s content ranking will show more “hidden gems” (comments in a thread, posts on an emerging blog, geo-tagged Instagram photos, etc.) through its Perspectives tool to source information that lives in hard-to-reach places
• Google shares details about the creators of this featured content as well, such as their names and profile photos

Google’s Perspectives tool offers snackable content that exposes users to simplified, vetted responses to particular queries. Just like people seek advice from friends and family, they can now go directly online to seek trusted responses from real people who have advice, opinions, and experiences to share.

How to Proceed in the Age of AI

With all these changes, you may be thinking, or potentially might have heard, that “SEO is dead.” But in reality, SEO remains critical to a strong digital strategy, and companies that continue evolving and investing in SEO efforts will likely find success in the future.

Let’s dive into three ways your nonprofit can continue strengthening its digital performance in response to Google’s new AI search experience.

1. Join the Google Labs Waitlist

Google Bard, the standalone AI experience, is now accessible to all, but its generative AI search experience is still under development. To access the search experience and engage with the technology in beta, we highly recommend joining the Google Labs waitlist.

Beta-testing functionality comes on a first-come-first-served basis, meaning those who requested access to the experiment when the option first became available are those who were initially approved and are currently exploring the experiment.

The waitlist to join Google Labs is still open, so the general public can experience it themselves once approved. Immersing yourself in the technology is the quickest way to learn what it currently offers, how it functions, and how it’s changing the search landscape.

2. Lean Into Thought Leadership Content

Understanding how effective generative AI already is in creating short-form content based on specific prompts, it’s worth questioning how your nonprofit’s content will emerge through the AI noise to remain relevant online.

Organizations that provide timely, thought-provoking content with a deep level of expertise will likely not see as much of an impact on digital performance as those relying on top-of-funnel content intended solely to drive traffic.

Large language model chatbots, like ChatGPT, can now supply lower-effort content with incredible efficiency and relatively high levels of accuracy, so writers and marketers need to evolve. The goal now is to offer something readers can’t get from AI, which is genuine thought leadership content written by experts in the space.

3. Prioritize EEAT Guidelines

In the context of digital marketing, EEAT stands for experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. Prescribed by Google’s search quality rating guidelines, these guidelines help human evaluators to assess search results.

While not direct ranking factors, these guidelines provide insights into the factors that Google considers critical for determining how to rank a website. And in the age of AI, content that adheres to Google’s EEAT guidelines will be rewarded for serving as a top-tier resource that’s trusted and informative.

Learning to Embrace the Future of AI for Nonprofits

When technology evolves as quickly as it has over the last decade, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. The concept of AI seemed a distant reality for most, then quickly became a part of our daily lives. If you’re feeling that way, you’re not alone.

Although understandable to be hesitant about embracing change, whether due to fear or comfortability with your current strategies, nonprofits must start the learning process to stay on pace. Not only is this critical for your organization’s visibility, but it’s also necessary for safeguarding your mission and sustaining revenue despite this online evolution.

At Classy, we’re committed to real-time learning to share our experiences and recommendations with you. We’ve already begun conducting research on the topic of AI in the following articles and encourage you to revisit our blog as we update these existing pieces with new AI developments as the space continues to progress:

• 5 Ways to Leverage ChatGPT for Your Nonprofit Blog
• A Nonprofit’s Guide to Crafting the Perfect Prompt for Language AI Tools
• Ethical Guidelines for Nonprofits Using Language AI Tools

We look forward to learning together.

Copy Editor: Ayanna Julien

Security is essential on any platform, especially when dealing with payment data. As a result, a technology stack to protect your nonprofit and its loyal donors is non-negotiable. Today, we’ll cover why proactive security measures are critical to sustaining your donors’ trust. 

Read on to discover a few ways to improve your nonprofit cybersecurity hygiene and stay ahead of any potential risk. Hear exclusive insights from GoFundMe’s Chief Information Security Officer, John Downey, on protecting your organization and its valuable supporters and simple lessons he’s learned throughout his two-decade-long career in computer software and security.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting your systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.² Assessing nonprofit cybersecurity expands beyond protecting your systems to safeguard the people who support your organization.

There are several different cyberattacks, but three of the most common include:

• Phishing attacks: Stealing sensitive information by sending fraudulent emails that resemble emails from trusted sources
• Denial of service (DoS) attacks: Triggering a crash to make a network inaccessible to its intended users
• Malware attacks: Using malware software to gain unauthorized access or cause damage to a computer

The information you’ll learn about in this post will help you protect your nonprofit against each of these types of attacks under the larger umbrella of cybersecurity.

Why Cybersecurity Matters for Your Organization

The Numbers in 2022³

• 1,802 total data compromises 
• 422,143,312 total victims 

The Long-Term Value

Security and stability lead to deeper donor trust, potentially resulting in recurring donations. When you consider retention, donor confidence also impacts their likelihood of returning and giving again. Preventing data breaches reduces the risk to your nonprofit’s reputation and the costs associated with a data security breach.

Among the different costs of a breach in 2022, lost business represented the largest share at an average total cost of $1.42 million.⁴ Keep reliability at the forefront of every organizational decision and consider how you can continue taking the necessary steps to uphold the highest security standards.

5 Actions to Protect Your Nonprofit Organization From Security Threats

There are several cybersecurity measures your organization can take to protect its community. In our interview with John Downey, he shared a few simple recommendations to start with:

1. Be wary of unfamiliar emails or texts sent to your personal or work devices

This is one of the most common ways that phishing attacks occur. An attacker pretends to be an executive or founder of your organization and asks for personal information, such as your credit card, Social Security number, password, or protected company data.

One way to check if this is a hacker is to look at the sender’s email address. Often, the email address will have the same prefix but not the same domain name as your organization.

For example, if your CEO’s email address is jsmith@organization.org, the hacker’s email address may be jsmith@1245.com.

2. Do not click unknown links or download attachments in any personal or work communications

Clicking links or downloading attachments in emails and text messages can lead to downloading malware on your computer or phone. 

One way to check if a link is trustworthy is to hover over the link. You’ll see the full link pop up in the left corner of your browser. If the website’s domain doesn’t match your organization’s or the company allegedly reaching out to you, don’t click the link.

3. Flag suspicious activity or phishing attempts that appear risky

Sending suspicious emails to your IT team is another red flag. If you don’t have an IT team, you can report the email as a phishing attack to your service provider. For example, with Gmail, you can mark the email as spam, which notifies Google that this is an unwanted email. You can also report the phishing email to Google.

4. Update your password on any platforms you use, particularly ones that store sensitive information

If you have the same password for all your work accounts, it’s time to update them. Try a password management app or implement a single sign-on (SSO) tool for a more secure experience.

SSO is an authentication tool that allows users to sign into multiple applications with only one set of credentials. Typically, SSO software requires users to update their passwords regularly with more robust password qualifications. When paired with multifactor authentication (MFA), you see the best of both worlds regarding password security.

5. Ensure your fundraising platform follows security best practices

While there are numerous actions your organization can take to improve security, your fundraising software should also prioritize and be proactive in its security measures. We deep dive into those platform security considerations below.

6 Cybersecurity Considerations for Your Fundraising Platform

Security should be a key consideration throughout your fundraising software evaluation process. Here are six questions to ask when deciding which platform is best to protect your organization and its donors.

1. Does my fundraising platform have a data security team?

Your days are busy at a nonprofit, whether coordinating fundraising events or analyzing donor behavior. It’s essential that you find a donation platform that serves as an extension of your team to help get everything done.

When you evaluate different fundraising software providers, determine whether they have a department focused solely on platform security and policies. Since it’s unrealistic to monitor your online fundraising platform 24/7, finding the right people and tools to serve as your eyes and ears can provide much-needed peace of mind.

We Practice What We Preach

Classy and GoFundMe have an Information Security and Privacy team, in addition to a Risk and Compliance team. We prioritize having the technology and industry expertise to protect our global nonprofit organizations proactively. In addition, we know that supporting our customers behind the scenes allows them to focus on what matters most—their mission.

2. What governance policies and security training does the platform have?

Promising to respond and rebuild in the case of a data breach is not enough to gain donors’ trust. Find a platform with proactive policies to protect your organization’s information at all costs.

Ask about the platform’s level of compliance and explore its coding principles to ensure each platform feature is secure. In addition, make sure the platform’s team receives regular training to remain up to date on the most effective security procedures.

We Practice What We Preach

Independent auditors evaluated Classy and GoFundMe systems, which passed the highest security protocols set by PCI DSS. In addition, Classy leverages industry standards, such as the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Top 10 Principles, in its software development lifecycle. The entire staff completes security training annually, and developers must undergo recurrent secure coding training.

3. How does security influence the platform’s development?

The infrastructure of a fundraising platform informs the security level of your organization’s and donors’ data. You’ll want to look at the fundraising platform’s architecture and ask about it in conversations with any vendors you consider.

When you look at your fundraising platform’s architecture, consider if it’s hosted on-premise or in the cloud. If it’s hosted on the cloud, you benefit from a software-as-a-service (SaaS) environment, which affords your nonprofit the latest technology without worrying about upgrades.

We Practice What We Preach

Classy uses a secure cloud architecture and multiple security measures to protect sensitive data. These include:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) Virtual Private Cloud
• PCI Level 1 Certification
• 24/7/365 security scanning and threat monitoring
• Network-level vulnerability scanning
• Annual penetration testing
• Web application firewall (WAF) and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) protection

We also build security into the foundation of all our products and services. This includes load balancer-based compute isolation, role-based access control, secure logging, static and dynamic code analysis, and OWASP secure coding principles. Using tokenization, encryption, and key management, Classy never stores credit card information and always protects other sensitive data.

4. How often is the platform scanned and monitored for potential issues?

Regarding sensitive data, you’ll always want to know how it’s stored, who can access it, and what protocols are in place to ensure no leaks. A security breach can happen quickly, so you’ll want to be sure your fundraising platform monitors for issues constantly.

We Practice What We Preach

Classy uses 24/7/365 monitoring, leveraging an intrusion detection system (IDS), network-level scanning, and WAF. We also know from Classy’s State of Modern Philanthropy report that 30% of our platform’s donation volume occurs between Giving Tuesday and New Year’s Eve. This fuels our desire to take specific steps to deliver a secure, stable, and reliable giving platform for all our customers.

In addition to maintaining reliability, readiness, and security throughout the year on the Classy platform, we take the following preemptive measures heading into the peak giving season:

• Completing an annual audit for PCI Level 1 Certification for the highest accuracy and readiness
• Partnering with a team of AWS solutions engineers who maintain an all-day, live-mission control room to monitor platform activity in real time on Giving Tuesday and other major giving days 
• Scaling of our infrastructure preemptively for Giving Tuesday to add servers to our cluster, which helps to support our best-in-class infrastructure security and highly available architecture with automatic scale protocols
• Pausing on product development between October and January proactively to recognize the critical period for fundraising and ensure all products and features work as expected

5. Are there any audits in place to ensure continued compliance?

It’s critical to consistently reevaluate your protocols to ensure compliance with the highest standards. That starts with understanding how your fundraising platform addresses audits and stays up to date with the latest compliance measures as the world of security technology continues to evolve.

We Practice What We Preach

By putting in place and adhering to procedures and standards, Classy and GoFundMe ensure our platform and systems keep our partner organizations’ data safe and secure. 

As mentioned, we conduct regular audit reviews that adhere to the OWASP Top 10 Principles when developing and implementing features and security controls. Our development and engineering teams also undergo recurrent secure coding training.

Leading up to Giving Tuesday, Classy also conducts a well-architected audit of best practices in partnership with AWS and Cloudflare.

6. What technology does the fundraising platform use to ensure secure payments?

Security on any platform is essential, especially when dealing with personally identifiable information and payment data. Donors want to know that their payment information is secure, regardless of which method they find easiest to make a donation.

As more nonprofit organizations offer diversified online payment processing options for supporters, it’s essential to ask how vendors transfer that data and emphasize security regularly.

We Practice What We Preach

Regarding nonprofit payment processing, Classy Pay offers the secure and trusted payment options of PayPal, Venmo, and cryptocurrency through Coinbase. We’re also preparing to launch SSO this summer, so users can eliminate weak passwords and increase security. 

We select best-in-class payment processing vendors to integrate into our payment solution, then thoroughly evaluate their security measures. In addition, Stripe Radar implements blocking and reviews rules for fraud protection, while the Classy team audits suspicious and fraudulent activity regularly. We also prioritize a timely response to any incidents, internally and externally.

Raise More, Do More With Secure Software

Balance nonprofit transparency and security, maintain trust with your donors, and feel confident in the stability and reliability of your platform. 

Whether your organization is evaluating new technology or exploring proactive ways to uplevel its policies, take the proper steps to protect your community and safeguard its mission. 

We’d love to help you get started with more information about the Classy and GoFundMe policies. Plus, our customer care team can answer any other questions that come to mind.

Article Sources

1. “How Many Cyber Attacks Happen Per Day in 2023?” Techjury, last modified February 27, 2023, https://techjury.net/blog/how-many-cyber-attacks-per-day/#gref.
2. “What Is Cybersecurity?” Cisco, accessed June 8, 2023, https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/what-is-cybersecurity.html.
3. “2022 Data Breach Report,” Identity Theft Resource Center, accessed June 8, 2023,  https://www.idtheftcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ITRC_2022-Data-Breach-Report_Final-1.pdf.
4. “Give.org Donor Trust Report | 2021,” Profiles in Charity Trust and Giving, Give, accessed May 31, 2023, https://give.org/docs/default-source/donor-trust-library/2021-donor-trust-report.pdf.

Leveraging the right technology mobilizes connection and helps elevate your unique mission through impactful storytelling. Additionally, with access to clean, comprehensive data, you receive a full picture of each supporter and discover better ways to strengthen those relationships at scale.

Over the last decade-plus, Classy’s product focus has been on creating meaningful connections through giving and empowering nonprofits to take advantage of every opportunity to interact deeply with donors.

To meet the nuanced needs of the nonprofit sector, today’s fundraising platforms must deliver best-in-class technology to support organizations in the ways they deserve. From native marketing integrations to long-standing CRM partnerships, and collaboration with modern analytics tools, leveraging the right tech stack means you can count on intentional, purpose-built offerings that grow and scale as you do.

Today, we’re sharing what we know at Classy to be the most critical elements of connected fundraising, and how our product is evolving to remain in lockstep with the needs of the sector.

What Is “Connected Fundraising” and Why Does It Matter?

When Classy builds an integration, we understand that your organization’s front-end and back-end experiences must work together. At the same time, we ensure our and our partners’ solutions remain within our respective areas of expertise.

Solutions that go too wide often stray from their core competency, lacking long-term product innovation with outdated user interfaces for donors and staff. This is why we routinely see customers migrating away from all-in-one solutions, instead opting for integrated solutions that deliver a comprehensive and thoughtful experience for every stakeholder.

Classy’s high pace of innovation, coupled with robust CRM, analytics, and marketing integrations, ensure you can leverage your data as a strategic asset now and in the future, all while keeping it accessible and centralized within the context of your tech stack.

Connected fundraising experiences allow you to facilitate unified donor journeys and personalize them to reflect the needs and interests of each individual. Getting the right data from the right touchpoints helps you achieve a fundamental understanding of how donors engage with you, opening the door for your team to turn that moment of generosity into a lifelong relationship.

Elevate Your Impact With Connected Technology

According to Classy’s 2023 State of Modern Philanthropy report, supporters who engage with multiple campaign types (e.g., crowdfunding, peer-to-peer, fundraising events) are 4x more valuable than supporters who participate in a single campaign.

Understanding who those highly-engaged supporters are, which channels they prefer, and how to reach them is only possible with connected technology. A set of comprehensive fundraising tools paired with best-of-breed integrations makes it possible to facilitate, organize, and oversee all donor touchpoints without losing anything in the shuffle.

That 360-view aids informed decision-making on how to acquire, convert, and retain your loyal donor base for the long term.

See It In Action With Classy

CRM Solutions

Since Classy’s inception, we have integrated with CRMs that empower nonprofits to personalize interactions at scale. Our long-standing partnership with Salesforce has grown to become the deepest integration in the industry. With bi-directional sync and an upcoming integration to its new Nonprofit Cloud on our roadmap, we remain committed to propelling the sector forward, together.

As technology evolves and the CRM landscape changes, we are expanding our offerings with a new beta integration to Microsoft Dynamics Fundraising and Engagement (F&E) solution. Microsoft’s recent launch of Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofits (MC4N) provides new options for the sector, and Classy is committed to investing in partners invested in you.

Additionally, our native integration to Zapier is entering a closed beta phase this summer, enabling you to send your transaction, supporter, and campaign data to the CRM you prefer.

Analytics & Tracking Solutions

Beyond CRM, Classy integrates with analytics partners like Google Analytics 4 and Meta Conversions API (Meta CAPI) to power learnings from your supporter traffic.

Understanding the impact of digital fragmentation on nonprofit fundraising and the unique set of challenges that come with the sunset of third-party cookie tracking, analytics can help unlock new ways of collecting data while respecting your donors’ privacy.

This data helps determine how supporters want to hear from you and the multiple places they may be engaging with your cause, allowing for more informed communication. Leveraging data from analytics integrations also helps power ad personalization, optimization, and measurement so you can extract the right touchpoints to deliver compelling supporter experiences.

Marketing Solutions

Delivering engaging, stand-out storytelling does not stop at CRM and analytics capabilities. With native marketing integrations like Mailchimp and Constant Contact, and strong partner-built solutions like Klaviyo, you can segment donors by cohorts to send personalized, relevant communication that resonates.

Alongside your analytics and CRM integrations, you learn which stories your supporters connect with the most, and where they are listening. From work-in-progress stories to storytelling with real-life images, you are well-prepared to share your organization’s work from start to finish.

The Future of Integrations With Classy and GoFundMe

Together, with our integrated partners, Classy is here to support your end-to-end fundraising experience. With a deeply-rooted commitment to industry-leading CRM, analytics, and marketing integrations, your needs will always come first, while also ensuring your supporters receive nothing less than a world-class experience.

Our goal is to work across vendors to establish deep partner relationships that serve the distinct needs of the nonprofit sector, so you can focus on your mission. Classy and GoFundMe are testing ways for nonprofits to tap into the millions of donors engaging across our platforms so you can make an even greater impact.

Article Sources

1. “2022 Fundraising Showed Substantial Weakness Through Q4,” Research & Reports, AFP, last modified April 16, 2023, https://afpglobal.org/2022-fundraising-showed-substantial-weakness-through-q4.

At Classy, we believe effective online fundraising begins with world-class conversions, but it doesn’t end there. It’s also about connecting people with your mission through impactful storytelling and taking your donors on an end-to-end journey.

Classy’s comprehensive fundraising platform empowers nonprofits to build lifelong relationships from moments of generosity. How we do that is unique from Classy competitors, which we’ll expand on below, but our goal to help nonprofits advance their causes is a through line.

Learn more about Classy’s fundraising solution versus Classy alternatives and how our technology empowers thousands of the world’s top nonprofits to amplify real-time impact.

Evaluating Nonprofit Platform Alternatives to Classy

There are several factors to consider during your nonprofit software evaluation, and the process can quickly become overwhelming.

Today’s nonprofits can power their fundraising efforts through a comprehensive nonprofit fundraising solution or buy into a set of individually-sourced point solutions that, together, make up a comprehensive tech stack. These point solutions may include online donations, crowdfunding, event management, payment processing, or donation forms, all sourced from different software providers.

At Classy, we know that cohesion across various giving experiences builds connection and trust with supporters. Offering the right experience to the right donor at the right time fuels conversions, amplifies donors’ levels of support, and keeps them coming back. We’re so confident we shaped our product suite around it.

Classy’s diversified fundraising platform offers a comprehensive, customizable set of tools that fuel a holistic strategy. In addition to our world-class direct giving experience, Classy offers virtual, hybrid, and in-person events, online peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, and recurring giving.

Outside of Classy, there are options for additional fundraising management tools, like customer relationship management or CRM donor management software, email marketing technology, and volunteer management tools. Many software programs, like Virtuous and Salesforce, integrate seamlessly with Classy.

Point Solutions: The Risk of Going Too Narrow

Point solutions are software built to solve a single problem. This applies to fundraising technology when platforms zero in on one aspect of the online giving process, like direct giving or event ticketing.

While a program may excel in that singular area, it often leaves nonprofits managing multiple fundraising tools to build a complete tech stack. This introduces a complexity tax for staff and supporters, leaving staff to learn multiple tools and supporters struggling with donation management.

For example, a recurring donor that’s also a peer-to-peer team captain now has two different systems to manage fundraising activity.

The cost of managing multiple tools quickly adds up, resulting in decreased efficiency, return on investment, and donor satisfaction.

All-in-One Solutions: The Risk of Going Too Broad

All-in-one platforms, seemingly the simplest solution, often try to be everything to everyone at the cost of innovation and user-friendly experiences. The idea of a one-stop shop sounds alluring, but the typical reality of going too wide in your solutions could render your efforts fruitless in achieving any of your goals.

