Whether delivered through direct mail, email, or digital platforms, a donation letter should build interest in your work, celebrate accomplishments, highlight ongoing needs, and, most importantly, show supporters how their contributions make a meaningful difference.

In this guide, we’ll explore what donation request letters are, what they should include, and how to use them effectively to support your fundraising goals. You’ll also find best practices, examples, and templates to help you craft compelling nonprofit fundraising letters for your own organization.

What is a donation request letter?

A donation request letter is a written appeal asking for charitable donations, whether financial or in-kind. These letters are a foundational fundraising tool used by organizations to engage supporters and generate donations.

A donation letter helps organizations communicate their mission, share the impact of their work, and invite supporters to participate in a specific fundraising effort. They are commonly used to generate support for an annual giving campaign, fundraising event, capital campaign, program expansion, emergency response effort, and more.

Most of the time, donation request letters follow a standardized format and are sent to a broad donor audience, with only key details personalized. Others are highly customized for individual donors. Generally, the larger the requested gift and the more specific the ask, the more personal and tailored your donation request letter should be. 

Types of donation request letters for nonprofits

The tone, level of customization, and content of your letter will likely vary depending on its purpose. Understanding the different types of fundraising appeals can help charitable organizations tailor their messaging to the moment and the audience.

General appeal

A general appeal fundraising letter is typically sent to all donors or prospective donors. It is usually intended to raise money for the annual fund, supporting the organization’s ongoing programs and operations. 

In-kind donation letter

These letters request non-monetary donations such as goods, services, or equipment. Organizations may send in-kind donation requests to local businesses or community members who can provide tangible or intangible items needed for programs, an upcoming event, or operations.

Sponsorship letter

Sponsorship letters are often sent to businesses or individuals to secure financial support or in-kind gifts for a specific fundraising event. In return for event materials and services, sponsors may receive benefits such as brand visibility, recognition, or promotional opportunities leading up to the event date. Learning how to write a sponsorship letter can help drive momentum and foundational support for events and other fundraising initiatives. 

Year-end appeal

Tax deadlines and the spirit of the holiday season mean that many nonprofits receive up to a third of their annual donations during the last two months of the year. An end-of-year giving letter is a key way to encourage donors to make charitable contributions before December 31.

Year-end Survival Guide

Make the most of the final few weeks of the year, and boost your year-end results!

Get the field guide

Membership or recurring gift appeal

These letters encourage supporters to commit to ongoing contributions, such as monthly recurring gift donations or membership-based giving programs. Recurring donors help organizations build predictable revenue and sustain long-term impact.

Peer-to-peer fundraising letters

Peer-to-peer (P2P) appeals may be sent by the organization to recruit fundraisers, or by individual supporters raising money on the nonprofit’s behalf. These letters invite friends, family, and colleagues to contribute to a fundraising campaign connected to a personal milestone, event, or challenge.

Campaign donation letters

A donation request letter for a fundraising campaign focuses on a particular initiative rather than general operations. Examples include capital campaigns, new program launches, or emergency response efforts. These letters should clearly communicate the fundraising goal, timeline, and progress to help create urgency and motivate donors to participate.

Gift request letter

For mid- to top-tier donors with the capacity to give larger gifts, donation request letters should be thoughtfully personalized. These letters connect the donor’s interests to the organization’s needs and outline a specific giving opportunity, which could be a major gift. Because they rely on an existing relationship, a gift request letter is most effective after a major donor has already built a personal connection with the organization.

Matching gift request letter

A matching gift letter encourages donors to check whether their employer offers a charitable matching gift program. If a donor’s company participates, their corporate philanthropy contribution could be doubled or even tripled, significantly increasing the impact of their gift.

How to send a donation request letter

Knowing how a donation request letter will be delivered is key to planning your outreach. 

Different channels work best for different audiences and campaigns, so nonprofits often use a mix of methods to reach supporters effectively. While the two most common delivery options are direct mail and email, organizations can also send letters using other creative formats to inspire donors.

Direct mail donation letters

Despite the rise of digital communication, direct mail remains one of the most effective ways to reach supporters. A thoughtfully designed physical letter can capture attention and create a more personal connection with the recipient, which is why many nonprofits continue to rely on direct mail as part of their fundraising strategy.

Direct mail appeals are particularly effective for engaging long-time supporters, reaching older donor audiences, or introducing a new campaign. Because these letters are often sent in large batches, they provide an efficient way to reach many donors at once—but bulk doesn’t have to mean impersonal. Personalizing letters with the recipient’s name and relevant details can help strengthen the connection to your mission.

Email donation letters

Email is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to send donation request letters. It also allows organizations to link directly to their website or donation page, making it easy for donors to give with just a few clicks. Because donors often decide whether to open an email based on the subject line alone, a clear and compelling subject line is essential for helping your message reach more supporters.

A donation request email is especially useful for giving days, urgent fundraising needs, and campaign updates that keep donors engaged throughout the year. Modern nonprofit tools—such as a robust CRM and email marketing platform—allow organizations to easily segment donor lists and tailor email messages based on giving history, engagement, or donor capacity.

Many nonprofits combine email with direct mail outreach to reinforce their message and reach donors across multiple channels.

Creative delivery options

While direct mail and email are the most common ways to send donation request letters, they are far from the only options. Many organizations are experimenting with creative approaches that simplify the giving experience while standing out in crowded inboxes and mailboxes.

For example, some nonprofits replace traditional mail packets with postcards that include a QR code linking directly to an online donation page. Others incorporate online donation requests into digital greeting cards or short SMS messages that provide a quick and convenient way for supporters to give.

In an increasingly saturated communication landscape, creative formats and concise messaging can help donation requests stand out, capturing both donors’ attention and generosity.

What to include in a donation request letter

There are several key elements that make donation request letters effective. Each one helps to build the case for your organization—and for your donors to take action.

Your organizational header and contact information: While it may seem obvious, making sure donors know who you are is essential. Including your contact information and using an official header—or even a custom design—adds legitimacy to your donation appeals and gives new donors a place to turn if they have questions. Many organizations also include a tax exemption statement.

A personalized salutation: An effective donation request letter should never begin with “To Whom It May Concern.” Start your letter with a personal greeting that addresses prospective donors by name. If known, use their preferred name and salutation.

A compelling hook or opening: The opening of your letter should immediately establish purpose, build emotional connection, and give the reader a reason to keep reading. If you don’t engage donors in the first few sentences, you risk losing their attention entirely. Powerful openings might include a compelling statistic, a brief story related to your mission, success stories, or a surprising fact about the issue your nonprofit addresses.

Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to capture attention and inspire generosity in nonprofit fundraising letters. Sharing a real story about someone helped by your programs can humanize your work and make your mission feel tangible. This emotional appeal puts a face to your request, and to the impact of donors’ contributions.

Your mission: Your opening should naturally lead into your organization’s mission, briefly explaining what your organization does and why your work matters. Whether you quote your mission statement or summarize it, make sure readers clearly understand who you are and what you do.

The need: You’ve outlined the problem and your mission, but now it’s time to make those ideas concrete. Help the reader understand your organization’s current need. This piece is even more powerful when you can directly translate the need into a number of people served or total impact delivered.

