In this guide: 

• Why email marketing matters
• How to create an email marketing strategy
• Tools and best practice tips you need for successful campaigns

Why email marketing is important for nonprofits

Email marketing is a powerful way to engage supporters, drive donations, and tell the story of your nonprofit’s mission and goals. 

Some of the main benefits of email marketing for nonprofits include:

• It’s easier to reach your subscribers: You’re not at the mercy of an algorithm—instead, your content is delivered straight to your donors’ inboxes.
• Personalization is possible: Write to your subscribers by name and include key details like the amount they’ve donated, which programs they support, and more.
• You own the data: Unlike social media, you have direct access to your supporters and can reach them directly at any time.
• You can run tests and analyze data: Understand what works and what doesn’t in terms of sending times, call-to-action links, and email subject lines.
• You can reach new audiences: By promoting your email signup across your website and other marketing channels, you can attract new subscribers at any time.
• It can be scheduled: Email campaigns are often designed and scheduled in advance, so your team can focus on other marketing efforts live—like social media or in-person events.
• It’s another way to connect with donors: Nurturing donor relationships over time is crucial, and email gives you another avenue to do this alongside your other stewardship efforts.

Email marketing gives you a more direct connection to your supporters than other channels, allowing you to build relationships and drive fundraising efforts from loyal fans.

Types of emails to send as a nonprofit

There are lots of different types of emails to send as a nonprofit—from automatic donation receipts to multi-email campaigns. Only 45% of nonprofits send a monthly newsletter, so for many organizations, there’s plenty of room to introduce or do more with email marketing.

Popular types of emails to send include: 

• Transactional emails: Automated emails like donation receipts, thank-you messages, and ticket purchase confirmations.
• Automated welcome series: A series of emails that introduces new donors to the organization’s mission and programs.
• Email newsletters: Regular updates on what’s happening, impact stories, and how to get involved. For even more ideas, see our guide on how to optimize your nonprofit newsletter.
• Donation appeals: Requests for funding for specific campaigns, programs, or fundraising days like Giving Tuesday, designed to engage supporters. For an in-depth walkthrough, explore our guide on how to build an effective fundraising email campaign.
• Donor stewardship emails: Emails that express gratitude towards donors for their donations and continued support, with the aim of building relationships. Sending thank-you emails is important, as 57% of donors prefer to be thanked in this way.
• Event invitations: Invitations, reminders, and thank you messages related to events.
• Volunteer recruitment emails: Email outreach about upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Many nonprofits choose to send a monthly or quarterly newsletter for storytelling, consistency, and regular updates, with appeal and event emails before, during, and after key dates.

How to create a nonprofit email marketing strategy

To make an impact with email marketing, you need a strategy tailored to your goals and target audience. Follow these steps to create (or update) your email marketing strategy.

1. Define your goals

Your email marketing strategy should align with your wider organizational goals. Before you choose a template and start writing, decide what your goals are. 

Popular email marketing goals include: 

• Attract new monthly newsletter subscribers
• Convert subscribers into volunteers
• Turn one-time donors into monthly donors
• Drive donations for a specific fundraising campaign
• Raise awareness of your organization
• Attract corporate sponsors

Once you’re clear on what you want email marketing to achieve, you can start to plan campaigns that get you closer to your goal.

2. Choose your email marketing software

Many fundraising CRMs have email tools built in, but not all of these are equipped to handle email marketing campaigns or newsletters. You’ll want software designed for email marketing, that integrated with your CRM. 

Look for an email marketing platform that aligns with your budget and resources, then see which works best for you with a demo or free trial. Email marketing software is typically priced depending on how many subscribers you have, so if you’re just starting out you can often send emails for free or at a low cost.

If you already have email marketing software, use this time to re-familiarize yourself with it. Explore new-to-you features, refresh your templates, and look for ways to streamline workflows.

Not sure which email marketing software to choose? Keep reading to find a list of the best email marketing tools for nonprofit organizations and how to find the right software for you.

3. Build an email list

To stay in touch with your supporters you’ll need to build an email list. Most email software will give you multiple ways to do this with standalone signup forms, pop ups, and simple forms that you can add to your website. 

To build your list faster, try: 

• Importing existing subscribers: If you have an existing supporter base, ask if you can add them to your mailing list.
• Removing friction: Limit the required fields to only the essentials, like first name and email address.
• Offering a free bonus: Encourage people to sign up with the promise of receiving a free guide, a discount on your products, or another meaningful bonus.
• Telling a compelling story: Explain why your email list is the place to be through storytelling, photos, videos, and impact stories.
• Digital advertising: Run a digital campaign to a dedicated landing page for your email list signup page.

Don’t worry if your list doesn’t grow significantly at first. It’s better to grow a careful, considered, and targeted list over time than a large list of subscribers that aren’t aligned with your mission. 

4. Segment your audience

The best nonprofit email marketing campaigns are those that your donors feel truly connected with, so split your email list into groups or segments based on interests, donor behavior, and engagement. This is known as donor segmentation.

You can build a list based on any demographics, but here are some common groups:

• New supporters or donors
• Supporters who have recently made a donation
• Repeat donors
• Previous event attendees
• Donors based in [location]
• Major donors
• Corporate sponsors and partners
• Supporters interested in capital projects
• Donors that signed up from social media
• Volunteers
• Supporters who haven’t engaged with the last [number] email fundraising campaigns
• Your most engaged supporters

Align your donor segments with your donor personas to create even more specific and impactful content. 

Need to segment your donors?

Wealth screening can help you understand your donors so you can target the right people at the right time.

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5. Plan your content

The best email content is planned in advance and designed to help you further your goal(s). Choose a specific goal and audience segment, then plan your campaign. 

When planning your campaign, consider:

• Audience segment
• Reason for email
• Type of email
• Template or design
• Subject line(s)
• Main email copy
• Call to action
• Buttons or links
• Images and video content
• Send date

It’s a good idea to keep all your email campaign ideas and notes in one place—whether that’s a spreadsheet or a tool designed for marketing campaign management. 

6. Schedule and send

When you’re happy with your email or series of emails, all that’s left is to hit send or schedule. Most email marketing tools allow you to schedule your email for your preferred date and time, and some can even use analytics to automatically suggest the best time to send. 

Tip: Always send a test email to yourself and/or a colleague before you send to your entire database for one final chance to catch typos and broken links. 

7. Review analytics

Keep an eye on your email analytics after you send your campaign. It’s useful to review analytics shortly after sending to check for any potential email deliverability issues, and it’s best practice to check in on analytics over time to track campaign performance and identify trends.

The best email marketing platforms for nonprofits

The best email marketing software for your nonprofit is the one that helps you achieve your goals in the most efficient way. Here are some of the most popular choices for nonprofits in 2026:

1. Ascend

Best for personalized, data-backed donor communications

Ascend is Kindsight’s fundraising CRM, which includes built-in email tools like personalized emails, automation, and advanced analytics—as well as integrations with Salesforce Marketing Cloud for more in-depth nonprofit email marketing campaigns. Ascend combines the power of donor data with the ability to create personalized donor experiences.

2. Brevo

Best for integrated marketing campaigns

Brevo is a customer platform that nonprofits can use for email marketing and more—including SMS, WhatsApp, and live chat. It’s an attractive option for nonprofits that want to build consistent email habits and experiment with other types of marketing in one place. 

3. MailerLite

Best for drag-and-drop email templates

Mailerlite combines email marketing tools with a website builder, landing pages, signup forms, and digital products. The email marketing feature includes a drag-and-drop editor with content blocks and a library of templates—ideal for teams that want an easy to use email marketing platform. 

4. Mailchimp

Best for AI-powered email marketing

Mailchimp is historically known as an email provider, but the platform now also offers SMS, AI-powered marketing, and content creation—making it a popular option for nonprofits that want to combine creativity and automation. 

5. Constant Contact

Best for combined email and social media marketing

Constant Contact is an email marketing platform that nonprofits can also use for AI content generation, event marketing, ecommerce marketing, and social media marketing. This email marketing service could be a good match for nonprofits that sell online or want to invest more in social media.

How to choose the right nonprofit email marketing software

Every nonprofit has unique needs, resources, and goals, which is why it’s important to choose the right email marketing platform. 

Here’s what to consider as you compare options: 

• Features and functionality: Does the software do everything you need it to? Can you customize emails, use list segmentation, and analyze results?
• Customization options: Can you create your own email designs or are you limited to a template library? Can you adjust colors, add your logo, and make everything match your brand?
• Pricing: Is the software within budget? Does the price change depending on how many subscribers you have? Are there hidden costs to consider?
• User experience: Is it an easy to use tool, or will team members find it challenging without support? 
• Automations: Can you create automated workflows to move subscribers through an email series?
• List size limitations: Are you limited to a certain number of email subscribers before you need to upgrade your plan? 
• Data import and export: Is it easy to move data to and from the software, if you decide to move to another tool in the future?
• Customer support: What support options are available, and is the support highly rated?

Alongside your own research, look at real user reviews to understand what your experience might be like—this can be especially helpful in uncovering potential issues around billing, technical issues, and customer support.

Which fundraising tools are right for you?

Tailor your tech stack to your unique organization. Learn which tools are built with nonprofit work processes in mind.

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Nonprofit email marketing best practices

A well-planned strategy and the right software can help, but to really make the most of your campaigns try these nonprofit email marketing best practices:

• Group your audience by demographics and interests: Create audience segments so you can run targeted campaigns.
• Use templates: Save time by using built-in email templates and customize them to match your brand.
• Create compelling content with storytelling: Encourage your supporters to give with heartwarming stories and meaningful impact stories.
• Send emails at the right time: Analyze your emails for the best send time and adopt this schedule.
• Personalize your emails: Include the supporter’s name and any other information that feels relevant.
• Test different subject lines: Try several options and then roll out the one that performs the best—most email marketing software allows you to do run A/B testing. Although it’s popular with direct-to-consumer retail brands, only 35% of nonprofits use emojis in subject lines. Experiment whether your supporters prefer an emoji in your headlines or not.
• Monitor campaign performance: Check your analytics to see what works and adjust your future campaigns based on data and trends.
• Use automation: Create automated welcome emails and let AI take care of manual tasks so you can create better supporter experiences.
• Prioritize mobile responsiveness: Design emails that work just as well on mobile devices as they do on desktop.
• Stay compliant with legislation: Learn how to comply with the CAN-SPAM Act, and research whether any other laws apply if sending emails to international donors.

Use these strategies to help you turn average email marketing ideas into high-performing campaigns that motivate donors to give.

5 Examples of nonprofit email marketing in action

There’s a lot to learn from seasoned nonprofit email marketers. Explore these nonprofit email marketing examples for ideas, inspiration, and tactics you can use for your next campaign.

1. Email newsletter

This email bulletin from The Tracksmith Foundation is a strong example of a first newsletter, with an introduction to the organization from its executive director. The newsletter continues with features on recent articles, products, and a call to action. 

Tactic to try: Add a personal greeting from your executive director or a board member at the start of your newsletters to drive engagement.

2. Donation appeal email

Charity Water’s year-end donation appeal email has plenty of elements that make it powerful. With emotive language, an impactful image, and data-backed claims, the content stands out—and that’s before you consider the bonus impact of the donation matching offer.

Tactic to try: Using figures to illustrate the real-world impact of donating.

3. Giving Tuesday campaign email

This Giving Tuesday email campaign from Patagonia combines strong visuals, a clear message, and social proof to create a compelling reason for donors to give to their nonprofit partner, the Conservation Lands Foundation. It’s also a great example of cause marketing in action.