For example, it’s hard to be a best-in-class CRM, digital fundraising, marketing, and financial management platform all at the same time. The use cases for an email tool and CRM are totally different from fundraising platform. For that reason, we don’t recommend selecting a tool that does everything because we don’t believe it’ll serve your team or do what you need.

Rather than evaluating potential fundraising platforms solely for the breadth of solutions, it’s critical to evaluate the depth of each product within that fundraising suite as well.

Threading the Needle With a Comprehensive Fundraising Platform

Classy balances breadth and depth to provide a online donation platform solely focused on digital fundraising that offers comprehensive tools to engage and nurture donors in diversified ways.

Again, sustainable fundraising is about offering the right experience to the right donor at the right time. With Classy’s comprehensive direct-giving solution, complete peer-to-peer experience, world-class recurring donation platform, and industry-leading nonprofit fundraising event software, organizations can double their revenue and double their impact.

In Classy’s 2023 State of Modern Philanthropy report, we found that supporters who participate in multiple campaign types are 4x more valuable than supporters who participate in a single campaign. By increasing engagement across numerous campaign types on Classy, your organization has the potential to keep donors more involved and more loyal to your cause.

Additionally, every donor who gives on Classy can access a supporter dashboard. From their dashboard, they can keep track of their donation activity, resend themselves receipts, and edit any recurring giving plans or fundraising pages in one place. This empowers supporters to self-serve, which frees your team to focus on other priorities.

Why Today’s Nonprofits Prefer Classy

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the impact of channel fragmentation on nonprofits’ ability to connect and effectively communicate has become more pronounced. Successful nonprofits can cut through the noise by offering elevated stories, emphasizing the impact supporters have in driving their missions forward, and using data to inform supporter engagement.

Classy knows that every nonprofit’s story is unique and their giving experiences should be, too. Our platform maximizes flexibility and configurability, placing your story front and center while driving connection to every supporter:

• Our direct giving experiences integrate seamlessly with your website to drive 2x-industry standard conversion and revenue.
• Our events platform helps create memorable, authentic experiences, deeply connecting your supporters to your story and impact while empowering them to engage in other ways.
• Our peer-to-peer solution extends your reach beyond your network of supporters to theirs, driving increased supporter acquisition.
• Our GoFundMe partnership aids in realizing the full potential of peer-to-peer fundraising and its role in the overall giving landscape.

Classy also supports integrations to the leading CRM and marketing platforms, which allows you to carry the personalization of your marketing all the way through to your giving experiences.

Each of these experiences, when woven together, helps engage donors across multiple touch points. We know this is key to driving donor acquisition and building a loyal supporter base to increase donor lifetime value.

Discover What Classy Can Do for Your Nonprofit

Personalization and connection matter more than ever. To unlock the generosity of new and existing supporters, you first have to learn how to engage with them through various giving experiences that resonate online and offline.

We encourage you to request a demo of our product to see how it works and what it can do for your nonprofit. Classy Academy is another resource at your fingertips that provides step-by-step coaching on how to take advantage of all our world-class features.

According to Techopedia, accessibility is “how software or hardware combinations are designed to make a system accessible to persons with disabilities.” In simpler terms, web accessibility means a website, application, or digital tool is created with the intention that people of all abilities have equal access to the full user experience.

To help your nonprofit fuel its web accessibility initiatives, we cover accessibility requirements, why digital accessibility is crucial for nonprofits, and how you can make your site more accessible with intentional web design.

Fun fact: Accessibility is often called “a11y,” with the “11” representing the number of letters between “a” and “y.”

What Is Web Accessibility?

Before diving into the formal definition, let’s start by looking at the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and how it opened the door for web accessibility as we know it today.

In short, the ADA is a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in various aspects of public life. This law prohibits discrimination based on disability and requires employers, businesses, and state and local governments to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to enable them to participate fully in society. That includes ensuring their websites and other digital content are accessible to people with disabilities.

Currently, the standards for what it means to be accessible come from The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)—the primary group tasked with setting international standards for the Internet—sets these guidelines.

These guidelines outline four main standards for web content:

1. Perceivability: The user can identify content and interface elements by the senses (primarily via vision and/or hearing). Example: When uploading a video with speech, provide a text transcript for users to consume with or without sound.
2. Operability: The user can manipulate controls, buttons, navigation, and other necessary interactive elements without accessibility barriers. Example: Ensure all forms on your website can be maneuvered and submitted with only keyboard navigation.
3. Understandability: The user should be able to comprehend the content on your site and access the information they seek easily. Example: Avoid using unexplained jargon and acronyms when writing content to ensure all readers understand, especially in-page headings.
4. Applicability: The user should be able to choose, to a reasonable extent, the technology they use to interact with your product. Example: A specific web browser should not be necessary to access or operate your website.

Often believed to solely support people with visual impairments, accessible web content benefits users of all abilities and contexts. In fact, accessibility improves the experience for people without disabilities in the following scenarios:

• Users who have mobile devices, such as smartwatches, tablets, and devices with different input modes
• Users who have “temporary disabilities,” such as an injured hand
• Users who have “situational limitations,” such as when they can’t listen to audio
• Users who have a slow or limited Internet connection

Why Is Web Accessibility a Priority for Nonprofits?

Inclusivity is the core concept behind web accessibility. If your nonprofit has an inaccessible website, you prevent groups of potential supporters from gaining information, donating to your organization, and participating in initiatives that others can.

For instance, an individual who is hard of hearing would have a much better experience if you provided a transcript alongside your videos. Likewise, someone without full use of their hands would benefit from being able to navigate your donation form without having to reach for a mouse.

Providing equal access for everyone is critical to a strong web presence, which goes even further when you consider the characteristics that define the nonprofit industry. As a community dedicated to moving the needle on humanity’s greatest struggles, nonprofits have a unique responsibility to consider accessibility laws and best practices in every element of the digital experience.

Additionally, a fully accessible site has the potential to improve the experience of all users. Adhering to the highest technical standards directly impacts how users navigate your content. If the functionality and usability of your site are suitable for everyone, users are more likely to hang around to learn more and potentially donate.

8 Ways to Make Your Web Presence More Accessible

Ensuring your content adheres to web accessibility guidelines often begins in the ideation stages, but it’s never too late to elevate your site to improve the experience for all users. Whether selecting an accessible color palette, choosing a legible font, or configuring a layout to navigate and comprehend easily, accessible design is critical.

Here are eight ways to elevate your web accessibility standards:

1. Provide Sufficient Color Contrast

The appropriate color contrast is critical for ensuring that all users can access and use your website effectively, regardless of their visual abilities.

For instance, people with visual impairments or color blindness rely on sufficient color contrast to distinguish elements on a website. If the color contrast is too low, they may have difficulty reading or understanding the content. It’s also worth noting that low contrast can strain the eyes and make it hard for any user to distinguish different elements on the page, whether they have visual impairments or not.

Ideally, websites should maintain a ratio of at least 4:5:1 to ensure text and images are clear.²

2. Be Mindful of Your Font

It’s crucial to choose an easy-to-read font, even with smaller sizes. Sans serif fonts, such as Arial or Verdana, are often a good choice because both are simple and easy to read on various screens.

Appropriate font size is another critical element of accessibility. It’s best practice to select a font size large enough to be legible but not so large that it becomes difficult to read or takes up too much space on the page. A font size of at least 16 pixels is the recommendation for body text.

Lastly, do your best to avoid all caps or italics, as these can make text more difficult to read, particularly for users with dyslexia or other reading or learning disabilities.

3. Include Alternative Text With All Images

Alternative text, or alt text, improves a website’s accessibility by providing a textual description of images. Added to the HTML code of an image and read by screen readers, alt text is one of the main assistive technologies used by people with visual impairments or other disabilities.

You can also use alt text for navigational elements, such as buttons or links. Without alt text, users who can’t see these elements may be unable to navigate the website effectively.

4. Highlight Interactive Elements With Focus States

Focus states are the outlines that appear around buttons, links, or input fields on a website. These serve as visual indications of which element on the page currently has keyboard focus, often seen when a tab key is used.

When users interact with a website using a keyboard or other assistive technologies, such as a screen reader, they rely on the focus state to understand where they are on the page and which element is currently active.

The focus state is typically represented by a visual cue, such as a highlight or a color change, that surrounds or appears within the element that has focus. This can help users with visual impairments or motor disabilities to navigate the website more easily.

5. Use HTML Headings to Structure Your Page

HTML headings are crucial for several reasons, but the most critical to accessibility is providing structure to improve page readability. Additionally, screen readers and other assistive technologies rely on headings to provide context and structure to the content.

Headings include the rankings <h1> through <h6>. All pages should have one <h1> level heading to serve as the title of the page. From there, implement headings hierarchically with subsections organized into subsequent level headings.

6. Simplify Your Forms

Simple forms are generally easier to understand and navigate and less likely to result in errors. These considerations are particularly critical for people with cognitive disabilities or those unfamiliar with the language on your site.

Efficiency is another factor that contributes to accessibility. Simple forms are typically faster to complete, which can be helpful for users with limited time or completing the form on a mobile device.

7. Complement All Visual Content With Captions and Transcripts

If your homepage or fundraising pages include video, prevent accessibility problems by including closed captions, sign language interpretation, or transcripts to help all users understand the audio.

This practice benefits users without auditory difficulties as well, such as people who prefer reading over listening or temporarily cannot listen to audio, like at a quiet library.

8. Use Simple Copy

This recommendation carries across all forms of written communication, especially when displayed on your website.

Always be clear and concise to avoid confusing your readers. Long, complex sentences overwhelm users and often cause frustration. Readers may not understand what you mean to say or may misinterpret your message.

When writing copy for your site, do your best to avoid:

• Long sentences
• Acronyms not clearly explained
• Niche, unfamiliar words
• Blocks of copy without clear breaks

Accessibility Testing Tools

If you want to make your existing site more accessible but aren’t sure where to start, consider running an audit. Tools such as WAVE can scan your website for any obvious WCAG offenses and offer solutions.

Another way to test your site’s accessibility is by engaging with it in alternative ways, such as:

• Clicking on buttons or filling out form fields using only your keyboard
• Using a vision impairment simulator such as NoCoffee to ensure that your interface doesn’t rely solely on colors to convey meaning and your color contrast ratio is sufficient
• Using a screen reader like VoiceOver (comes standard on Macs) or JAWS (available for PCs) to test the voice output of your page

But wait, what if I’m not tech savvy?

The difference between an organization with an accessible web presence and one without often comes down to a healthy dose of advocacy. Advocating for accessibility is the most effective way to drive progress and inspire organizational change.

Here are a few ways to become an advocate within your nonprofit, with no expertise or technical skills required:

1. Educate your team. By establishing a foundation of accessibility knowledge, you’ll empower your team to prioritize accessibility, identify issues, and solve them. Help connect your team to the resources they need to learn, whether setting aside time to complete online courses or scheduling on-site training with an expert.
2. Encourage continuous discussion. More likely than not, the accessibility of your site will be an ongoing process. Schedule accessibility audits on a quarterly or semi-annual basis to help keep things on track.
3. Create a process. Whenever discussing upcoming changes or additions to your site, perform a quick accessibility check. This can save your organization time on possible revisions and help your team prioritize accessibility.
4. Make accessibility part of your culture. Your team members will be much more likely to participate in the upkeep and progression of your website’s accessibility if it’s clear why it’s critical. Eventually, an accessibility mindset will be a natural part of your team’s workflow and ideation processes.

Continue Strengthening Your Web Accessibility Know-How

There’s a plethora of information and resources available to continue learning. We’ve listed some of our favorites below:

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines: The primary source of truth for accessibility standards on the web.
• Udacity Accessibility Course: A strong (and free) course on web accessibility by Google.
• The A11y Project: A collection of community-sourced resources for web accessibility.
• Accessibility Developer Guide: A comprehensive online guide for developing accessible websites.
• WAVE: A web accessibility evaluation tool that allows you to plug in a website’s address and see a list of WCAG violations.
• NoCoffee: A Chrome plug-in that allows you to view content in your browser with various types of vision impairment filters.
• Contrast Checker: An easy-to-use resource for checking whether a color passes WCAG contrast guidelines.

In the same way that nonprofits strive to positively impact the world, accessibility helps make the web a more inclusive place. At Classy, we understand how critical web accessibility and inclusivity are on nonprofits’ ability to raise more for social good.

Learn more about Classy’s accessibility standards and how our comprehensive fundraising suite can support your goals.

Article Sources

1. “A Comprehensive Web Accessibility Checklist,” Blog, Accessibility.com, last modified January 27, 2023, https://www.accessibility.com/blog/a-comprehensive-web-accessibility-checklist#:~:text=90%25%20of%20websites%20are%20inaccessible,who%20offer%20excellent%20customer%20service.
2. “Using Accessible Images to Make Your Website More Inclusive,” ADA Compliance, Accessibility Checker, last modified February 3, 2023, https://www.accessibilitychecker.org/blog/accessible-images/. 

In recent months, language-based artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), have gained momentum as an efficient way to elevate these efforts within the nonprofit sector.

AI provides nonprofits with new opportunities for greater efficiency, heightened donor engagement, and increased conversions. However, such technology presents ethical considerations and system disclaimers that nonprofits must carefully navigate to ensure responsible and effective use.

In this blog post, we delve into how nonprofits leverage AI tools, the ethical considerations and system disclaimers, and how your nonprofit can implement this technology responsibly to provide the most impactful result.

How Nonprofits Leverage Language AI Tools Today

While nonprofits can leverage AI in seemingly endless ways, here are three of the most common implementations of the language-generating technology.

1. Campaign Materials

With the help of language-based AI tools, nonprofits can generate persuasive text that resonates with potential donors and inspires them to take action.

You need only to provide the tool with a set of detailed prompts, such as your mission statement, target audience, and fundraising goals, to start. The AI tools then use this information to generate text for various campaign materials, including donation landing pages, sponsorship letters, email appeals, and more.

Using AI, nonprofits save time and resources on campaign materials while ensuring the messaging is consistent and impactful across all channels.

2. Marketing Content

With its natural language-generation capabilities, AI helps nonprofit teams create compelling and relevant content for their marketing efforts. A few examples include:

• Blog posts
• Social media posts
• Elevator pitches
• Annual reports
• Vision statements
• Speeches

3. Data Analysis

AI can also help nonprofits analyze data and deliver strategic recommendations based on its findings.

Nonprofit teams appreciate this additional support in organizing and analyzing their organization’s donor information and fundraising metrics because it not only leads to more informed decision-making but also allows staff and volunteers to dedicate time to the thing that matters most—donor relationships.

Here are three ways AI can help with data analysis:

• Data visualization: Generate visual representations of data, such as charts, graphs, and infographics, from raw data sets
• Data interpretation: Identify patterns, trends, and correlations in data, uncovering insights that can inform programmatic strategies, fundraising efforts, and organizational goals
• Predictive analytics: Analyze historical data to make predictions and forecasts about future outcomes

Ethical Reflections for Responsible AI Engagement

Like any new technology, it’s critical to learn how to use AI responsibly before investing resources into an implementation strategy. We’ve provided five guidelines about how to use AI tools to benefit your nonprofit community and drive the largest impact.

1. Data privacy and security: Nonprofits must ensure the collection, storage, and use of donor data through language AI tools comply with relevant data privacy laws and regulations. This includes handling donors’ personal information responsibly and securely and communicating how the data will be used and protected.

2. Bias and fairness: Language AI tools handle large amounts of data, which may include biases. As such, nonprofits should verify all text AI provides is free of biases and inaccurate information. In simpler terms, always review what you publish.

3. Human connection: AI tools may provide answers and create content quickly but lack the personal touch and empathy that human interactions can offer. Nonprofits should strive to balance using AI for efficiency and maintaining genuine human connections within the team and community.

4. Accuracy and reliability: Nonprofits should review the responses generated by AI systems thoroughly to ensure they are factual and aligned with the organization’s mission and values.

5. Impact on staff: AI can automate tasks and increase efficiency but may also affect jobs and responsibilities. Nonprofit teams should be transparent with staff about introducing this new technology and provide appropriate training and support to adapt to the changes.

Unpacking the Benefits and Challenges of AI for Nonprofit Organizations

AI can be a powerful tool for nonprofit teams to enhance their reach, fundraising efforts, and donor communications. It has the potential to streamline operations, engage donors, and personalize interactions.

However, nonprofits must use AI tools responsibly, in alignment with ethics, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations to ensure the technology is used for good. In doing so, nonprofits can harness its benefits while mitigating potential risks, ensuring it contributes positively to the mission and impact of the communities served.

Copy Editor: Ayanna Julien

If you manage a growing business or are an eager entrepreneur, use these 12 responsible businesses as inspiration to strive for a higher standard. We’ve also included a few potential options to consider if you’re a nonprofit looking for a corporate partner who believes in your mission and stands behind your cause.

Why Is Social Responsibility So Important?

Social responsibility is a movement to build a more inclusive and sustainable society and economy while preserving the planet through dedicated conservation efforts. Beyond that, it also benefits companies’ recruiting, employee engagement, and consumer marketing efforts.

A report from Aflac on CSR initiatives found that 77% of consumers are “motivated to purchase from companies committed to making the world better,” and 49% of Americans say it is more important for a company to “make the world a better place” than “make money for its shareholders.”¹

From B Corps to companies with robust CSR programs, for-profit organizations have increasingly aligned with relevant causes and social good programs.

1. Classy

Really, claiming the number one spot? We know how it looks, but here at Classy, we hold ourselves to the highest standard.

Classy’s comprehensive fundraising suite helps organizations transform supporters’ intent into impact with tools built to support every stage of the donor journey. 

As a Certified B Corporation, we prioritize our stakeholder promise to empower nonprofits to offer an exceptional giving experience without sacrificing an inclusive work environment or sustainable future. This philosophy has led to programs like the Classy Awards, now the largest impact awards program in the country, and ClassyGives, an innovative volunteering program for our community.

We continually strive to deliver unquestionable value to all customers and their supporters, as well as our team, investors, and community. To ensure our operations and impact are sustainable, responsible, and environmentally conscious, we formalized the following company-wide environmental commitments:

• Achieve carbon neutrality
• Achieve supply chain sustainability
• Achieve a culture of environmentally conscious stakeholders

Additionally, we offer an immersive experience called the Classy Collaborative, our annual nonprofit conference, to help elevate and advance the social sector. This multi-day event helps nonprofit organizations gain insights, strategies, and inspiration for greater impact.

A Partner to Support Your Mission

2. Dr. Bronner’s 

Holding its manufacturing standards to the greatest level, Dr. Bronner’s has been certified as a B Corporation since 2015. Now the top-selling brand of organic and fair-trade body care in the U.S., this family-owned and run company has steadily risen through the ranks.

This company makes socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality while dedicating its profits to building, promoting, and advancing positive social change in everything from healthcare to human rights.

Dr. Bronner’s is the pioneer of USDA-certified organic personal care products, guiding the social responsibility efforts within the industry. The company’s exemplary societal and environmental impact landed it in the top 10% of Certified Corps across all impact areas, proving that its strategy can lead the way for other companies wanting to join the movement.

To ensure fair and just treatment of farmers and workers worldwide, Dr. Bronner’s continues to offer education initiatives and create fair-trade projects to support its mission. The company also educates its farming partners in implementing carbon-sequestering farming practices and regenerative organic agriculture.

In addition, its products are free from synthetic preservatives, petrochemicals, synthetic-foaming agents or thickeners, packaged in 100% recyclable materials, and never tested on animals. Each product is 100% biodegradable, and 33% of all profits go to social and ecological projects.

3. Google

While Google is carbon neutral today, the company aims to run on carbon-free energy by 2030. Its goal is to not only pursue new carbon-free technologies but also demonstrate that a fully-decarbonized future is possible for everyone.

From facilitating green commuting to employee gift matching and paid volunteer time off, Google inspects nearly every part of its business with a social-impact lens.

4. Ben & Jerry’s

Ice cream tastes just a little sweeter when you know the makers work to promote safe, socially responsible ingredients and business practices. Since the 1980s, Ben & Jerry’s has supported several vital causes, many of which tie directly to the business of making ice cream.

In 1989, it first opposed recombinant bovine growth hormone use in cows due to “its adverse economic impact on family farming.” It also uses its packaging to support the family farm organization, Farm Aid. 

The company even created the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, which encourages its employees to give back to their communities and offers grants for social justice programs.

Ben & Jerry’s commitment to fair trade motivated the company to become the first ice cream maker in the world to use Fair Trade Certified ingredients. This decision aligns with its values to use environmentally-friendly farming practices, implement fair labor standards, and invest in local communities.

The company further amplifies its impact with the Fairtrade premium, an additional amount paid on top of farmers’ fair price.

5. LEGO

One of the most notable examples of how social responsibility can serve as an incredible asset to a well-known brand is the LEGO Group. 

The LEGO Group’s dedication to social impact is somewhat recent (a 2014 Greenpeace video put pressure on the toy maker to end its 50-year partnership with Shell Global due to Shell’s plans to drill in the Arctic). Still, the extent of its commitment has made the Danish company a shining example of the far-reaching impact of CSR.