A specific donation ask: The ask is the heart of your message and, unfortunately, where many nonprofit fundraising letters fall apart. Afraid to ask for too much—or too little—from their supporters, some organizations fail to present a compelling request, which is the entire purpose of the letter. Don’t be afraid to suggest a specific amount in your donation letter and tie it to tangible impact, such as $25 for one child’s school supplies. These amounts act as helpful reference points, while allowing donors to ultimately decide how much they want to give.

A clear call to action: Every donation request letter should include a clear call to action that tells donors how to respond to your request. This might include a donation link, a donation card with a pre-addressed return envelope, or instructions for requesting a matching gift from an employer. The easier it is for donors to give, the more likely they are to follow through.

Gratitude: Don’t wait for thank-you letters to show your appreciation; stewardship begins at solicitation. Whether readers are loyal donors or hearing from you for the first time, express genuine appreciation for the community support that makes your mission possible.

Best practices for an effective donation request letter

While every organization’s core messaging will differ, established best practices can help ensure your donation request letters resonate with potential donors and inspire them to give.

Personalize your outreach

Personalization goes beyond inserting a donor’s name into a template. Whenever possible, reference the donor’s past involvement with your organization, such as previous gifts, volunteer work, or events they’ve attended. You could also get your board members involved, adding handwritten notes on the letters to people they know. This personal touch donors that they are known and valued.

Segment your donor lists

Not every donor should receive the same message. Segmenting your donor base on factors such as giving history, engagement level, or interests allows you to tailor your message and donation ask more effectively.

Think about timing

Donation request letters are often most effective when aligned with key moments such as year-end giving, campaign launches, or giving days. For maximum impact, plan your outreach to align with important moments in your fundraising calendar.

Focus on the donor

Strong donation request letters center the donor’s role in creating impact. Rather than focusing only on your organization’s needs, use “you” language to highlight how a donor’s generosity makes your work possible.

Use clear and simple language

 Avoid jargon, technical language, or overly complex explanations. A clear, straightforward message helps ensure that readers quickly understand your mission, your need, and how they can help.

Highlight impact

Donors want to know that their contributions matter. Whenever possible, connect donations to tangible outcomes, such as meals provided, scholarships funded, or families served.

Incorporate social proof

Demonstrating that others support your mission can strengthen trust and encourage generosity. This might include mentioning the number of donors who contributed last year, a recent milestone, or a brief testimonial from a supporter.

Consider follow-up outreach

Many successful fundraising campaigns include reminder emails or additional messages for supporters who may have intended to give but have not yet responded.

Follow up with thank-you letters

A donation request letter is only the beginning of the donor relationship. Prompt and thoughtful thank you letters reinforce appreciation, build trust, and encourage future giving. A thank-you letter template is a great way to simplify the acknowledgment process. You can even customize your templates for thank-you letters, creating a standard capital campaign thank-you letter, a general donation thank-you letter, and more.

The art of thank-you letters

Learn best practices for expressing gratitude that enhance donor engagement and retention, and inspire future giving.

Get the cheat sheet

Fundraising letter templates and samples

Once you understand the elements of an effective donation request letter, it can be helpful to see how those pieces come together in practice. Templates and examples provide a useful framework for building your own appeals.

Donation request letter template

Using a donation request letter template allows nonprofit teams to save time while maintaining consistent messaging across campaigns. Templates provide a starting point that organizations can adapt to different audiences, fundraising goals, and campaigns. They also help to ensure that the letter contains all of the critical elements, such as a compelling opening, a clear explanation of need, a specific donation ask, and a straightforward way for donors to respond. 

Basic donation request letter template

Below is a simple donation request letter template, which can be customized for your organization.

Dear [Name],

[Compelling Opening, such as, “Last year, more than [number] people in our community struggled with [issue your nonprofit addresses]. For many, organizations like [Organization Name] are the difference between going without and finding support.”]

At [Organization Name], our mission is to [brief mission statement], working every day to ensure that [describe the change your organization creates].

Right now, we are working to [describe the current need or challenge]. With support from donors like you, we can continue to provide [programs/services or impact] to the people who rely on us.

Your generosity can make a tangible difference. A gift of [$amount] can help [specific impact example—provide meals, fund supplies, support services, etc.].

Would you consider making a gift today to support this work?

You can donate by visiting [donation link] or returning the enclosed donation form.

Thank you for helping make this work possible. Dedicated supporters like you are the reason we can continue serving our community.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[Title]
[Organization Name]

[Organization Contact Information and Tax Exempt Declaration]

Matching Gift Request Letter Template

Dear [Name],

Did you know that your donation to [Organization Name] might be worth twice as much—without costing you anything extra?

Many employers offer matching gift programs, which allow companies to match charitable donations made by their employees. When donors like you submit a matching gift request, your impact can grow even further.

At [Organization Name], we are working to [brief mission statement], helping [community served] through programs like [example program or impact].

If your employer offers a matching gift program, your donation could help us reach even more people who need support.

To check whether your company participates, contact your human resources department or visit [matching gift information link].

Thank you for helping us expand our impact and serve our community.

Sincerely,
[Name]
[Title]
[Organization Name]

[Organization Contact Information and Tax Exempt Declaration]

Donation request letter sample

Reviewing a sample donation request letter can help nonprofit teams understand how successful appeals are structured in practice.

Below is a simplified example. Examples like this illustrate how storytelling and impact-driven messaging create powerful fundraising appeals.

Sample Donation Request Letter

Dear Emily,

Last winter, hundreds of families in our community struggled to put food on the table. As grocery prices surged, a visit to the Community Pantry often meant the difference between family members going hungry and having a warm meal.

At Community Pantry, our mission is to ensure that no neighbor in our community goes without access to reliable, nutritious food. Through our food distribution programs, we work to support families facing difficult financial circumstances.

But the need continues to grow. Over the past year alone, requests for assistance have increased by more than 25 percent.

With the support of donors like you, we can continue expanding our food distribution program and reaching even more families in need. A gift of $50 helps provide groceries for a family of four for an entire week.

Would you consider making a donation today to support this important work?

To make a contribution, you can give online at www.yourlocalcommunitypantry.com/donate or return the enclosed donation form.

Thank you for helping ensure that families in our community have access to the food they need.

With gratitude,
Brock O. Lee
Executive Director
Community Pantry

Using technology for a better donation request letter

Technology plays a critical role in effective donor communication. The way an organization collects, stores, and manages donor data can directly impact the effectiveness of its donation request letters.

A strong nonprofit technology stack—including a fundraising CRM, email marketing platform, and AI tool for nonprofits—helps organizations segment donor lists, personalize outreach, and track engagement over time. These tools allow nonprofits to tailor donation request letters based on donor history, giving patterns, and communication preferences.

Technology also improves the donation experience itself. Integrating donation links, mobile-friendly giving forms, and automated follow-up messages can reduce barriers to giving and make it easier for supporters to respond to fundraising appeals.

By combining thoughtful messaging with the right technology, nonprofit organizations can create effective donation request letters and build stronger relationships with their supporters.

Final thoughts on donation request letters

A compelling donation request letter can strengthen relationships with supporters while helping nonprofit organizations reach their fundraising goals.

Whether delivered through direct mail, email, or digital platforms, well-crafted nonprofit fundraising letters help organizations connect with prospective donors, share meaningful stories, and inspire generosity.

By combining clear messaging, thoughtful storytelling, and strong calls to action, nonprofits can create donation request letters that motivate supporters to give and deepen their connection to the mission.