Tactic to try: Highlight donors and sponsors that have already contributed to add social proof.

4. Welcome or awareness email

Rare Beauty’s informative email about their Rare Impact campaign gets the message across in a clear way while highlighting the fund’s mission and vision. Readers are invited to learn more, or to make an individual donation towards the fund.

Tactic to try: Welcome new subscribers with a heartfelt introduction to your mission.

5. Personal impact email

This personal impact snapshot email from the American Red Cross is a wonderful example of how you can illustrate the difference that the recipient has made. It’s a unique way to use the donor data that you have, and it’s easy to create a version based on the different ways that someone can support your organization—like repeat donations or volunteer hours.

Tactic to try: Go beyond basic personalization and use donor data to illustrate impact.

Connect with donors through email marketing and personalized moments

Email marketing allows you to reach donors right in their inbox with tailored campaigns that speak to their unique relationship with you. Use this guide to craft a strategy that drives your work forward by sharing story-led updates, compelling appeal messages, and heartfelt donor stewardship emails. 

As you start to plan your email campaigns, consider adding the right software to your toolkit. Kindsight’s tools for nonprofits can help you identify potential donors, nurture long-term relationships, and create seamless giving experiences. 

Nonprofit email marketing FAQs

What are some key strategies for nonprofit email marketing?

Key strategies for nonprofit email marketing include donor segmentation, personalized email messaging, story-driven content, and optimized email subject lines. 

How do I choose the best nonprofit email marketing software?

To find the best nonprofit email marketing software, consider your goals, needs, resources, and budget. Look for software that’s easy to use, affordable, and has all the features you need—including email templates, automation, and email analytics.

What’s the role of a CRM in nonprofit email marketing?

In email marketing, the CRM is the central database that holds all your donor data, including names, email addresses, donation history, and previous engagement. Your nonprofit CRM should allow you to create donor segments and subscriber lists, then either send emails natively or integrate with another tool for email marketing.

What’s the best free nonprofit email marketing software?

Email marketing software for nonprofits with a free plan include Mailchimp, Brevo, and Mailerlite. These platforms all offer a free plan with limited features, analytics, and a maximum number of subscribers or emails sent per month.

How do I get started with email marketing for nonprofits?

To get started with email marketing, follow our step-by-step guide above. Build an email list, create donor segments, plan and create your content, then schedule or send.

The post Nonprofit email marketing: Strategy, tips, and real-life email examples appeared first on Kindsight.

While online auctions are a popular choice, some of the best silent auction ideas are part of larger in-person gatherings and galas. With no live auctioneer to build energy and momentum, success comes down to the items on offer. That’s why a strong, well-curated lineup is so important.   

Are you getting ready to host your own event? In this article, we’ll share 30 silent auction item ideas to help your team turn quiet bids into big results.

How many silent auction items do we need?

Most silent auctions perform best with a smaller, carefully selected number of items. Too many pieces can overwhelm bidders and reduce competition for high-value pieces. A more focused lineup will make it easier for event organizers to showcase each item, and for guests to place their bids.  

While there is no fixed rule, the American Fundraising Foundation (AmFund) recommends one silent auction item for every four couples attending. That means an event with 200 couples, or 400 attendees, should showcase around 50 silent auction items.

How to source the best silent auction items

The key to sourcing silent auction items is finding out what your audience wants, and matching this with the people and businesses likely to donate. To do this, you need to:

• Understand your audience: Look at who will be attending your event, including their age, interests, and giving capacity. 

• Create a wish list: Use your audience insights to identify the types of items people are most likely to bid on. Aim for a mix of high-end, experiential, and accessible silent auction ideas so you can appeal to different bidders and price points.

• Identify potential donors: Review your existing network and donor base with prospect research software to find individuals, corporate partners, and local businesses who may be willing to donate. Prepare a clear ask that outlines the value for both the donor and your organization.  

Sourcing silent auction items can feel overwhelming at first. But remember, each ask is also an opportunity to bring in potential new donors — especially corporate partners and local businesses. That’s because charity auction items are a low-barrier way to offer support, and the perfect start to any long-term conversation. 

30 charity auction items that are sure to start a bidding war

Even with clear audience insights, creating and narrowing down your wish list can be difficult. With so many ideas out there, how do you know which ones will make the cut? And how can you be sure you don’t miss a popular idea?

One of the most effective ways to build your list is to use themes and build item concepts around them. 

To get you started, we’ve put together a list of popular categories and ideas.

Unique items only your nonprofit can offer

Exclusivity sells. And what could be more exclusive than opportunities only your charity can deliver? For example:

A celebrity (Ambassador) meet-and-greet

Does your nonprofit work with a brand ambassador or have a well-known alumnus or alum? Offering an exclusive meet-and-greet or “an evening with” experience gives attendees a rare opportunity for a personal, one-on-one connection. One that’s sure to raise funds!

Insider experiences

Lift the curtain and offer attendees a behind-the-scenes insight into your organization and its work. This could include a VIP tour of a project or program, a private lecture, or “backstage” access to institutions and facilities.

Naming rights

Naming rights give donors the chance to leave a lasting mark by associating their name with a program, space, or initiative. Scholarship programs, research funds, designated buildings, facilities, or garden spaces are all popular choices. 

High-end silent auction item ideas 

Every successful auction includes a mix of high, mid, and low-value offers that appeal to a broad donor base. High-end silent auction item ideas should be desirable and difficult to access, creating excitement and encouraging competitive bidding while still offering value for money.

Signed memorabilia

Got any sports fans, art lovers, or music lovers on your prospect database? Signed memorabilia like sports equipment, books, artwork, instruments, or photographs are the perfect addition to any collection. 

Five-star hotel or luxury weekend

Modern life is busy, which makes the promise of rest and escape especially appealing. An exclusive stay at a five-star hotel, luxury resort, or spa destination gives donors the chance to unwind in style and enjoy an experience they might not otherwise prioritize.

Designer apparel

Designer items perform well in silent auctions because they combine the prestige of recognizable brands with lasting appeal. Luxury handbags, accessories, perfume, or jewelry are all highly desirable, easy to display, and often feel like a special indulgence — the key to competitive bidding! 

A private jet, helicopter, or yacht ride

Fed up with traveling economy? A flight on a private jet, helicopter tour, or yacht ride will give donors a taste of luxury and turn a short journey or outing into a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Personal chef for a night

A modern twist on a classic dinner out, this unique experience brings the restaurant to the winner’s home. A professional chef prepares a mouthwatering three or five-course meal for the donor and their guests — creating an intimate, memorable evening without the need to leave the house.

Accessible experiences event attendees will never forget

Of course, not every charity auction item needs to feel ultra-exclusive. To make sure your event appeals to a broad donor base, it’s important to include auction offerings that are financially accessible and will still offer bidders a memorable, feel-good experience. 

Popular silent auction ideas include:

Hot air balloon rides

A hot air balloon ride offers a sense of adventure and a truly unique perspective. It’s a memorable experience that feels special without being out of reach for most event attendees.

Wine tasting

Whether hosted at a winery or guided by a local expert, wine tasting experiences work well for couples or small groups (especially when it comes with dinner).

Race days

Race day experiences combine entertainment, atmosphere, and excitement. Hospitality packages are especially appealing to thrill-seeking attendees looking for a fun day out with friends.

Golf days

A round of golf remains a reliable auction favorite, particularly with corporate donors. Packages can include green fees, equipment rental, and even lessons to broaden their appeal.

Spa days

Spa days offer a welcome opportunity to relax and recharge. They’re especially popular with professional women looking to step up their self-care. 

Theater and concert tickets

Event tickets will always make great auction items, particularly when paired with premium seating or pre-show dining — or maybe even a backstage pass?!

Cooking lessons

Cooking lessons offer a hands-on, social experience that feels both fun and practical. Options range from cuisine-specific classes to sessions focused on healthy or seasonal cooking.

Limo rides

A limousine ride adds a sense of occasion to any evening. Whether it’s to a dinner, concert, or another special event, this touch of exclusivity is a great way to turn a simple outing into an unforgettable experience. 

Oldies but goodies

Some silent auction item ideas stand the test of time for a reason. The following options are often easier to source, appeal to a broad audience, and are a great way to raise funds at any silent auction. 

Fitness packages

Fitness packages are popular because they promote health and well-being in a way that is accessible and convenient. Packages can include gym memberships, personal training sessions, or class bundles that event attendees can redeem on their own schedule.

Taster classes

Classes such as pottery, ballroom dancing, or even flying lessons often appeal to donors and event attendees who are looking to try something new. They’re especially effective when offered as multi-session packages that help newfound hobbies stick — a winner for event attendees and local businesses.

Dinner events

Perfect for foodies, restaurant experiences are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a meal at a local restaurant or a private dinner hosted at someone’s home, dinner options work well because they’re social, familiar, and easy for bidders to imagine enjoying.

Gift certificates

They might not be the most glamorous offering, but gift certificates are a simple and versatile part of any auction prize. They add immediate value to different packages and options, and can help boost and raise funds. 

Family photo shoot

A family photo shoot is the perfect lasting keepsake. These items appeal to families and work particularly well when paired with a framed print or digital photo package.

Gift baskets galore

Gift baskets are curated collections of complementary items, often sourced from local businesses, and packaged together as a single auction prize. They’re ideal for lower-value auction items, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a strong impression. 

By creating themed baskets, you can turn everyday charity auction items into desirable packages that drive donations. A few personal favorite silent auction basket ideas include:

Movie night in

The perfect excuse to stay home and unwind, this gift basket can include movie tickets or streaming vouchers, gourmet popcorn, snacks, and other cozy essentials for a relaxed night in. 

The ultimate self-care reset

Designed to encourage rest and relaxation, this basket might feature candles, bath products, skincare, herbal teas, or a massage voucher for a little extra indulgence.

Chocolate lover

Ideal for sweet-toothed bidders, this basket brings together premium chocolates, artisanal treats, and winning flavors from local businesses or luxury brands.

Foodie hamper

A celebration of good food, this hamper can include gourmet ingredients, specialty sauces, oils, snacks, or a gift certificate to a favorite local food provider.

Paws & pampering

A gift basket with a difference, this is a real crowd-pleaser for animal lovers. Ideas can include toys, treats, grooming products, and accessories to spoil a much-loved pet.

Reader’s retreat

Every book lover needs a cozy escape. Why not fill their basket with some bestselling or classic novels, a journal or bookmark, a warm throw, tea or coffee, and a gift card to a local bookstore?

Out-of-the-box silent auction ideas

We’ve covered many of the classic silent auction ideas. This final section will highlight some more unconventional items that can add a splash of creativity and excitement to your event.

Promises

Promises are a flexible and fun way to appeal to a wide range of bidders. Why not ask board members, staff, ambassadors, or partners to auction off different promises? Examples include hosting a dinner, providing mentoring sessions, or committing time or expertise to a specific task.

Mission-made creations

Local artwork, handmade jewelry, or crafts can be especially meaningful when they’re created by people connected to your mission. Pieces made by service users — such as children or patients in a hospital unit, or students and alumni — offer a powerful, personal connection that many bidders value.

Mystery prize

A mystery prize invites bidders to join in without knowing exactly what they’ll win, adding an element of anticipation and fun to your event. The prize is revealed at the end of the night and works best when you give a small hint to encourage bidding.

Final thoughts

A successful silent auction isn’t about offering the most items; it’s about offering the right items. It might feel daunting at first. But if you take the time to understand your audience, build an accessible wish list, and identify a strong pool of donors, you can create a silent auction experience to remember.