In September 2020, the LEGO Group announced an investment of $400 million over the next three years to support its social responsibility and sustainability efforts. To deliver on its goal to achieve carbon neutrality, LEGO signed an agreement to set up its first-ever carbon-neutral plant in Vietnam, with production commencing in 2024.

Developers plan to rely completely on rooftop solar panels and a nearby solar farm to generate all power throughout the facility. Additionally, the company will start by phasing out single-use plastic boxes to make all packaging sustainable by the end of 2025.

The company’s Sustainable Materials Programme will continue to advance, focusing on expanding its use of BioBricks. Additionally, research into new, more sustainable plastics from renewable and recycled sources is a priority, as is partnering with other leaders in the industry to find durable, high-quality materials that keep the environment front of mind.

The LEGO Group also aims to reach children worldwide with learning through play. In 2021, the LEGO Group, the LEGO Foundation, and UNICEF announced a three-year partnership that will invest $2.5 million in providing resources to community-based family support programs to help caregivers understand the lifelong benefits of incorporating play into their everyday lives.

6. Levi Strauss

Are your jeans contributing to water scarcity? Most of us probably don’t think about this when shopping, but it’s a critical question for Levi Strauss. 

In recent years, the company has committed to reducing the amount of water used to produce its jeans, a product it has made since 1873.

The company created the first product tag in 2009, Care Tag for Our Planet, which offers tips on preserving your clothing and where to donate them when you’re ready. Levi Strauss works alongside Cotton Inc.’s Blue Jeans Go Green to collect used clothing and sells preowned or restored vintage clothing to reduce its carbon footprint.

As part of its effort to reduce the amount of water used in manufacturing, Levi Strauss adopted the Water<Less approach that ensures all key suppliers become distinguished Water<Less facilities by 2025 to alleviate water stress.

All owned-and-operated U.S. and Canadian retail locations, along with all U.S. wholesale locations, now use 100% post-consumer waste stock for print materials. Additionally, all new mannequins come from 100% recycled-base stock, and the company currently pilots recycled denim coat hangers in several locations.

7. Warby Parker

To help simplify the task of finding the right pair of glasses, Warby Parker sends customers five different frames to try on before making a decision. But knowing that a functional pair of glasses can be life-changing for many people, the B Corp also works to provide glasses for those in need.

Through its Buy a Pair, Give a Pair program, Warby Parker makes a monthly donation to its nonprofit partners, such as VisionSpring, to bring prescription eyewear to people in developing countries. 

8. Microsoft

Microsoft changed how the world works, studies, and plays with computers and software. But its ambitions go far beyond the screen.

The company, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, began its giving program in 1983 when the fledgling company raised $17,000 for charity. As its philanthropy webpage explains, Microsoft’s giving program has given time (employees volunteered more than 720,000 hours for nonprofits in 2022 alone) and cash. In 2022, the program raised over $255 million (with company match) for nonprofits.²

The software giant also created Microsoft Philanthropies, a social good initiative that works with nonprofits, governments, and businesses to create “a future where every person has the skills, knowledge, and opportunity to achieve more.” Initiatives cover everything from providing computer education, offering grants for nonprofits, and forming partnerships with organizations worldwide.

9. Sprout Social

A renowned social media management and intelligence tool, over 30,000 brands worldwide use Sprout Social. The company believes that building best-in-class software and a beloved brand is not just about its product and services but also about prioritizing integrity, sustainability, and humanity in everything it does.

To reduce waste and commit to sustainable practices, Sprout Social is proud to report that over 90% of the electronics it purchases are ENERGY STAR Certified. Additionally, over 50% of the organizations in its supply chain are carbon neutral or have pledged to be by 2050, and 100% of its U.S. locations are ENERGY STAR Certified buildings.

Social impact is a top priority for the company, which ladders up to its $500,000 annual donation commitment to organizations that fight discrimination and support marginalized communities. 

To stay open, honest, and accountable, Sprout Social reports on its website that 55% of its executive team and 43% of its Board of Directors is diverse in gender or race.

10. Lemonade

Lemonade serves to rebuild insurance as a social good. To support its mission, the company launched the Lemonade Giveback.

When purchasing a Lemonade policy, customers are asked to select a nonprofit they want to support. Then, once a year, Lemonade tallies up the unclaimed money left from their insurance premium and donates it to that organization. 

In 2022, the company gave over $1.8 million to charities, including Pencils of Promise, To Write Love On Her Arms, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and more.

11. Stitch Fix

An online personal-styling service founded in 2011, Stitch Fix takes measurable action toward a healthier planet. From its suppliers to the materials it works with, this company commits to using data, resources, and partnerships to catalyze change.

By 2025, Stitch Fix plans to source 100% of the main materials in its private-label products more sustainably than conventional alternatives. In 2022, the company reached 59% of its total goal.

Each vendor relationship centers on its Vendor Code of Ethics. This ensures a shared commitment to minimizing environmental impact and providing working conditions that uphold all labor laws and standards.

Additionally, Stitch Fix’s data-driven inventory model helps reduce waste by understanding what clients want to predict inventory needs more accurately. When excess inventory becomes problematic, the company also has partnerships to direct products to alternate channels rather than directly to a waste stream.

12. Purely Elizabeth 

As a booming natural foods company, Purely Elizabeth is a proud Certified B Corporation continually using business as a force for good. The company aims to provide nutritious snacks that serve the planet and its people.

To start, the company partners with a women-owned, coconut-sugar supplier in Indonesia and a B Corp-approved granola manufacturing partner to capitalize on the power of collaboration. 

In addition to its impact on the planet, Purely Elizabeth prioritizes its impact on all employees, customers, and communities through employee volunteer days, flexible time off, and generous benefits packages.

The company approaches sustainability from various angles, including:

• Requiring green standards for the Purely Elizabeth office (e.g., lower water usage, composting, light sensors, and reducing overall waste and energy consumption)
• Sharing local resources with remote employees to adapt and uphold sustainable practices
• Upholding Non-GMO Project Verified certification for most Purely Elizabeth products
• Sourcing organic ingredients whenever possible

Additionally, the team ensures they always meet the highest standards of performance, transparency, and accountability by going through an audit every three years to reevaluate their goals, mission, and direction.

The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility

The numbers say it all: 90% of consumers are likely to trust and be loyal to socially responsible companies compared to companies that don’t contribute to positive change, and 92% of consumers want to buy a product that supports a good cause.³ 

Seeing how critical CSR is to brands worldwide, more and more companies have adopted climate change, renewable energy, and other social good initiatives into core business models. These organizations show how far-reaching and varied corporate social responsibility programs can be.

Any business can prioritize social impact by donating its product to those in need, fundraising for a worthy cause, or starting a charitable foundation. Along with its good for society and your local community, it also benefits your brand and attracts customers and talented employees.

One of the simplest ways businesses can take a philanthropic step is to sponsor a local nonprofit organization. Corporate sponsorships between nonprofits and for-profit businesses can take many forms, so read our blog, Corporate Sponsorship for Nonprofits: The Basics, to learn where to get started.

Article Sources

1. “Aflac CSR Survey,” Aflac, last accessed April 6, 2023, https://www.aflac.com/docs/about-aflac/csr-survey-assets/2019-aflac-csr-infographic-and-survey.pdf.
2. “Achieving More,” 2022 Impact Summary, Microsoft, last accessed April 6, 2023, https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RE5b9S0.
3. “A List of Statistics That Demonstrate CSR Performance,” Impact Marketing Club, last accessed April 6, 2023, https://impactmarketingclub.com/list-statistics-demonstrate-importance-csr/.

Once you’ve set and defined your project’s fundraising goal, you need to find the best crowdfunding website to serve and support your unique needs. The right fundraising tools can differentiate between a seamless crowdfunding experience and a headache for everyone involved.

Since the early-stage platform selection process can feel overwhelming, we’ve compiled a list of crowdfunding sites with the best success rates to guide your decision-making. Regardless of what types of crowdfunding your organization pursues, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of what each popular platform has to offer.

Best Overall Crowdfunding Site: GoFundMe

GoFundMe is the world’s largest social fundraising platform for individuals, teams, and nonprofits, with a giving community of more than 200+ million individual donations worldwide.

The popular crowdfunding site is available in 19 countries and counting and has processed more than $20 billion in donations since its start in 2010. With a free sign-up process, hands-on customer support, and donor protection guarantee, GoFundMe proudly celebrates its reputation as a trusted leader in online fundraising.

More Reasons to Love GoFundMe for Crowdfunding

• GoFundMe mobile app to fundraise on the go
• Easy donation withdrawals at any time
• No time limit on campaign length
• “Keep What You Raise” payout model
• Hands-on 24/7 customer support

Fees and Pricing Plans

For individuals and businesses:

• 0% platform fee
• 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee per donation

For charities:

• 0% platform fee
• 2.2% + $0.30 transaction fee per donation

GoFundMe Reviews

• TrustRadius: 8.7/10 stars
• Capterra: 4.4/5 stars
• G2: 3.3/5 stars

Best Crowdfunding Platform for Nonprofits: Classy.org

Classy helps thousands of nonprofits worldwide tell powerful stories and inspire support for meaningful causes with customizable, conversion-optimized nonprofit crowdfunding campaigns.

Our global giving platform provides the crowdfunding campaign formats and flexibility needed to connect people to the causes they care about through engaging and intuitive giving experiences. A fundraising site supported by world-class design and engagement tools, we have helped nonprofit organizations raise more than $5 billion for good since 2010.

More Reasons to Love Classy for Crowdfunding

• Customizable, personalized campaigns that allow you to keep your story at the forefront 
• Embeddable donation forms
• Mobile-optimized campaigns
• Campaign activity wall to encourage real-time engagement 
• Powerful reporting and analytics
• Flexible payment options, including digital wallets, ACH, PayPal, and more
• Thoughtful integrations and award-winning key performance indicators
• Secure transactions (Level 1 PCI compliance and SSL Security built on Amazon Web Services)

Fees and Pricing Plans

Classy offers a comprehensive fundraising tech stack on a sliding cost scale. Our top priority is delivering high returns through our comprehensive solution priced according to customer needs. 

Our pricing is a combination of an annual upfront subscription, with a transaction fee associated with each donation.

Learn more about Classy’s custom pricing plans by connecting with a qualified member of our team.

Classy Reviews

• TrustRadius: 8/10 stars
• Capterra: 4.3/5 stars
• G2: 4.4/5 stars
• Software Advice: 4.33/5

Best Crowdfunding Site for Individuals: Fundly

Fundly is simple to use and scalable to any size fundraiser, providing individuals with the tools they need to have a successful campaign.

The donation platform is available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. to help nonprofits reach more donors through any fundraiser.

More Reasons to Love Fundly for Crowdfunding

• No startup or hidden fees
• “Keep What You Raise” payout model
• Fundly mobile app to manage campaigns from anywhere
• Easy withdrawals at any time
• Giving-level donor incentives
• Donor heat maps
• Powerful integration with Facebook

Fees and Pricing Plans

• 4.9% platform fee per donation
• 2.9% + $0.30 processing fee per transaction

Fundly Reviews

• Capterra: 3.9/5 stars
• G2: 2.9/5 stars
• Fundly: 2.9/5 stars

Best Crowdfunding Site for Startups and Small Businesses: Indiegogo

Indiegogo brands itself as the platform “where new launches,” which reflects its mission to fund clever, cool innovations and groundbreaking products before mainstream availability.

The platform makes it easier to support entrepreneurs with business ideas and new technology from its earliest stages of development. This helps startups and small businesses gain the freedom to choose a fixed or flexible funding goal, making it possible to customize experiences as needed.

More Reasons to Love Indiegogo for Crowdfunding

• Expert support and exclusive partnerships
• Pre- and post-campaign tools
• Integrated analytics
• Donor perks options
• Fulfillment and manufacturing support
• Indiegogo mobile app to simplify the fundraising process

Fees and Pricing Plans

• 5% platform fee
• 2.9% + $0.30 transaction fee

Indiegogo Reviews

G2: 3.4/5 stars

Best Crowdfunding Site for Creators: Kickstarter 

Kickstarter is on a mission to help bring creative projects to life.

Since its launch in 2009, over 22 million people from every continent have backed a project on Kickstarter. The industry-leading platform leverages a rewards-based model that offers unique incentives to potential investors to make them feel like they get something in return.

Kickstarter has processed a total donation volume of more than $7.2 billion and tallied over 236,489 successfully funded projects. The platform is well on its way to bridging the gap between creators, backers, and the community.

More Reasons to Love Kickstarter for Crowdfunding

• Only platform fully dedicated to building a community around creative projects
• All-or-nothing payout model to incentivize backers
• Flexible campaign duration of 1 to 60 days
• Detailed creator resources, including a Creator Handbook

Fees and Pricing Plans

If a project reaches its fundraising goal:

• 5% platform fee
• 3% + $0.20 payment processing fee per pledge

If a project does not reach its fundraising goal, the creator pays no fees.

Kickstarter Reviews

• G2: 3.7/5 stars
• Trustpilot: 1.2/5

Best Crowdfunding Site for Education: DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose makes it easier than ever to connect people to public schools. Over two million fulfilled classroom project requests shows just how effective the crowdfunding site is in raising the money teachers need for tools and materials to offer a great education.

The organization helps donors find a classroom project that inspires them. With the project fully funded, the DonorsChoose team purchases all required materials and ships them directly to the teacher. Donors even get a thank you note from the teacher, along with photos and reports of how each dollar made an impact.

More Reasons to Love DonorsChoose for Crowdfunding

• Detailed project reports to see where every dollar goes
• Hand-screening process prior to project approval
• Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) giving options
• Highest possible ratings on Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and GuideStar

Fees and Pricing Plans

• 0% platform fee
• 1.5% payment processing fee

DonorsChoose Reviews

Charity Navigator: 4 stars

Best Crowdfunding Site for Scientific Research: Experiment.com

Experiment.com helps fund the next wave of scientific research by bringing scientists and the public closer together.

The crowdfunding site centers on a public-funding model, which allows backers to directly support the projects of their choice without any overhead. Experiment.com is open to all scientists—labs, universities, individuals—and offers a free sign-up process.

More Reasons to Love Experiment.com for Crowdfunding

• All-or-nothing payout model
• Thorough content review and video interview prior to approval
• Free to start a project
• No institution overhead
• Supports projects in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia

Fees and Pricing Plans

If a project reaches its fundraising goal:

• 8% platform fee
• 3-5% payment processing fee

If a project does not reach its fundraising goal, the scientists pay no fees.

Experiment.com Reviews

Experiment.com has no formal ratings or reviews.

Additional Crowdfunding Sites to Explore

The best fundraising efforts come from a deep understanding of the available technology. We’ve added bonus crowdfunding websites to explore to support a well-rounded selection process.

Great for Individuals: FundRazr

FundRazr is a multipurpose crowdfunding platform that offers advanced technology for effective organizational and individual fundraising.

Create state-of-the-art, mobile-friendly fundraising campaigns in minutes. Reach more potential donors with the platform’s “one-click” social sharing tool, and ensure a smooth donation experience with up-to-date payment tools, like PayPal, Stripe, Apple Pay, and more.

Select from three pricing models, including:

• Free: 0% platform fee 
• Standard: 5% platform fee 
• Pro: Custom pricing on your terms

There are no setup fees, monthly subscription fees, or contracts. Users can even assign different pricing models to multiple campaigns for convenience and flexibility.

FundRazr Reviews

• Capterra: 4.6/5 stars
• Trustpilot: 4.2/5 stars
• G2: 3.9/5 stars

Great for Startups and Small Businesses: Fundable

Fundable exclusively helps companies raise capital from investors, customers, and friends. This online fundraising platform has received over $570 million in funding commitments since 2012, with a determination to help great companies succeed.

Entrepreneurs can create a profile, choose between a reward or equity-based fundraising campaign, and tell the world about their goals. It’s free to set up, and campaign owners can defer payment until they’re ready to launch.

Pricing structure includes:

• $179 per month
• No success fees

Fundable Reviews

Trustpilot: 3.8/5 stars

Great for Creators: Patreon

Patreon has changed the way we value art. By inviting their most passionate fans to support their creative work, artists can continue their craft.

On Patreon, creators let their fans become active participants in their projects by offering them a monthly membership. In exchange, supporters gain exclusive access to content, community, and insight into their creative process. 

This membership model helps establish stronger connections with fans and provides individuals with the resources they need to fully embrace their talents.

It’s free to get started, with only a small monthly fee on earned revenue. Creators have the ability to choose from three different plans, including:

• Lite: Simple tools to set up recurring support from fans for 5% of creators’ monthly income
• Pro: Everything needed to build a thriving membership for 8% of creators’ monthly income
• Premium: Dedicated coaching, support, and advanced features for 12% of creators’ monthly income

However, keep in mind there’s an industry-standard payment processing rate included.

Patreon Reviews

• G2: 4.1/5 stars
• Trustpilot: 1.3/5

Great for Education: AdoptAClassroom.org

AdoptAClassroom.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed specifically for teachers. The crowdfunding platform helps fund anything from technology to musical instruments, textbooks, or uniforms. 

Its mission to advance equity in education has already been supported by over $65 million in donations, translating to roughly 6.4 million students receiving the tools they need to succeed.

Teachers begin by filling out a detailed online profile with a list of the items they need and why those items are essential to their students. Once donors find a project they’re passionate about, they can donate to a specific classroom, school, or fund. Educators then order the items themselves and thank donors with detailed updates on how they spent the money.

When people give to a classroom project, there’s a minimum $10 donation to AdaptAClassroom.org to assist in minimizing card processing costs. However, if you donate to a Spotlight Fund or directly to AdoptAClassroom.org, there’s no minimum.

Additionally, AdoptAClassroom.org includes the following fees:

10% fee deducted from each donation

AdoptAClassroom.org Reviews

Charity Navigator: 4 stars

Great for Scientific Research: MedStartr

MedStartr is the first medical innovation crowdfunding site for inventors, early adopters, hospital leaders, clinicians, patient activists, and so many other leading minds. 

The platform’s goal is to help medical and health care projects, startups, and innovations succeed while improving how health care works for everyone.

Think of MedStartr like an Accelerator Platform powered by crowds and designed for health care. Rather than being funded by accelerators, people who want the innovative product or service for their loved ones, patients, or even themselves fund each project.

This crowdfunding site offers an all-or-nothing payout or a “Keep What You Raise” payout. Open to any health care project, like medical devices, drug development, and research, MedStartr brings all the stakeholders in health care, online and off, to drive the growth of new, innovative companies.

The fee structure on this crowdfunding platform includes:

• All-or-nothing payout: 6% platform fee, if fully funded
• “Keep What You Raise” payout: 9% platform fee

Additionally, the average transaction fee is about 3%.

MedStartr Reviews

MedStartr has no formal ratings or reviews.

Crowdfunding FAQ

What are the advantages of crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding can facilitate everything from personal fundraising and venture capital to financial support for business owners in early-stage startups with a new product. Any amount of money can become more attainable with crowdfunding. For now, we’ll talk specifically to the crowdfunding benefits for nonprofit organizations.

Crowdfunding puts your cause in the spotlight and gives you the opportunity to tell your story in a way that pulls in new and existing supporters to take action. Whether looking to power giving days, collect recurring donations, or support a timely need, crowdfunding gives your donors a choice on how they’d like to become a part of your mission. 

Wonderful crowdfunding use cases include:

• Creating a social media giving campaign that’s easy to share 
• Sharing a link to feature on podcasts or in livestreams
• Providing organizations or corporate sponsors with a simple way to collect donations among employees
• Calling on supporters in the wake of crisis and high demand for help
• Raising awareness and funding for a specific project 

How does crowdfunding work?

The potential of crowdfunding relies on the experience supporters have when engaging with your campaign. That’s why crowdfunding sites should be evergreen, with microsites that bring your story to life through videos, images, and clean copywriting. 

Crowdfunding sites also give donors the power to select how much they’d like to give with a clear picture of what different gift sizes mean for your work. From there, they can access an online donation form on various devices and complete the transaction with a few clicks for the most flexible funding experience.

How do you set up a crowdfunding site?

The key to a successful crowdfunding site is experience. You want to think about how someone who’s never heard of your organization will navigate the fundraising page at every step. 

Here are a few points to consider for an excellent donor experience:

• Greet new supporters with your brand and a relatable story 
• Hook them with visuals and words that explain the importance of giving
• Show the impact of a donation clearly (e.g., $50 feeds three families this month)
• Include a clear call-to-action button that people can’t help but click
• Give donors a donation form with minimal fields and helpful instructions
• Offer payment methods people trust, from credit cards to PayPal to Venmo
• Wrap it up with a thank you email that celebrates their decision to donate

Can you use more than one crowdfunding site?

Ultimately, the decision is up to you. However, keep in mind the importance of delivering a consistent experience and streamlining your reporting to maintain clean data. More power to you if you can do that through multiple platforms. We recommend simplifying your back-end management and ensuring a consistent experience for your donors by keeping everything on one site. 