And when donors are recognized through thoughtful thank-you messages and ongoing stewardship, organizations can build lasting relationships that sustain their work for years to come.

The post A comprehensive guide to the donation request letter 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.

Watch the recording

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.

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.

Get the ebook

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.

The post Peer to peer fundraising statistics every nonprofit should know appeared first on Kindsight.

Awareness is improving, but many employees still don’t know if their employer offers a matching gift program or how they can get involved. Discover the top matching gift companies and how their program works, so you can encourage donors to explore this lesser-known way to make their contributions go even further. 

Key corporate gift matching program features

Corporate matching gift programs typically outline who is eligible, what the company can match, and how to use the program. The program details should cover:

• The minimum and maximum eligible donation limit
• How often the donation limit resets (whether it’s annually or a lifetime total)
• The match ratio (typically 1:1 or 2:1)
• Eligible donors (full-time, part-time, retired employees)
• Types of nonprofits that donation matches can be made to (e.g. 503(c) organizations or nonprofits in a specific field like educational institutions or environmental causes)
• How to apply for a donation match and what the process involves

If an employee and their donation meets the eligibility criteria, their employer should match the donation at the relevant ratio — giving the nonprofit access to double (or more) the funds from employee contributions.

Want to dive deeper into gift matching?

An estimated $7 billion in corporate matching gift funds goes unclaimed every year. Our webinar teaches you how to effectively leverage these programs!

Watch the recording

16 companies that match donations

Explore some of the top matching gift companies, including donation limits, ratios, and who is eligible for the program.

1. American Express

American Express encourages employees to make a difference in their community through a number of initiatives, including a corporate gift matching program. In 2024, including company matched donations, American Express employees donated more than $13M to nonprofit organizations around the world. 

Employee donations between $25 and $8,000 are matched on a 1:1 ratio. An enhanced match of 2:1 on the first $1,000 donated is available for employees in specific scenarios. 

2. Apple

Technology giant Apple has a generous approach to corporate philanthropy, and offers employees a gift matching program with a higher-than-normal maximum donation limit. The company’s employee giving program has raised more than $880M in total since its inception in 2011. 

Apple matches eligible donations of up to $10,000 from both full and part-time employees, on a 1:1 ratio basis.

3. Avon

Avon is more than a beauty and skincare company, it’s an organization that exists to further progress for women and promote inclusive beauty. Linked to this is their long-standing gift matching program, which allows employees’ donations to go even further.

Eligible donations of between $25 and $15,000 are matched on a ratio of up to 2:1, depending on further criteria. This gift matching program is only open to full-time employees. 

4. bp

Employees at bp can get eligible donations to nonprofit organizations matched through the bp foundation, which was established back in 1953. In 2023, the foundation matched gifts of more than $6.5M, making it one of the top companies that match donations.

Eligible employee donations between $25 and $5,000 can be matched on a 1:1 ratio, and the program is open to both full-time and part-time employees.

5. Chevron

Supporting local communities is part of the culture at Chevron. The Chevron Humankind initiative delivered more than $33.5M to nonprofits in 2023, through a combination of employee giving programs and company matching funds. 

Chevron’s employees can get eligible donations between $20 and $7,500 matched on a 1:1 ratio basis. The program is open to full-time employees and retired employees.

6. Coca-Cola

Global drinks brand Coca-Cola invests in corporate giving programs through The Coca-Cola Foundation, and there’s also a generous employee gift matching program in place for both full-time and retired employees. 

Eligible employee donations up to $10,000 can be matched on a 2:1 ratio, and the program is open to full-time and retired employees. The matching gift program also includes donations from spouses and same-sex domestic partners. 

7. Deloitte

The Deloitte Foundation has provided more than $42M in matching funds in the last five years to more than 580 US-based colleges and universities. While the company’s corporate giving focus is on education, the gift matching program can be used to support almost every type of nonprofit organization.

Eligible donations of between $50 and $32,500 are matched on a 1:1 ratio, and the program is open to full-time employees and retired employees.

8. Dell

American tech company Dell invests heavily in digital inclusion, and has supported more than 535 nonprofits with digital transformation so far. As well as volunteering hours and pro-bono work, Dell is also committed to matching employee donations.

Eligible employee donations of up to $10,000 can be matched on a 1:1 ratio. Both full-time and part-time employees can take advantage of the gift matching program. 

9. Disney

Disney doesn’t just bring a smile to people’s faces, the company also has a rich history of corporate philanthropy. Alongside considerable charitable efforts, Disney also has an employee gift matching program that has contributed more than $113M over the last decade.

Employee donations between $25 and $25,000 are matched on a 1:1 ratio if they’re eligible. Full-time and part-time employees can enjoy access to the program. 

10. Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. has a range of corporate giving initiatives, including donations for volunteer hours and a donation match program. Their program includes matching employee donations based on an employee’s job level, and the program opens and closes throughout the year to allow the company to spread donation matches throughout the year.

Eligible donations can be matched on a 1:1 basis for full-time, part-time, and retired employees. For part-time employees the maximum limit is $1,000, rising to up to $15,000 for full-time employees.

11. GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace is well-known for its corporate philanthropy initiatives, and is considered as pioneering the gift matching model that many companies use today. In 2024 alone, the GE Aerospace giving family was responsible for $21.5M in donations and over 30,000 volunteer hours, reinforcing its status as one of the top companies that match donations.

Eligible employee donations are eligible for gift matching of up to $5,000 in each calendar year. The gift matching ratio is 1:1, and full-time and part-time employees are eligible.

12. Google

Google has a long-standing employee gift matching program that goes beyond the basics. As well as general gift matching, employees can also request matches for donations to disaster or international relief initiatives, and for fundraising efforts. 

Eligible donations of up to $10,000 can be matched on a 1:1 ratio basis. Both full-time and part-time employees can take advantage of the program. Matching is also available on donations of up to $10,000 to support disaster relief and international aid. 

13. Johnson & Johnson

Giving back is a core part of Johnson & Johnson’s corporate values, and this is reflected in their generous matching gifts program. With 138,000 employees globally and countless retired employees, this program allows donations to go even further.

Eligible current employee donations are matched on a 2:1 ratio. For full-time and part-time employees the maximum limit is $20,000 annually, and for retired employees the limit is $10,000 annually on a 1:1 ratio.

14. Microsoft

Microsoft employees contributed more than $263M in donations to more than 37,000 nonprofits in the last year, including funds raised through matching employee donations. The company’s  matching gift program is also more forgiving than others, giving employees up to 12 months to submit their matching gift request. 

Eligible donations up to $15,000 can be matched on a 1:1 ratio. The program is open to full-time and part-time employees. 

15. Pfizer

Pfizer’s corporate social responsibility efforts include a matching gifts program for employees in the US and Puerto Rico. Donations made to eligible 503(c) nonprofit organizations are matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

Eligible donations are matched on a 1:1 ratio, up to a maximum of $5,000 annually per employee. The ratio is increased to 2:1 for seasonal campaigns.

16. Soros Fund Management

Soros Fund Management has one of the most generous companies that match donations. Their impactful employee gift matching program has a maximum eligible donation that’s 10x the limit of most other programs. 

Eligible donations are matched on a 2:1 ratio, for full-time employees only. The minimum match is $25 and the maximum limit is a staggering $100,000.