The post 30 silent auction ideas that drive donations appeared first on Kindsight.

Whether you’re planning your first event or refining a long-standing fundraiser, a fundraising event planning template helps you go from idea to execution while ensuring your efforts are intentional, efficient, and aligned with your broader development goals.

What is a fundraising event planning template?

A fundraising event planning template is a structured framework to guide your organization through every stage of organizing, executing, and evaluating a fundraising event. It provides a centralized place to document key details for your event and, more importantly, helps to connect your efforts to your organization’s strategic objectives. 

An event planning template is more than a to-do list. It creates consistency and supports transparency, allowing you to document goals, budgets, timelines, deadlines, staffing needs, and follow-up plans in one place. Over time, your templates become a source for real-time updates as well as a living record of what works, what doesn’t, and how your events evolve to better raise funds for your organization.

A good planning template for nonprofit fundraising events will include:

• Event purpose and fundraising goal
• Audience definition and engagement strategy
• Budget projections and financial controls
• Sponsorship planning
• Marketing and communications timelines
• Task assignments and accountability
• Donor experience considerations
• Post-event stewardship and evaluation metrics

Want to dig deeper on events?

Learn about the trends in special events, the importance of hybrid events and how to execute them, and how to center community in events.

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When should you use an event planning template for your fundraising event?

A fundraising event planning template is helpful whether you’re planning a fundraising event for the first time or you’re an experienced fundraising event manager. If your team has ever said, “We raised money, but I don’t know if it was worth it,” or “It worked, but it was exhausting,” a template is a must for your next fundraising event project.

Templates are also helpful for:

• Progress reporting
• Identifying how and when to engage volunteers
• Assigning roles and responsibilities
• Ensuring continuity in planning

Planning templates are useful for every type of fundraising event project, from virtual fundraising events to peer-to-peer fundraising programs to luncheons and galas.

What’s included in a fundraising event planning template?

An effective planning template for fundraising events balances strategic planning with operational logistics. The strategy defines the event’s purpose and desired outcomes, while operations ensure the logistics, systems, and people deliver that experience effectively.

Strategic elements, from event name to audience definition

1. Event overview, objectives, and goals: Name your event and define your fundraising target, engagement goals, and any secondary objectives tied to stewardship, cultivation, or education.
2. Audience definition: Identify your target audience, noting specific groups or individuals you want to attend, including donors, prospects, sponsors, and community partners.
3. Budget planning: Determine your anticipated expenses, revenue targets, and how you expect to hit them (silent auctions, sponsorship, live appeal, etc). Include contingency plans if anything costs more than expected, including how decisions are made when you go over budget.
4. Roles and responsibilities: Assign overall ownership of the event as well as the different tasks needed to make the event successful. Track staff, volunteers, and vendors, including contact information and deliverables.
5. Timeline: Work backward from your event date to define planning milestones, marketing schedules, and outreach timelines.
6. Marketing and promotion: Outline your event marketing campaign strategy, incorporating email campaigns, social media outreach, direct invitations, and any media or community engagement.
7. Sponsorship strategy: Define sponsorship levels, benefits, prospect lists, and outreach tracking. See how to ask for sponsorship for your fundraising event and how to write a sponsorship letter for tips!
8. Post-event activity: Identify key activities needed to close out the event, including stewardship, donor relations, attendee follow-up, and a post-event evaluation plan to capture feedback from staff, volunteers, and even attendees.

Planning your strategy first sets the stage for the overall event, giving it direction and alignment before you even consider details like tablecloths and music.

Operational elements, from space planning to volunteer coordination

1. Expense and income tracking: Track your expenses, revenue, and sponsorship income as they come in, comparing your actual numbers to your projections.
2. Venue and space planning: Note every detail of the space or location, including contacts, contract information, capacity limits, room layout, and when you have access for setup, breakdown, and the event itself.
3. Vendor management: Identify vendors needed for catering, audio-visual, rentals, photography and videography, and decor. Track who is providing what, when, and how to contact them.
4. Registration and guest flow: Define your platforms for ticket sales or registration, check-in process, walk-up procedures, and overall guest experience from arrival to departure.
5. Run of show: Create a detailed event schedule outlining timing, transitions, speakers, entertainment, and fundraising moments.
6. Donation infrastructure: Document how donations will be collected (whether you use an online donation software or take cash and checks), how gifts will be tracked, and how donor data will flow into your CRM.
7. Staff and volunteer coordination: Assign roles, confirm schedules, define communication plans, and establish expectations for dress and conduct.
8. Supplies and materials: Identify all materials needed, from signage and programs to power cords and basic office supplies.
9. Contingency planning: Even with the best planning, some things are simply out of your control. Prepare for all potential issues, including bad weather, medical emergencies, technology failures, and other risks.
10. Breakdown and closeout: Plan vendor departures and payments, equipment returns, recording and depositing donations, financial reconciliation, and final venue walkthroughs, including who will stay to see it through.

These event details are the heart of a well-executed event, and help to shape the experience of the event for your guests, staff, and volunteers.

How to plan your next fundraising event project

A fundraising event planning template is most effective when paired with a clear event timeline, often starting three to four months before your event. Large or complex events may require more lead time, but will follow the same chronological steps from start to finish.

Fundraising event timeline

• 12-16 weeks before: set the strategic foundation for your event. Your earliest event planning conversations should launch with high-level, establishing the event name, purpose, goals, format, audience, and budget. Assign an event owner, identify potential venues, set deadlines, and draft a preliminary run of show to guide future planning.
• 8-12 weeks before: structure the experience and build momentum. Once you lay the strategic groundwork for your event, your planning starts to build momentum. Now is the time to finalize messaging, sponsorship strategy, and donation approach. Secure the location, contract vendors and entertainment, select your registration platform, and outline your donation infrastructure.
• 4–8 weeks before: activate outreach. One to two months before the event, your sponsor and donor outreach should be well underway, with sponsorship sales coming in. Sponsorships and lead gifts help to create momentum for the event and encourage other people to join. At the same time, open registration, confirm room layout, test giving tools, and refine the run of show.
• 1-3 weeks before the event: final preparation. The last few weeks are the perfect time to put the finishing touches on your event. Finalize appeal language, stewardship plans, vendor schedules, volunteer assignments, materials, and contingency plans. Conduct technical checks and rehearsals.
• Night of event: execute your vision. It’s finally time to see all of your hard work come to fruition. Use your template as a command center to guide execution, manage logistics, and protect the donor experience.
• After the event: ensure impact and continuity. The work doesn’t stop when the final guest leaves, and a successful event doesn’t just depend on what happens in the room. Your post-event work closes out the current event while building relationships with donors, attendees, vendors to help support future events. Send thank-yous within 48 hours, process gifts, close vendor payments, evaluate ROI, and document lessons learned.

An event planning template helps you align your strategy and operations to this timeline, ensuring that every element of your event planning process happens right on time.

Tips for using an event planning template

Here are some tips to use a planning template effectively for your next fundraising event:

• Treat it as a strategic document, not a task list
• Customize your template for each event.
• Assign a single owner to manage and update the template throughout planning.
• Integrate key template tasks and outreach with your CRM.
• Track donor movement, not just revenue, to get a high-level overview of your prospects.
• Review and refine the template after every event.

Common fundraising event pitfalls and how to avoid them

Planning a successful fundraising event isn’t easy. Here are some of the most common mistakes that fundraising managers and event planners make, and how to avoid them, using your fundraising event planning template as a guide: 

Fundraising event planning template (PDF)

To support your planning, we’ve created a free Fundraising Event Planning Template (PDF) that helps your team move from concept to execution with clarity and confidence.

This template is designed to:

• Align events with your organizational fundraising strategy
• Centralize planning in one place
• Improve accountability
• Strengthen donor stewardship
• Make events repeatable and scalable

How to use this template

To use the Fundraising Event Planning Template effectively:

• Work through each section, checking off or writing the details of your event.
• Share the full template or pieces with your events committee, area leads, etc.
• Refer to the template for progress reporting, day-of-event operations, and post-event evaluations.

[Download the Fundraising Event Planning Template (PDF)]

FAQs

What makes a planning template effective for fundraising events?

A fundraising event planning template not only helps you coordinate the logistics of the event, but also connects its execution to donor engagement, data, and long-term strategy.

Can small nonprofits use a fundraising event planning template?

Absolutely. A template is especially valuable when resources are limited, helping your organization to stay on track and align efforts with your organizational goals.

Should every event use the same template?

While the core of a fundraising event planning template will likely be the same for every event, customization is key based on your event type and goals. Consistency improves efficiency and reporting.

Is a fundraising event planning template better than project management software?

An event planning template and project management software should complement each other. The template defines strategy and helps you envision the tasks necessary to execute your event; your software helps to transparently manage those tasks. Many organizations also use their CRM as another essential tool for event planning.

The post Drive strategic results with this fundraising event planning template appeared first on Kindsight.

A fundraising gala is a more formal event that helps strengthen your community, and offers multiple avenues for fundraising—plus, fundraising galas can be easily customized to fit your budget and goals. 

Below, we’ll dive into the many benefits of a fundraising gala, the steps to planning an event your supporters will love, and pro tips for raising more during your event. 

What is a fundraising gala? 

A fundraising gala is a special event used by nonprofits and other organizations to raise money for their cause. 

Fundraising gala events come in all shapes and sizes, and can be tailored to fit your nonprofit’s mission, goals, values, and audience. Generally, they’re a more formal type of fundraising event featuring at least some of the following: 

• Live entertainment
• Formal dress code 
• Food and drinks 
• Awards 
• Auctions 
• Presentations 
• Speeches and keynote speakers

Nonprofit galas aren’t just about collecting donations. They’re also a valuable opportunity to network with your high-value supporters, build new connections, and nurture existing ones. 

How fundraising galas raise money

Fundraising galas have multiple objectives: fostering community, attracting new supporters through publicity, and creating valuable touchpoints for major donor moves management—all of which help to generate revenue and increase financial stability. 

Even better, nonprofit fundraising galas present multiple opportunities for raising money: 

• Ticket sales 
• Event sponsorships
• Direct appeal for donations 
• Personal requests to major donors

What are the benefits of a fundraising gala? 

The benefits of a well-organized fundraising gala for nonprofits are far-reaching: 

• Multiple ways to raise funds: Fundraising galas offer many ways to raise money for your cause, including online ticket sales (using online donation software), silent auctions, selling branded merchandise, increasing monthly donor signups, and more.  
• Customizable: It’s easy to customize your event to fit your budget, mission, and goals—the venue, entertainment, catering menu, decorations, and more can be carefully chosen to fit your nonprofit organization’s needs and priorities. 
• Build community: During a gala, board members, nonprofit leadership, volunteers, and supporters have a rare opportunity to spend time together. This helps build emotional connection, working to strengthen your community and support base. 
• Network with high-ticket donors: Successful prospect management requires many touchpoints over time. A personalized invitation to a fundraising gala makes a great impression and is an opportunity to connect with your high-propensity donors. 
• Highlight your impact: There’s no better way to drive home the positive impact of your work (and how your supporters have made this work possible) than a fundraising gala. Share impact report highlights, beneficiary spotlights, and presentations from your leadership during your event. 
• Brand visibility: Through advertising and plus-ones, you’re likely to catch the attention of new supporters during your fundraising gala. Capitalize on this new interest with an easy newsletter signup and “next steps” resource with upcoming volunteer opportunities and social media handles.