Select Your Crowdfunding Site to Get Started 

Whether looking to fund a scientific breakthrough, introduce a new electric vehicle to the world, or provide aid and relief to victims of a natural disaster, knowing how each unique crowdfunding platform can support your efforts is critical.

Start your selection process by solidifying your fundraising goals, defining your budget, conducting thorough research on the functionality of each site, and doing your due diligence to confirm each donation platform’s track record and fee structure. 

Dedicating the time upfront to weigh all your options will set you up for success in the long run.

In this blog post, we’ll look at three popular language AI tools: ChatGPT, Bard, and Microsoft 365 Copilot. We’ll explore the general differences between them and how your nonprofit can curate the right prompts to ensure you receive the information you need.

ChatGPT vs. Bard vs. Microsoft 365 Copilot

ChatGPT, Bard, and Microsoft 365 Copilot are all language-based AI tools, but they differ in several ways.

To start, ChatGPT and Bard primarily generate human-like language, such as email or script writing. Trained on large text data sets, both can generate coherent responses to prompts. Microsoft 365 Copilot, on the other hand, specifically assists with productivity and collaboration tasks within the Microsoft Office suite of applications, such as Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.

Another difference is that ChatGPT and Bard are pre-trained models that individual users cannot customize. However, Microsoft 365 Copilot offers customization options through its settings, allowing users to adjust their preferences.

The final major callout is that ChatGPT and Bard are available to developers through their respective application programming interfaces (APIs). Microsoft 365 Copilot is only available to Microsoft Office users as a feature within the application.

Best Practices for Crafting High-Quality Prompts

Writing an effective prompt requires creativity and precision to ensure the tool understands the intended meaning and generates a response that meets the desired outcome.

Here are some best practices for crafting effective prompts when using a language AI tool for nonprofits:

• Be clear and concise: Use clear and concise prompts to ensure the AI tool understands the intended meaning and generates a relevant response. Long and complex prompts can confuse the AI tool and lead to irrelevant or inaccurate outcomes.

• Use simple language: Avoid technical jargon or complex vocabulary that may be unfamiliar to the AI tool. Simple language makes it easier for the tool to understand the prompt and generate a relevant response.

• Provide context: Offer enough background information to provide context for the prompt and help the AI tool understand the intended meaning.

• Avoid leading questions: Often, leading questions can result in responses that reflect the desired outcome rather than the actual meaning of the prompt.

• Test and refine: Test different variations of prompts and refine them based on the results to improve the effectiveness of the prompts over time. This ensures that the AI tool generates the desired response.

Implementing these best practices will help nonprofits leverage the full potential of language AI tools to achieve impactful results, such as generating strategic insights or improving operations. By crafting effective prompts, you take a critical first step toward achieving those goals.

When to Leverage Language AI Tools at Your Nonprofit

Web Content

Nonprofits can use language AI tools to create web content, such as blogs, LinkedIn articles, or social media posts. These tools can suggest headlines, write summaries, or even generate entire articles based on a given topic, making it easier and quicker for nonprofits to create the materials needed to engage audiences.

Additionally, nonprofits can use language AI tools to optimize websites for search engines by generating metadata, keywords, and tags. Language AI tools can also analyze website traffic data to suggest improvements to website design or content.

Strategy

If your nonprofit is in a creative or strategic rut, language AI tools might be what you need to get inspired. For example, have you considered leaning on ChatGPT to iterate your nonprofit vision statement? Or ask the tool for fundraising event ideas to raise money for your next big goal?

Email

By analyzing data on the recipients of your email with ChatGPT and Bard, such as their past donations or interests, and using this information to tailor the message, you can personalize your emails. These tools can then analyze the content you’ve written and suggest more attention-grabbing email subject lines.

It’s also worth mentioning that language AI can help evaluate for tone and style consistency across your emails, provide content suggestions, and ensure your messages are error-free.

Data Analysis

Arguably the most helpful feature of language AI tools for nonprofits is their ability to analyze data and deliver strategic recommendations based on their findings.

Here are a few ways these tools can support your data analysis processes:

• Sentiment analysis: Understand how people feel about your nonprofit’s brand, products, or services
• Text classification: Categorize text data, such as customer feedback, support tickets, or social media comments, to identify common themes and trends
• Text summarization: Summarize long documents or reports, such as grant applications or impact assessments, to identify key points and insights quickly

Social Media

A crucial part of your nonprofit’s marketing strategy, social media offers tremendous opportunities for thought leadership and demonstration of your expertise in the space.

Language AI performs numerous tasks to support nonprofits’ social media strategies, like:

• Social listening: Monitor social media conversations related to your nonprofit’s brand, mission, or programs
• Content creation: Generate social media content, such as captions or hashtags, that resonates with your audience
• Social media advertising: Optimize social media ad campaigns by identifying target audiences, analyzing ad copy and creative, and optimizing bidding strategies

Overall, language AI tools can help nonprofits leverage social media to increase engagement, reach new audiences, and facilitate conversions.

How to Bring These Prompts to Life: 10 Examples

1. Help me write a heading for my nonprofit donation page that focuses on [my nonprofit’s mission] to a person coming from [a Facebook post].
2. Write an urgent appeal on my homepage [nonprofit URL] to help raise money for [those affected by X].
3. Strategize five ways that [my nonprofit] can increase [online donations greater than $X].
4. Write an email to donors of [my nonprofit] who donated more than once and encourage them to become a recurring giver. Write it in a [friendly tone] that emphasizes the impact their donations have on [my nonprofit].
5. Convert this blog post [blog URL] into different social media post ideas for Instagram and TikTok.
6. Give me [10] unique video ideas for [my nonprofit] to create on [TikTok].
7. Write a blog post [1,500-2,000] words long to rank on page one of Google for the keyword [keyword]. Write it using the same voice and tone as the other blog posts of [my nonprofit website]. Include a title, meta description, and suggested image.
8. Create an email template for [my nonprofit] to highlight the work my nonprofit does every month that is upbeat and shows donors how their contributions help [the community].
9. Summarize the information in this spreadsheet [URL].
10. Rewrite this section of my website to include updated information on [X] following the same tone and voice as the rest of the page.

Language AI Tools Can Help Further Your Unique Nonprofit Mission

Language AI tools, like ChatGPT, Bard, and Microsoft 365 Copilot, can be powerful tools for nonprofits to connect with potential supporters, provide education and resources, and increase content output to leave a larger digital footprint in the space.

By leveraging the tools’ capabilities, nonprofits can reach more givers, impact more individuals or groups, and make a positive difference.

Copy Editor: Ayanna Julien

Fortunately, there’s a solution to help you create optimized content efficiently: ChatGPT.

What Is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is an advanced-language model developed by OpenAI that uses deep learning algorithms to generate human-like text. 

Simply put, it can understand the context of a given prompt and generate relevant and coherent responses. Trained on a massive amount of text data, ChatGPT can generate content on any topic.

For a glimpse into the state of AI in the online marketing industry today, here are a few key stats:¹

• 75.7% of marketers are now using AI tools for work
• 69% of marketers use ChatGPT
• 85.1% of marketers are using AI for article writing
• 60% of marketers feel positive about the rise of the AI industry

How Can Nonprofits Use ChatGPT for Blogs?

Nonprofits can use ChatGPT to generate content for blogs in several ways:

1. Attention-Grabbing Titles

Creating an attention-grabbing blog post title is essential to driving traffic to your website. ChatGPT can help you generate creative and catchy titles that make your blog posts stand out. 

Simply input a topic your team wants to write about, and ChatGPT will generate several title options for you.

Keep in mind that you should always check your title suggestions against standard web best practices to ensure it’s within the recommended character count and aligned with your nonprofit’s voice and tone. 

2. Strong Hooks and Engaging Introductions

Hooking your reader and enticing them to keep reading is what the introduction to your blog post should accomplish. ChatGPT can help. Simply input your topic, and ChatGPT will generate several options intended to capture readers’ full attention.

However, when reviewing the introduction ChatGPT creates for you, be sure to fact-check the dates, data, or other specific information provided. While trained on a massive amount of data, ChatGPT isn’t a perfect science (not yet, at least). So don’t risk your nonprofit’s reputation by neglecting to scan the content for inaccuracies. 

3. Optimized Subheadings

Breaking up your blog post into sections with subheadings makes it easier to read and understand. ChatGPT can help generate subheadings relevant to your topic and structure your post effectively.

Keep in mind that your subheadings should include some iteration of the search engine optimization (SEO) keyword you’re targeting for that post. Because headings carry more weight than normal text, it’s important to approach them in a strategic way. 

4. Comprehensive Outlines

Creating a blog outline helps organize your thoughts and ensures you cover all the necessary information. ChatGPT has the ability to generate detailed outlines for your blog posts that include all the essential elements, such as the introduction, main points, and conclusion.

If you typically skip the outline phase, this could be a great step to introduce into your writing process. Outlines help you assess if your content is thorough and clear enough for the average reader, flows well, and gets your point across effectively. 

Without an outline, you may miss a critical point in your post that leaves readers without the answers they seek. 

P.S. ChatGPT generated the outline for this blog post! 

5. Complete Posts

Getting to the meat of your article is next once you’ve organized your outline and are ready to build out your post. While this is the most time-consuming phase of the process, it’s undoubtedly the most important.

ChatGPT can generate entire blog posts for you based on your topic. Explain what you want to write about in a detailed prompt with a word count suggestion and any other relevant details, and ChatGPT will generate an informative, engaging article optimized for search results.

How Can ChatGPT Help With SEO Optimization?

Generating content optimized for organic search is crucial to increasing your online visibility. ChatGPT can help you do this in several ways:

• Keyword optimization: Identify and incorporate the most relevant target keywords into your content to help your posts rank higher
• Meta descriptions: Describe your blog’s content in a succinct, optimized sentence (two max) to increase click-through rates
• Readability: Structure your content in a way that’s clear and easy to read, so users are more likely to share, save, or return to view your content again

Elevate Your Digital Content With ChatGPT

Creating optimized, high-quality content for your nonprofit’s blog can be challenging, especially with limited resources. However, ChatGPT can help you generate informative content more efficiently, saving you time and resources while boosting your online reach. 

Copy Editor: Ayanna Julien

Article Sources

1. “The State of AI in the Online Marketing Industry: 2023 Report,” Authority Hacker, last updated April 24, 2023, https://www.authorityhacker.com/ai-survey/.

As a long-standing partner, Classy is excited about what this means for nonprofit organizations and continues to work with Salesforce to empower and propel the sector forward.

Learn what functionality the Nonprofit Cloud currently offers, how your organization can benefit, and what’s ahead on the Cloud’s 2023 roadmap. 

Introducing the New Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud

Rather than continuing to layer nonprofit applications on top of the Salesforce platform, as the software has historically functioned, the new Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud is built into the platform’s core. 

A variety of industries are serviced by Salesforce industry-specific Clouds, like Financial Services Cloud, Health Cloud, Education Cloud, and more. This new Nonprofit Cloud solution allows access to innovation across all Salesforce industries.

With this unified view of cross-sector innovation, paired with a streamlined data management solution, nonprofits can reimagine how to scale their impact. 

What Is Currently Available Through the Nonprofit Cloud?

To date, Salesforce has catered to organizations’ unique needs by delivering more than 14 purpose-built packages on top of its platform. Salesforce will maintain support for its existing offerings, including the Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP), in addition to its new solution.

The new Nonprofit Cloud is first focusing on program management and case management, with fundraising, grantmaking, engagement, and outcomes planned to release later this year. 

Additionally, Salesforce is excited to announce that the new Nonprofit Cloud innovation will be included in its Power of Us program, which grants eligible nonprofit and educational organizations discounted access to Salesforce products and resources. 

Why Did Salesforce Launch the Nonprofit Cloud?

Salesforce for Nonprofits was created with the intention to help nonprofits build donor relationships that drive change. 

With existing donor management dashboards, email campaign automation, grant management tools, and more already included in its extensive list of CRM offerings, Salesforce’s new Nonprofit Cloud will provide organizations with an even simpler way to produce and measure outcomes. 

Classy and Salesforce: Our Partner Vision

As a core partner, Classy has been working alongside Salesforce to deliver impact-driven solutions and world-class support for the nonprofit sector for over a decade. Classy’s leading integration and partnership with Salesforce drives innovation and delivers unprecedented value in the space. 

Classy for Salesforce remains a holistic, empowering solution for the sector with renewed dedication and strength driving forward. We continue innovating together and have been at the front of this new solution, remaining committed to our goal of delivering optimal customer value as the Nonprofit Cloud progresses.

More details about Classy integrating with the new solution will be announced closer to the release of fundraising in the Nonprofit Cloud later this year, and we will share any developments of our solution as they become available. 

Note: Classy continues to innovate for customers using the Classy for Salesforce integration and NPSP solution. Check out our Classy roadmap training to hear specific deliverables for the current solution coming this year.

Build Relationships That Last With the Latest Fundraising Technology

The online fundraising ecosystem can become overwhelming, but doing your research to understand which tools are best suited for your nonprofit’s unique needs will help keep your organization on track.   

Your nonprofit’s top priority is telling your story in a way that resonates, inspiring supporters to give now and give again. With Classy and Salesforce as your partners, your team will master the art of storytelling and manage your fundraising operations with ease, leading to greater organizational impact.  

We are excited about the growth opportunities this new solution brings to organizations everywhere. Classy is dedicated to serving the nonprofit sector and delivering alongside Salesforce to mobilize and empower the world for good. 

Together, Classy and Salesforce can help you establish and nurture the meaningful relationships you need to serve your communities today and for generations to come. 

We’ve collected a list of 77 fundraising event ideas that are sure to rally supporters around your cause. Explore creative approaches for everything from fundraising efforts for kids to endurance events and fashion shows. Jump right to your favorites or explore each category to potentially spark a new virtual, in-person, or hybrid event idea you haven’t considered yet.

See What’s Working for Other Organizations

Fundraising Ideas for Schools and Colleges

1. Art Show

Tap on students’ creative talents to advance your worthy cause and strengthen your nonprofit’s sense of community. Ask each artist to pay a nominal registration fee to showcase their work, then set a flat ticket price for attendees to browse the collection. Consider asking local artists to get involved as well. Classy’s online ticket sales for nonprofits feature makes it easy to sell tickets to potential supporters.

2. Car Wash

Car washes are often overlooked, but they can be a great way to take a task off someone’s to-do list while simultaneously converting them into a supporter of your cause. Host the event at a location that’s easily visible and accessible from high-traffic areas. You’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of space to wash, dry, and collect money from customers.

Strategize how to promote your upcoming car wash so donors can bake it into their busy schedules. Social media and email are great places to start, but word of mouth can be just as impactful.

3. Spelling Bee

Spelling bees are not only fun to watch but also present a great opportunity for younger supporters to show their skills. Advertise your spelling bee event at local schools, gyms, churches, and restaurants, and take your marketing efforts online with a series of social media posts leading up to the event.

Charge a flat rate for tickets and consider adding a peer-to-peer fundraising element to bring in charitable donations from a wider audience. Participants can easily create a fundraising page and ask for support leading up to the competition to reach their goals. Plus, people can show their support throughout the event by sending individual donations to friends or family members competing in each round.

4. Bake Sale

Get ready for some sweet aromas with this classic fundraising idea. To make this fan-favorite event a little more interesting, invite participants to compete to bake the most delectable treat.

People can donate for the chance to taste test and vote for their favorites, or scrap the competition idea and simply charge a flat rate for each baked good someone purchases. Just be sure to review all food serving laws before setting up your table.

5. Dance Marathon

Challenge participants to join a 24-hour dance marathon to raise money for your mission. Have dancers launch peer-to-peer campaigns with a minimum goal for participation and encourage attendees to create teams to see which group can raise the most.

This fun fundraising activity keeps participants moving and creates ample opportunities for in-person connection. You could also invite supporters to request their favorite songs for $5 to raise additional revenue.

Northwestern University Dance Marathon (NUDM) has raised more than $22 million for over 30 charitable organizations that benefit the Chicago Youth Programs and The Evanston Community Foundation. This proves the potential fundraising power of a dance marathon and reaffirms the impact of peer-to-peer fundraising.

6. Treadmill Relay Race

Partner with a local gym to get this fundraising event idea up and running (pun intended). Ask supporters and community members to sign up for a time slot (minimum of 15 minutes) and collect pledges of specific gift amounts per mile that their team completes.

If you are interested in sourcing fresh virtual fundraising ideas, this event can also be completed virtually for anyone with access to a treadmill at home. Ask fundraisers to rally support from their networks to pledge money for each mile they log or each time-based benchmark they hit (e.g., pledge to donate $50 dollars for every five miles).

7. Dodgeball Tournament

This timeless game is the perfect way to spin up competition at a local school or university. Ask each team to fundraise a certain amount to participate or give donors the option to join for a set registration fee. Whichever they choose, encourage attendees to spread the word and recruit their friends to come watch for some serious laughs.

Fundraising Ideas for Instagram

8. Photo Contest

Run a photo contest to engage attendees, build brand awareness, and connect with donors more organically. Identify a theme or subject for your contest, then invite donors to share their photos on Instagram with the appropriate hashtags and photo tags. Collect all entries, upload them to a central landing page, and ask your community to vote for their favorite by making a small monetary donation.

If you prefer to keep it all on social media, determine the winner by identifying which photo garners the most likes. Offer to share the winner’s photo on your organization’s social media accounts and your website home page. For an added incentive, see if a local gallery would display your winner’s photo for a week.

For additional insights on how to leverage Instagram, check out our blog where you’ll find 24 Instagram Tips For The Modern Nonprofit.

9. Ice Bucket Challenge

Invite donors to recreate the 2014 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to raise more money for your mission using social media. If the ice bucket challenge doesn’t align with or reflect your organization’s work, feel free to get creative with another social media challenge.

For example, Movember’s annual campaign challenges supporters to grow their facial hair for the entire month of November to raise awareness for men’s health. When participants share photos of themselves online using the event hashtag or mention Movember in their captions, they’re organically boosting cause awareness and educating others on the importance of Movember’s work.

10. Giveaway

Nothing gets people more excited than free gifts. Share a photo and description of a unique prize on your organization’s Instagram, then give your followers step-by-step instructions on how to enter to win the item or experience.

Something as simple as a custom swag bag would be great or take it a step further by offering a free meal at a local restaurant or paid spa treatment at a luxury salon.

To generate revenue, invite a potential donor to purchase additional entries by donating to your nonprofit. For example, donors who give an additional $10 are granted 10 extra entries into the giveaway.

Virtual Fundraising Ideas

Virtual Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits

11. Recipe Books

As a tribute to the days before cooking apps and Pinterest recipe boards, you can crowdsource recipes from different supporters, volunteers, and employees to compile a charity cookbook.

Ask contributors to submit their recipes online and include a dedication, doodle, or note with each submission so that the book feels unique and personal to your organization.

Pro Tip: Reach out to local graphic designers or students for help designing your cookbook.

12. Cooking Class

Whether gathering in person or online, a cooking class is a great way to interact with your community in a relaxed, creative environment. Ask your employees, volunteers, or donors if anyone would be interested in leading the class, or turn to the experts and hire a chef to take the lead.

Charge a flat registration fee or offer a fundraising minimum for supporters to earn their spot in class. If you choose to host this event virtually, charge admission to attend the livestream.

As part of your livestream fundraising initiative, include an incentive for larger donations by offering time with the chef after class for anyone who reaches the tier two fundraising level.

13. Apple Watch or Strava Challenge

Get donors involved from all over the world with a virtual fitness challenge. Invite people to hit a daily step goal, complete a running challenge, tackle an indoor cycling course, or enjoy an independent hike.

Participants can track their exercise using an Apple Watch or the Strava app, then submit their results to see how they stack up on the leaderboard.

14. Twitch Video Game Fundraiser

If we’ve learned anything from Twitch, it’s that video games can bring people together from all over the world to support a worthy cause.

Invite gamers to create a fundraising page that they can share with viewers during their Twitch event. Provide them with the tools they need to promote their stream and encourage them to recruit friends, family, and fellow gamers to tune in to support their efforts.

Ask each gamer to drop the link to their donation page in the chat box during their event, and encourage them to speak to your mission throughout the livestream. This is a great opportunity to have gamers organically educate viewers on your work’s importance.

Virtual Fundraising Ideas for Schools

15. Virtual Tailgate

Tailgating for a sporting event is one of the best parts of the game. If you can’t tailgate in person, make it a virtual celebration. Have your supporters purchase a tailgate package, which can be picked up before the big game.

The Palmer Home for Children decided to host a virtual tailgate for the Mississippi State football team, sending each supporter home with a cooler of tailgate foods and treats. They also sold sponsorship packages, and anyone who purchased a sponsorship had their organization’s logo and program information included on special marketing materials inside the tailgate cooler.

16. School Concert

For the proud grandparents, aunts, and uncles who can’t travel into town every time your children are participating in a school concert, provide a virtual option to keep them involved and expand the reach of your event.

Either pre-record your concert at an earlier date to avoid any last-minute technology hiccups or livestream your concert using a reliable virtual event platform, such as Classy Live. Sell virtual tickets to your event through a branded campaign page or simply encourage attendees to make donations throughout the evening to support their loved ones.

