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Let’s be honest. A fundraising event without sponsors is like a cake without frosting—technically edible, but why would you want to? Sponsors bring the frosting, the sprinkles, and sometimes even the fancy little gold candles.

If you're in the nonprofit world and you’re planning an event, corporate sponsors aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential. They bring in dollars, expand your reach, and lend credibility. But this isn’t a one-and-done transaction. This is relationship-building, people! You’re looking to create partnerships, not just snag checks.

Let’s talk about how to do that—with grace, with clarity, and without losing your mind.

So, What Exactly Does a Sponsor Do?

Think of a sponsor as that generous friend who shows up to your party with three bottles of wine, helps set the table, and tells everyone how fabulous you are. Sponsors provide financial or in-kind support—money, auction items, maybe a spread from the local bakery—and in return, they get recognition, visibility, and all the warm fuzzies of supporting a cause that matters.

For them, it’s not just altruism—it’s smart business. They want to build their brand, align with community values, and yes, maybe even reach some new customers along the way.

Why Sponsors Matter (Like, a Lot)

Let’s break it down. Here’s why sponsorships are the secret sauce to nonprofit events:

• Cold, hard cash: They help you pay for the venue, food, printing, signage, and maybe even that live band you’ve been dreaming of.
• Built-in audience: They introduce you to their networks. You get to crash their party in the best way.
• Credibility boost: People take you more seriously when they see a trusted brand standing with you.
• New tools and connections: Their Rolodex (yes, that’s a throwback) becomes yours.
• Feel-good ripple effects: Their involvement enriches your community. Period.
• Long-term love: A well-nurtured sponsor might just become your ride-or-die for the next event—and the one after that.

Finding the Right Sponsors (Without Selling Your Soul)

You don’t need to chase every business in town. You need the right ones. Here’s where to start:

• Check your guest list from past events. Someone’s cousin might run a business that’s dying to support you.
• Google is your friend. Research companies whose missions align with yours. You’re looking for a values match, not just a logo.
• Tap your network. Board members, volunteers, that donor who knows everyone—ask around.
• Scour your donor database. You may have hidden gems in there who own businesses and love what you do.
• Go local. Look at community-minded businesses in your own backyard. They’re often the most loyal.
• Talk to your vendors. Your caterer or printer might be thrilled to be a sponsor and already know your vibe.

Now Let’s Talk About The Ask

Cue the sweaty palms, right? Don’t worry. You’ve got this. Here’s how to approach sponsorship with confidence and class.

1. Build a killer sponsorship packet

This is your pitch deck, your calling card, your love letter. It should include:

• A short, powerful summary of your mission and event goals
• Who your audience is and why it matters
• What sponsors get in return (visibility, leads, hugs)
• Sponsorship levels or custom opportunities
• Your contact info and next steps

Pro tip: Make it look good. Canva is your bestie.

2. Make it personal

Don’t just mass-email your sponsor packet into the void. Reach out directly. Send a warm, personalized note. Reference why you thought of them. If you’ve met before, remind them where. Show them you’ve done your homework.

3. Keep the communication flowing

Once they say yes (yay!), don’t ghost them. Update them. Thank them. Ask for their logo. Tell them what to expect at the event. Post-event, send results and a heartfelt thank-you.

Making Your Sponsors Fall in Love with You (and Come Back Again)

Want to turn a one-time sponsor into a forever partner? Here’s how:

• Deliver on what you promised. This isn’t optional. If you offered stage time, give them the mic. If you promised their logo on a banner, it better be there.
• Show them the love. Thank them in person, in writing, online, and in your printed program.
• Make it fun. Give them unique experiences—VIP access, speaking opportunities, fun photo ops, or post-event shout-outs.
• Keep them in the loop. Let them know how the event went. Share impact stories. Make them feel like insiders.
• Ask for feedback. Not only does this make them feel valued, but it also gives you gold for your next sponsorship strategy.

Sweetening the Deal: What to Offer Sponsors

Don’t just slap their logo on a flyer and call it a day. Offer things that matter. Here are some ideas:

1. Branded giveaways
2. Shout-outs on social media and your website
3. Meet & greets or exclusive access
4. Custom activations at the event (a photo booth, anyone?)
5. Warm leads or data about attendees (where appropriate)
6. Post-event coverage and sponsor highlights
7. Opportunities to match donations or double impact

The Bottom Line

Sponsors aren’t just ATM machines. They’re partners. They want to be part of something meaningful. Your job? Show them the heart of your mission, make their involvement easy and joyful, and follow through with integrity and flair.