Fundraising galas can also be a key part of larger, more extensive campaigns, such as a capital campaign. They are also included in our laundry list of favourite fundraising ideas. 

Types of nonprofit gala 

The possibilities for tailoring your fundraising gala to fit your mission and goals are endless—venues, dress codes, entertainment, and other event details can all be customized to fit your nonprofit’s needs.

Below, we’ve outlined some of the most popular types of gala fundraising ideas that any nonprofit can make their own: 

Dinner or cocktail gala 

One of the most traditional types of gala, dinner or cocktail galas typically involves a sit-down dinner or drinks reception, followed by a keynote speaker, presentation, and entertainment—like live music, a charity auction, or other live performance. 

Virtual or hybrid galas

Virtual galas typically include presentations from speakers, pre-recorded video material, and opportunities for attendees to interact through games or Q&A sessions. Virtual galas come with two major benefits: Guests can attend from anywhere, and overhead costs are typically lower than an in-person gala. 

Hybrid galas can bring the best of both worlds—in-person guests have a more personal experience, and long-distance supporters don’t miss out. Keep in mind that not every aspect of an in-person event will translate to a virtual format. 

Black tie or ball 

One of the most formal types of fundraising gala, black tie galas are a special, formal celebration of your organization and its supporters. 

They may involve a formal dinner, a dress code, and a higher ticket price. Often, black-tie events feature more expensive catering, a photographer, and luxury entertainment. While this type of big event has significant fundraising potential, upfront costs may be higher.

Themed gala 

Fundraising galas are often centered on a theme—this may be related to the nonprofit’s mission, seasonal, or even just for fun! Popular themes include: 

• Masquarade
• Casino night
• Under the sea 
• Winter wonderland
• Black and white
• Roaring 20s

Don’t be afraid to be creative—after all, you’ll want your event to be memorable. Try incorporating your theme into multiple aspects of your gala, like the catering, dress code, and entertainment. 

Charity auction

Charity auctions are great as a standalone gala theme. They’re also a strong addition to other types of gala. To keep upfront costs low, request prize donations from local businesses or corporate partners.  

Behind-the-scenes tour gala 

If your organization has access to an interesting location (a museum, animal shelters, or historic building, for example), try incorporating a behind-the-scenes element to your gala. 

This is a great way to provide an educational experience and deepen emotional connection to your mission. Start with a guided tour, incorporate a keynote speaker, and end with a food and drinks reception or entertainment. 

Breakfast or lunch gala

If your support base is made up of busy professionals with family obligations, try a corporate-style breakfast or lunch gala. This way, you can offer your guests a memorable experience at a time that’s convenient for them. 

Plus, your venue will likely be able to take care of many aspects of your event, including catering, AV, and location (just be sure to communicate with them beforehand). 

How to plan a nonprofit gala in 7 steps

No matter the type of event you’re running, hosting a fundraising gala often requires more planning than other types of fundraisers. 

Give yourself plenty of time: begin the planning process six months or more in advance, and sell tickets at least two or three months in advance. Use our event planning template to stay on track throughout the process. Below, we’ve outlined the simple steps to planning a successful event: 

1. Assemble your event planning committee

Your event planning committee should include an event planner, fundraisers, a marketing lead, AV and technical support, and a team of event staff volunteers. Find a regular time to meet with staff members, and ensure that individual responsibilities are clear from the get-go. 

2. Set a fundraising goal

Review your total fundraising amount and ticket sales from previous fundraising galas to help determine an ambitious but realistic total. The last thing you want to do is spend more on your fundraising gala than you’re able to raise. This is also a great time to review your prospect’s current capacity indicators, so you can determine how likely (and how much) they may be able to give. 

Ensure your fundraising goal reflects your program’s aims. This way, you can be clear with attendees exactly how their contributions will help further your cause.

3. Set your budget

Set an event budget that aligns with your fundraising goal. Fundraising galas should be special and memorable, which means they often cost more than other types of fundraisers. Even so, nonprofits should keep their total fundraising expenses at less than 35% of overall funding.  

Make sure to account for the following as part of your fundraising budget: 

• Venue 
• Entertainment 
• Decorations
• Catering companies

4. Set ticket prices

Once you’ve set your budget and have an idea of your ideal headcount, determine the number of tickets you’ll need to sell to cover the cost of your event. Ideally, ticket sales should cover the cost of your event, freeing up all funds raised for your cause. 

If you’ve opted for a hybrid event, set a lower ticket price for virtual attendees.

5. Choose the gala theme, venue, and date

Nonprofit fundraising galas can occur at any time of year. If you’ve chosen a seasonal theme, ensure it aligns with your preferred venue’s availability. 

Base your venue selection on your anticipated number of guests, theme, and accessibility. The following types of venues are a great place to start: 

• Hotels 
• Historical venues 
• Conference spaces
• Art galleries
• Gardens 
• Banquet halls 

If you’ve yet to choose a theme, let venue availability be your inspiration. For example, if the local aquarium offers reasonable event rates and the dates you’re looking for, what could be better than an under-the-sea theme?

Once you’ve set a date and venue, start spreading awareness amongst your supporters with a “save the date” email. 

6. Reach out to corporate sponsors

Often, nonprofits secure sponsorships from local businesses to help cover the upfront cost of their event. Make your event more accessible to different corporate partnerships with tiered sponsorship packages. 

Each tier should correspond to different levels of recognition. For example, a $100 donation means you’ll be listed in an event brochure, while a $1,000 donation receives special on-stage recognition.

7. Create agendas for in-person and virtual guests

Create an agenda that includes every aspect of your event, including check-in, breaks, entertainment, food, and time to relax and mingle. It’s always better to overprepare than underprepare when it comes to event planning.

Create a second agenda for any hybrid events, keeping in mind how in-person and virtual experiences of your event will differ. For example, a shorter event may be best for virtual audiences, or you could show prerecorded content during your in-person dinner or reception. 

8. Market your event

Effective marketing is the key to event success. Lay out your marketing plan and timeline in advance, and determine who in your event planning team will take responsibility for each task, including:

• Social media campaigns
• Newsletter advertising 
• Website advertising
• Flyers
• Billboards
• Local TV or radio advertising 

Begin marketing your event once you’ve confirmed the date and venue. Build anticipation for your event by sharing more details as they’re finalized. 

Tips for planning a successful gala

On the surface, your gala should be all about creating a fun and memorable experience for your supporters and guests. 

But there are simple steps you can take as you plan your gala to help boost revenue during the event and beyond. 

Know your audience

Plan your event with your guest demographics and preferences in mind, including entertainment, food, and venue. If you’re not sure, consider sending out a survey or posting on social media to learn more about what your guests would like. 

You’ll also need to meet your audience where they are during event marketing. Review last year’s data to see which marketing strategies generated the highest interest—whether it was a specific social media platform, email campaign, or radio advertising. 

If you haven’t run a fundraising gala before, review which of your outreach methods gets the most engagement and focus your marketing in this direction. 

Share your fundraising goal

Encourage giving with a fundraising goal. Share your goal at the start of the night, along with periodic updates throughout your event. Make it clear exactly how reaching this total will contribute to your mission. Gamifying fundraising with strategies like this can significantly increase donation amounts. 

Center your cause

A fundraising gala is one of the few times you have a captive audience—there’s no better time to drive home the importance of your mission and the work you do. 

Share beneficiary success stories, and incorporate speeches from your board members, founders, or industry experts. Try to simplify your mission down to a short, memorable statement that’s likely to resonate with your event attendees. 

Offer discounts and VIP packages

Encourage higher attendance with group tickets and early bird pricing.  Don’t forget to factor any discounts into your overall budget. You can also include higher-priced VIP packages with special exclusive perks, such as VIP seating, a private tour of your facilities, meet and greets, or a special VIP box during the event. 

Host an awards ceremony 

An awards ceremony isn’t just entertainment—it’s a way to show your supporters how much you appreciate them. Spotlight top donors, volunteers, partners, or anyone else who has gone above and beyond for your cause. 

Offer entertainment

Sometimes, gala entertainment offers an additional way for nonprofit organizations to raise money, like a silent auction. 

Entertainment can also be related to your mission—for example, you could bring in an outside expert to speak on your cause, or host a panel discussion. Live music performances are another popular option. 

Put thought into the catering menu

Typically, fundraising galas offer a little luxury—and one luxury most people appreciate is good food. 

A great catering menu doesn’t necessarily have to be the most expensive, but putting some extra thought into what type of food your guests will enjoy will go a long way. Send out a survey ahead of time, so you can account for any dietary restrictions or food allergies. 

Follow up with attendees

A timely thank-you is the foundation of effective donor stewardship. Send a short thank-you note to each one of your attendees within a week of your event, and follow up a week or total later with event photographs, total fundraising amount, and an overview of how that funding will impact your beneficiaries. 

If you secured any major donations during your gala event, a handwritten thank-you note, phone call, or even an in-person thank-you is often the most appropriate way to show appreciation. 

Ask for feedback

Learn what your guests enjoyed about your event and what can be improved on next year with a short feedback survey. Plus, you’ll likely receive some glowing testimonials you can use for next year’s advertising. 

Review your performance

Once your event has passed, take some time to review success metrics, including: 

• Total amount raised 
• Total amount spent
• Ticket sales
• Number of new donors
• Number of newsletter signups

Save this information so it’s organized and accessible for your next fundraising gala event. 

A fundraising gala is an opportunity to connect with your support base, generate excitement, and offer multiple ways for supporters to donate money. While the upfront cost can be higher than other fundraising events, the many payoffs make it well worth the extra effort. 

Plus, once you’ve hosted a fundraising gala, it’ll be much easier to adapt and repeat your event the following year, helping you to create a memorable occasion your supporters will look forward to year after year. 

The post How to plan a fundraising gala  appeared first on Kindsight.

With more than a decade of hands-on experience using iWave, Sok brings a seasoned, practitioner-led perspective on how fundraising intelligence platforms drive real value inside advancement offices. As an early adopter, she recognized early on that strong research isn’t about chasing more data—it’s about having the right data, structured in a way that enables confident decision-making.

Why iWave is foundational to prospect research at Pomona College

When asked which tool has had the greatest impact on her work, Sok is unequivocal.

At Pomona College, iWave serves as the primary entry point for prospect discovery and capacity assessment. Sok relies on the platform to aggregate and synthesize critical data sources—including real estate holdings, external charitable giving, business affiliations, and contact information—into a single, trusted view. She also uses iWave to locate a foundation’s external charitable giving.

Rather than toggling between disconnected tools, iWave allows Sok to evaluate prospects efficiently while maintaining depth and rigor. She also uses ZoomInfo as a stepping stone to help locate individuals within companies, board memberships, and related affiliations. “Prospect researchers do not leave any stones unturned,” she says.

Driving efficiency, accuracy, and depth in Fundraising Intelligence

iWave plays a central role in how Sok supports frontline fundraisers and advancement leadership. The platform enables her to:

• Assess donor capacity using real estate, giving, and business indicators
  
• Identify external philanthropic activity to inform solicitation strategy
  
• Surface employment and affiliation data that strengthens engagement planning
  
• Validate assumptions with multiple corroborating data points
  

Sok continues to uncover new ways to query and analyze data within iWave—an indicator of both the platform’s flexibility and her own commitment to continuous learning. “Even after years of using iWave, I’m still discovering new ways to search for information that isn’t always obvious,” she states. That ability to move beyond surface-level insights is essential in major and principal gift research, where accuracy, context, and confidence directly influence outcomes.