17. Coffee-Grams

Invite supporters to give the gift of a morning coffee to a student, parent, or teacher in their life who could use the extra boost of caffeine.

Keep it simple by creating a custom campaign page where supporters can place their orders, submit their donations, and even leave a personal message for the recipient of their coffee-gram.

Ask for a flat donation amount from each customer, or invite supporters to upgrade their orders with specialty beverages like hot chocolate or an oat milk latte.

Easy Fundraising Ideas

18. Breakfast in Bed

Ask local businesses to donate breakfast staples like muffins, fruit, bagels, and coffee for this easy fundraising idea. Next, have supporters and their networks place orders. Enlist volunteers to deliver the goods and encourage tips in the form of donations.

Create a menu that demonstrates impact so your supporters know what their donation provides. For example, a $20 donation gets you a fresh bagel, homemade croissant, and hot coffee, but more importantly, it pays for a student’s school lunch for a month.

19. Film Festival

Since everyone has a camera in their pocket and a platform to reach the masses, any moment can be captured on film and shared with the world.

Host an amateur film festival where participants can enter their productions. You can even turn it into a contest where attendees donate $5 to cast votes for their favorite films.

Leading up to the contest, create an email series with tips to show supporters how to create an impactful video.

20. Dinner Party

This fundraising idea makes sense for any occasion. Whether you host a potluck harvest dinner or a cocktail hour, sell tickets and invite guests to a rented venue, a volunteer’s home, or your office for a delicious meal. Prepare your elevator pitch so guests will understand how meaningful this dinner, and their contributions, truly are.

21. Date Night Auction

Strike a deal with a local restaurant, spa, or hotel to offer an exclusive date night prize to the winner of your fundraising auction. Identify potential businesses in your area that donors have shown an interest in and highlight the incredible marketing opportunity those establishments will receive from this event.

You can host your auction online or in person, both presenting their own unique set of benefits. If you plan to host an online charity auction, you can link to the businesses’ websites on your event page to entice donors. In addition, you have the potential to expand your reach and garner more bids as a result.

If you host your event in person, you have additional opportunities to raise money through merchandise, food, or drink sales, educate supporters on your recurring giving program, strengthen donor relationships, and more.

22. Speed Dating

For those looking to meet new, like-minded people with a shared interest in philanthropy, host a speed-dating fundraising event to break the ice between singles in your community and create a welcoming atmosphere for connection.

Charge a registration fee for anyone interested in participating and auction off fun dates throughout the night. Recruit volunteers to play live music or serve drinks to keep the energy alive until the last couple leaves.

23. Eating Contest

Expand your fundraising opportunities with a food-forward event sure to draw in supporters of all ages. Whether you serve pies, doughnuts, or hot dogs, contestants will be excited to compete in a timed eating contest and fund your good work.

Solicit local shops or bakeries to donate the food that will be devoured at your fundraiser. That way, the restaurant or bakery gets its brand in front of more people and your organization can keep overhead costs as low as possible.

24. Art Auction

This fundraising idea isn’t just for professional artists. Encourage donors, supporters, and artists alike to create something they feel proud of and would like to share with your community.

Invite attendees to show their support for each artist while simultaneously advancing your cause by bidding on their favorite items, either in a live or virtual fundraising environment.

25. Exercise Lessons

Whether you focus on yoga, tennis, or self-defense, host an afternoon where participants can donate to receive a lesson from a local expert.

To find a qualified instructor, reach out to local gyms or workout studios to see who might be interested in donating their skills for a good cause. You could also turn to social media to source potential exercise professionals in your area who might be a good fit for your event.

Best Fundraising Ideas

26. Silent Auction

Plan a silent auction as a solo event, or add it to an existing fundraising initiative as a supplementary revenue driver. Reach out to your network to start assembling items and appoint a committee of volunteers who can solicit their contacts for additional gifts.

By shifting this event to virtual, it becomes more accessible to your audience. When it comes down to how to host an online auction that engages your audience, consider promoting any auction items in an email blast and on social media to engage attendees, then take advantage of the opportunity to ask for additional donations throughout the event.

Lakeview Pantry celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020 by offering supporters the chance to bid on several prizes at their online silent auction. All bidding was submitted online prior to the livestream and remained open until one hour after the virtual program ended. This allowed all supporters to participate, even if they couldn’t attend the live virtual event.

27. Gala

Galas are one of the longest-standing fundraising events for a reason. Imagine sitting at a table of like-minded individuals, engaging in meaningful conversation while enjoying a delicious meal.

Invite your supporters to an elegant evening of dinner, drinks, live entertainment, and ample fundraising opportunities to recognize the success of your organization and help attendees better understand your impact.

Sell tickets to your event through a branded campaign page, and consider restricting your sales to two-pack tickets to ensure all attendees bring at least one guest. Leverage partnerships to help offset costs, and be sure to double down on promotion leading up to your event to build a case for why supporters should offer their support.

28. Battle of the Bands

Recruit local bands to put on a concert for your community. Performers can fundraise ahead of the event to earn their spot on stage and attendees can purchase tickets to join in on the fun.

Invite nonprofit influencers or local personalities to judge, and motivate them to help spread the word to get people excited about your show.

Simply ask each group to upload a prerecorded video of their act to your event page to bring the battle online. Participants can still fundraise to earn their registration, and then your supporters can vote on the best performance. Offer a prize for the winning band to incentivize participation, and consider offering a prize to the band that raises the most money.

29. Pancake Breakfast

Heat up the skillets and recruit a team of passionate volunteers to serve up endless stacks of pancakes in support of your nonprofit. Advertise your event weeks in advance to give donors enough time to plan ahead, and be sure to increase your marketing cadence the week leading up to the event to keep it top of mind.

Ask donors to purchase a ticket to your all-you-can-eat breakfast event, or remove the registration cost altogether to increase accessibility and ask supporters to donate in exchange for a hot meal once they arrive. Whichever you choose, just make sure you have plenty of butter and syrup to go around.

30. Casino Night

Bring Vegas to your hometown and host a casino night complete with roulette, blackjack, and poker games. Invite guests to dress up and donate to participate.

You could also invite attendees to donate certain gift amounts in exchange for entries into a grand prize raffle at the end of the evening. Prizes like a gift card to a nice restaurant in your area or free tickets to your next nonprofit organization event are both great options.

31. Vacation Auction

The idea of going on a relaxing weekend getaway is enough to pique most adults’ immediate interest. Do your research and explore your connections to identify potential airlines, hotels, car services, and restaurants that would be willing to support this offering. You could also keep it local for a simple staycation at a nice hotel or resort in your city.

Entice bids by promoting your auction online, and get creative with your marketing materials. Sell the experience with strong photos and videos of the vacation package, plus a comprehensive list of the vacation details and perks the winner will receive.

32. Murder Mystery Party

See who can piece all of the clues together to solve the mystery at this classic fundraising event. Attendees can reserve their spot in the game with a flat registration fee, but be sure to remind them to invite friends and family members to join the fun.

Spice things up by encouraging attendees to dress in costume, or even consider adding a costume contest element to get donors excited.

33. Wine Tasting

Wine and dine your community of supporters with an invitation to a wine night fundraising event. Ask local wineries or restaurants to donate a bottle or two in exchange for free marketing, or host your wine tasting at a local business that would contribute a portion of their proceeds to your organization.

Consider hiring a sommelier to teach attendees how to properly taste each wine and educate the group on the history of each drink being served, or collect a basket of fine wines, cheeses, wine glasses, and bottle openers to auction off at the event for additional donations. You could even throw in a gift card to a local vineyard.

34. Fashion Show

To launch a memorable fashion show, consider partnering with a local venue and encourage attendees to purchase tickets to your exclusive event.

Ask participants to create their own sartorial masterpieces or reach out to local clothing shops and boutiques for donated outfits. You can also ask makeup artists to donate their services and recruit community members to assist the day of to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Fundraising Ideas for Kids

35. Game Night

Step away from the screens and kick it old school to raise money for your cause. Put together a game night fundraising event that’s friendly for all ages, complete with various options from Monopoly to charades.

Charge for entry and host mini-tournaments among different sets of players. Advertise prizes for the winners to motivate participation, and be sure to remind attendees of those prizes throughout the evening to encourage some healthy competition.

36. Movie Night

Host a film screening or a movie marathon at a local park or auditorium. Sell tickets and snacks for suggested donations, and invite attendees to help determine which movie you’ll stream by donating a few dollars toward their favorite film on the list.

Another twist to this familiar fundraising event is asking friends and family to host their own mini-film screenings on behalf of your cause. Ask them to invite their networks to donate a small fee to “reserve their seat” at the event, and provide each host with a toolkit of promotional materials to speak about your mission afterward.

37. Tie-Dye Party

Swag that promotes your cause is a classic fundraising incentive, but you can take this nonprofit fundraising idea a step further by hosting a “create your own T-shirt” get-together.

Charge an entrance fee and invite attendees to create their own masterpieces. You could also enlist local artists to create custom pieces to sell.

Since making T-shirts isn’t an extremely time-consuming activity, prepare some other family-friendly games, crafts, or challenges for the event to ensure attendees stick around.

38. Rollerblade or Rollerskate Race

How about switching up the usual 5K run/walk with a roller-skating race? In addition to fundraising for entry, invite participants to dress up and participate in a costume contest.

Cheap Fundraising Ideas

39. Scavenger Hunt

Send participants running all around town with an organized scavenger hunt. Stick to a classic scavenger hunt where people have to find and collect designated items, or go digital and have individuals or teams simply take a picture of the items or locations on the list and submit them for approval.

Charge a registration fee in advance. Offer a head start or hints in exchange for donations on the day of the hunt, and give bonus points to the individual or team who collects the most trash as they explore and tidy up your city.

40. Karaoke Night

Invite donors to let their hair down and have some old-fashioned fun with a night of karaoke. Charge for entry, then encourage spectators to vote for their favorite performers through small monetary donations. The performer with the most donations at the end of the evening will be crowned the winner.

Encourage supporters of all ages to participate in a battle of the generations. Categorize all performers into individual age brackets, then leave it up to the audience to determine which group deserves the karaoke crown. Offer incentives to the winners to motivate participation or simply remind them of the bragging rights they’ll earn.

41. Donate a Drink for a Cause

To demonstrate how even small donations can make all the difference, ask fundraisers to give up a daily beverage and donate the money they would have spent to your cause instead.

Provide supporters with data showcasing the impact of $5, $10, and $20 donations. Encourage them to share their activity on social media and ask their networks to take action too.

Intensify the appeal by asking supporters to participate for a certain number of days or encourage them to meet a personal fundraising goal.

42. Afternoon Tea Time

Invite your community to relax, sip their favorite tea, and support your nonprofit’s mission. Attendees can secure their entry with a standard registration fee, then dress up for your classy high-tea fundraiser to make the most of the event.

Prepare elegant cutlery, fine china, and classic tea party snacks. Consider partnering with a local tea or coffee shop for tea leaves and pastries.

43. Comedy Night

Laughter is one of the most powerful sources of connection. Recruit community members, local performers, and up-and-coming comics to show off their talents at your comedy night event.

Sell entry tickets, then encourage donors to show additional support through the form of food and beverage purchases for suggested donation amounts.

See if a local comedy club would offer their space for your nonprofit to use, or host your event at a bar or restaurant that would contribute a portion of their proceeds back to your cause.

44. Head-Shaving Fundraiser

If you can find brave supporters to go the extra mile for your nonprofit, a head-shaving fundraiser is a great way to bring attention to your cause and attract new audiences.

Participants pledge to shave their heads (or beards) to raise money. In return, your nonprofit can offer an exclusive perk, prize, or public recognition on your website or social media platforms.

45. Trivia Night

Trivia nights are a weekly occurrence at bars for a few simple reasons—they’re easy to organize, affordable to host, and can be customized to appeal to any audience.

Ask a local restaurant or bar to host your fundraising event and encourage participants to form teams in advance.

To earn their spot in the competition, set a minimum fundraising amount that each participant must meet to play. If registrants don’t meet the minimum, they can donate the remaining amount.

Charge an entrance fee for anyone not participating in the competition but still wants to support your cause and be part of the action. You can also host a virtual trivia night to reduce overhead costs. Simply create a list of questions, secure an engaging virtual host, and encourage attendees to tune in for the live event to earn designated prizes.

If you decide to go with an in-person gathering, consider asking if the venue would share a portion of their food and drink proceeds with your nonprofit. Nothing encourages business like being a socially responsible company.

46. Yard Sale

Collect gently worn clothes and home goods for a yard sale your community won’t want to miss. If you have valuable items, like first-edition books or signed collectibles, you can hold an exclusive auction for these top-tier pieces at the end of the day. In addition to opening up donations to your staff, supporters, and collective networks, reach out to local celebrities or philanthropists for those high-ticket items.

Take pictures of the items and post them on social media to generate buzz around the event. You might just find your next corporate sponsorship while drumming up excitement online.

47. Community Potluck

Invite supporters to dig out their family recipe books for a community potluck. This cheap fundraising idea is accessible to donors who might not be able to afford a ticket to your annual gala or other large fundraisers but still want to get involved with your cause.

Encourage donors to buy a ticket through your event page, then simply show up with an appetite and their favorite meal, dessert, or drink in hand.

To leave attendees with something special to remember the evening, ask registrants to submit their recipes to your team ahead of the potluck and create a cookbook of everyone’s unique contributions. Either send the book home for free as a gift for attending or sell them for a low price at the event for additional donations.

48. Photo Contest

Today, everyone has a professional-grade camera in the palm of their hand. Kick off an amateur photo contest to find out which supporters can snap the best photo from their iPhone, camera, or mobile device.

Either set a theme for the contest, like sunsets or photos of nature, or keep it broad enough for participants to get creative. Ask each person to submit their photos to your team directly, then publish them to your event landing page where people can vote for their favorite through small donations.

Take it to social media to garner additional votes, and be sure to send an email blast asking community members to help determine the winner.

Participants can either pay an entry fee or earn their spot in the competition through peer-to-peer fundraising. Whichever you decide, offer the opportunity to showcase the winning photo at your next event or share it on social media for everyone to see.

49. Restaurant Partnership

A restaurant fundraiser allows supporters to eat at a local restaurant or bakery on a particular day, and the restaurant donates a percentage of its sales back to your cause.

Set up a committee to identify potential partners, then arrange a meeting with those restaurant managers to explore your options. Determine how the proceeds will be split, and discuss if there will be an option for supporters to make a reservation ahead of the event to confirm their table.

50. Talent Show

Secure a venue, recruit your talent for the evening, and prepare attendees for a fundraising event to remember. Research some free community spaces to rent, or consider striking a deal with a local business to host your event for a portion of the proceeds.

Encourage supporters of all ages to take the stage to pursue the grand prize, whether that’s a coveted trophy or a custom T-shirt. Just be sure to preview the acts beforehand to ensure they’re appropriate for all eyes.

51. 50/50 Raffle

If your organization is looking for a cheap way to bolster donations, try a 50/50 raffle. Sell tickets for entry into the raffle, typically for a fee of $1 per ticket. Add up all of your ticket sales, then divide them in half. One half goes to your organization and the other goes to a lucky winner.

You can host the raffle at an in-person event or take it virtual by selling the raffle tickets online. Whichever you choose, keep supporters updated as you sell tickets to show just how large the prize fund is getting.

52. Dog Walking

It’s not always easy for people to make time for an afternoon stroll with their pets, but you can help make their days easier by walking their dog in exchange for a donation.

Launch an online sign-up sheet where donors can reserve a date and time, submit their donation, and insert all relevant contact information. Charge a flat rate for a 30-minute walk, or offer longer walks in exchange for larger donations. You could also offer additional services, like bathing their dog, for an additional fee.

53. Pet Sitting

When people travel for the weekend or just go away for the day on business, it can be challenging to find someone they trust to take care of their pets. Help relieve some of their stress with pet-sitting services.

Create an event landing page with the details of your offering to ensure donors know exactly what they’re signing up for, then follow up with each participant to confirm the date, time, and location. Set a flat hourly rate, or offer an exclusive weekend package for those who need a little more help.

54. Polar Plunge

There’s nothing like jumping into an ice-cold ocean to re-energize your nonprofit community. A polar plunge is a perfect opportunity for peer-to-peer fundraising where supporters can tap into their networks to raise money on behalf of your organization.

Similarly to those participating in nonprofit endurance events, polar plunge participants can ask their friends, family, and loved ones to support their ambitious goals. Whether you host your plunge at the beach, lake, or even in a local pool, it will grab supporters’ attention.

55. Meditation Night

Allow donors to unwind and destress at a community meditation night. Find a quiet, comfortable space to convert into your meditation studio, then recruit a local yoga teacher, volunteer, or qualified passionate supporter to lead your class.

Charge a registration fee to attend, then bolster your opportunities for donation by auctioning off a series of guided meditation sessions or a free one-year membership to popular meditation apps like Calm or Headspace.

Winter Fundraising Ideas

56. Holiday Cooking Competition

Round up supporters and foodies around a friendly culinary competition. Contestants create their best holiday dishes with a specific ingredient or other criteria, and people pay to taste each dish and cast their votes.

By giving your supporters the option to sign up as a chef or judge, you’re appealing to a large audience and providing a fun and unique experience that will help donors associate your organization with a good time.

57. Winter Clothing Drive

Host a clothing drive ahead of the onset of freezing winter temperatures to support and protect community members in need. Collect these in-kind resources early in the winter season to ensure adequate resources for your beneficiaries when the coldest temperatures hit in December and January.

In addition to giving jackets, hats, and gloves, encourage donors to contribute a one-time donation on top of their in-kind contribution to help your organization sustain its critical work. Clarify how each dollar will directly benefit a community member and remind donors how much just $5 can do for someone in need.

58. Indoor Cycling

Invite donors to warm up in the winter months by sweating for a cause. Partner with a local gym or spin studio and ask your community to participate in exchange for a suggested donation amount.

Recruit a local instructor to donate their time and lead the class through an energetic and fulfilling workout. To jazz it up, throw in mood lighting, a killer playlist, and after-spin refreshments.

59. Community Bonfire

Get donors together for a night of smores, hot chocolate, and campfire songs. Sell tickets to your event through a branded campaign page, and also consider setting up a booth on the weekends leading up to your event to sell fundraiser tickets in person.

Recruit donors, beneficiaries, or partners to speak at your bonfire to help clarify the impact of your mission. Put together a slideshow to display at your bonfire to highlight the other events your community has enjoyed together, and consider adding a few other small games or activities for attendees to do throughout the evening. Something as simple as a bag toss, a cookie decorating station, or a holiday movie screening would work well.

Spring Fundraising Ideas

60. 5K Run or Bike Race

A 5K race is a year-round favorite that can raise big bucks for your cause. Rather than rely solely on entry fees, learn how to launch a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign so participants can start raising money upon registration.

Throw out a suggested fundraising goal, prepare incentives, and send participants tips on how to reach out to their networks to solicit additional donations.

For organizations looking to do this virtually, charge registration in the form of a donation and then encourage the athlete to complete the distance on their own.

Hope for Haiti hosted their third annual virtual Hike for Haiti Challenge in 2021, which challenged students and families to climb 200 flights of stairs. This distance represents the journey taken by students and families in Marre à Coiffe to access clean water and other vital resources.

Supporters worldwide posted photos and videos of themselves on social media climbing stairs at the gym, at a local stadium, and even in their apartment complexes, raising over $344,000 in the process.

61. Color Run

Put a creative spin on the traditional 5K by hosting a community-wide color run. As participants make their way through the course, they’ll be covered with water and color powder to help create memories that will last a lifetime.

You can host your color run at a local school to target a younger audience, or open the event to your larger community to boost exposure and increase attendance. Ask registrants to cover a flat registration fee that will offset the cost of materials, and encourage them to tap into their extensive network to raise more through peer-to-peer fundraising.

Post-race swag, medals, or even branded water bottles are great incentives for each runner. If that’s not within your budget, offer the winner a set of free tickets to your next fundraising event.

62. Walk-a-Thon

Encourage supporters to fundraise on behalf of your cause through a walk-a-thon peer-to-peer fundraising event. Provide attendees with all necessary fundraising and marketing materials they might need to solicit donations, like a fundraisers toolkit, and incentivize their participation with exclusive perks or prizes.

Although most commonly held at a track, you can take this event to a local park or even online to host a virtual walk-a-thon. Consider tapping on event sponsors to support your event, or think about creative ways to collect in-kind donations from your community to keep walkers fueled throughout the day, like drinks, snacks, and sunscreen.

63. Pub Crawl

Don’t discount the potential of a fundraising event that’s centered around bar hopping. In fact, this is the fundraising idea that inspired the start of Classy. A pub (or restaurant) crawl can be a great way to put a philanthropic twist on a fun Saturday night.

Plan your route with local breweries who may offer potential discounts, or ask participating bars and eateries to donate a portion of their profits to your cause. Charge for entry and invite registrants to secure donations for each stop they make.

You can also charge a fee for people to participate in the crawl. To take it one step further, ask people to dress in theme or have participants earn branded swag for each stop they make on the crawl.

