Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

Here's how you can choose the best fundraising tactics with confidence.

Choosing the right fundraising tactics can feel like navigating a labyrinth, but with strategic thinking and a clear understanding of your goals, you can move forward with confidence. Fundraising is not just about collecting money; it's about creating a connection with your supporters and aligning your methods with your mission. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to the game, the key is to select tactics that resonate with your audience and reflect the core values of your organization. By focusing on these principles, you can craft a fundraising strategy that not only achieves your financial targets but also strengthens your community's commitment to your cause.

1 Know Your Audience

Understanding who your supporters are is crucial in choosing effective fundraising tactics. Tailor your approach to fit the interests, habits, and communication preferences of your audience. If your supporters are tech-savvy, online crowdfunding campaigns might be the way to go. For those who value personal connections, consider hosting intimate fundraising events. Remember, the more you know about your potential donors, the better you can engage them in ways that feel meaningful and compelling.

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Tony Vidmar, MBA

Vice President for Institutional Advancement & Executive Director- Tarleton State University Foundation
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Great point! Fundamentally fundraising is NOT sales-- it is connecting your donors/prospects to the organization in the manner most meaningful to them. Being donor-centric as a concept is easy to understand, but just like a great musician or athlete must have "reps" and practices time and time again, a fundraiser must have activity before they will have productivity. Learning comes from repetition. The more fundraising interactions, face-to-face or digital meetings you have, the more you develop almost an "algorithm" in your head. I have been on thousands of one-on-one donor appointments over the years and like a physician who has seen thousands of patients, you see patterns when you concentrate on the donor and their needs--not yours!

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Agustín Pérez

Captación de fondos y comunicación para ONG. Descubre cómo enamorar a los donantes mediante el fundraising de atracción
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Tu causa, por más importante que te parezca, no le interesa a todo el mundo. Has de dirigirte solo a quienes son propicios. Para seleccionarlos, los criterios socio-demográficos (género, rango de edad, hábitat, etc.) pueden ser útiles. Pero a menudo son insuficientes. Sobre todo cuando la causa tiene un gran componente ideológico. En este caso hay que primar las variables psicográficas. Y para ello tienes que saber cuáles son las creencias, los valores, las motivaciones y las preferencias de los potenciales donantes. Si la organización ya cuenta con numerosos donantes, se puede investigar qué piensan y sienten para realizar perfiles psicológicos y buscar a sus "gemelos". A menos que se quiera buscar otro tipo de donantes que interesen más.

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Allwell Akhigbe, MBA

Bilingual fundraising expert shifting the power to African NGOs for locally led development through resource mobilization and capacity strengthening
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It is very key to really know your audience so you can create tailored strategies for them. What I find useful is to do a thorough stakeholder analysis of your target audience- know their priorities, values, preferred channels of engagement and then use this in-depth knowledge to create strategies that meet them where they are at. You can then convert them to believers in your mission.

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Jessica Cloud, CFRE

Nonprofit Fundraising Expert | VP for Advancement | Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) | Helping Nonprofits Thrive with Proven Strategies & Tools
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Just like investing, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your techniques for raising funds. You need to appeal to current donors while also acquiring new donors. You need to have giving methods that are comfortable for older constituents as well as for younger ones. Cultivating a range of donors (some who give larger gifts and others that give more modest amounts) is important too. A mature fundraising plan, which will make you feel confident incorporates many different communication vehicles and ways to give.

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2 Set Clear Goals

Before diving into fundraising, establish clear, measurable goals. These should go beyond just a financial target; consider what success looks like for your campaign in terms of engagement, awareness, and long-term support. Having specific objectives in mind will guide your choice of tactics and help you focus on strategies that can deliver the desired outcomes. This clarity will also make it easier to communicate your mission to potential donors, as they will understand exactly what their contributions are set to achieve.

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3 Evaluate Resources

Assess your available resources carefully before selecting fundraising tactics. This includes your budget, staff, volunteer support, and existing donor base. Some tactics might require more upfront investment but have a higher return on investment (ROI), while others might be low-cost but also low-impact. It's essential to choose strategies that are realistic for your organization's capacity and can be executed effectively without overextending your resources.

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4 Engage Creatively

Creativity can set your fundraising apart and capture the attention of potential donors. Think outside the traditional fundraising box and consider unique events, partnerships, or campaigns that align with your cause. Creative tactics not only draw interest but can also create memorable experiences for donors, leading to stronger relationships and continued support. However, ensure that your creative ideas are feasible and in line with your brand identity and values.

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5 Monitor Progress

As you implement your fundraising tactics, it's vital to monitor progress and be willing to make adjustments. Set up a system to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as donation amounts, donor engagement levels, and campaign reach. This data will provide insights into what's working and what isn't, allowing you to refine your approach in real-time. Being flexible and responsive to feedback will increase your chances of fundraising success.

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6 Reflect and Adapt

After each fundraising campaign, take the time to reflect on its performance. Analyze both the successes and the areas that could be improved. This reflection is an opportunity to learn and adapt your tactics for future campaigns. Consider soliciting feedback from donors and team members to gain a well-rounded perspective. Continuous learning and adaptation are the hallmarks of confident and successful fundraising.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can choose the best fundraising tactics with confidence.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know Your Audience

2 Set Clear Goals

3 Evaluate Resources

4 Engage Creatively

5 Monitor Progress

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Fundraising

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Here's how you can choose the best fundraising tactics with confidence.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know Your Audience

2 Set Clear Goals

3 Evaluate Resources

4 Engage Creatively

5 Monitor Progress

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Fundraising

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