Nail this, and you’ll not only raise more money—you’ll build relationships that fuel your mission long after the last folding chair is stacked.

Want some ready-to-go sponsorship templates and email scripts that actually sound like a human wrote them? Our Success For Nonprofits Etsy Store has you covered: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SuccessForNonprofits

Let’s go get those sponsors. You’ve got this.

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You’ve done the work. The social media posts. The emails. The perfectly worded text messages. You’ve even wrangled your board to share the link (miracles happen). And then—finally!—your donor clicks that glorious “Donate Now” button.

Now what?

If your donation page is clunky, cluttered, or confusing, here’s what happens: they bounce. They ghost you. They vanish into the internet ether. And just like that, your potential donor becomes a cautionary tale.

Here’s the truth: the hardest part is getting folks to your donation page. Once they’re there, it should feel like a red carpet moment. Easy. Inviting. Painless. Even joyful.

But not all donation pages are created equal. Some look like a Mad Libs form from 2003. Others? They sing. They inspire. They convert.

If you’re ready to spruce things up this spring (because yes, spring cleaning applies to fundraising, too), I’ve got six simple but powerful strategies to help you turn your donation page into a fundraising powerhouse.

1. Add Suggested Giving Amounts (Because Most People Are Just Guessing)

Let’s be honest: most donors have no clue what amount will make a meaningful impact. That’s where you come in.

Suggested giving levels act like a friendly nudge: “Hey, this is what other awesome humans like you are giving!”

Pro tip: Use your average donation size as a guide. Then offer three options: a starting point, your average gift, and a stretch amount. Make it concrete. “$50 = one week of groceries for a family of four” is much more compelling than “$50.”

Help your donor see the impact. And don’t be afraid to dream bigger—sometimes just listing $100 inspires someone to say, “Sure, I can do that.”

2. Cut the Clutter (Seriously, Marie Kondo That Thing)

You don’t need sparkles. Or pop-ups. Or a photo gallery of last year’s pancake breakfast.

Your donation page has one job: to make giving easy.

Strip it down. Clean it up. Focus the eye on the action:

• One inspiring photo, tops.
• No pop-ups.
• Minimal form fields. (Yes, we love to know how people heard about us, but it’s not more important than closing the gift.)

Think clean, mobile-friendly, and clearly branded. A donation page should feel like the rest of your site—not a detour to the DMV.

3. Accept More Than Just Cash (Yes, Really)

We’ve been living in a Venmo world, and your donation page needs to catch up.

The average cash gift on a form is $128. Not bad. But a stock donation? Around $8,000. A DAF gift? $12,000.

Here’s what this means: If your page only takes credit cards, you’re leaving serious money on the table.

Invest in tools that allow donors to give stock, crypto, or recommend DAF grants. These high-capacity donors want to give big—and they love the tax perks. Make it seamless and they’ll make it generous.

4. Make Recurring Giving a No-Brainer

You want to build stability. Predictability. A revenue stream you can count on even when your gala gets rained out or your appeal email lands in spam. (Hey, it happens.)

Recurring giving is your BFF.

Here’s how to make it irresistible:

• Let donors check a box to “make this monthly.” Easy peasy.
• Show side-by-side comparisons: $25 one-time vs. $10/month recurring.
• After a one-time donation, ask: “Want to make this monthly?” It’s like asking, “Would you like fries with that?”—but for impact.

Bonus points if donors can easily manage their recurring gift on their own with emailing you and waiting a week.

5. Promote Matching Gifts (Because Two is Better Than One)‍

If I told you a donor could double their impact with zero extra effort, would you shout it from the rooftops? You should.

Corporate matching gifts are free money—but only if your donors know they exist.

Add a searchable matching gift database right on your donation page. Let folks look up their employer and see if their donation qualifies. Remind them during the gift, after the gift, and even in your thank-you email.

One in three donors say they’ll give more if a match is available. Let’s give them a reason to say yes.

6. Make It Mobile Friendly (Because That's Where Donors Are)

More than half of all nonprofit website traffic is coming from mobile devices. If your donation page isn’t mobile-optimized, you’re basically hanging a “Closed” sign on your virtual front door.

Fix it. Yesterday.