An early adopter’s mindset: Technology as a strategic advantage

While Pomona College leverages multiple tools across its advancement technology stack, iWave remains Sok’s “jumping-off point”—the system she trusts to frame the research process before deeper analysis begins.

That trust is built on consistency, data coverage, and iWave’s ongoing evolution alongside the advancement sector. Sok views fundraising technology not as a static utility, but as a strategic asset—one that must grow with institutional needs, fundraising strategies, and donor expectations.

Kindness, collaboration, and community

Beyond technology, Sok places deep value on the collaborative nature of the advancement profession. “Kindness encompasses treating each other well, being polite, sincere, and compassionate. The advancement sector is incredibly collaborative.”

For Sok, kindness shows up in the willingness of peers to share ideas, workflows, and lessons learned. That openness accelerates collective progress and reinforces best practices in prospect research and fundraising intelligence—areas where iWave often serves as a shared foundation across institutions.

One innovator, many ripples of impact

Sok Tng exemplifies what it means to be a Client Innovator: an early adopter who understands technology’s potential, a practitioner who applies it with rigor, and a community-minded leader who believes collaboration and kindness strengthen the entire sector.

Her work at Pomona College continues to demonstrate how thoughtful use of fundraising intelligence can turn data into insight—and insight into meaningful advancement outcomes.

The post Client Innovator Spotlight: Sok Tng, Pomona College appeared first on Kindsight.

“Growing up, I benefited from scholarships, grants, and small acts of generosity that helped me get an education and access healthcare,” she shares. “Philanthropy is a hand up, an investment, and it’s about creating long-term impact.”

That deeply rooted understanding of generosity informs everything she does at AltaMed. As one of the nation’s largest federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), AltaMed provides care to anyone who needs it—regardless of their ability to pay. But Kerith’s team sees philanthropy as the bridge that closes the gap between essential care and truly equitable health outcomes.

The 70% that transforms lives

While government funding covers a portion of AltaMed’s mission, Kerith points out that it only accounts for about 30% of what determines a person’s health. The other 70%—factors like housing, education, nutrition, and community—are shaped through philanthropic investment.

“Philanthropy allows us to address gaps and scale solutions beyond basic care,” she explains. “Our donors help fund programs that provide food, educational pathways, specialty care, and services tailored to community needs.”

These investments turn into stories of hope—like Ishmael, a young patient whose life was saved when AltaMed doctors caught his eye cancer early, thanks to accessible, proactive care and philanthropic resources that funded his specialized treatment. Hear more about his story here.

Redefining healthcare philanthropy with data intelligence

Kerith and her team are pioneering a new model for healthcare fundraising—one informed by data, efficiency, and foresight. With Kindsight’s Ascend CRM, AltaMed is poised to transform the way it identifies opportunities, nurtures relationships, and measures impact.

“Ascend allows us to implement and shape best practices in healthcare philanthropy,” Kerith says. “We can identify trends, predict donor interests, and personalize engagement. It gives us the right tools to be at the table and advance best practices—especially in underrepresented communities.”

This forward-thinking approach reflects AltaMed’s larger mission: to close gaps in access, equity, and opportunity across the communities it serves.

Why Kindsight recognizes Kerith

Kerith embodies the spirit of a Client Innovator—combining data-driven insight with kindness, empathy and leadership. She is redefining what healthcare philanthropy looks like in the 21st century: strategic, community-focused, and relentlessly human.

Her commitment to building a culture of innovation and equity perfectly aligns with Kindsight’s mission to empower changemakers who make philanthropy smarter, more connected, and more impactful.

When asked for one word that describes Kindsight, Kerith doesn’t hesitate:

The post Client Innovator Spotlight: Kerith Dilley, AltaMed Foundation appeared first on Kindsight.

In this guide, we have curated 65 fresh church fundraiser ideas designed to spark creativity and maximize impact. We’ve selected these specific options based on how easy they are to organize and their ability to foster genuine community connection.

From quick, low-cost wins to immersive seasonal experiences, these ideas are categorized to help you find the perfect fit for your goals:

• Our favorites: High-impact suggestions chosen for their creativity and ease of organization.
• Quick and easy: Low-cost, simple recommendations for when you need to raise funds quickly.
• Creative: Unexpected and unique ways to add variety to your annual fundraising calendar.
• Community-focused: Large-scale activities designed to get the entire congregation and local community involved.
• For youth Groups: Joyful, spirit-filled ideas that emphasize service and provide valuable skills for younger members.
• Seasonal: Festive events that allow your community to celebrate holidays while supporting your cause.
• Church building and improvement: High-yield strategies specifically effective for capital campaigns and renovations.
• Mission trip: Targeted initiatives designed to help you reach scale and hit goals for upcoming mission trips.
• Virtual: Modern online experiences that allow for giving even when your community cannot meet in person.
• General: Traditional and dependable methods that provide a consistent foundation for your year-round revenue.

Explore these traditional and modern fundraising strategies to help your church reach its financial goals while uniting your community in a shared mission.

Our favorite church fundraising ideas

We’ve chosen these fundraising ideas for creativity, impact, and how easy they are to organize and run.

#1. Ice cream fundraiser

Invite your church community over to the hall for a DIY ice cream party fundraiser. Offer lots of different flavors, toppings, sauces, and sprinkles, and charge a small fee to make your own ice cream sundae.

#2. Donor appreciation wall

An appreciation wall is a lovely way to express gratitude to the people that made a project happen. Offer to add the donor’s name to a board or plaque on the wall of your building in exchange for a donation over a certain amount. You can use donor prospect research software to identify the best-match donors for this initiative.

#3. Give it up fundraiser

Instead of buying a coffee every day or going out for dinner once a week, ask your community members if they’ll give it up for 30 days and donate the money to your nonprofit instead. This is a great church fundraising idea to bring in small donations from lots of people.

#4. Craft sale

Your congregation is probably filled with talented artists and craft makers, so give them a chance to show off their work and raise money for your church at the same time. Host a craft sale and ask for a percentage of profits to be donated to your organization.

#5. Mobile giving

Mobile giving enables your members to support you if they don’t have cash, with either QR codes they can scan to make a donation or a text-to-give service that allows them to donate wherever they are. Mobile giving can support your other fundraising efforts to bring you donations year-round.

#6. Pet portrait fundraiser

Bring in a professional photographer (or wonderful amateur) and invite your community to bring their pets in for a special studio session. Ask for donations towards the experience and work with the photographer to arrange for a percentage of print and digital sales to head your way.

Quick and easy church fundraiser ideas

There are more than 60 ideas on this list. They’re all worth considering for your next fundraiser, but if you need low cost, quick, and easy fundraising ideas, these are our top recommendations.

#7. Coffee morning

Host a coffee and cake event on a Sunday morning and invite members to join you for a small fee. Work with a local coffee shop to supply the drinks, and bring in home-baked goods. Make this a seasonal event or turn it into a monthly experience that your community can look forward to.

#8. Online giving page

An online donation page is a must-have for any church these days. Add a fundraising page to your church website, or look for a solution where you can host one for free or in an affordable way. Use your social media pages to promote its existence and encourage donations year-round. 

#9. Book sale

If you have a congregation filled with avid readers they’re sure to have books lying around that they no longer need. Set up a book sale in your church hall and ask for book donations that you can sell to raise funds quickly.

#10. Church yard sale

Expand the vision for your sale to include other household and garage items with a yard sale in the church parking lot. Another option is to encourage members to host them at home and supply a map, then take a percentage of sales as a donation.

#11. Shoe drive

Spare shoes take up valuable space in the home, and they can be turned into money for your nonprofit by recycling or reusing them through a shoe drive scheme. Put up an advert asking for members to bring in their old shoes so you can raise funds with them and support another good cause.

#12. Hymn requests

Let your congregation take control of the hymns or songs you use at your church services by allowing requests in exchange for a donation. Set up a suggestion box with a set donation fee and select entries at random to accompany your services.

#13. Plant sale

Plant sales are a worthwhile fundraising effort as they’re a win for everyone — you receive a donation, a gardener gets to share their work, and the recipient has a new plant to add to their home or backyard.

#14. Recycling fundraiser

Many thoughtful people already recycle, but you can ask them to make their efforts go even further by supporting your church recycling initiatives. Team up with a service that rewards you for sending in bottle caps or cans and set up donation points at your church to collect them.

Creative church fundraiser ideas

Traditional fundraisers remain popular for a reason, but some of the best church giving ideas are the most unexpected. Explore some of our favorite unique church fundraising ideas to add some variety to your fundraising calendar this year.

#15. Board game night

Invite everyone to join you for an evening of traditional and modern board games. People can bring in games from home to share, and you could even have some for sale in exchange for a donation. Add a small entrance fee or ask for donations for attending.

#16. Spare change drive

Ask your congregation to put their spare change to good use for a month and collect it in a jar or envelope. At the end of the month, encourage them to bring it in as a donation. Make everyone’s hard work go even further by securing a company to match everyone’s donations up to a set amount.

#17. Food truck fundraiser

Partner up with a food truck operator to bring a fun and tasty fundraiser to your church parking lot. Arrange a day for them to show up and promote it to your community. For every item sold, they make a donation towards your church, or you receive a percentage of profits from that event.

#18. Livestream

Host a big livestream filled with different activities and events, or invite community members to run them on your behalf with any proceeds being donated towards you. You could livestream anything from a congregation, to a workshop, or a gaming marathon.

#19. Pancake breakfast fundraiser

Treat your church members to a delicious breakfast and raise money while doing it. Work with a local restaurant to bring fresh, hot pancakes to your church for the morning, with every dollar raised going straight towards your chosen project or program.

#20. Art class fundraiser

If you have lots of members that want to learn to draw or paint, this is an ideal church fundraiser idea. Bring in an artist to lead a class or a series of workshops and charge a small ticket fee to raise money for your organization.

#21. Habit challenge fundraiser

Starting a habit is easy, but sticking with one is hard. Encourage congregation members to pledge to create a new habit over the next 30-90 days and get sponsorship from their loved ones to motivate them along the way, with all the donations going towards your fundraiser.

Community fundraising events and ideas

We love the idea of getting your church community members involved in a big way, and these fundraiser ideas do just that. From family events to member-led merch, these church fundraiser ideas make the most of the valuable community around you.

#22. Family movie night

Stage a family-friendly movie night, complete with popcorn, cozy seating, and candy. Charge a small entrance fee and make this a fun event that your church community can look forward to every month or quarter.

#23. Book club

For the congregation members who love to read, set up a weekly or monthly book club. Ask everyone to make a donation to attend, and encourage them to host their own bookish fundraisers as another way to bring in funds.

#24. Congregation cookbook

Bring everyone together to create a church cookbook, filled with recipes and cooking tips from members of your congregation. Distribute it digitally in exchange for a donation, or have them printed professionally and put up for sale for a set amount to raise money.

#25. Family photo day

Invite a talented local photographer to come in and host photo sessions for families. This is the perfect way for church members to get family photos with loved ones and raise funds at the same time.

#26. Trivia night

See who knows the most about your chosen topics with a community trivia night. You could host themed trivia nights, complete with themed menus, music, and activities, or even host a quiz based on your own church’s history and community. Ask for a small participation fee for individuals or teams.

#27. Afternoon tea

An afternoon tea is a wonderful community event to bring people together and encourage conversation, and forge stronger relationships. Work with a local business to supply the tea and cakes, and encourage guests to be generous with their donations.