Simplifying the process with auto submission

Thousands of companies actually offer gift matching programs, but they’re hard for employees to engage with. The process can be slow and cumbersome — so nonprofits miss out on vital funds. Auto submission simplifies the process and makes employee giving feel more effortless.

Auto submission refers to a process that streamlines the donation matching process. Platforms that offer this (and companies that sign up to it) allow employees to skip the lengthy forms and auto-submit a request for gift matching.

Vendors (and the top matching gift companies that use them) can earn the Certified Leader in Matching Automation (CLMA) certification if they offer auto submission and show a commitment to improving the workplace giving program process for employees and donors. 

The CLMA was introduced by Double the Donation, and Kindsight users can take advantage of our Double the Donation integration to bring the power of donation matching to our prospect research software seamlessly.

Make the most of every eligible donation with matching gift programs

Corporate matching gift programs bring a valuable source of funds to nonprofits, but their success depends on raising awareness of matching gift opportunities and simplifying the process for donors. 

Continue to highlight gift matching as an option for new and existing donors, and look for ways to make it even easier for them to make it happen — whether that’s sharing this guide on the top companies that match donations, or choosing fundraising software with a donation matching integration that streamlines the experience.

The post 16 companies that match donations in 2026 appeared first on Kindsight.

Centralizing this data gives you a complete picture of your supporters. It makes it easier to build stronger, more meaningful donor relationships and act when opportunities arise. The right CRM streamlines your fundraising efforts and improves communication. 

Knowing the key nonprofit CRM features to look for will help you choose a system that empowers your team to raise more, work smarter, and make a greater impact.

Comprehensive donor database and relationship management

A fundraising CRM should give you a complete, accurate view of every supporter. It should manage complex household and organization relationships, track multiple addresses, and record gifts, event attendance, and interactions in each donor’s profile.

Legacy systems often complicate this with silos, workarounds, duplicates, and missing history. These gaps limit insight and make it harder to understand your donors’ behavior. If you’re facing these kinds of challenges, it may be time to switch to a new fundraising CRM.

Leading CRM platforms use complete profiles to power donor relationship management. With every detail in one place, fundraisers can segment donors, personalize outreach, and act quickly to build lasting connections. A clear, intuitive interface makes it easy for your team to find what they need without extra clicks or confusion.

Data integration and clean-up

The right CRM brings data together from every system your organization uses. This includes online giving platforms, event tools, email marketing systems, and accounting software. Real-time updates let your team act with confidence.

Older CRMs often cause delays and errors. Manual re-entry, mismatched formats, or slow syncing lead to incomplete records and poor decision-making.

Top-tier systems maintain accuracy through automated checks, standardized formats, and consistent governance rules. This keeps donor records clean, reports reliable, and outreach effective based on facts instead of guesswork.

Donor management and engagement tracking

A strong nonprofit CRM tracks every interaction a supporter has with your organization. This includes campaign responses, volunteer activity, peer-to-peer fundraising participation, and communication preferences. When all engagement details are in one place, it’s easier to plan the right next step.

Many CRMs offer only static records of donors’ past activity. Without real-time tracking of engagement signals and moves management tools, fundraisers can’t advance relationships or move prospects toward their next gift. Opportunities will be lost simply because the right data wasn’t visible at the right time.

Industry insight: Donor numbers have fallen 10.9% for new donors and 11.4% for new-retained donors year over year, according to the Fundraising Effectiveness Project. Quickly identifying and retaining supporters is more critical than ever.

Effective CRMs monitor donor activity and flag behavior changes, such as a sudden drop in giving or increased event participation. AI-powered tools suggest the best next steps to keep relationships moving forward.

Communication tools and donor segmentation

An effective nonprofit CRM groups donors by giving history, capacity to give, and stage in their donor journey. These segments let you deliver tailored messages across email, phone, text, and events. Relevant, personalized communication keeps engagement high and builds stronger connections.

Basic segmentation or costly customization limits many CRMs, resulting in generic outreach that donors ignore. Without real-time data integration, timing messages for the best response is harder.

High-performing CRMs store full communication history and preferences, then use them to create personalized outreach and automate follow-ups. This ensures every donor receives the right message, in the right format, at the right time.

Major gift management

The most capable nonprofit CRMs support the entire cultivation process for major gift prospects—tracking each stage, managing moves, and recording every interaction that shapes the relationship with a major donor. A clear pipeline view allows your team to focus on the donors most likely to make a transformational impact.

Avoid CRMs that rely on costly add-ons or manual workarounds to manage major gifts effectively. Without built-in tools, fundraisers may miss signals or lose track of high-value opportunities.

Leading platforms integrate real-time wealth data directly into donor profiles. This ensures your team always has current insights to guide outreach and prioritize cultivation efforts.

Expert insight: Look for CRMs built with input from experienced fundraisers. These systems reflect real-world advancement needs and deliver practical, actionable insights for securing major commitments.

Gift processing and payment handling

A well-built nonprofit CRM makes it easy and fast to process gifts of all types, including handling complex pledge commitments, recurring donations, bulk gift entries, and matching gifts. Efficient processing keeps revenue moving and frees staff to focus on building relationships.

Some CRM systems slow this down with manual steps, limited batch tools, or disconnected payment systems. Delays in processing create backlogs, postpone acknowledgments, and affect donor satisfaction.

Well-designed CRMs streamline every stage of gift entry. Integrated payment processing, automated matching, and high-volume transaction tools help teams work faster while maintaining accuracy. With fewer bottlenecks, acknowledgments go out quickly, and funds are available sooner.

Fundraising campaign management

An effective CRM makes it simple to plan, execute, and track multiple fundraising campaigns all at the same time. From capital drives to annual appeals, you need to be able to set clear goals, define priorities, and monitor progress in real time. This focus ensures every campaign stays on track and aligned with your overall fundraising strategy.

Without a central system, campaigns require juggling spreadsheets, disconnected tools, and guesswork. That slows execution and obscures fundraising results.

The strongest platforms combine segmentation, automation, and analytics to drive campaign success and keep your advancement strategy on track. They allow you to target the right audience, deliver timely outreach, and adjust your approach based on live performance data. With these tools, your team moves faster, engages more effectively, and raises more funds with less manual effort.

Event management

A nonprofit CRM should streamline every part of fundraising event management, from registration to attendance tracking to post-event follow-up. Integrating event data with donor profiles creates a complete record of engagement for each supporter. This connection makes it easier to identify opportunities for deeper involvement after the event.

Events are both fundraising and relationship-building moments. They bring supporters together, strengthen community ties, and open the door for future giving. Using disconnected systems wastes staff time and risks losing valuable follow-up opportunities.

An effective CRM platform integrates with event management tools to connect event activity directly to donor stewardship plans. This ensures every attendee receives timely acknowledgement, next steps are clear, and your team acts quickly on opportunities to deepen engagement.

Membership self-service

Nonprofit CRMs should either provide or integrate with a secure, branded portal where donors can view their giving history, view and download giving receipts, create fundraising forms, manage their memberships, and update their personal information. Allowing supporters to manage their own details reduces administrative work and keeps donor records accurate.

Self-service tools also build transparency and trust. Donors value seeing their contributions and engagement history without having to request it.