64. Tree Planting

Do a good deed for the environment while simultaneously driving your mission forward. Sell or auction trees in partnership with your local native plant nursery, or promote donations for memorial trees that your organization will plant to remember loved ones.

The holiday season presents another lucrative fundraising opportunity for your nonprofit. Offer a Christmas tree collection and recycling service for a suggested donation, or help supporters get their trees to the curb on trash day. Gather a team of volunteers to do the heavy lifting, and be sure to reward their hard work with a special gift.

65. Marathon Sponsorships

Reward top peer-to-peer fundraisers in your community with entry to exclusive marathons or running events, like the Boston Marathon.

Become an official charity partner of the race of your choice, then determine how many athlete spots you’ll be given. Reserve those coveted spots for supporters who bring in the most money for your cause in the months leading up to race day, saving them the costly race registration fee they would have to pay otherwise.

StacheStrong was accepted as an official community charity partner for the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon, encouraging supporters to fundraise on their behalf to earn their spot at the start line. They successfully sent three ambitious athletes to New York to make the 26.2-mile trek as a well-earned reward for their fundraising success.

66. Basketball Tournament

Put a spin on the standard basketball tournament with other fun games like dunk contests, free-throw contests, or dribble challenges. Keep it simple with a flat registration fee, or tap into the potential of your supporters’ networks through peer-to-peer fundraising.

67. Relay Race

Put a fresh spin on the traditional 5K or 10K by turning it into a team relay race. Runners can solicit their networks for donations or ask their friends and family to purchase event tickets to come to watch. Perhaps each leg of the race demands a particular costume theme or a humorous obstacle like carrying an egg on a spoon or a three-legged race.

Summer Fundraising Ideas

68. Craft Fair

If Pinterest has taught us anything, it’s that the do-it-yourself aesthetic isn’t going anywhere. Gather talented friends and family members to help create and sell custom crafts, like bracelets, paintings, keychains, or hand-stitched blankets.

69. Ice Cream Social

This fundraising event idea is perfect for families and children. Ask your community and local businesses to donate supplies and help you get the word out. Charge per scoop or set a flat ticket fee for an all-you-can-eat option.

Consider adding an ice cream eating contest to shake things up, or host a competition to see who can create the most beautiful sundae with the ingredients they’ve been given.

This can easily become a virtual event as well by sending a gift card to each donor who reaches the designated fundraising level. Encourage them to purchase their own treat and attend a livestream ice cream social to connect with fellow supporters.

70. Dunk Tank

While getting an adult to sit in the tank might take a little convincing, this fundraising idea is an engaging weekend activity sure to leave everyone laughing.

Identify volunteers, donors, partners, or board members willing to take a shift in the dunk tank and sell tickets to those interested in sending them for a swim.

You can sell different tiers of tickets, rewarding those who donate larger amounts with additional attempts to dunk the person inside. Another creative twist is kicking off a peer-to-peer competition leading up to the event, and the person who raises the least has to take the first shift in the tank.

71. Local Concert

This idea is for all the live music junkies out there. Partner with a local venue and recruit artists to participate in your show. Performers can create fundraising pages leading up to the event so that fans, friends, and family can donate, even if they cannot attend.

You can also make this an online fundraising event by asking bands to perform for your virtual audience in a closed venue. Sell tickets for the event, collect donations throughout the evening, and livestream the performances for all donors to enjoy.

72. Surf Tournament

If you’re near the ocean, a surf competition can be the perfect fundraising idea to draw beach-loving crowds and get people outside.

Ask participants to create peer-to-peer campaigns with a fundraising minimum. Be sure to leverage impact blocks on your campaign page to help tie your fundraising goal to a tangible solution. For example, participants that raise $1,500 will cover the cost of sending one cancer survivor to camp.

Not near the coast? Lakes are perfect for athletic events too. Plan a kayak race or a swim relay to take advantage of the great outdoors.

73. Local Olympics

Put together an Olympics-style sporting event for locals and ask each participant to fundraise a minimum amount to help you reach a collective goal.

Either stick with the classic Olympic events, like basketball and track and field, or get creative with more unique games, like bag toss or bocce ball.

74. BBQ Cook-Off

Invite local chefs to cook up their best barbecue plate and ask guests to donate, taste, and cast their votes for their top choice. Segment the competition even further to crown the winner of the best barbecue sauce, rolls, or side dishes. No matter what, be sure to keep a lot of napkins on hand.

Fall Fundraising Ideas

75. Costume Race

Host a race where people dress up in theme to add some extra flair to the classic endurance event. Whether it’s zombies, Star Wars, Harry Potter, or another theme, a costumed race allows donors to dig out their Halloween boxes and have some fun. With all the different options to choose from, this funny fundraising twist on the classic 5K never gets old.

76. Flag Football Tournament

Tap into a global interest and host your own charitable flag football tournament. Charge an entry fee per team, or ask participants to fundraise for entry.

Consider how you could raise additional funds the day-of, whether that’s an on-site concession stand or branded merchandise. Either seek out volunteer referees or ask your staff to step in, and remember to highlight the prizes that are up for grabs for the winning team.

77. Bowling Tournament

Like all other tournaments, ask each team to fundraise a minimum amount for entry. You could also recruit partners to sponsor lanes or uniforms where they can feature their logos.

Upgrade Your Next Fundraising Event With the Latest Data

Upgrade your next fundraising event with exclusive donor data from our Event Attendee Insights Report. Discover how to deliver an event that offers meaningful value, strengthens donor relationships, and keeps your community engaged long after the closing ceremony.

And the trend continues, with more and more corporations offering nonprofit matching gifts each year. While it can be difficult to keep track of them all, keep an eye out for these top programs as your nonprofit considers future corporate giving initiatives.

1. General Electric

Minimum match amount: $25

Maximum match amount: $5,000

Match ratio: 1:1

Eligible employees: Full-Time and Part-Time 

The GE Foundation matches gifts to most approved nonprofit causes. That includes kindergarten through grade 12 schools, higher education institutions, health and human services, art and cultural organizations, civic and community organizations, environmental organizations, and more.

Current employees looking to participate must submit their matching gift requests by April 15 of the following calendar year after making a donation.

Takeaway: Because GE offers a generous grace period for its request deadline, consider sending start-of-year reminders to eligible donors who have yet to submit their match from the previous year.

2. Coca-Cola

Minimum match amount: $25

Maximum match amount: $20,000

Match ratio: 2:1

Eligible employees: Full-Time and Retired 

The Coca-Cola Company matches employee donations to educational institutions, arts and culture organizations, environmental nonprofits, and other select charities.

One component of its program that makes Coca-Cola stand out is its generous 2:1 gift ratio. The company will match $10,000 worth of employee donations per employee (or retiree) each year at a 2:1 ratio. That means up to $20,000 of matches are available per employee annually.

To secure a company match, eligible donors should complete their matching gift requests by February 28 of the following calendar year after making the donation.

Takeaway: Be sure to emphasize that a matching gift enables Coca-Cola employees to triple their donations for your cause. This can be an even better motivator than the typical 1:1 donation match ratio.

3. Soros Fund Management

Minimum match amount: $25

Maximum match amount: $100,000

Match ratio: Up to 2:1

Eligible employees: Full-Time

Soros Fund Management LLC, the principal asset manager for the Open Society Foundations, offers one of the highest maximum-matching gift amounts at $100,000 per employee each year to qualifying organizations. This, fortunately, includes most registered nonprofits.

To qualify for a match, donors must submit requests for corporate funds within a year of the initial donation via the company’s online matching gift portal.

Takeaway: With such a lofty maximum match, make sure you identify any mid-size or major donors that work for this company. This is a great way to quickly double already-large donations.

4. Microsoft

Minimum match amount: $1

Maximum match amount: $15,000

Match ratio: 1:1

Eligible employees: Full-Time and Part-Time

Microsoft matches employee donations of time and money to US-based tax-exempt 501(c)(3) or international-equivalent public charities that meet Microsoft Philanthropies’ eligibility criteria and register with Benevity. 

These nonprofit organizations include educational institutions, health and human services, arts and cultural organizations, civic and community organizations, environmental organizations, and more. 

The 1:1 match of up to $15,000 has the potential to drive a major impact for all qualified nonprofits. Additionally, Microsoft matches volunteer time at $25 per hour. You can also purchase and donate items from the Microsoft Store or a company store. 

Donors can submit match requests for donations made at any point in the last 12 months. 

Takeaway: Carve out the time to register with Benevity, Microsoft’s giving service provider. Opportunities are also available with Benevity’s other corporate clients, creating connections to even more potential volunteers and donors. 

5. State Street Corporation

Minimum match amount: $25

Maximum match amount: $40,000

Match ratio: 1:1

Eligible employees: Full-Time and Part-Time

State Street Foundation, the charitable arm of State Street Corporation, offers a matching gift program that monetizes employee volunteer time, matches donations, and supports fundraising efforts to help serve local communities.

Eligible nonprofits for State Street’s donation matching programs include educational institutions, health and human services, arts and cultural organizations, environmental organizations, and more. Exclusions include religious organizations, political organizations, and active military causes.

State Street offers two different matching gift programs for employees:

GiveMore

GiveMore is State Street’s matching gift program that matches donations at a 1:1 ratio for most nonprofits.

Matching gift limits vary by role:

• Board of Directors, CEO, President, Vice Chairs: $40,000
• Executive Vice Presidents: $30,000
• Senior Vice Presidents: $20,000
• All other employees: $10,000

Donations made by spouses are only eligible for a match if both the employee and the spouse are joint donors. 

CollectMore

CollectMore is State Street’s matching gift program that matches an employee’s fulfilled fundraising pledges.

There’s a $10,000 annual combined limit for CollectMore matches for individuals below the Senior Vice President level. That cap counts toward an employee’s overall annual cap.

Takeaway: It’s critical to note that State Street Foundation awards nonprofit grants in addition to its matching program. Strengthening your relationship with this organization could offer a high return for matching and grant opportunities. 

Find Your Match: Discover Top Matching Companies

Double the Donation’s list of over 30 matching companies is a great place to start when identifying opportunities to raise more without sacrificing additional resources. 

While its list goes into much more detail, here are a few names worth highlighting: 

• American Express
• Johnson & Johnson
• Apple
• Disney
• ExxonMobil
• Home Depot
• IBM
• Merck & Co.
• Verizon
• Chevron
• Starbucks

Mobilize Your Donors to Make the Most of Matching Opportunities

One way to elevate your organization’s mission to companies offering matching gift programs is by inspiring employees to support your cause and submit matching gift requests. This simple act can put you on the radar of major for-profit businesses. 

Additionally, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a key pillar of many companies’ core business structures. Ensure your organization is widely known to capture the attention of these organizations seeking CSR initiatives. When businesses know who you are and what you stand for, it’s easy for them to seek you out to initiate a mutually beneficial partnership.  

Gain Direct Access to Corporate Philanthropy Opportunities With Classy

When you empower your nonprofit team with best-in-class matching gift technology, you can raise more for your cause without requiring additional time and effort. Double the Donation and Classy can help you do it. 

Through Classy’s partnership with Double the Donation, organizations can automate the matching gift process to inform more donors about available opportunities, follow up on match-eligible donations, and leverage a robust database with details on thousands of companies just like these.

Article Sources

1. “Corporate Matching and Matching Gift Statistics [Updated 2023],” Double the Donation, last accessed February 21, 2023, https://doublethedonation.com/matching-gift-statistics/.

What makes LinkedIn valuable for your nonprofit is its active audience. In fact, LinkedIn is the top choice for marketers who want to promote their content, data, and relevant news.¹

LinkedIn users are predominantly business professionals looking for connections. They’re interested in industry research, organizational best practices, and transparent storytelling, as well as opportunities to strengthen their relationships with like-minded thought leaders. 

Take advantage of LinkedIn’s tremendous opportunities for organic reach by connecting with people who want to engage with you. Below, we provide eight tips to maximize your presence on LinkedIn, increase engagement with potential donors, and connect with your target audience in a more meaningful way.

How to Use LinkedIn for Nonprofits

1. Audit Other Nonprofit LinkedIn Pages

To maximize your LinkedIn presence, you need to have a point of comparison. Before you begin building or optimizing your LinkedIn page, take time to research what other nonprofits, brands, and companies do.

Identify some of the top nonprofit organizations within your cause category that operate on a similar scale. You should also examine nonprofits with an online presence that you find admirable and inspiring. For both segments, ask the following questions:

• What about the page grabs my interest?
• Is there anything here I would do differently?
• How easy is it to find relevant information about the mission, location, staff, etc.?
• What type of content does the nonprofit create?
• How many comments, likes, and shares does the content receive?

Evaluating these pages can provide insights that will shape your company page. For example, if you notice that other nonprofits within your cause category don’t prioritize video content, double down on your video marketing strategy to get ahead. 

On the other hand, if nonprofits you admire write brilliant opinion pieces that generate massive engagement, consider building similar content into your strategy.

2. Optimize Your Nonprofit’s Page

The goal of auditing other pages is twofold. It provides a benchmark that shows where you stand with other nonprofits and helps identify the gaps in your page that you need to fill or update.

It’s likely that donors, volunteers, peer-to-peer fundraisers, and the general public will visit your social media pages to vet your organization further after they land on your website. And when they land on your LinkedIn page, everything needs to be clear to them, like:

• Your location
• Your number of employees
• Your organization’s mission
• Your current job openings
• Your website and fundraising campaign links

Here are three of the best Nonprofit LinkedIn profiles to inspire your process.

3. Optimize Your Page Photos

Ensure the photos on your page are high quality, sized properly, and professional. These are a direct extension of your nonprofit branding, and if your photos appear pixelated, blown out, or confusing, people are likely to lose trust and abandon your page.

For your profile image, the recommended minimum size is 400 x 400 pixels. However, you can get away with uploading a photo that’s 4320 x 7680 pixels. As long as it’s eight megabytes or less, you’re good. The best photo choice for your profile image is probably your nonprofit’s logo.

For the cover photo—the banner at the top of your page—the recommended size is 1548 x 396 pixels. This is the first thing most people will notice about your page. Instead of randomized selection, take the time to find a photo that captures the essence of your impact. You might choose a photo of:

• Your beneficiaries
• Internal staff members
• Custom-designed illustrations
• Volunteers in the field
• Event participants

4. Have Staff Update Their Profiles

As you update your nonprofit’s LinkedIn page, it’s a prime opportunity to help your staff update their LinkedIn profiles as well. This is especially critical given that their personal profiles tie directly to your nonprofit’s page when they list your organization as their employer. 

As people click through to network with your employees, ensure your brand, voice, and tone carries from your page through theirs.

First, perform an audit to ensure all their headshots are business-oriented and professional. If your staff’s photos aren’t up to par, consider investing in a photographer to take professional-grade headshots of everyone.

Second, provide boilerplate copy they can use to fill in the “About” section on their profiles. In this blurb, you can include your nonprofit’s mission, the steps to accomplish it, and the associated social impact. 

This helps ensure brand and voice continuity between your organization’s page and your employees’ profiles. On that note, you should also give your staff the same cover photo used on your page to provide a consistent visual.

5. Activate Your Staff

There is one piece of bad news: you can only join groups and participate in conversations as an individual, not as an organization. However, the good news is that your staff’s personal pages are now optimized and up to date. That means you can activate them to participate in conversations on your nonprofit’s behalf.

LinkedIn Groups are essentially discussion boards that provide a place to have conversations with others in your professional network. The member count ranges from the hundreds to the hundreds of thousands, and groups span just about every topic you can imagine. 

Have your staff join these groups and re-promote your nonprofit’s content to tap into huge audiences of potential new donors or attendees to upcoming events.

The caveat here is that your staff can’t simply join a group and spam your content to everyone—there’s no faster way to destroy your credibility. Instead, they’ll have to participate in conversations with a vested, legitimate interest before sharing your content organically. 

When done right, your content gets massive promotional legs and your staff will learn countless new social media marketing strategies and fundraising tactics to advance your organization.

6. Create Captivating Content

One of the best ways to connect with different audiences on LinkedIn is by creating relevant, interesting, and informative content. This applies to your staff as they join groups and participate in conversations, but it’s also critical for your nonprofit’s page in general. 

It’s not enough to have an optimized page. You have to fill that page with resources that align with your nonprofit’s content marketing strategy.

When you publish something on your page, it gets added to the “Content” section and appears in all your followers’ feeds. If you want to drive high levels of engagement on these posts, your content needs to be compelling enough to pull in users.

Content that fits well on LinkedIn could include:

• Announcements about new hires
• Features that highlight new and existing board members
• Free resources from your nonprofit resource hub (e.g., blog posts, reports, etc.)
• Community celebrations
• Photos or videos of event volunteers 
• Updates about staff working on-site with beneficiaries
• Job postings for job seekers in the nonprofit space

Content that wouldn’t fit well on LinkedIn would include:

• Links with no context
• Pixelated images
• News relating to your personal life
• Content that publishes protected or sensitive information

7. Use LinkedIn Ads

Organic posts should always be part of your LinkedIn marketing strategy. These organic updates will reach the news feeds of anyone who follows your page. 

If you want to expose your nonprofit to new audiences, consider budgeting for fundraising ads.² LinkedIn offers multiple ways you can spend your budget across different types of paid ads, like:

• Message ads: Send direct messages to people that will appear in their inboxes. This works well when looking to hire for open positions.
• Sponsored content: Run video, photo, and image carousel ads in the LinkedIn feed across desktop and mobile. These ads are strong options when promoting your content.
• Text ads: Drive traffic to your nonprofit on a pay-per-click (PPC) or cost-per-impression (CPI) basis. This is the best route if you’re on a tight budget or want to target your spending.
• Dynamic ads: Create automatically personalized ads for your audience. Dynamic ads work well if you want to build brand affinity, drive traffic to your page, and increase online fundraising conversions.

8. Use LinkedIn Analytics

As you work to optimize your page, activate your staff, and promote your content, you need to know that hard work pays off. To accomplish this, make heavy use of the built-in analytics engine on LinkedIn. 

Once you’re in the engine, you can break down your data by:

• Total page views
• Number of followers
• Unique visitors to your page
• Custom button clicks
• Mobile versus desktop traffic sources
• Audience demographics

Additionally, LinkedIn will provide detailed breakdowns of every post you create. You can see the impressions, clicks, click-through rates, reactions, comments, and shares.

More than just numbers on a page, these insights are how you inform a data-driven nonprofit marketing strategy. For example, if you notice that 85% of your traffic comes from mobile sources, size most of the photos you post to your account to fit a mobile screen.

Take Proactive Steps to Elevate Your Social Media Strategy

LinkedIn prioritizes professional, timely, and relevant content catered to individuals in professional fields. As your team begins to optimize your organization’s presence on LinkedIn, you can build robust strategies to supply that content to nonprofit professionals and thought leaders worldwide.

There’s also a special section on LinkedIn solely built for nonprofits—LinkedIn for Nonprofits. Take the time to explore the different ways you can leverage its tools to find top talent, drive brand awareness, and inspire action on your programs and campaigns. 

Article Sources

1. “The Sophisticated Marketer’s Guide to LinkedIn,” LinkedIn, last modified 2017, https://business.linkedin.com/content/dam/me/business/en-us/marketing-solutions/cx/2017/pdfs/Sophisticated-Marketers-Guide-to-LinkedIn-v03.12.pdf.
2. “Get Started With LinkedIn Ads,” LinkedIn Marketing Solutions, last accessed February 13, 2023, https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/ads.

Like many others, Classy customer the HEADstrong Foundation had to quickly shift from an in-person fundraising event to a virtual one in response to the pandemic. The result: their livestreamed event raised $350,000, the same amount as the previous year but with 60% less overhead.

We chatted with the HEADstrong Foundation team to find out how they were able to successfully transition their in-person event to a virtual celebration without sacrificing donor engagement in the process. 

Below are four steps to take when preparing to go live for your next virtual event, with a few specific examples of how the HEADstrong Foundation team hosted such an impactful evening at their virtual gala.

1. Leverage Prerecorded Videos

Finding a steady flow during a real-time event can be challenging when you’re at the mercy of your internet connection. When they had to go virtual, the team at the HEADstrong Foundation wanted to avoid any last-minute video streaming hiccups and make it as convenient as possible for all event performers participating.

Since the date changed from the originally scheduled gala, the team decided to accommodate the schedules of their performers by requesting prerecorded video content of their speeches or live music, with a brief introduction explaining their connection to the HEADstrong Foundation. 

The team then pieced the content together to create a polished two-hour set of streamed performances with speakers and awards incorporated throughout the event.

Takeaway

Use prerecorded videos to eliminate the stress of any unforeseen technical issues with your wifi or livestreaming service and ensure a smooth experience. This strategy also gives the host, speakers, and performing artists more flexibility and time to record themselves and send their videos, instead of blocking out the designated time of the event.

2. Deliver a Consistent Experience in Quality

Chances are your supporters have purchased tickets or fundraised on behalf of your previous in-person events because of a deep connection to your nonprofit and excitement for the different event activities and perks.