#28. Cook-off

We love a church fundraising event that features food, and a cook-off is one of the best out there. Charge an entrance fee for cooks that want to show off their skills, and invite guests to make a donation in support of their favorite chef, with the one that raises the most being the winner.

Church fundraiser ideas for youth groups

Our favorite youth group fundraising ideas are full of joy, community spirit, and service for others. Invite your church youth group members to work together to come up with their own program, and share these ideas with them to spark their creativity.

#29. Talent show

There’s so much talent within your church’s youth group that they’ll have no problem putting on an incredible talent show. Sell tickets for guests to attend and sell refreshments to raise more funds.

#30. Car wash fundraiser

Ask your church’s youth group to take over your parking lot for this always-popular fundraising idea. A car wash is a fun way to promote community spirit and raise a lot of donations in one day.

#31. Church choir concert

If you have a youth choir or your group loves to sing, then this is a wonderful church fundraiser idea. Set a date, promote the event through social media posts, and sell tickets in advance and on the day.

#32. Yard work fundraiser

Invite your youth group to support the local community by offering yard services in exchange for a donation towards your church. This fundraiser not only helps you out, but it also gives your younger church members valuable experience and skills.

#33. Read-a-thon

Make reading even more rewarding by challenging your younger church members to read for a good cause. Ask family members and friends to donate a set amount for every book they finish within the challenge period, and collect donations at the end.

#34. Group babysitting

Host a group babysitting or parents night out event to give parents and carers a much-needed break while your youth group members get some experience in taking care of others. Charge a small fee for the service, and remind parents and carers that extra donations or “tips” are always appreciated.

#35. Video game tournament

Promote some friendly competition for a good cause by hosting a video game tournament. Choose a game or games that your group members enjoy the most, decide a competition format, and ask them to have their loved ones donate to support their achievements in the tournament.

Seasonal church fundraiser ideas

Some fundraisers work year-round, while others are perfect for a specific season or holiday. Take inspiration from the time of year and plan these festive church fundraiser ideas so your congregation can come together not only to celebrate but to raise funds too.

#36. Easter egg hunt

An easter egg hunt is a much-loved church event — especially for the younger crowds. Leave eggs hidden around the church grounds and ask participants to collect and bring them back in exchange for a small prize. Sell tickets to the event and ask local businesses to help provide prizes.

#37. Easter egg decorating contest

See who is the most creative with an egg decorating contest. Create different contests for different age groups and have someone judge them on the most creative or most unique. Ask for a donation to enter the competition to raise money.

#38. Summer fair

If you want to host a big summer church event, a fair is the way forward. Set up entertainment, carnival stalls, and family-friendly activities, and ask local businesses to have a stall in exchange for a donation. Use the event to promote community spirit and encourage giving towards your fundraising goal.

#39. Summer camp

Create a rewarding experience for your younger church members with a summer camp. For a set fee, parents and carers can leave their children in your care for the day or throughout the week to experience fun games and activities.

#40. Pumpkin patch

Instead of going to a commercial pumpkin patch, encourage church members to visit yours instead. Work with a local farmer to supply pumpkins that your community can buy for a set fee. Make it a bigger fundraising event with hot food and drink stalls, face painting, and live entertainment that guests can pay to experience.

#41. Christmas bake sale

Ask your community members to bring in their best baked goods for a Christmas bake sale. Your church community gets to enjoy delicious cookies and cakes, and your organization benefits from the money raised through their sales.

#42. Festive decorating fundraiser

Work together over the holiday season to bring festive cheer to others’ homes and yards. Set up a Christmas decorating service where you’ll help put up exterior or interior decorations for a set fee. In the new year, you can ask for donations again to take the decorations down.

#43. Christmas caroling

Bring the Christmas cheer to your community members’ front doors by going caroling. Sing your hearts out to festive tunes and Christmas carols, and invite donations as you make your way through the neighborhood.

Church building and improvement fundraisers

Capital campaigns require a big upfront investment, so your chosen fundraisers should focus on being able to raise a large sum of money from your congregation. Explore the most effective fundraising ideas to support your church building improvements.

#44. Sponsor a brick

Offer your community members and local businesses the chance to sponsor a brick as part of your build project. Set a certain donation amount for a brick, and offer a small discount for your church members.

#45. Church history tour

Give your members a behind-the-scenes look at your church now and through history with a guided tour. Bring in a local expert or run the tour yourself, with a small registration fee to sign up and learn interesting facts about the building.

#46. Benefit concert

A big benefit concert can boost your fundraising pot, and it’s a fun way to entertain your community. Create a unique and impressive stage program and charge an entry fee for admission. Raise extra funds by selling refreshments and merch, and by seeking a headline corporate sponsor.

#47. Angel festival

Decorate your church and raise money for a big renovation project with an angel fundraiser. Invite church members of all ages to use different materials to make angels and display them within your church hall and grounds. Ask people to vote for their favorite angel by making a donation, and encourage individual and company donations to support your cause.

#48. Sponsor a seat

Create a way for congregation members to have their name engraved on a chair plaque in exchange for a donation. As it’ll cost money to have the plaques made and it’s a special honor with limited availability, you can set the donation cost at a reasonably high amount. If you want to keep it more affordable, partner with a local business to support the costs.

#49. Church calendar sale

Ask your church members for their best photos of the church, congregation, and your favorite events so far. Put them all together in a charity calendar and sell it to raise funds for your construction project.

Mission trip church fundraiser ideas

Wondering how you’ll hit the fundraising goal for your next mission trip? Roll out some of these church fundraiser ideas that call on your community and corporate sponsors to show their support and raise funds at scale.

#50. Walk-a-thon

Walk-a-thons are a great way to raise a lot of money for a big trip like your next mission. Charge a participation fee to enter, and encourage members to raise money from their friends and family members through peer-to-peer fundraising.

#51. Corporate sponsors

Businesses big and small can be your best chance of securing large donations towards your fundraising target. Seek out local businesses, big corporations, and other religious organizations and ask them to sponsor your trip in exchange for you wearing branded t-shirts or providing other promotional exposure.

#52. Silent auction

Auctions can be a fantastic way to raise money for a mission trip. Host a live event and theme your auction and prizes around the destination for your mission. Ask businesses to donate auction items and invite everyone to give generously.

#53. Themed dinner

Host an exclusive dinner party and sell tickets for a limited number of seats for a set donation price. Work with a local restaurant and sponsors to secure the meal and any entertainment at a discount, and use this as an opportunity to attract major donors to your cause.

#54. Peer-to-peer fundraising

Call on the support of your local community with peer-to-peer fundraising, where they raise money via donations from friends and family members. This works especially well for sponsored sports events, but you can also encourage individuals to set up birthday fundraisers or general fundraisers throughout the year.

#55. 50/50 Raffle

Incentivize generous giving with a 50/50 raffle. Instead of asking for prize donations, the winner receives 50% of the amount given. Use this effective fundraising idea to attract large donations towards your goal.

Virtual church fundraiser ideas

Online events and experiences are an ideal way to raise money from your community, even when you can’t meet up in person. From online donations to raising funds while you shop, these ideas can bring in a burst of donations or smaller contributions over time.

#56. Online merch store

Design a fun logo for your church or use your existing imagery to create some personalized merch. Sell this in an online store to raise funds for your organization from not just your members but their family and friends across the country.

#57. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a great way to motivate giving by having a deadline and a target to meet. If you don’t hit it, you don’t receive the funds. This extra sense of urgency can help you raise even more, and you can use this method for both big and small projects.

#58. Virtual game night

When you can’t get together in person to game, you can always do it online instead. Host a virtual game night session through Zoom or Discord and charge a small fee to take part. Play online versions of popular board games or try video games instead.

#59. Online shopping fundraiser

Encourage your church members to raise extra money for your nonprofit when they shop online, by using a platform like ShopRaise or by going via your Amazon storefront when making purchases to bring some affiliate income your way.

#60. Donation matching

Matching gift programs make an individual’s fundraising efforts have a bigger impact. Partner with local companies to arrange a deal where they match donations up to a certain amount, or use a platform like Double the Donation to set up automatic donation matching. 

General church fundraiser ideas

Creative church fundraiser ideas are well worth adding to your calendar, but there are also some more general or traditional fundraising options that you shouldn’t ignore. Consider these fundraisers to support your event-specific activities throughout the year.

#61. Direct mail

Direct mail remains an effective way to promote your fundraising campaign and work on your community outreach. Look for a fundraising or email platform that includes templates you can customize, making the process easier.

#62. Promote tithing

Church members who decide to tithe (donate 10% of their earnings to the church) can be a powerful source of dependable revenue. Continue to promote this method of giving to your congregation and make it easy for them to give.

#63. Envelope fundraiser

Place envelopes filled with suggested donation amounts around your church grounds and ask your community members to pick one up and make a donation if they find one. Keep the amounts reasonable so there’s no pressure to commit to a large sum.

#64. Room hire

If your church has a wonderful hall that’s going unused some of the time, why not explore renting it out to other groups? Research what’s available in your local area, set a reasonable price, and promote the room hire opportunity to local businesses and community groups.

#65. Recurring giving

Like tithing, recurring giving is another source of monthly funds that you can rely on. Look to convert as many of your one-time donors as possible into recurring givers by working on your donor stewardship and offering an easy-to-use donor portal.

Whether you’re planning a whole new year of fundraisers or you want a couple of ideas to add to your existing calendar, these traditional and unique church fundraising ideas are the ideal way to unite your community and motivate them to give.

The post 65 unique church fundraiser ideas appeared first on Kindsight.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario. It is the current reality for fundraising organizations.

For years, we’ve operated under the assumption that the biggest barrier to fundraising is donor willingness. We worry about donor fatigue. We worry about economic uncertainty. We worry that people just don’t care enough. But the data tells a different, more optimistic story. 

This month, Kindsight asked 512 qualified donors across the United States about donor engagement, their willingness to give, and the importance of timing. From occasional givers to frequent philanthropists, these respondents provided a clear window into how donors perceive—and react to—fundraising outreach today. 

Here’s what they said. 

The readiness gap: What donors told us

The headline finding of this research might transform fundraising outreach as we know it: 66% of active donors say they have been ready to give to a cause but chose not to because the outreach was mistimed, irrelevant, or disconnected from their moment of intent.

In other words, two-thirds of donors have experienced a “readiness gap.” They had the capacity and the inclination to support a cause, but something about the interaction stopped them cold.

When we asked these donors why they didn’t complete their gift despite being ready, their answers pointed directly to a breakdown in communication and trust.

• 37% weren’t sure where their money would go. Transparency remains the bedrock of trust. When a donor is ready to act but can’t see the path from their dollar to impact, they hesitate.
• 16% found the request generic or impersonal. In an era of hyper-personalization, a “Dear Friend” letter sent to a long-time supporter signals a lack of care.
• 15% felt the timing was wrong. The request arrived too early, too late, or felt completely disconnected from what was happening in their lives.
• 14% felt overwhelmed by too many requests. Volume is not a substitute for precision.

The impact of these missed moments isn’t temporary. When asked if these experiences made them less likely to donate in the future, the average response score was 55 out of 100. This suggests that missing the moment doesn’t just cost you a single gift—it causes moderate, cumulative damage to the long-term donor relationship.

This data reveals that our current “spray and pray” tactics could actually be working against us. By prioritizing volume over relevance, we aren’t just missing gifts; we are training our most valuable supporters to tune us out.

The revenue opportunity hiding in plain sight

It is easy to look at missed opportunities and feel discouraged. However, the flip side of this data is incredibly encouraging. If we can close the readiness gap, the potential for increased revenue is substantial.