The best CRM platforms link these portals to fundraising and stewardship plans, ensuring that major contributors are acknowledged promptly, loyal supporters are celebrated, and new donors are welcomed right away. Consistent, relevant touchpoints like these keep engagement high year-round.

Grant coordination

A top-level nonprofit CRM makes it easy to track grants alongside donor fundraising, including recording deadlines, deliverables, and reporting requirements. Keeping all funding streams in one place reduces errors and saves staff time.

Grants often run in parallel with individual giving campaigns. When grant-related data is stored separately, it creates extra work and makes it harder to see the full fundraising picture.

The most effective CRM platforms use a unified approach that eliminates silos between grant and gift workflows. This ensures accurate reporting, smoother collaboration, and a clear view of how every funding source supports your mission.

Mobile and remote access to donor data

Access to real-time donor information from any location empowers your team to act quickly and stay connected. Whether in the office, at an event, or meeting a supporter face-to-face, fundraisers should be able to view profiles, update notes, and record interactions instantly. This ensures information is accurate and available when it’s needed most.

Some CRM systems limit mobile access or offer only partial functionality outside the office. This delay leads to missed details, duplicate work, and slower follow-up.

Modern CRMs provide secure, mobile-friendly access to the same data and tools you have on your desktop. With real-time updates, your team is able to act immediately, keep records current, and maintain momentum with every donor interaction.

Automation and workflow efficiency

The right nonprofit CRM reduces manual work so your advancement team focuses on cultivating donors and building relationships. This increased human focus is one of the greatest benefits of incorporating AI into your fundraising. Automated workflows handle routine tasks like acknowledgment emails, portfolio updates, and gift entry. Custom sequences ensure that each donor follows a consistent, personalized donor journey from first contact to long-term donor stewardship.

All too often, automation tools are limited or require complex setups that don’t match real-life fundraising workflows. This creates gaps in follow-up and inconsistent donor experiences, leading to lost opportunities.

Advanced CRM platforms allow you to design workflows that reflect your advancement strategy. They automate repetitive steps, trigger next actions based on donor activity, and simplify portfolio management. This alignment with your fundraising workflows ensures a successful CRM implementation and smooth rollout.

Reporting and data analytics

An advanced nonprofit CRM gives fundraisers and leaders clear, real-time visibility into performance, such as dashboards that track campaign progress, donor retention, and gift pipeline health. Instant access to these valuable insights enables your team to act quickly and make informed data-driven decisions.

Older reporting tools often require weeks for custom reports or manual searches for key metrics. Without timely data, it’s harder to spot trends, adjust strategy, or measure ROI.

Leading platforms put operational reporting and deep analytics directly in your hands. They connect every data point—from donor behavior to fundraising outcomes—so you identify gift opportunities, refine your advancement approach, and demonstrate impact to your stakeholders.

Customization, scalability, and integration

Effective CRMs adapt easily to the evolving needs of your organization, whether you’re a small team or a large institution. This means customizable workflows, flexible data models, and scalable architecture that grows with your fundraising program.

Some platforms offer fixed features that limit your ability to tailor processes or handle increasing complexity. As your organization evolves, rigid systems slow growth and require time-consuming workarounds or costly add-ons.

Flexible nonprofit CRM solutions provide robust customization and seamless integration with other tools. Built on a cloud platform, they enable your team to configure workflows, connect data sources, and add new features without disrupting daily operations. This flexibility ensures your CRM remains a reliable foundation for advancement, no matter how your needs change.

Security and compliance

Strong security measures protect donor data and keep your organization compliant. These measures reduce risk, protect sensitive information, and build donor trust:

• Strong encryption: Data is encrypted while stored and during transfer, so sensitive information stays secure even if intercepted.
• SOC 2 Type II compliance: Independent audits verify that the platform meets strict standards for security, availability, confidentiality, and processing integrity.
• PCI DSS compliance: Payment processing meets industry standards to protect financial data and prevent fraud.
• HIPAA compliance: Required for organizations handling medical-related donor information.
• Employee vetting and training: Background checks and regular security training safeguard data.

Finding the best CRM solution for your nonprofit

Selecting the right CRM starts with understanding your nonprofit’s unique needs, from donor management to reporting and volunteer tracking. Comparing features, pricing models, and user experience helps narrow your choices.

Our analysis of the 11 best nonprofit CRMs breaks down these factors to help you find the ideal fit. It also offers a step-by-step guide covering everything from defining your nonprofit’s requirements to budgeting and scheduling demos.

Drive advancement with the right nonprofit CRM

The right nonprofit CRM isn’t just a place to store your donors’ information—it drives advancement by streamlining workflows and revealing key opportunities. With comprehensive donor profiles, automation, and real-time analytics, it helps your team take the right actions at the right time. A CRM platform built for advancement lets your team focus on cultivating your supporters instead of wrestling with technology.

Choosing a CRM with the right capabilities is an investment in your nonprofit’s future. Look for tools that centralize data, improve collaboration, and adapt as your needs evolve. When your CRM system aligns with your workflows, your team works smarter, engages more effectively, and advances your mission faster.

The post Essential nonprofit CRM features appeared first on Kindsight.

There are hundreds of fundraising ideas out there, but many of them focus on small events and feel-good campaigns. How do you figure out what actually works for a major capital campaign? We’ve distilled our knowledge into the best capital campaign fundraising ideas — for when you need to raise money at scale. 

For more information capital campaigns, read our 7 capital campaign best practices blog.

11 of the most successful capital campaign fundraising ideas

Forget about wading through a list of 100+ generic fundraising ideas. Here are the very best fundraising ideas for capital campaigns, so you can start adding them to your fundraising plan.

1. Reach out to major donors

The fundraising world isn’t immune to the reality of the Pareto principle. Recent data shows that the top 20 gifts account for 70% of your campaign goal, so place the majority of your attention on your major donors.

Major donors are some of the first people you’ll speak to after the planning phase, as you’ll want to secure their support before your public launch. Use fundraising intelligence and prospect research software like iwave to sift through billions of data points to identify the right donors, then build a personalized outreach plan.

Securing major gifts for your capital campaign during and after the quiet phase requires more than a simple email or quick coffee meeting. Elevate the experience and increase your chances of success with:

• A gift range scale and an idea of where your major donors fit into it
• Messaging tailored to your donor’s giving history and interests
• Updates on how their previous donations have made a difference
• An in-person or virtual meeting dedicated to discussing how they can support your campaign
• Exclusive opportunities beyond a monetary donation — like a plaque, sponsorship, or wider partnership
• A suggested donation amount based on their previous contributions

Whether you’re looking to raise $50,000 or $5,000,000, building and maintaining good relationships with existing and potential major donors is essential. They’ll help you reach not only your capital campaign goal, but other milestones in the future.

2. Host a kickoff event

When it’s time to go public with your campaign, you want your entire world to know about it. Plan and host an engaging kickoff event that celebrates your mission, highlights your goals, and launches your public fundraising efforts.

This isn’t just any promotional event — it’s an opportunity to capitalize on momentum and bring in a second wave of donations. Here are some capital campaign fundraising ideas to make your kickoff event feel special:

• Send highly personalized event invitations to stakeholders and donors
• Hint on social media and by email that there’s a big announcement coming
• Build up to a live reveal of your fundraising total so far
• Host an engaging Q&A session
• Turn the event into a celebration with live entertainment
• Livestream your event to attract attention from donors wherever they are

With Kindsight, it’s easy to find the right people to invite to your public or VIP launch event. Use ascend (our fundraising CRM) to build your guest list, identify best-fit donors with iwave, and combine it with the power of engage to draft personalized email invitations for your event.