To keep your audience engaged with your next virtual event, reemphasize your commitment to uphold that brand standard of a quality event experience in a virtual landscape. Extend the invitation to all supporters to participate in another exciting, meaningful event from the comfort of their homes.

The HEADstrong Foundation wanted to incorporate a shared experience at its livestream gala to replicate the communal atmosphere of its traditional in-person event.

Their team sent a Grubhub gift card to each ticket holder prior to the event to purchase a dinner of their choice and eat with their fellow supporters while watching the show. 

Takeaway

Consider incorporating a similar element into your livestream event or replace the gift card with something more tailored to your fundraising campaign that guests can enjoy together at a designated time.

When strategizing your messaging, focus on community-centric language that strikes a chord with your supporters. Consider highlighting the ways your organization continues to foster a sense of community despite the shift to Zoom, Twitch, or an alternative livestreaming platform. 

Then, encourage your attendees to get dressed up for the event—whether in formal attire or casual garb—and share photos on their favorite social media platforms during the event to strengthen that feeling of connection.

Above all else, emphasize the benefits of bringing your supporters together in innovative ways and how these events can help fuel your mission. 

3. Share Across Channels

Stream your event on multiple channels to maximize your visibility. Rather than just streaming it through Facebook Live, start streaming it through YouTube Live too. Consider leveraging Instagram Live as well to cater to younger audiences. 

The HEADstrong Foundation even extended its efforts one step further by offering a live after-party with a 30-minute DJ set on Instagram TV following the gala.

Takeaway

Drive supporters to your page in multiple ways to raise more donations and boost attendance. Leverage multiple platforms to get the word out and ensure an optimized donation process for conversion on desktop and mobile devices. 

The team at HEADstrong Foundation leveraged a Classy donation form for their virtual gala, which included preferred payment methods like Venmo. Their team raised $349,875 in total revenue as a result.

Another tip for appealing to larger audiences is a silent auction component in your event to encourage participation among all community members. This grants every donor the opportunity to participate and show support, especially if purchasing a ticket to your event was a large financial lift.

4. Invest in Quality Production

Dedicate the time and resources to ensure your organization has quality audio and video for your livestream event. Although seemingly small, these production details can make the difference between missing your fundraising goal and hitting it out of the park.

This is part of maintaining and delivering your brand standards, especially when shifting to a virtual landscape. Your supporters know what you’re capable of and expect that same experience whether sitting in the crowd at an event venue or tuning in through streaming software in their living room.

Takeaway

Seek an external production team if your budget allows, or simply consider upscaling your audio and video quality in these simple ways:

• Upgrade to a professional microphone
• Invest in a high-quality webcam
• Enhance your lighting

Check out our blog post on video conferencing tips for more ideas on how you can upgrade your setup.

Raise More to Do More With Today’s Streaming Solutions

Livestreaming is here to stay. As organizations strategize how to uplevel virtual and hybrid events to engage larger audiences, it’s crucial to consider how live video can play a role in your event strategy. 

As 2023 unfolds, nonprofit leaders have the challenge of evolving to meet society’s growing demands and deliver services that make a lasting impact. The strong return of in-person conferences and innovative hybrid events will bring even more learning, networking, and collaboration opportunities this year.

We’re helping you find the best nonprofit conferences of 2023 with this comprehensive list of can’t-miss events. No matter your role in the social sector, these conferences will leave you feeling inspired and ready to tackle your biggest goals.

Best Overall Nonprofit Conferences

Collaborative by Classy

When: June 7 to 8

Where: Philadelphia, PA

Collaborative by Classy is a two-day experience curated specifically for nonprofit professionals and social sector experts. With fundraising and technology at the forefront of the conversation, attendees will uncover the ideas that will propel the sector forward and unlock the world’s generosity. 

In 2022, over 293 organizations attended the event in Philadelphia to share goals, brainstorm innovative solutions, and develop lifelong relationships with the most influential thinkers in the sector.

Over the years, attendees have had the opportunity to learn from a wide variety of experts and leading minds, including:

• Reshma Saujani, Founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First
• Ivy McGregor, Impact Leader, Author, and Executive Director of BeyGOOD Foundation
• Alex Sheen, Founder of because I said I would
• Bert Jacobs, Chief Executive Optimist and Co-Founder of Life is Good

The event series begins with a marquee event in June and continues with year-round opportunities to connect with fellow nonprofit leaders. Take advantage of the opportunity to engage in timely conversations about the latest industry trends, priorities, and relevant events.

What to Expect 

• Intentional learning experiences that leave you ready to raise more for your mission
• Hands-on workshops and engaging speaking sessions led by a diverse group of experts 
• Networking opportunities with the sharpest minds in the sector
• Tangible takeaways and actionable next steps for you to do more good in the world
• Touches of Philly’s vibrant culinary, art, and music trends in the event venues, parties, and hotel accommodations

Discuss common issues, brainstorm solutions, and explore proven concepts in one-of-a-kind sessions. Don’t miss out on the chance to hear proven tactics for success from industry experts and peers, improve your fundraising skill set with live lessons, and more.

Dreamforce

When: September 12 to 14

Where: San Francisco, CA

Dreamforce is an annual event that brings together the global Salesforce community for learning, fun, community building, and philanthropy. Trailblazers from all over the world gather to share their insights and successes and learn the latest in industry innovations.

Since 2003, Dreamforce has grown into far more than just a conference—it’s a can’t-miss, immersive experience. From inspiring keynotes and sessions to visionary thinking on the future of technology, Dreamforce will empower attendees to grow their organizations and careers.

What to Expect

• Breakout sessions, trainings, and certification opportunities that will help you discover new innovations to business challenges
• Demos of the latest technology
• New people and old friends
• Like-minded Trailblazers, an incredible network of partners, and new ideas born

Experience Dreamforce to be a part of this celebration of the nonprofit community.

Nonprofit Marketing Conferences

2023 Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising Conference

When: August 2 to 4

Where: National Harbor, MD

The 18th Annual Bridge to Integrated Marketing & Fundraising Conference is your chance to collaborate with nonprofit professionals, consultants, agencies, and other marketing experts on strategic ways to elevate your voice and change the world.

What to Expect 

• Dynamic keynotes, panels, and workshops on the latest fundraising strategies, techniques, and innovations  
• Ample networking opportunities to extend the conversation beyond each session
• Insights into major donor fundraising and its impact on overall revenue
• Breakout sessions tailored specifically to nonprofit professionals

Community Boost’s Nonprofit Marketing Summit

When: Feb 28 to March 2

Where: Virtual

At The Nonprofit Marketing Summit: The Big Innovation, attendees will experience three virtual days of free learning from the best and brightest thought leaders in the space. The schedule will offer more than 60 high-impact sessions with speakers from across the sector. 

Prepare to join over 25,000 nonprofit professionals for this immersive summit that will leave you with the strategies you need to drive growth in 2023 and beyond.

What to Expect 

• Hand-picked speakers that bring the most possible value to all attendees
• Opportunities to network with fellow nonprofit professionals from world-changing organizations 
• Ability to register as an event VIP for access to session recordings, notes, and more

The Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization (NIO) Summit

When: September 19 to 21

Where: Dallas, TX

The Nonprofit Innovation & Optimization Summit (NIO), hosted by NextAfter, is for those who want to grow their skills in online fundraising and marketing. Hear from hand-selected experts worldwide on how to become an innovative digital marketer and raise more to fuel your worthy cause. 

Attendees enter a whimsical world adapted to the real-life realities of working at a nonprofit organization as a fundraiser or marketer. Most importantly, marquee speakers from both the for-profit and nonprofit industries give actionable insights and steps to improve your results in Ted-Talk-style presentations.

What to Expect 

• Inspiring new ideas from cutting-edge digital marketers
• Secrets to building a culture of perpetual learning and performance improvement 
• Previews of new technology solutions in a no-pressure, sales-free environment
• Networking opportunities with fellow innovators from the nonprofit and for-profit spaces
• Instant access to your own experiment research library 
• 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t walk away with new ideas to grow your fundraising and marketing 

Nonprofit Technology Conferences

NTENNonprofit Technology Conference

When: April 12 to 14

Where: Denver, CO

The NTEN Nonprofit Technology Conference is an annual event to help nonprofit professionals understand the benefits of technology, innovation, and forward-thinking. Every aspect is built with a community focus, prioritizing accessibility, equity, and inclusivity.

Regardless of your job, role, or life experience, you’ll walk away feeling more knowledgeable and passionate about your work and your organization’s impact on the world.

What to Expect 

• Over 130 in-person sessions and 45 live virtual sessions covering digital inclusion, fundraising, IT, leadership, marketing and communications, and program development
• Inspiring keynote speakers and thought-provoking breakout opportunities
• Community conversations to share stories and create connections in a relaxed environment
• Guided art, music, and activities to decompress throughout the day

Choose to participate online or in person with thousands of other attendees, including nonprofit staff, volunteers, board members, funders, consultants, and tech vendors. Take advantage of this opportunity to invest in your personal capacity to do meaningful work. 

Good Tech Fest 2023

When: May 1 to 4

Where: Washington, DC

Good Tech Fest is for you if you want to use data and technology to make a difference in the world. This conference will teach you how to take advantage of everything technology has to offer to support and scale the efforts of nonprofits, government, philanthropy, and social enterprise.

From data science to mobile applications, this conference reminds you that the potential is limitless.

What to Expect 

• Sessions led by data science and technology professionals on ways to implement technology in your nonprofit programs 
• Conversations on the role of machine learning and data analytics in your organization
• Discussions around data ethics and security 
• Firsthand insight from practitioners on how they utilize data science in their work 

From May 1 to 3, the event hosts attendees in person. On May 3, the conference goes completely virtual, with over 100 workshops led by experts from around the world.

Nonprofit Leadership Conferences

Create Good

When: April 26 to 28

Where: Durham, NC

Create Good is a conference for people brave enough to change the world. This event is about inspiring nonprofit communicators with the latest tools and techniques to fuel their cause. Create Good encourages attendees to come and share what they’ve learned so the whole sector can thrive together.  

What to Expect 

• Practitioners from around the country lending their perspectives and expertise 
• Keynote and workshop speakers like Kivi Leroux Miller, CEO and Founder of Nonprofit Marketing Guide, and Darren Margolias, Executive Director of Beast Philanthropy
• Collaborative conversations about the importance of strength, fortitude, and stubbornness to stay on the path to making change 

Engage for Good 2023

When: May 16 to 18

Where: Atlanta, GA

Engage for Good is where business and corporate social impact leaders come to grow their knowledge and network. With content for your colleagues from marketing, program design, and even human resources, this three-day conference will help maximize your potential in the world of social impact.

What to Expect 

• Targeted sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities that will link you to pros from other organizations who share your experience or social impact focus
• Interactive programming and breakouts that address your most pressing questions
• Access to critical data and benchmarking to measure your influence against others in the space

Start your conference experience by enrolling in one of three special pre-conference sessions: the Nonprofit Leadership Summit, the Business Leader Summit, or the Nonprofit Corporate Alliance Sales Workshop.

Nonprofit Alliance 2023 Leadership Summit

When: September 19 to 21

Where: Washington, DC

The Nonprofit Alliance 2023 Leadership Summit is where you can join fellow nonprofit industry leaders to learn how to navigate the world’s evolving business and service models and harness the power of transformation to strengthen your impact.

What to Expect 

• Networking facilitation techniques that stimulate critical conversations and liberate the full potential of any group or individual
• Discussions on leadership burnout and ways to recharge your vitality and endurance 
• Insight from top leaders on ways to build a roadmap to success 
• Networking reception to close each day in a more relaxed, comfortable environment

Note that attendance is restricted to The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance members and invited guests and seating will be capped at 150 attendees. Participation is more beneficial and recommended for senior leaders with 15 or more years of experience, the title of vice president and higher, or other distinguishing experience as a sector changemaker. 

NonProfit POWER

When: December 4 to 6

Where: Baltimore, MD

NonProfit POWER is an all-inclusive experience for qualified attendees to gain insights into the latest peer-to-peer fundraising strategies, technology solutions, and direct marketing tactics. 

What to Expect 

• Opportunities for connection and relationship building with leaders across the nonprofit spectrum 
• Insights from key decision-makers at leading nonprofit organizations
• Best-in-class fundraising solutions across three key educational tracks

Nonprofit Fundraising Conferences

P2P Professional Forum Conference

When: February 22 to 24

Where: Washington, DC

The P2P Professional Forum Conference is a great way to take some time out of your schedule to focus on the people behind peer-to-peer fundraising—your staff, volunteers, and fundraisers. It offers breakout tracks designed with your colleagues from marketing, corporate relations, and human resources in mind. 

What to Expect 

• Unveiling of the Top Thirty benchmark report
• Targeted sessions and networking opportunities to link peers who share similar experiences
• In-depth conversations with winners of the Cash, Sweat & Tears Award and Organization of the Year Award 

NAYDO Conference on YMCA Philanthropy

When: April 11 to 14

Where: Houston, TX

NAYDO’s 42nd Annual Conference on YMCA Philanthropy offers a week of exploring innovation in philanthropy while being inspired by one of the nation’s most innovative cities. Sessions will leave attendees with inspiration and fresh ideas to move the needle on their mission, followed by opportunities to unwind at several special events, like a group barbecue dinner and a NASA Space Center tour.

What to Expect 

• Inspirational keynote hosted by Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA
• Preview of NAYDO 2024 in Denver, Colorado 
• Community service opportunities to participate in throughout the week

AFP Icon 2023

When: April 16 to 18

Where: New Orleans, LA

The AFP ICON, hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and designed with fundraising experts and professionals in mind, brings together approximately 4,000 attendees each year to discuss, teach, and learn the latest fundraising trends and best practices.

What to Expect 

• Impressive keynote speakers like Emeril Lagasse, legendary chef, TV personality, and Founder of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation
• More than 100 total educational sessions on leadership, relationship building, trends and innovation, and more to help unlock your fundraising potential
• Pre-conference workshop for an additional registration fee 

Woodmark Summit

When: May 2 to 4

Where: Dallas, TX

The Woodmark Summit is an annual, best-practices-oriented gathering for the senior-level, front-line fundraising staff of the 27 member hospitals in the Woodmark Group’s nonprofit organization. Attendees learn best practices and subject-matter expertise through jam-packed sessions, breakout sessions, and roundtable discussions.

What to Expect 

• Examinations of “headwinds”—the political, economic, social, cultural, and environmental influences that threaten the success of fundraising efforts
• Discussions of how to anticipate the threat of headwinds and develop strategies to diminish the impact
• Ways to increase transformational, principal, and major gifts, and build robust gift-planning programs to fuel your mission

Cause Camp

When: September 14 to 15

Where: Greater Sandusky, OH

Cause Camp is a nonprofit conference that Forbes has named a “must-attend” event for nonprofit professionals. Join the experience to connect with top industry speakers, participate in engaging breakout sessions, and take advantage of one-on-one networking to collaborate with and learn from other leading minds in the space. Ignite your purpose and walk away with actionable strategies you can use right away.

What to Expect 

• The best and brightest speakers working in or with the nonprofit sector
• Attendee toolkits complete with swag and other resources to elevate your experience 
• Prizes for the most engaged attendees 

AHP International Conference

When: September 20 to 22

Where: Orlando, FL

The AHP International Conference is the largest annual gathering dedicated entirely to the needs of healthcare and philanthropy professionals. Join peers from around the world for networking, best practices, and insights from experts on industry trends. 

What to Expect 

• Over 50 speakers hosting more than 35 sessions on new ways to raise funds and better serve your community
• Networking and brainstorming with over 700 attendees 
• Time to get to know peers from large health systems to critical access facilities and everything in between 

Don’t Miss Out on the Top Nonprofit Conferences of the Year

Nonprofit conferences keep you at the top of your game—no matter your experience level or specific function at your organization. Choose the best conferences for your nonprofit in 2023 that will challenge you in new ways, deliver the strongest return on investment, and allow you to expand and strengthen your network.

Today, we’ll cover the value of elevating nonprofits’ impact, how to submit your Classy Awards nomination, the benefits of being a Classy Award winner, and more.

What Are the Classy Awards?

Sitting at the core of every nonprofit’s mission is eradicating a critical problem. However, without awareness, advocacy, and resources, that goal is out of reach.

Started in 2009, the Classy Awards have grown to become the premier awards for the social sector. Decided by the Leadership Council, a well-respected group of social sector leaders and influencers, the Classy Awards bring together groundbreaking nonprofits to recognize the achievements driving social change.

Classy’s goal is to provide nonprofits the platform deserved to elevate their causes, grab the attention of new donors, and strengthen relationships with existing supporters. The benefits of being a Classy Award recipient (which we’ll cover below) can fuel your fundraising efforts, strengthen your organizational impact, and get you closer to your goals.

Key Benefits of Being Named a Classy Award Winner

Public Recognition

Joining the community of Classy’s premier nonprofit award winners presents opportunities for awareness and exposure of your organization to larger audiences.

Thanks to our partnership with Upworthy, winners will be featured on their website and social media channels, which collectively have over 16 million followers across platforms.

Winners will also be featured in a dedicated media relations campaign and provided tools to share the achievement with their network.

Collaborative Passes

Classy Award finalists receive two complimentary passes to Classy’s in-person 2023 Collaborative conference on June 7-8, 2023, in Philadelphia, and invitations to attend celebrations throughout the event.

Community of Leaders

All finalists are evaluated by our Leadership Council and have exclusive opportunities to build connections with these individuals and other members of the nonprofit community at Collaborative.

In addition, being recognized as a top organization of the year naturally increases donors’ trust in your nonprofit. It can also help re-energize your employees to continue charging toward your goals. Your staff members’ increased pride and motivation make a perfect recipe for greater organizational impact.

The Fine Print

Eligibility

Organizations must verify 501(c)(3) status and have a headquarters in the United States.

Programs

Classy Awards are awarded to organizations at the programmatic level and must have at least one year of measurable results. A program is a specific initiative that addresses a social or environmental problem, relies on dedicated resources and budget, and has a strategy to achieve distinct goals.

Criteria

All nominees are scored on knowledge of the problem, innovative approach, ability to solve the problem, and overall effectiveness.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Be Named One of the 2023 Nonprofits of the Year

Utilizing innovative ideas, creative technologies, and organizational effectiveness is no small feat. That’s why the sector’s accomplishments in these areas deserve celebration.

Take advantage of this opportunity to elevate your team’s impact to greater audiences and inspire other nonprofits to celebrate their accomplishments.

This list of mental health organizations celebrates those offering assistance to improve the holistic well-being of people across the globe. Learn how these nonprofits are stepping up to provide critical services and increase public awareness of mental health treatment and advocacy.

Mental Health by the Numbers

Mental health conditions are increasing worldwide. Here are a few quick stats to consider:¹

• 19.86% of American adults are experiencing a mental illness, 4.91% of whom are experiencing a severe mental illness
• Mental illness ranges in prevalence by state, ranging from 16.37% of the population in New Jersey to 26.86% in Utah
• 11.1% of adults in the U.S. (over 5.5 million) with a mental illness remain uninsured
• Over half (56%) of American adults with mental illness receive no treatment

The Impact of Mental Health Charities on Wellness Worldwide

Emotional and mental well-being sits at the core of almost everything we do. Without it, our relationships, productivity levels, and physical health suffer. Mental health organizations create organic avenues for peer support, mental health research, and access to qualified providers. Their work allows people to receive the care, education, and funding they need to overcome their mental disorders and live their fullest lives.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) envisions a world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by communities that care. They provide advocacy, education, mental health support, and public awareness so all individuals and families affected by mental illness can recover.

Built on the values of hope, inclusion, empowerment, compassion, and fairness, NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans.

This mental health nonprofit serves people in the U.S. through:

• Education programs and support groups
• Public policy reform
• Toll-free NAMI HelpLine
• Public awareness events and activities, including Mental Illness Awareness Week and NAMIWalks

Learn how you can support NAMI’s important work towards providing better mental health care.

To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA)

To Write Love on Her Arms is a nonprofit dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, and inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

Since its start in 2006, this nonprofit has donated over $3 million directly to mental health treatment and recovery, making it possible for people to access mental health care when they need it the most.

Each year, TWLOHA connects over 11 million people in more than 100 countries to the message that hope and help are real. Annually, their work to provide mental health resources connects 40,000 people to services like crisis lines, support groups, and affordable local mental health resources through the FIND HELP Tool.

Since 2006, the TWLOHA team has responded to 210,000 messages from people worldwide, traveled more than 3.8 million miles to meet people in their communities, shared more than 1,100 blog posts, and launched a podcast to let others know they’re not alone.

Fountain House

Fountain House is a national mental health nonprofit fighting to improve behavioral health, increase opportunity, and end social and economic isolation for people most impacted by mental health challenges.

This organization draws on more than 200 community-based social rehabilitative programs, known as clubhouses, to fight for the dignity and rights of people with serious mental illness. With clubhouses in nearly 40 states and more than 60,000 members, Fountain House is transforming how the world sees mental health.

The mental health nonprofit addresses both its members’ health and social needs through an integrated model that connects its physical clubhouse with access to clinical support, housing, and care management.