We asked donors: “Would you donate more if organizations understood when you’re ready?”

Nearly half—47%—said yes. Let that sink in. Nearly half of your donor file is telling you that they have more to give, and the key to unlocking that capacity is simply understanding their timeline.

Crucially, this isn’t about shifting money from one charity to another. This is about incremental giving. Among those who said they would give more:

• 58% would give “modestly more.”
• 39% would give “moderately more.”
• 3% would give “substantially more.”

This shatters the myth of the “tapped out” donor. Your supporters are not ATMs with a fixed withdrawal limit; they are partners who want to invest when the time is right. When you align your ask with their life events and readiness signals, you aren’t pestering them—you are facilitating their desire to do good.

How donors actually experience fundraising outreach

We’re uncovering a stark difference between how fundraising organizations think they are communicating and how donors perceive it. We asked respondents to rate how well charitable organizations understand when they are ready to give. The average score? 45 out of 100.

In other words, donors perceive our timing as below average. They feel like we are guessing—and often guessing wrong. This perception gap is fueled by outreach that feels robotic rather than relational.

When we analyzed open-ended responses about how fundraising organizations could improve, three themes were consistent and loud:

1. Transparency is non-negotiable. Donors want to know the “how” and “why” of their gift. As one respondent put it, “Share real stories that show the difference being made, be open about how funds are used.”
2. Authenticity beats formality. Donors are craving genuine connection. They want to hear from humans, not institutions. One donor advised, “Be less formal and much more natural with how they approach communications.”
3. Respect their history. Nothing kills readiness faster than asking a loyal donor for a first-time gift amount or ignoring their past support. “Remember how much and when the person has donated,” one respondent urged.

The frustration is palpable. Donors want to be seen as individuals with unique lives, not just rows in a database segment. So many fundraising organizations have incredible impact stories to tell. But when outreach ignores donor context—blasting them during tax season or asking for another gift days after a donation—it makes them feel like the organization cares more about its own goals than the donor’s experience.

The healthcare signal

Nowhere is the importance of timing more critical—or more frequently missed—than in healthcare philanthropy. Our study found that healthcare organizations are the most supported cause, with 49% of respondents directing their giving to this sector. This makes sense; health is personal, emotional, and urgent.

However, despite healthcare giving being tied directly to specific life events (a diagnosis, a recovery, a grateful patient experience), the outreach is profoundly out of sync.

Among donors who experienced a health situation involving themselves or a loved one:

• 28% were never contacted by the healthcare organization
• 25% don’t recall being contacted
• 22% were contacted after a month or more
• 17% were contacted within weeks
• 8% were contacted within days

You read that right: only 25% received timely outreach within days or weeks of their experience.

This is a massive missed opportunity for grateful patient programs. When a patient or family member has a positive outcome, the gratitude is often immediate. But that feeling has a half-life. If you wait months to reach out—or never reach out at all—that emotional momentum fades.

Healthcare donors are telling us that they want to express gratitude, but the systems aren’t in place to receive it. By tightening the loop between care and connection, healthcare foundations can honor the patient’s journey while securing vital support.

What this means for fundraisers: Practical takeaways

The data is clear: the old playbook of “more volume, more frequency” is broken. To capture the 66% of donors who are ready but waiting, we need to shift our strategy from volume to precision.

Here are three actionable steps you can take today to close the readiness gap:

1. Prioritize timing over frequency

We can worry less about how often we email and start worrying about when. The “right time” isn’t just “End of Year.” It’s when a donor has had a meaningful interaction with you, when they’ve hit a milestone, or when they are showing digital signals of interest. Use your data to identify these triggers. A single, well-timed personal note is worth more than ten generic blasts.

2. Radical transparency is your best hook

Since 37% of ready donors walked away because they didn’t know where the money would go, make impact the centerpiece of every ask. Don’t just ask for $50; tell them exactly what that $50 achieves. Specificity builds trust, and trust converts readiness into action.

3. Personalization must go beyond the name tag

“Dear [First Name]” is no longer enough. True personalization means acknowledging the relationship. If they gave last month, start your next email by saying, “Thank you for your gift in January.” If they are a long-time volunteer, mention that service. Show them that you know who they are. The data shows that acknowledging past support is a top driver of donation decisions.

A (brief) Kindsight perspective

At Kindsight, we conducted this research because we believe the future of fundraising isn’t about shouting louder; it’s about listening better. We built our platform to solve exactly this problem—to help organizations move beyond static lists and understand the dynamic signals that indicate when a donor is ready to engage. You can learn more here. 

Final thoughts

This gap between donor readiness and organizational action represents a significant loss—but more importantly, a massive opportunity. By understanding the “when” and “why” behind these missed connections, fundraisers can unlock a new level of support that has been hiding in plain sight.

The generosity is out there. The donors are ready. It’s time we met them in the moment.

The post Two-thirds of donors were ready to give, but didn’t. Here’s what that means for fundraising. appeared first on Kindsight.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a donor receipt is, why it matters both for donors and organizations, and how to create compliant donor receipts that also support good donor relations.

What is a donation receipt?

A donation receipt is a written acknowledgment issued by a nonprofit organization to confirm that a charitable contribution was received. It documents the details of the gift and serves as official proof for tax reporting and deduction purposes. 

The IRS requires official documentation for any single donation of $250 or more, but providing a receipt is considered best practice at every gift level. Acknowledging a gift appropriately reinforces transparency, accountability, and professionalism in charitable giving, while also providing a key stewardship opportunity.

Why receipts matter for charitable donations

Importance of gift receipts for donors

For nonprofits, gift acknowledgements can feel like yet another administrative task, but for donors, they are essential. 

Donation receipts allow donors to substantiate charitable contribution claims when preparing their tax returns. Prepared correctly, these documents confirm key details such as the donation amount, gift date, and whether goods and services were received in exchange for the gift.

Clear, timely acknowledgments reduce confusion during tax season and reinforce donor confidence in your organization. When nonprofits treat gift receipts as a priority, donors notice.

Importance of donation receipts for nonprofits

For organizations, gift acknowledgements support IRS compliance, reduce donor questions, and demonstrate operational maturity. Consistent acknowledgment of gifts signals respect for donors and their contributions. It also reinforces strong stewardship practices, helping move relationships beyond transactional giving and toward long-term engagement.

When to send a donation receipt for a charitable contribution

Donors must receive a contemporaneous written acknowledgment for any single charitable contribution of $250 or more in order to claim a tax deduction. While nonprofits are not legally required to issue receipts for gifts under $250, doing so is considered best practice.

To comply with IRS regulations, nonprofits should send a donation receipt as soon as possible after a gift is received, particularly for online donations, recurring donations, and other monetary gifts submitted through an online donation form. Receipts may be delivered by email or mail, depending on donor preference and gift type. Digital receipts are faster, easier to store, and more environmentally friendly.

As a courtesy to help donors prepare for tax season, many organizations also issue year end receipts summarizing all charitable donations made within a calendar year.

Information to include on a donation receipt

At a minimum, the donation details required on an IRS-compliant receipt should include:

• Organization name
• Donor name
• Donation date
• Amount of a cash donation or a description of a non-cash contribution (without listing a monetary value)
• A statement indicating whether goods or services were provided, aside from intangible religious benefits if applicable, in exchange for the contribution and their value

Including a statement confirming the organization’s 501(c)(3) status and the federal tax ID number is considered best practice and helps donors easily verify eligibility.

Disclosure for goods and services

If any goods or services were provided to the donor in exchange for a contribution—such as event tickets, membership benefits, or advertising—the acknowledgement must disclose this and include a good-faith estimate of their value.

If nothing was provided to the donor, the receipt should explicitly state this. Clear disclosure protects both the donor and the organization and prevents questions during tax filing.

Navigating hard and soft credits

As an official tax document, a donation receipt must always list the legal donor, whether that is an individual, foundation, or donor advised fund. This is true even if someone else facilitated or recommended the gift.

While the official receipt should be sent to the legal donor on file, it is best practice to also send a personalized thank-you letter to the individual or individuals who directed the gift. This allows nonprofits to maintain compliance while still acknowledging a donor’s support and practicing thoughtful donor stewardship.

What else is in the perfect thank-you letter?

Learn the key elements of an impactful thank you letter, including personalization, storytelling, and strategic messaging.

Get the cheat sheet

4 common gift acknowledgement types

Below are four common gift receipt types that your organization should be prepared to send.

Charitable donations

Cash donations include gifts made by check, credit card, ACH, online donation platforms, wire transfers, payroll deductions, and other monetary gifts. Receipts should clearly state the donation amount, date, and whether goods or services were provided.

Stock and property

Stock donations should be acknowledged with a description of the donated shares, without assigning a value. Non-cash gifts of $500 or more require donors to complete IRS Form 8283. The nonprofit may be required to sign the form, but it’s up to the donor to secure an appraisal as necessary.

In-kind gifts

In-kind gifts include items or services donated to the organization. Gift receipts should describe the donated item but must not assign a value. Determining the fair market value of the gift is the donor’s responsibility.

Nonprofits may only include a value estimate when goods or services are provided to the donor, not for goods donated to the organization.

Auctions

Many nonprofit events include a live or silent auction, inviting attendees to bid on donated items and services. The value of each purchased item must be reported on an auction receipt; only amounts paid in excess of items’ recorded values are considered tax-deductible cash donations.

Incorporating stewardship into your receipt process

While donation receipts are a legal necessity, they also present an opportunity to incorporate donor stewardship by reflecting gratitude and impact, both of which are essential for long-term donor engagement.

Many nonprofits pair or incorporate receipts with a personalized thank-you letter, particularly for major donors. At every level of giving, formatting simple receipts as letters and including a brief impact statement can set the stage for deeper engagement and future giving.

Donation receipt templates and best practices

Standardizing your organization’s gift receipts and processes is essential for consistency, efficiency, and compliance. Donation receipt templates should be reviewed annually to reflect IRS requirements and updated stewardship messaging.

Although the IRS does not require the signature of an authorized representative on donation receipts, including one is considered best practice. It reinforces professionalism, adds a personal touch to your acknowledgements, and is easy to achieve when your acknowledgements are formatted as letters. 

Receipt template for a cash donation

For monetary charitable donations, below is a simple letter-based gift receipt template.

Dear [Donor],

Thank you for your generous gift to [Organization Name/Campaign]. Your support is [describe the impact].

Below is a summary of your donation. Please retain this letter for your records.

Organization:

Campaign:

Donor Name:

Amount:

Donation Interval:

Gift Date:

Receipt Number:

Payment Method:

[Statement of gratitude, tying back into your organization’s mission and impact.]

With gratitude,

[Signature]

[Representative Name]

[Representative Title]

[Organization Name] is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Federal Tax ID #00-0000000). Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided by [Organization Name] in exchange for this contribution.

12/20/2025

Dear Mr. Nelson,

Thank you for your generous gift to Second Chance Sanctuary’s Capital Campaign. Your support is helping us lay the foundation for the future of animal rescue in Kansas City, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to our mission.

Below is a summary of your donation. Please retain this letter for your records.

Organization: Second Chance Sanctuary

Campaign: Capital Campaign

Donor Name: Roger Nelson

Amount: $2,500

Donation Type: Cash

Donation Interval: One-Time

Gift Date: 12/17/2025

Receipt Number: 10003258

Payment Method: Credit Card

Because of supporters like you, more than 1.3 million homeless pets receive a second chance each year. Your gift directly strengthens our ability to provide safe shelter, critical medical care, and compassionate support for animals who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected.