3. Send personalized supporter outreach

Nobody wants to feel like they’re just one name on a very long list. Whenever you call, write to, or email your supporters, personalize the message as much as possible. This is one capital campaign fundraising idea that you just can’t skip.

Personalization goes beyond your donor’s first name. Here’s what else you can do, if you have the data:

• Promote specific fundraising opportunities, based on previous engagement
• Suggest a donation amount, based on giving history
• Highlight specific impact stories, based on category affinity
• Suggest local fundraising events, based on geolocation data
• Promote social media content, based on previous interactions
• Run a countdown timer, based on the user’s time zone

You can also use information like recency, frequency, and affinity to sectors to plan and send truly tailored emails to your supporters.

Need guidance for your next capital campaign?

Learn about when and how to start your capital campaign, what to do in each stage, and get expert tips for navigating all the crucial elements of a capital campaign.

Get the cheat sheet

4. Start a pledge drive

What do you do when you have donors eager to give, but they don’t have funds available immediately? Encourage them to make a pledge. Adding a pledge drive to your capital campaign allows you to capture interest and commitment, then collect those donations at a later date.

On your pledge card, be sure to include:

• Name of the campaign
• Donor’s name
• Pledge amount
• Payment frequency and/or number of instalments
• Date of first payment
• Donor’s contact details
• Your nonprofit’s contact information

Manually keeping track of pledges and planned gifts is challenging, especially if you receive a lot over the course of multiple years. Be sure to use a purpose-built CRM to help with the management and simple gift processing, as well as the handling of complex pledge commitments.

5. Promote matching gifts

Gift matching is a valuable way to make eligible donations more significant, and it won’t cost your supporter any extra. But donors don’t always know it exists, which is why promotion is essential.

Many employers run giving programs where they’ll match an employee’s donation up to a certain amount or by a certain percentage. You can also look for independent gift-matching partners too — like a corporate sponsor that’s willing to match donations up to a specific figure, like $15,000.

Increase your chances of attracting matching gifts by:

• Highlighting it as an option to your donors
• Explaining how they can check if their donation is eligible
• Promoting a sponsor or partner’s donation matching offer
• Offering donors an easy way to get their donation matched

6. Host a high-profile gala

Gala events allow you to invite your major donors, influential partners, and board members to experience an evening of celebration and philanthropy. Thanks to their high-calibre guest lists, galas are ideal for raising a large amount of funds in one night.

Planning a fundraising gala is time and resource-intensive, so you want to make it as successful as possible. Here’s how to increase donations on your gala night:

• Make it attractive to buy a table vs. single tickets — by offering a discounted rate for a whole table, or adding extra perks like free drinks or free raffle tickets
• Offer upgrades like drinks packages or VIP experiences
• Add a raffle, prize draw, or auction
• Announce a target amount of money to raise on the night
• Display your real-time fundraising progress
• Accept donations through a range of payment methods

Our fundraising gala guide covers the planning steps in detail. Combine your on-the-day event activities with engaging pre-event communications and personalized thank-you notes to continue cultivating those meaningful relationships.

7. Plan family or community events

While gala events can be lucrative fundraisers, they can be exclusive in nature. Open up your fundraising opportunities to your broader community with family-focused or local events.

Successful public phase events are a combination of good planning, a suitable budget, the right team, and a creative mind. Use your donor giving data to identify the types of events that are likely to be popular, and survey your supporters to understand what they’d like to see.

Popular fundraising events include:

• Walk-a-thons
• Golf tournaments
• Bake sales
• Garage sales
• Raffles
• Trivia nights
• Workshops or classes
• Beach parties
• Family picnics
• Community volunteering days

To make your capital campaign fundraising idea even more successful, find a way to tie it to your mission, goal, or community. Get students involved with a car wash or community help day for your new college building fundraiser, or host a healthcare themed quiz to raise money for your hospital extension project.

8. Plan a giving day

Whether you choose an already-established day like Giving Tuesday, or create your own day of giving, this time-limited experience can drive donations — which is especially helpful if you’re nearing the end of your capital campaign fundraising.

Here’s how to plan your way to a successful giving day:

• Choose your giving day (e.g. Giving Tuesday, New Year, or another date)
• Countdown to the day with emails and social media content (Check out our Giving Tuesday templates for platform-specific ideas.)
• Send tailored messages to different audience segments with suggested donations
• Share promotional graphics that your supporters can use to promote your cause
• Make it easy for people to donate with an online donation page
• Share updates on your progress in real-time
• Add a final call for people to donate towards your cause before the end of the day

If you have the resources, consider making a video to promote your giving day campaign. Research shows that including a video in your initial campaign email can increase click rates by 96% — which means more potential donations coming your way.

9. Tap into your capital campaign donors’ networks

If you’ve invested in donor relationships and stewardship, you’ll have a collection of loyal supporters. Extend your valuable relationships even further by tapping into their network of friends, family members, and professionals. 

Turn your existing donors into a catalyst for even more donations with:

• A library of images and marketing materials they can share with their network
• Eye-catching, shareable graphics on your social media pages
• A clear website that explains who you are and what you do
• A membership program that rewards existing members when they refer someone
• Peer-to-peer fundraising or crowdfunding campaigns

Your supporters are keen to see you succeed, but they also lead busy lives. Make it as easy as possible for them to share your campaign with loved ones and potential donors during your public phase.

10. Research and apply for grants

It’s not just major donors and your supporter base that can help you reach your campaign goals. As you plan your capital campaign, look out for grants that could give you a much-needed cash boost or raise your profile.

Here’s how to approach the grant application process with capital campaigns in mind:

• Research to find suitable grants to apply for
• Learn what the funder or investor is looking for
• Build a relationship with the funder
• Start building your case for funding
• Write a tailored grant application to match their needs
• Submit your application before the deadline
• Stay in touch throughout the process

11. Work with a capital campaign consultant

Capital campaign planning and management is a significant task, and sometimes you need to bring on extra support to help things run smoothly. As you build out your team in preparation of your public launch, you might realize a consultant could help you scale.

Capital campaign consultants can help: 

• Develop a strategic plan and capital campaign timeline
• Complete a feasibility study or case for support
• Identify and safeguard against risks
• Prepare a capital campaign budget
• Bring in specific expertise
• Train staff members
• Launch your public phase
• Fill in gaps in your existing team’s knowledge
• Source additional support in marketing, promotion, or fundraising event management

It’s easier for larger nonprofits and educational establishments to access fundraising consultants, but smaller nonprofit organizations can benefit from external advice too. If you can’t hire a consultant for the whole project, consider whether you can bring in expertise in the planning phase, or to help you with one area — like building a fundraising events plan.

Want to go more in-depth with capital campaigns?

This ebook dives into the basics of each phase of a capital campaign and guides you through the hurdles that arise in each.

Get the ebook

Take your project to the next level with these capital campaign fundraising ideas

The right fundraising ideas and initiatives can mean the difference between a successful campaign and struggling to hit your fundraising goal. Use this guide to help you put together a strategy filled with ideas designed to raise a large amount over several years.