That means:

• Big, tappable buttons
• Limited scrolling
• Drop-downs and multiple choice options instead of free-form fields
• Fast load times (because no one waits anymore)

Also consider adding a QR code to your direct mail or event signage that takes people right to your donation form. Instant access = instant action.

7. Say Thank You—Like You Really Mean It

I know what you’re thinking: This isn’t about the donation page itself!

Ah, but it is.

Because the donor journey doesn’t end when someone clicks “Submit.” That confirmation screen? That email receipt? Those are golden opportunities to cement a relationship—and tee up the next gift.

Here’s how to make your gratitude count:

• Customize your confirmation page. Include a short thank-you video from your ED, a powerful image, or a quick impact stat that makes them feel like a hero.
• Ditch the robotic receipt. Use warm, authentic language in your confirmation email—something that sounds like it was written by a human who actually cares. Because, well, it was, right?
• Add next steps. Invite them to follow you on social media, sign up for your newsletter, or share their gift with friends (hello, peer-to-peer opportunity!).
• Personalize when you can. A first-time $10 donor deserves the same love and appreciation as your major donor—just in a way that fits. Gratitude is scalable, folks.

A thank-you that feels sincere is more than just manners. It’s strategy.

Because donors who feel seen? They come back.

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The Bottom Line

Your donation page is not just a form. It’s a welcome mat. A trust-builder. A closer.

So go ahead. Trim the fluff. Boost the features. Make it easy, warm, and reflective of the amazing work you do.

Because when your donation page works harder, you can focus on what really matters: changing the world.

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Does this sound familiar? Your team bends over backward to bring new donors through the door. You host events. You post. You email. You charm. And then... crickets. A bunch of those first-time donors disappear without a trace.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re on a never-ending hamster wheel of donor acquisition, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: some nonprofits have figured out how to stop chasing and start keeping. They’re not hunting down new donors every five minutes. Instead, they’re doubling down on loyalty. And guess what? It’s working.

Let’s talk about three surprisingly simple strategies you can put to work right now—no smoke, no mirrors, no magic wand required.

1. Make Giving So Easy It Feels Like Breathing

(Surprising? Only because we forget that convenience drives nearly everything else in our lives.)

Let’s get real for a second. You buy your latte on an app before you even leave the house. You tap your phone to pay for groceries. But when it’s time to make a donation? Suddenly we’re asking folks to fill out a form longer than a tax return.

Why are we making giving harder than it needs to be?

Here’s what the data says: nearly a quarter of donors prefer to give via things like PayPal, Venmo, or Apple Pay. But only 3% of nonprofits prioritize offering those options. That’s not just a gap—that’s a canyon.

Every step you remove from the donation process increases the chances a donor will actually complete their gift. Think of it like online shopping—the fewer clicks, the better.

Bonus tip: Offer monthly giving right at checkout. It’s simple, it’s intuitive, and it builds long-term donor loyalty on autopilot.

Bottom line: Your donors live in a frictionless world. If giving to you feels like work, they’ll move on. Make it easy, and they’ll stick around.

2. Ask What They Want. Then Actually Listen.

(Surprising? Only because we treat donor surveys like New Year’s resolutions—great in theory, but rarely done.)

Imagine buying your best friend a birthday gift without having any idea what they like. No hints. No list. Just vibes.

That’s how too many nonprofits approach their donor relationships.

Only 14% of organizations regularly survey their supporters. And yet, one of the top reasons donors stop giving? They don’t feel heard. Ouch. (For more cool and interesting facts about Nonprofit Fundraising Statistics check out this great blog post by Double The Donation here: https://doublethedonation.com/nonprofit-fundraising-statistics/ )

Let’s flip that script. Send a quick survey after a donation. Add a one-question poll to your next email. Ask: “What inspired your gift today?” Then—stay with me here—use what they tell you. That feedback is pure gold.

Bottom line: Listening is your superpower. Ask. Respond. Reflect. Build trust. That’s the stuff of real relationships—and real relationships keep donors coming back.

3. Reconnect With Donors Who’ve Drifted Away

(Surprising? Only because we act like lapsed donors are ghosts. Spoiler alert: they’re not.)

You know that friend you’ve been meaning to text for ages? The one you really do care about, even though it’s been a while?

Your nonprofit has those friends, too. They’re not gone. They’re just waiting for a good reason to come back.

We spend so much time and money finding new donors, and almost none on re-engaging the ones who already said yes. But did you know it can cost five times less to re-engage a former donor than to find a new one?