As we work toward building a new facility, your generosity empowers us to serve more animals, more effectively, for years to come.

With gratitude,

Kitty Catterson

Executive Director

Second Chance Sanctuary

Second Chance Sanctuary is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Federal Tax ID #00-0000000). Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided by Second Chance Sanctuary in exchange for this contribution.

Receipt template for a non-cash charitable contribution

Written acknowledgement of a non-cash contribution should follow many of the same best practices as the cash charitable gift receipt above. However, no value should be listed on the receipt. 

Instead, a description of the gift should clearly indicate what was given, such as:

• 10 stock shares: Apple, Inc (AAPL)
• A full-page, black-and-white advertisement in the Kansas City Star, to run on Sunday, December 21 and Sunday, December 28, 2025
• 1994 Buick Roadmaster:
  • Odometer Reading: 217,932 miles
  • VIN #2B3KA53HX6H199567
  • License: CAT 2727 (MO)

If you commonly receive a particular type of gift, it can be helpful to develop a template specifically to capture the related information. Below is a general template example to get you started.

Dear [Donor],

Thank you for your generous [in-kind, stock, automobile] gift to [Organization Name/Campaign]. Your support is [describe the impact].

Below is a summary of your donation. Please retain this letter for your records.

Organization:

Campaign:

Donor Name:

Description of Gift:

Gift Date:

Receipt Number:

[Statement of gratitude, tying back into your organization’s mission and impact.]

With gratitude,

[Signature]

[Representative Name]

[Representative Title]

[Organization Name] is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Federal Tax ID #00-0000000). Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services were provided by [Organization Name] in exchange for this contribution.

Receipt template for a silent auction purchase

Unlike a cash donation or non-cash contribution, a silent auction purchase is transactional by nature. The template for these written records is typically more practical, easy to fill out during or immediately after an event, and they should always include the fair market value of the item purchased.

Date:

Receipt Number:

Event Information

Organization Name:

Event Name:

Address:

Bidder Information

Name: 

Address:

Phone:

Payment Information

Payment Method: ⃞ Cash ⃞ Credit card ⃞ Check ⃞ Other   

Payment Date:

Received By: [Organizational Representative Name]

Signature:

[Organization Name] is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Federal Tax ID #00-0000000). Any amount paid in excess of the fair market value for goods received is tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

Using technology to create and send donation receipts effectively

Modern fundraising technology makes it easier than ever to acknowledge charitable donations quickly, accurately, and effectively. The best systems balance automation and personalization, ensuring compliance without losing a human touch.

Some of the best practices for using technology to send gift receipts include:

• Automate wherever possible, automatically sending receipts with online donation software 
• Track all donations, donor information, and contact preferences in a robust CRM software 
• Use advanced AI fundraising tools to write thoughtful, custom donor receipt letters

When done right, donation receipts support compliance while also working to build trust, strengthen relationships, and support sustainable fundraising.

The post A guide to donation receipts appeared first on Kindsight.

While every organization’s results vary, it’s widely accepted by nonprofit professionals that P2P consistently outperforms traditional donor acquisition channels in both conversion and reach. For nonprofits looking to diversify revenue, grow their donor pipeline, or simply re-energize their fundraising strategy, these statistics tell a compelling story that every organization should consider as they plan their 2026 fundraising strategy.

Why peer-to-peer fundraising works: The psychology behind the numbers

Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns work for one simple reason: people give to people. A supporter asking their friends, family, and colleagues to contribute to a cause carries more trust and motivation than even the strongest email campaign.

Peer pressure, a desire to belong, and a personal connection are all important motivators in P2P fundraising. Most fundraisers know that people are more likely to give when asked by a friend rather than an organization and that donors often give bigger amounts when asked by someone they know.

These motivators aren’t just effective in fundraising; they’re also key to inspiring active engagement. In a study of the 2018 midterm elections, Columbia University’s Data Science Institute found: “A text message from a friend increased likelihood to vote by 8.3 percentage points, far exceeding turnout effects from traditional organizing methods.”

Whether you’re raising funds or rallying the community toward a particular goal, peer-to-peer efforts are critical to your success.

Looking for new ways to fundraise?

Keep your cause thriving! Learn these fundraising strategies that keep missions resilient and growing in any financial climate.

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Key P2P fundraising statistics

According to annual data compiled by the PeertoPeer Professional Forum, the top 30 P2P fundraising programs collectively increased revenue by 3% in 2024, with 18 out of the top 30 programs reporting an increase in revenue over 2023. These findings documented the third consecutive year of P2P growth since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Their success came from staying focused on community and relationships while fine-tuning strategies to keep up with shifting donor behaviors,” explained Marcie Maxwell, managing director of the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum.

The American Heart Association’s Heart Walk held its place as the #1 P2P fundraising program in the country in 2024, bringing in more than $110,000,000 in 2024. Programs like the Heart Walk consistently raise big dollars through P2P campaigns, with 28 of the top 30 P2P programs of 2024 supporting health-related causes, including both physical and mental health.

Top 10 P2P fundraising programs of 2024 by rank

Combined, the top 10 P2P fundraising programs raised more than $690,000,000 in 2024.

Growth over time

The average age of the top 30 P2P programs identified by the Peer-to-Peer Professional Network in 2024 was 28.9 years old. This indicates that the most successful P2P programs take time to become well-established, often running for 25 years or more.

This is not the only indicator of success, however. Of the 30 top programs, two were established in 2014 or later: 

• #9: Student Visionaries of the Year, benefitting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (2017)
• #15: VeloSano, benefitting the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (2014)

Student Visionaries of the Year is a youth-focused offshoot of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s long-established Visionaries of the Year program (est. 1990). It raised more than $44,000,000 in 2024, an 8.5% increase over 2023, while the original program raised only $33,000,000—a 12.0% drop from 2023.

Founded in 2014, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation’s VeloSano cycling fundraiser is the fastest-growing P2P in the top 30, achieving an astounding 100.9% revenue growth over 2023. While the Peer-to-Peer Professional Network attributes part of the event’s success to new major gifts supporting the program in 2024, its rapid rise to the top 30 shows the power of dedicated community engagement through peer to peer fundraising.

Participation

In 2024, more than 2,500,000 people participated in the top 30 P2P fundraising programs across the nation. Overall, this represented a 3.5% growth in participation.

However, nearly one-third of the top programs saw a decrease in participation last year. These numbers often, but not always, correlated with a decrease in total revenue.

The biggest loss by percentage was the Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon, with a 10.2% drop in participation. Comparatively, biggest increase was seen by the Breakthrough T1D Walk, with 20.1% more participants than in 2023. Both organizations saw an increase in revenue, though the increase was less than 1% over the previous year.

How donors learn about causes

In the 2022 Why America Gives report from Classy (now GoFundMe Pro), it was reported that 71% of all donors learn about new causes and giving opportunities through friends and family.

While this position is consistent across all generations, the corresponding data shows some divergence in the trends among younger donors. “Next-Gen Donors” are:

• 4 times more likely to learn about causes from influencers and celebrities outside of their core familial and social circles
• 1.5 times more likely to learn about causes from colleagues at work
• 1.7 times more likely to learn about causes through the media

Importantly, the report indicates younger donors are more likely to get involved. The same report found that younger donors are three times more likely to advocate on behalf of an organization and 2.7 times more likely to activate their networks by hosting a personal fundraising page. They’re also more responsive, with data indicating that next-gen donors are 1.6 times more likely to give after a crisis or news event.

To pinpoint which of these engaged supporters have the highest capacity to lead a campaign, many organizations utilize donor prospect research software to screen their database for individuals with strong philanthropic indicators and influential social networks.

The value and cost of social capital in P2P fundraising

The cornerstone of P2P fundraising is the ability of participants, who are not employees of the organization, to ask their friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances to support a cause. And it’s effective—a 2017 study found that for every $1 spent to support the efforts of volunteer fundraisers, $1.60 was returned to the organization.

However, the researchers found that social capital has its limits; asking friends and families for donations is perceived to come at a cost, described as “nuisance.”

Many P2P participants are hesitant to utilize their social power, even when they themselves believe in the cause. The authors found that participants were 45% more likely to use social pressure to ask for donations when provided with a gift to offer in exchange. Implementing small incentives like these is just one of many peer-to-peer fundraising tips that can help your supporters feel more confident when reaching out to their networks.

Social pressure is important on the other side of this equation as well. A 2019 report noted that 34% of donors said they were more likely to give if asked in front of other people.

The growth of digital-first P2P fundraising campaigns

In 2022, the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum released its first Digital-First Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Study, which compiled peer to peer fundraising statistics from digital P2P activities at 44 nonprofit organizations.

The surveyed organizations raised a total of $154.9 million from digital-first P2P fundraising efforts in 2021, an increase of 30% from 2020 ($119.2 million). Comparatively, in-person and hybrid P2P only increased by 3.5% during the same period.

While nearly all of the top P2P fundraising programs in 2024 centered around in-person events such as walks and cycling races, the rapid growth of digital-first fundraising reflects an important trend for nonprofits to consider as they plan their P2P campaign strategy for 2026. If you are looking for inspiration to get started, exploring a variety of peer-to-peer fundraising ideas can help you find a format that resonates with your specific audience.

Additional highlights of the report included:

• Of the 44 organizations included, only 6 (13.6%) reported raising less than $100,000 in revenue from digital-first P2P efforts. 36.3% raised $1,000,000 or more.
• Participation in P2P fundraising efforts increased 132% from 2020 to 2021 while the number of donors to these programs increased by 29%.

While the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge set the standard for digital-first P2P campaigns with $220 million raised worldwide, the 2022 report noted some notable contenders in 2021:

• $30.9 M for The Ocean Conservancy and The Ocean Clean Up by the “Team Seas” fundraising campaign hosted by YouTube personalities Mr. Beast and Mark Rober.
• $19.5M for The American Cancer Society from activity challenges on Facebook.
• $753,000 for No Kid Hungry as part of the “Stream For No Kid Hungry” event that engaged nearly 400 video gamers to activate from their viewers to give.
• $526,600 for Trans Lifeline through a Twitch fundraiser that led to the creation of the website Peer2Peer.live.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is an increasingly important element of online fundraising, and social media is an important element of its success.

Consider these 2024 statistics compiled by Nonprofit Source:

• 14% of donors worldwide have participated in a peer to peer fundraising campaign by creating a donation page online.
• The nonprofit crowdfunding campaign raises $9,237.55.
• On average, individual fundraisers generate $568 in crowdfunding, with an average donation size of $66.
• Participation in crowdfunding campaigns as a donor or fundraiser is most common with individuals ages 24-35.
• More than half of people who receive an email about a crowdfunding campaign respond by making a donation.
• The likelihood of crowdfunding success increases significantly with every order of magnitude increase in Facebook friends.

While these focus on P2P, you can also view our list of useful fundraising statistics for nonprofits to see how these trends compare to broader giving patterns.

Turning peer to peer fundraising statistics into action

Peer to peer fundraising has been a critical component of nonprofit fundraising for decades, and these statistics indicate that it still holds an important place in every nonprofit’s fundraising strategy for 2026.

The key, as noted by the Peer-to-Peer Professional Forum, is staying connected and agile, centering the community while responding to changes in how they learn about, engage with, and activate their own networks in support of a cause.

By tracking and responding to the trends reflected in peer to peer fundraising statistics, nonprofits can ensure that their P2P fundraising programs stay relevant, active, and an important part of the overall fundraising strategy in 2026.

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