For an in-depth look at capital campaigns, read our Capital campaign guide for nonprofits.

The post 11 Effective capital campaign fundraising ideas for nonprofits appeared first on Kindsight.

Donor funnels are there to help you map and manage this process. In this article, we’ll walk you through each stage of the process and look at how you can use your donor funnel and supporting “donor journeys” to take your fundraising to the next level. 

What is a donor funnel?

A donor funnel is a strategic framework used by nonprofit organizations to drive the donor recruitment process. Adapted from traditional marketing strategies, it’s made up of five key stages that work to raise awareness and turn first-time donors into lifelong supporters.

How does it differ from a nonprofit marketing funnel?

Donor funnel. Donation funnel. Nonprofit marketing funnel. It doesn’t matter which term you use. They all refer to the same process and are there to help you turn passive interest into active support. 

The benefits of using a donor funnel

It might feel overwhelming, but it is well worth taking the time to understand the donor funnel process. Why? Because when you work each stage together, donor funnels can help you:  

• Clarify your strategy: Fundraising is a multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary practice. A donor funnel helps organize your ideas and bring clarity and flow to your fundraising efforts.
• Pace your practice: When funds are tight and targets are high, it’s tempting to jump straight to the ask. A well-planned funnel will help pace your approach and give prospective donors the time and space they need to engage. 
• Build deeper relationships: Good fundraising means putting your donors first. Use your donor funnel to flip the narrative and walk the process through from a donor’s perspective. 
• Improve conversion rates: Tracking metrics at each stage of your funnel makes it easier to identify pain points. For example, maybe you’re great at generating interest but struggle with retention. A donor funnel makes these gaps visible so that you can take action.

All of the above will help streamline and focus your team’s time, energy and resources. It might feel strange at first—working through each step of the donor funnel rather than cutting straight to the ask, but it’s an important process to follow. After all, the stronger your donor relationships, the higher your return on investment. 

What does it take to go from prospect to major donor?

Our guide shows you the strategies and tactics you need to effectively move prospects through the donor cultivation cycle.

Get the cheat sheet

Understanding the five stages of the donor funnel

In this next section, we’ll walk you through each of the five different stages of the donor funnel and show you how the process connects and flows. Remember: not every prospect will move through every stage, so don’t worry if (when) donors drop off. What matters is that you’re tracking your progress and making smart adjustments to keep improving.

Stage 1: Initial awareness (generating prospects)

It starts with the awareness stage. As the name suggests, the goal here is to spark connections with potential new donors. Don’t try and do everything at once. In this first stage, you’re looking to focus on three key things:

1. Getting people to hear (and remember) your nonprofit organization’s name.
2. Building a basic understanding of your nonprofit’s raison d’être.
3. Generating interest and offering a clear pathway for people to find out more. 

To reach people who might be interested in supporting your cause, you need to be where they are. Many nonprofits use platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram to drive awareness. Others build visibility through media exposure (think feature articles, podcasts, and radio) or digital and outdoor advertising like Google Ads, billboards, and transit advertising. 

Once you’re out there, you need to make it quick and easy for people to follow up—for example, by adding a QR code or a link to your website.

Top tip: The more you know about your target audience, the easier it is to choose communications platforms and channels that align.  

Stage 2: Interest (turning prospects into leads)

This next step helps deepen connections and turn “top-of-the-funnel” prospects into engaged leads. By the time you’re done, your potential new donors should:

1. Understand and empathize with your “why”.
2. Trust your nonprofit organization as experts in the field.
3. Feel a sense of urgency and need to take action.

With so many nonprofits competing for attention, turning awareness into genuine interest isn’t easy—but it can be done! Once again, social media plays a key role. Creative and engaging communications (video reels, polls, live chats and webinars) are a great way to encourage people to find out more. Long-form content like newsletters, email marketing, blogs, and educational resources can also help showcase your expertise and add value. 

No matter which tactics you use, engagement is always a two-way street. If someone messages you or attends an event, take the opportunity to get to know them. The more you learn about each other, the closer they’ll feel to your cause and the more likely they are to support it.

Top tip: Make data collection a priority. Use newsletter sign-ups, event registrations, and gated content —like information resources—to gather emails and build direct connections.

Stage 3: Involvement (turning engagement into support)

To move someone from engaged to involved, they need to take active steps to support your organization. This doesn’t have to mean giving money. What you’re looking for here is:

1. Proactive engagement and a response to a specific call to action.
2. A positive experience that they will want to repeat.
3. To show potential donors that their support matters.

There are many ways people can contribute without donating. Some might share your social media posts or join an online challenge (#NoMakeUpSelfie anyone?) Others might sign a petition or participate in an event. A few rare gems may even volunteer their time.

Whatever form their support takes, it’s important to treat every action as the gift that it is. Take the time to say thank you and recognize their contribution. This is their first experience with you, so set the tone and show them that their support—financial or otherwise—makes a difference.

Top tip: Personalizing content doesn’t have to be time-consuming. A good CRM with AI and donor data included makes automating and sending tailored notes and communications quick and easy.

Stage 4: Investment (securing that first donation)

This is the point where prospects become first-time donors. Don’t expect people to read your mind. If you want donations, you have to ask for them, so make sure your supporters know: 

4. Why their support is urgent.
5. Exactly what you need and how their money will help.
6. The impact their generosity will have. 

There are lots of different ways to make an ask. For individual donors, cross-channel campaigns tend to deliver the best results—pairing the personal touch of direct mail with the reach and immediacy of digital channels. Plan ahead and be intentional. You’ve invested time building the relationship, so don’t lose momentum now.

Above all, make sure your donation process is quick and easy. You can do this by including pre-paid envelopes in your mailing packs, creating a campaign page for your website, offering multiple payment options, and making sure your online donation form is secure and user-friendly.  

Top tip: Don’t forget to say “thank you”. Donors who are thanked 48 hours after they’ve given are four times more likely to give again. 

Stage 5: Stewardship (turning one-time donors into long-term supporters)

Relationships take years to build and only moments to lose. That’s why this final stage is so important. With consistent care, a first-time donor can become a regular supporter. They may even go on to be a major donor or leave a legacy gift.

To make that happen, you need to:

1. Keep donors engaged with regular, meaningful updates.
2. Deepen the emotional connection by sharing powerful stories and impact data.
3. Actively guide supporters up the donor pyramid.

Of course, this kind of relationship-building doesn’t happen overnight. Stewardship is a long-term investment built month by month, year by year. But it’s worth it. Retaining donors is far more cost-effective than recruiting new ones, so make sure you have the systems and strategies you need to keep them involved.

Top tip: Don’t be afraid to ask. People won’t convert to a regular gift or leave a legacy in their will if they don’t know you need one.

How to use the “donor journey” to bring your donation funnel to life  

With your donor funnel up and running, it’s time to take your fundraising and marketing strategies one step further. Imagine your donor funnel is the map. By layering in tailored “donor journeys” you can start charting the individual routes different groups will take.

An individual giver, for example, might discover you on Instagram, visit your website to learn more, take part in a social media challenge, and donate through a digital campaign. A major donor, on the other hand, might read about you in an article, follow you on LinkedIn, attend an online event, and meet you for coffee—only giving after a series of one-to-one interactions and a carefully timed ask.

It’s the same funnel. Just a different donor journey. 