Start small. Use your CRM to find folks who gave a year ago but haven’t been back. Send a warm, personalized message. Remind them why they gave. Tell them what their support made possible. Make it about them, not just your next campaign.

Bottom line: Past donors aren’t lost—they’re just waiting to be remembered. A heartfelt, thoughtful message might be all it takes to bring them home.

Let’s Wrap This Up (with a Bow of Authenticity)

Keeping donors isn’t some complex algebra equation. It’s not about shiny tech or the perfect email subject line. It’s about building real, human relationships.

You know how to be a good friend. You show up. You make things easy. You listen. You remind people they matter.

Do the same with your donors.

Make giving simple. Ask thoughtful questions. Respond with heart. Stay in touch—even when it feels like they’ve drifted. Because when you treat donors like real people (spoiler: they are), they don’t just stick around. They become champions for your cause.

And that? That’s how you build a thriving, generous community—one loyal donor at a time.

🎯 Want to Keep Donors Coming Back? Make It Ridiculously Easy to Say Yes.

You just read about the power of simplicity—how making things easy is the secret sauce to donor retention. Want a quick win? Start with your messaging.

✨ Enter the Nonprofit One-Pager—your go-to resource for crystal-clear communication. It’s the cheat sheet every donor (and board member, and potential sponsor, and media contact...) wishes you had.

✅ Instant download
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Your mission matters. Now make it easy for people to get it—and give because of it.

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Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

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National Trust Preservation

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is accepting applications for its funding opportunity to encourage preservation at the local level by supporting on-going preservation work and by providing seed money for preservation projects.

Deadline: June 2, 2025

https://savingplaces.org/preservation-funds

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Water Research Foundation

The Foundation is seeking proposals for the Smart and Connected Energy Management project to develop a comprehensive understanding of the current state of smart and connected energy management in water and wastewater utilities and to recommend tools and guidance to improve energy efficiency.  

Deadline: May 7, 2025

https://www.waterrf.org/serve-file/RFP_5296.pdf

Foodservice Packaging Institute

The Institute’s Foam Recycling Coalition Grant Program is open to organizations who operate a material recovery facility, manage residential curbside recycling programs, or manage drop-off or convenience site recycling programs.

Deadline: April 15, 2025

https://www.recyclefoam.org/grants 

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation

The Foundation is accepting applications for its grant program to support organizations and programs for which a relatively small amount of funding might make a large difference. The Foundation supports environmental and wildlife protection activities, arts, education, and other community-based organizations and programs. 

Deadline: May 12, 2025

https://www.mvdreyfusfoundation.org/

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Cisco

The Cisco Product Grant Program focuses on social investment areas, which include disaster relief, shelter, water, and food; education; economic empowerment; and climate impact and regeneration. Through this program, Cisco donates networking technology to nonprofits to help them realize significant gains in productivity, scalability, and cost efficiency.

 No Deadline

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/csr/community/nonprofits/product-grant-program.html#~overview

T-Mobile Hometown Grants Program

Grants support community projects in small towns (population less than 50,000 people) across the U.S. Projects can occur in all fields of interest, including the environment and animal welfare, and are open to nonprofits to lead projects.

Deadline: June 30, 2025

https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/hometown-grants

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You know that moment when you’re presenting at a board meeting and you look around the room (or the Zoom)? One board member’s answering emails, another looks genuinely surprised to learn your nonprofit runs on donations, and someone just asked if the gala theme could be “Casino Royale” again.

Yup. You’ve got board problems.

Let’s say it together: It’s not just you. Almost every nonprofit leader I know has had at least one sleepless night wondering if their board was more harm than help.

So let’s break down some of the most common nonprofit board struggles—so you can name them, claim them, and start doing something about them.

1. “We Didn’t Know We Were Supposed to Fundraise”

This one’s a doozy. You think it's clear. They think it's optional. Cue: confusion, resentment, and that one board member who swears their “network” is donation enough.

Why it happens: Board recruitment is often rushed or reactive. Expectations aren’t clearly laid out. The word “fundraising” makes people break out in hives.

What to do: Fix your onboarding. Spell out expectations—especially around fundraising—in writing. Give them the tools (and confidence) to do it well. Don’t assume they know how to ask for money. Teach them.

2. The Disappearing Board Member Act

They're full of enthusiasm at their first meeting—and then vanish into the nonprofit void. Emails go unanswered. Committee work? Forget it.