Fountain House offers:

• College re-entry and young adult programming
• Policy and advocacy work
• Mental health emergency response
• Evaluation of system barriers to develop practical solutions

Project HEAL

Project HEAL is on a mission to create a world where everyone with an eating disorder has the opportunities and resources they need to recover. As the only major nonprofit in the U.S. focused on creating equitable treatment access for all people with eating disorders, they stand firmly behind their belief that treatment is a right, not a privilege.

Their programs break down systemic, healthcare, and financial barriers that millions of people in the U.S. face when trying to heal from their eating disorders.

This nonprofit offers support through four main pathways:

• Clinical assessment
• Insurance navigation
• Treatment placement
• Cash assistance

In addition, the mental health nonprofit has partnered with EAT Lab at the University of Louisville. This partnership allows the organization to anchor its efforts to reform the eating disorder treatment landscape and influence future policy and legal changes within the healthcare system to ensure equitable healthcare access for all.

Saprea

Saprea exists to liberate individuals and society from child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts. The trauma of child sexual abuse can have lifelong impacts, resulting in an increased risk of mental health issues, substance abuse, suicide attempts, dropping out of school, and incarceration.

This nonprofit is dedicated to empowering survivors with healing strategies, skills, and resources to reduce trauma symptoms, experience post-traumatic growth, and significantly improve the quality of their lives.

Saprea also encourages parents and caregivers to proactively learn and apply the preventative skills needed to reduce the risk of sexual abuse impacting the children they love. In addition, they provide courses to help create awareness for this worldwide epidemic and guide community members on how to get involved.

The organization’s impact is felt by thousands of people worldwide through its unique offerings, including:

• The Saprea retreat
• Survivor-led support groups
• Online healing resources
• Community education classes
• Prevention resources

Learn more about Saprea’s life-changing work and how you can get involved to take action in your community.

International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)

The mission of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) is to help those impacted by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders to live full and productive lives.

This mental health organization aims to increase access to effective treatment through research and training, foster a hopeful and supportive community for those affected by OCD and the professionals who treat them, and fight the stigma surrounding mental disorders.

To improve outcomes for individuals with OCD and related disorders, IOCDF offers:

• Connection to treatment and support through their comprehensive Resource Directory
• Free educational resources through virtual programming
• Community events and programs to help raise awareness and provide support
• Opportunities to engage in public policy advocacy and grassroots advocacy
• A comprehensive curriculum of professional training opportunities through the IOCDF Training Institute
• Funding to OCD and related disorders research

See how you can help challenge stigma, increase mental health fundraising, and create awareness about what it means to have OCD.

Crisis Text Line

Crisis Text Line stands at the intersection of empathy and innovation, promoting mental wellness for people wherever they are.

The mental health organization provides free, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need. Last year, Crisis Text Line’s volunteer Crisis Counselors had 1.3 million conversations with people in crisis in the U.S.

Crisis Text Line is on the frontlines of addressing the mental health crisis by spreading empathy. As we emerge from a pandemic with a shared experience of isolation and loneliness, a sense of belonging is crucial for humans to connect, for stronger communities to be built, and for our global community to thrive. Learn how to join Crisis Text Line to build an empathetic world where nobody feels alone.

Active Minds

Active Minds is the nation’s premier nonprofit organization supporting mental health awareness and education for young adults. Dedicated to saving lives and building stronger families and communities, this organization is changing the conversation about mental wellness.

Since 2003, Active Minds has served as the voice of young people disproportionately affected by mental illnesses, focusing on how mental health is addressed on campuses and in society. The organization is present in over 1,000 schools, communities, and workplaces nationwide, including more than 600 student-led chapters.

Over 15,000 young adults join Active Minds each year to encourage their peers to learn about, discuss, and seek help for mental health issues without shame. This peer-to-peer approach addresses individual needs and the overall culture in our country.

Learn more about Active Minds’ strategic plan to discover how you can show your support.

MARR Addiction Treatment Centers (MARR)

More than 23 million Americans struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Knowing that only about 10% of that population receives the treatment they need, MARR Addiction Treatment Centers is a private organization that provides long-term residential addiction treatment to men and women.

This mental health nonprofit is dedicated to bringing lasting recovery through intensive, high-quality, gender-specific rehab programs. Accredited by The Joint Commission, MARR is fully licensed under the state laws of Georgia.

MARR continues to set the standard in long-term residential addiction treatment by helping clients identify the core issues behind their drug and alcohol abuse and redefine their futures. Through the use of technology and community resources, this organization is also working to educate the public about the disease of addiction to save, protect, and improve the lives of thousands nationwide.

Explore how you can play a part in the lives of those struggling with addiction and behavioral health.

Alliance of Hope for Suicide Loss Survivors

The Alliance of Hope is a leading online source of support for people who are coping with the devastating loss of a loved one to suicide.

Most who have experienced suicide loss say they never knew such pain existed, yet society is largely unaware of the degree to which survivors are impacted. Suicide loss survivors are 64% more likely to attempt suicide, and 80% more likely to quit their jobs or drop out of school, compared to those who have suffered a sudden loss to a natural cause.²

Since 2008, the Alliance of Hope has been working to decrease stigma, increase understanding of the suicide loss experience, and provide direct support to survivors from many cultures and faith traditions worldwide.

The Alliance of Hope offers a wide range of mental health services, including a 24/7 online community forum, phone and Zoom consultations by trained trauma and loss professionals, support groups, and more.

Exhale Pro-Voice

The Exhale Pro-Voice community supports people who have had abortions and people who care about people who have had abortions. The organization’s Pro-Voice approach centers on each individual’s unique context, family, culture, and abortion experiences.

Through non judgemental, supportive counseling, the nonprofit helps individuals cope with the full range of emotions after an abortion. They also offer an After-Abortion Textline, support groups, a library of resources, and self-care tips.

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

On a mission to help empower recovery and well-being for all, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation serves as a force of healing and hope for families affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Hazelden Betty Ford now has treatment centers and telehealth services nationwide, as well as a network of collaborators throughout health care. With a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Hazelden Betty Ford also encompasses:

• A fully accredited graduate school of addiction studies
• A dedicated addiction and recovery research center
• Community and school-based prevention programs and resources
• Specialized program for family members, loved ones, and children

Inheritance of Hope

Inspiring hope in young families facing the loss of a parent is no small feat, but Inheritance of Hope has been committed to this goal since 2007.

To offer comfort and support during challenging times, the nonprofit offers Hope@Home Groups to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, as well as Hope Hub in-person local gatherings with group activities.

If a family is facing the loss of a parent and needs a moment of rest, Inheritance of Hope will cover their weekend meals and entertain their children from Friday to Sunday at no cost.

Best yet, the Legacy Retreats are destination experiences where families create lifelong memories and receive the tools to navigate the challenges of terminal illnesses. Each family will enjoy three nights and four days visiting Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios. All food, lodging, and activities are covered.

SHE RECOVERS Foundation

SHE RECOVERS is a nonprofit movement dedicated to redefining recovery, inspiring hope, ending stigma, and empowering women in or seeking recovery from substance use disorders, other behavioral health issues, and life challenges. Its goal is to increase women’s recovery capital, heal themselves, and help other women do the same.

With a growing and evolving community currently consisting of more than 325,000 women, this lifeline organization connects women through its virtual platforms and in-person community networks, provides resources and supports women to develop their own holistic recovery patchworks, and empowers them to thrive and share their successes.

With a special focus on research, the SHE RECOVERS Foundation can also establish a more robust evidence base related to the efficacy of non-traditional recovery pathways.

WholeSchool Mindfulness

On average, U.S. teens spend 7 hours and 22 minutes daily on their phones—not including schoolwork. WholeSchool Mindfulness is on a mission to co-create an education system that advances well-being, community, and justice through the transformative power of mindfulness.

The nonprofit is working to establish and support the position of a “Mindfulness Director” in schools nationwide. This person’s role is to integrate mindfulness practices within their community. Not only will this help support future generations of healthy, connected individuals, but it will also allow them to see clearly and act wisely in service of imagining and creating a more aware and just world.

Fuel Your Fundraising With World-Class Tech

Make an impact in the lives of those struggling with a mental health issue by contributing to the larger conversation, offering opportunities for donors to get involved, and using your voice to educate expansive audiences on the critical importance of building greater awareness for higher quality mental health care.

For a complete list of additional cause awareness days, holidays, and giving days your nonprofit should consider incorporating into your annual content strategy, download our LinkedIn Seasonal Content Planner.

At Classy, we’re committed to helping your nonprofit achieve its mission. Whether you are interested in revamping your strategy to drive increased awareness to your donation website, improving peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives, or planning a stellar virtual or in-person event to engage donors and further advocate for your nonprofit, lean on Classy.

Sources:

1. “Adult Data 2022,” Mental Health America, last modified 2022, https://tinyurl.com/34m6w8pc
2. “Bereavement by suicide as a risk factor for suicide attempt,” Mental Health Research, BMJ Journals, last modified January 26, 2016, https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/1/e009948.info

Even with higher-than-average motivation levels, the most seasoned changemakers have moments when they need a little boost. On those days, an inspirational quote from someone you respect can turn your entire mood around.

In fact, some experts believe that quotes from people we admire can inspire us on a biological level. In an article for Fast Company, media psychology expert and communications consultant, Scott Sobel says, “Humans are aspirational. We want to look up to role models and leaders and follow what they ask. Leaders and their words—inspirational quotes—affect us on a primal level.”¹

If you’re in need of a burst of inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and a handful of today’s most influential nonprofit leaders, check out these 30 motivational quotes. Hear the words of those who have dedicated their own lives to the well-being of others through fundraising, superior leadership skills, and a commitment to hard work.

Motivational Quotes From Leaders We Look Up to

Inspirational Quotes to Fuel Future Acts of Kindness 

There’s a reason life quotes have become so popular online and across social media, especially those that remind us of the bigger picture during moments of struggle. Reading a particularly well-crafted phrase can inspire your next act of kindness or give you the strength you need to finish the nonprofit work you started. In some cases, quotes even have the ability to put things in perspective in a way you never realized.

For more ideas on how to inspire your nonprofit organization and lead your team to success, check out the Leader’s Guide to Motivating Employees below.

Sources

1. “The Science Behind Why Inspirational Quotes Motivate Us,” Know It All, Fast Company. Last modified September 25, 2015, https://www.fastcompany.com/3051432/why-inspirational-quotes-motivate-us

To help you write an effective fundraising email, no matter what the situation, we’ve put together this two-part roundup with our most popular email resources and templates.

First, we focus on how to nail the many email types your organization might send to potential donors. Then, the second half has the information you need to mobilize your peer-to-peer fundraisers to write emails that inspire their networks to take immediate action.

Fundraising Email Templates and Resources

Email is a significant part of how nonprofits communicate. That’s why we’ve put together the following resources to help elevate your marketing emails.

Learn how to stand out in your donors’ inboxes with:

• Attention-grabbing subject lines that increase open rates
• Captivating stories that emphasize a sense of urgency
• Effective calls to action (CTAs) that drive supporters to your donation page

The Comprehensive Guide to Nonprofit Welcome Emails

The first fundraising email you send to a new community member sets the tone for your entire relationship.

Sending a sequence of emails that introduces your nonprofit organization in a personable way increases the chances donors return with a follow-up donation or nonmonetary contribution. That’s true whether a donor supports your cause through online fundraising, attends one of your events, or contributes their time as a volunteer.

Use these introductory email templates to write a welcome email series that resonates with your supporters and strengthens their personal connection to your cause.

Beginner’s Guide to Email Appeals

In this guide, we review tips for crafting a wide array of appeals for your next email campaign. From peer-to-peer fundraising to recurring giving to year-end campaigns, get the best practices and real examples you need to whip up your donation requests.

26 Sample Email Subject Lines for Your Fundraising Campaign

When increasing your open rate, nothing is as crucial as getting the email subject line right. It’s what hooks someone long enough to decide to give your message a fighting chance.

Email subject lines done right smoothly engage supporters and help bring in the revenue you need to succeed. Use these sample email subject lines and tips to optimize email opens and response rates on desktop and mobile devices.

2 Soft Launch Email Templates to Kick-start Your Fundraising Campaign

A fundraising campaign soft launch—the release of your campaign to a limited audience before the general public—allows your organization to establish early momentum toward its fundraising goals.

These email templates will help introduce your campaign in a way that emphasizes your supporters’ unique value and motivates them to help kick off your fundraising effort.

Learn how to introduce and motivate your biggest advocates to get involved and follow up with the donors who didn’t engage with your appeal the first time.

Templates to Engage Donors Year-Round

It’s critical to communicate with donors in ways beyond hard asks and campaign promotions. Use these templates to develop a well-rounded communications plan that balances the right mix of touchpoints with the donors on your email list.

Donor Retention Email Templates

To retain donors over time and further your relationships, you must diversify your messaging. From messages of thanks, storytelling, and impact, these templates will help elevate your email content and remind you to take the time to offer words of gratitude and heartfelt appreciation.

5 Email Templates for Stronger Recurring Donation Appeals

Well-crafted recurring donation appeals are critical to building, growing, and sustaining a robust recurring giving program. To help inspire your email recipients to get on board with a subscription gift, we’ve crafted five email templates sure to resonate with any audience.

Giving Tuesday Email Templates

Prepare for the days leading up to Giving Tuesday (and the day of) with templates specific to this monumental fundraising event. These 10 email samples will help you rally support no matter what type of fundraising campaign you run for the big day.

6 Giving Tuesday Email Subject Lines to Drive Donations

Get to know the research behind email marketing to make your Giving Tuesday email subject lines stand apart. Get inspired by these creative ideas and experiment with tactics to catch your donors’ attention.

6 Year-end Email Templates to Raise More for Your Nonprofit

If you’re looking to run an exceptionally successful year-end fundraising campaign, email marketing is a wonderful tool to engage new and existing audiences. We’re here to help ensure your communications stand out to your audience to produce the results you want.

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Email Templates and Resources

For peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, the need for great emails is twofold. First, you need to have a well-developed email engagement plan to nurture and support your fundraisers’ success. Second, those fundraisers need an effective email engagement plan to rally their personal networks to give.

To help secure a plan for your organizational administrators and peer-to-peer fundraisers, we have two resources to share. One is a guide that will help elevate the emails you send to your peer-to-peer fundraisers. The other is a list of tips and tricks for creating fundraising email templates your supporters can use to reach their individual fundraising goals.

A Guide to Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Emails

When you give your fundraisers the tips and tools they need, their ability to raise significant donations is all the more likely. This guide provides the information you need to keep fundraisers informed, motivated, and moving toward their goals.

These fundraising email examples feature supplemented design callouts and helpful formatting tips to ensure you cover all the bases. Download this free read to prepare for your next peer-to-peer fundraising campaign.

Creating Your Own Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Templates

Once you’ve developed a communications plan to educate your peer-to-peer fundraisers, you’ll want to create fundraising letter samples to supplement the experience.

When your fundraisers have less writing to do, you eliminate a barrier to fundraising and allow them to send quick appeals on your behalf via email, social media, or text. Not to mention, there are certain aspects of a great fundraising appeal—like mission details and calls to action—that your nonprofit is better equipped to write. Take care of those details for them, so supporters don’t have to do unnecessary research.

Below are a few points to include in your letter samples to help guide your peer-to-peer fundraisers toward their goals.

1. Establish the Arc

At a fundamental level, you want to ensure you introduce the problem that needs to be solved, demonstrate a solution to that problem, and end with a strong call to action that invites potential supporters to become a part of the solution.

2. Make It Emotionally Relevant

If you can get readers to imagine themselves as being personally affected, it increases their feelings of empathy with those your organization serves. Another good approach is highlighting a real-life example of someone affected by the cause. This personalization tends to tug at one’s heartstrings to inspire action.

3. Offer a Tangible Impact and Clear Call to Action

It’s crucial to support your call to action with how each donation will make a tangible impact. Correlate your campaign’s default fundraising goal with a specific outcome.

For example, if the default goal is $250, the text for your peer-to-peer fundraisers might read something like: “$250 will fund a full year’s education for five children in the developing world. Join me in making this happen by visiting my donation page!”

Pro Tip

Encourage supporters to highlight their personal connection to the cause in their fundraising letters. A personal note accomplishes two things: it further legitimizes the message in the reader’s eyes and helps the reader empathize with the beneficiaries of the fundraising effort.

For more insight on how to help your peer-to-peer fundraisers reach their goals and maximize their impact, read Quick Tips for Peer-to-Peer Fundraisers to Get Started next.

• Raise $X
• Acquire X new donors and/or major donors
• Recruit X fundraisers

It’s important to focus on these metrics when tracking your fundraising efforts. However, there are other metrics you should also consider to take your organization’s fundraising strategy to the next level.

Here are six specific fundraising goals that can help your organization succeed in the long run.

1. Raise Brand Awareness

While fundraising campaigns are primarily intended to raise funds toward a financial goal, perhaps you’ll want your next campaign to help raise brand awareness as well. Focusing your efforts to increase reach, boost engagement, and get the word out about your cause can introduce new potential donors to your organization who may turn into lifetime supporters.

You’ll want to spread the word about your fundraising activities through social media. Assess your reach and engagement through the number of likes, retweets, comments, and shares your social posts garner. 

Another way to measure the success of your outreach is by looking at the number of new email subscribers you acquire throughout your campaign. Because your social media posts will direct people back to your website, you can track the growing interest in your organization by identifying the number of people who decide to sign up for your updates or newsletter.

2. Acquire New Recurring Donors

Recurring giving is a critical element of nonprofit fundraising. Recurring donations contribute to increased donor retention rates, annual donation volume, and revenue predictability. Focusing a future campaign on acquiring new recurring donors is a strategic way to scale your impact and ultimately raise more for your mission.

To track your progress toward this objective, you need first to determine how many current donors are giving on a recurring basis. Then, think about how you can grow this donor segment.

Naturally, you can increase your numbers by upgrading one-time donors to recurring givers. An annual donor may have given several one-time gifts to your organization over the years, but proposing the idea to break their annual gift up into weekly, monthly, or quarterly donations could be a great way to initiate the upgrade process.

You can also focus on recapturing lapsed recurring donors. Depending on their reason for leaving, these donors might be easier to bring back into the fold. It could be as simple as asking them to update their expired credit card information.

3. Increase Your Average Recurring Donation Amount

Another way to achieve growth through recurring gifts is to increase your donors’ average gift size by a set dollar amount. Let’s say, for instance, you have 100 recurring donors. If the current average monthly gift amount is $15, you might aim to increase it to $18.

Reach out to your individual donors and thank them for their support. Calling them or meeting in person would be ideal, but if this isn’t feasible, send a personalized letter or email at the very least.

Let your supporters know how much they’ve impacted your organization and how their involvement is helping to advance your mission. Then, ask them to consider increasing their recurring donation amount. Explain how adding just one extra dollar to their gift can greatly enhance your organization’s long-term planning and budgeting for the programs they’re passionate about.

4. Increase Your Average One-Time Gift Size

On the flip side, your fundraising team might be focused on boosting the average gift size of all one-time donors. One way to do this is to alter and test suggested giving levels on your donation forms. 

Experiment with slightly increasing your default gift amounts, and see whether the average gift size received increases by the end of your campaign. Keep in mind that different donors have different giving capacities, so you should have custom donation forms with suitable default gift ranges for each donor segment. 

Divide your donors by past average gift amount (e.g. low-tier donors, mid-tier donors, high-tier donors), then direct them to a custom donation form with giving levels tailored specifically to them. This allows you to upgrade each level of donor according to their true giving range.

5. Grow the Number of Gifts Received Per Communication Channel

A common and important campaign goal is to acquire a certain number of gifts. Instead of focusing on just that number alone, consider focusing a portion of your efforts on increasing the number of gifts that come in through each communication channel. 

This approach can help you better understand which channels are driving the highest conversion, and therefore spark conversation about how to strengthen each one as an avenue to acquire donations.

Track your progress by first determining the average number of gifts that come in through each channel. Then create a custom donation form for each channel so you can track how many gifts it captures over the course of a time-based campaign. 

Your website donate button, email appeals, social media asks, and newsletters can each link to a separate donation form.

6. Boost Your Email Conversion Rate

Use your next fundraising initiative as an opportunity to test different types of emails. Understanding which type resonates most with your audience can help you better engage new and existing donors and maximize returns.

To test a certain variable, split your donor base into separate groups, send each segment a different version of your email campaign, and compare which version performs better. Here are a few variables you might consider testing:

• Email subject lines
• Type of images included in the email
• Type of donate button (shape, color, copy, placement)
• Plain text versus HTML-formatted
• Storylines

Tailor your organization’s set of goals to reflect the specific metrics you want to reach. Rather than focusing solely on raising more and acquiring new donors, you can also measure your nonprofit’s success by looking at the numbers that make up the bigger picture. 

Boost Future Fundraising Campaigns With Measurable Goals

From expanding your recurring giving program to optimizing your next set of email appeals, these measurable goals can help you grow your community, uplevel your organization’s engagement strategies, and increase your annual fundraising levels.