To set these paths, start by segmenting your donors into distinct groups and building a foundational set of donor profiles (snapshots that define donors groups by demographic, motivations, and interests). With these in hand, you can use your funnel to map out the tactics and tools needed to bring each stage of the five stages—and your final donor journey—to life.

Intrigued? Read our blog on how to optimize donor journeys.

Practical tips to boost donor engagement

So there you have it. A step-by-step guide to help you understand the world of nonprofit marketing funnels, generate new prospects, and build lasting support. To help you on your way, here are a few final tips, tricks, and tactics to boost engagement and make sure your nonprofit organization stands out from the crowd. 

Tip 1: Variety is the spice of life

Increase your chances of support by offering multiple ways for people to get involved. Campaigns, challenge events, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities all draw people in. The more touchpoints you create, the stronger your relationships will be.

Tip 2: Connect without asking for cash 

Donors are people, not ATMs. Wherever possible, connect in a low-pressure environment where the goal is simply to build a relationship. This might be an event, a newsletter, or a thoughtful update—anything that creates connection without an ask. 

Tip 3: Tell stories and share impact

People give to people, not organizations. Raise the voices of your community, share real-life stories, and use impact data to show people how their support is making a difference. 

And finally: let your passion and enthusiasm for the cause shine through. At the heart of every fundraising and marketing strategy are people. So embrace the process. Take every chance you can to get to know your supporters, and use your donor funnel—and accompanying donor journeys—as a tool to guide and build deep, long-lasting relationships.

The post How to make your donor funnel work for you appeared first on Kindsight.

Types of planned gifts by category

While there are many types of planned gifts, they can be grouped into two main categories: deferred donation and immediate donation.

Deferred donations are received at some point in the future, typically after the donor has passed away. Immediate donations are transferred to your organization upon commitment of the gift, giving you immediate resources to fund your mission and programs. However, immediate donation planned gifts often require ongoing management, including regular payments back to the donor.

Deferred donation planned gifts

Deferred donation planned gifts are committed within a donor’s lifetime, but will not be received by the organization until after the donor’s death. There are two primary types of deferred donation planned gifts:

Charitable bequests and estate gifts

Charitable bequests are the most common and accessible types of planned giving. With a bequest, a donor names your organization in their will or trust, making you a beneficiary of their estate.

Donors may dedicate a specific dollar amount or percentage of their estate to your organization, or they may request that the remaining value of the estate be given to your organization after all other obligations have been met. Some bequests also come with strings attached, ensuring that a gift is only made if certain conditions are met.

Bequests offer a number of benefits. As a portion of the donor’s total estate, the value of a bequest planned gift is often higher than gifts that a donor is willing or able to make in their lifetime. There is no upfront cost, and, as one of the simplest planned gift options, they’re easy to explain and promote with prospective donors.

Clear communication of the bequest language is key to understanding the type of planned gift that has been made and the obligations your organization may have. Plus, your organization must be able to effectively track and steward bequest donors—often called legacy donors—throughout the life of their planned gift, whether that’s two years or twenty. 

Retirement plans and life insurance

Many people do not utilize the full extent of their retirement savings or life insurance when they die. That leaves a number of funds remaining for other purposes, including an inheritance to the individual’s family or a charitable contribution. 

Many donors will commit a portion of their retirement savings or life insurance to an organization. These funds are distributed after the donor’s final expenses are paid, and have the potential to be quite large, depending on the total value and lifetime needs of the donor. 

Immediate donation planned gifts

Immediate donation planned gifts allow donors to make a charitable contribution during their lifetime. However, unlike traditional cash donations, these types of planned gifts allow the donor to receive income from the gift.

Immediate donation planned gifts include:

• Charitable gift annuities
• Charitable remainder trusts & unitrusts
• Pooled income funds
• Charitable lead trusts
• Retained life estates

Charitable gift annuities

With Charitable gift annuities, a donor makes a gift directly to your organization in exchange for fixed payments for life. After the donor’s death, the remainder of the gift goes to your organization to support your mission.

These gifts not only put valuable funds in the hands of your organization right now, but also help to protect your donor’s financial future. In addition to ongoing payments, charitable gift annuities allow donors to receive tax credit for the gift during their lifetime. 

Charitable remainder trusts and unitrusts

To establish a charitable remainder trust, a donor places financial assets in a trust. The trust pays income to them (or others) based on a percentage of the total for a set period of time. That time period may be defined as a certain number of years or the lifetime of the donor. At the end of the period, the remaining balance is paid out to your organization.

Like charitable gift annuities, these types of planned giving allow the donor to receive immediate tax credit for their donation while also receiving income from the value of the trust. Charitable remainder trusts also allow donors to avoid capital gain and estate taxes on the funds.

Charitable remainder unitrusts are similar to charitable remainder trusts, but allow for additional flexibility. Charitable remainder unitrusts can be funded with a wide range of assets, from cash to real estate to stock. Rather than paying the donor a fixed amount over the lifetime of the trust terms, the donor received a percentage of the fair market value of the trust assets. This number is reevaluated and adjusted annually.

Pooled income funds

Pooled income funds combine donations from a number of donors, then invest those collective funds. Each donor receives a portion of income from the investment aligning with their share of the total pool, based on their original contribution amount. While the funds are invested, organizations typically cannot directly access the funds until a donor has passed away, protecting them for future use.

Charitable lead trust

A Charitable lead trust puts your organization first, paying a fixed income to your organization for a set period of time. After that time, the remaining assets are returned to the donor distributed to their heirs. CLTs are often used in estate planning for wealth transfer, as they help to reduce the burden of estate taxes.

Retained life estate

For donors in possession of valuable property assets, a retained life estate transfers property ownership while allowing the donor to enjoy the property for the remainder of their life. The donor receives tax credits for their donation during their lifetime, and your organization retains full right of ownership upon the donor’s death.

Streamline your planned giving strategy.

In this quick guide, learn the types of planned gifts, how to identify planned givers, and how to use planned giving scores and analytics.

Get the cheat sheet

Best practices for receiving, managing, and stewarding every type of planned gifts

Planned gifts offer many benefits to both organizations and to the donors that fund them. However, these decisions should not be made lightly. Before making a planned gift, donors should consult with their tax, finance, and legal advisors.

Likewise, organizations should thoughtfully consider the type and terms of these gifts before accepting them—especially immediate donation planned gifts. Immediate donation planned gifts are typically more complex than bequests and often involve legal agreements, actuarial calculations, and investment planning that require expert guidance, whether within your organization or with the help of outside advisors. Learn how to start a planned giving program.

Empower donors and strengthen missions through planned giving

Planned giving presents a meaningful way for donors to leave a lasting legacy while providing vital support to the missions they care about. From deferred options like charitable bequests and estate gifts to immediate contributions such as charitable annuities and remainder trusts, these gifts come in many forms, each offering unique benefits to both donors and organizations. By understanding the types of planned gifts and their potential impact, nonprofits can better position themselves to nurture these long-term donor relationships.

Now is the time to start meaningful conversations with your supporters about planned giving. By opening the door to these opportunities, you create pathways for donors to make a profound and lasting impact. What steps will your organization take today to inspire and encourage your community of donors?

For an in-depth look at planned giving, take a look at our Planned Giving 101 ebook.

The post Understanding types of planned giving appeared first on Kindsight.