Why it happens: Life gets busy, yes. But more often? Lack of engagement. They don’t see how their presence actually matters.

What to do: Reignite the spark. Remind them why your mission matters. Ask for specific, time-limited help. Make board service feel less like a monthly obligation and more like a front-row seat to changing the world.

3. Too Much In the Weeds, Not Enough in the Strategy

You present a new program idea, and suddenly half the board is editing your budget line by line. Or debating the font on the brochure. Meanwhile, big-picture decisions sit untouched.

Why it happens: Many board members come from business or operations backgrounds and feel most comfortable in the details.

What to do: Set clear roles. Staff manages the day-to-day. The board looks at the horizon. Reinforce this gently—and often. Use dashboards and summaries to steer them toward strategic thinking.

4. The Boardroom Power Struggle

Ah yes—the board chair who thinks they’re the ED. Or the board member with big ideas and zero filter. Meetings feel like political warfare. You leave exhausted.

Why it happens: Power imbalances, unclear roles, and sometimes... just plain ego.

What to do: Go back to your bylaws. Clarify roles in your board manual. Build a strong relationship with your board chair—they should be your thought partner, not your micromanager.

5. Lack of Diversity—and We’re Not Just Talking About Race

Many boards are made up of the “usual suspects.” You know who I mean—same professions, same zip codes, same age range.

Why it happens: Board recruitment often happens through personal networks, and let’s be honest—people tend to recruit folks who look and think like them.

What to do: Get strategic about recruitment. Think about who you need to reflect your community and why their voices matter. Create a matrix. Fill in the gaps. And don’t just invite them to the table—make sure they feel heard once they’re there.

Final Thought: Progress, Not Perfection

Here’s the truth: No board is perfect. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.

Start where you are. Name the problem out loud. And take one step at a time to make your board stronger, more engaged, and more aligned with your mission.

Your board isn’t just another task on your to-do list. With the right guidance and a clear path forward, they can become one of your greatest assets—energized, aligned, and ready to lead alongside you.

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Need more help turning your board from meh to mighty? Check out our toolkit of resources in our Etsy Shop. EBecause when your board works, your whole mission gets stronger.

Visit our shop here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SuccessForNonprofits

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Scroll down to explore this week's grants. Deadlines are always approaching, so take a look and see which ones might be the right fit for your nonprofit.

Happy grant writing!

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UVA Health

UVA Community Health, part of UVA Health, is offering two different types of grants:  Healthy Spark Grants are for organizations that focus on the needs outlined in the community health needs assessment, as well as on social determinants of health; Community Strong Grants are larger grants offered to organizations that UVA Community Health partnered with for more than two years. Must serve communities of UVA Health.

Deadline: April 10, 2025

https://newsroom.uvahealth.com/2025/03/11/uva-community-health-uva-health-grant-applications-2025/

South Asian Bar Association Foundation of North America

The Foundation is offering a Community Grants Program to support access to justice for South Asian communities in the U.S. and to advance causes important to the communities they serve.  

Deadline: April 11, 2025

https://www.sabalegalfdn.org/apply-for-a-grant

Weyerhaeuser Family Foundation

The Foundation’s Youth Initiative supports direct service programs to U.S. nonprofits that promote resilience, stability, and pyscho-social health for youth ages 14-21 who have experienced trauma by adverse childhood experiences, including mental illness in the household, emotional, sexual, or physical abuse, and others.

Deadline: June 15, 2025 (Letters of inquiry accepted beginning May 1)

https://wfamilyfoundation.org/what-we-fund/youth-initiative/

Caplan Foundation for Early Childhood

The Foundation is providing seed money to implement imaginative proposals that exhibit the greatest chance of improving the lives of young children, from infancy to 7 years, on a national scale. Areas of support include parenting education, early childhood welfare, and early childhood education and play. Submit Letter of Inquiry online.

Deadline: May 31, 2025

https://earlychildhoodfoundation.org/#application-process

Scherman Foundation

Applications are now open for its Reproductive Rights and Justice Program in the reproductive health and rights fields. The Foundation maintains its commitment to general operating support, especially for state-based and local organizations. 

Deadline: No deadline

https://www.scherman.org/reproductive-justice

Nathan Cummings Foundation

The Foundation supports U.S. nonprofits working to address inequality, particularly for women and people of color. Apply online through one of several focus areas. 

Deadline: No deadline

https://nathancummings.org

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