Marketing

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
✅ Professionally designed
✅ Customizable in Canva
✅ Perfect for events, emails, and first impressions

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

🛒 Grab your editable Nonprofit One-Pager here → https://www.etsy.com/listing/1576491885

‍

‍

Yes, Your Nonprofit Can Afford Broadcast Advertising (No, Really!)

You know the ones—those massive national nonprofits with tear-jerking TV spots and polished radio ads that make you stop in your tracks. It’s easy to think that kind of advertising is for the ‘big guys’ with sky-high budgets. But here’s the deal: you don’t need deep pockets to get your nonprofit on the airwaves. With the right approach, even small and mid-sized organizations can make an impact using TV and radio. It’s not about budget—it’s about strategy.

Why Broadcast Advertising is More Accessible Than You Think

It used to be that TV and radio ads required a ‘go big or go home’ mindset. National campaigns with sky-high costs? No, thank you. But times have changed. Now, nonprofits can leverage targeted media buys, community-based programming, and digital TV placements to get their message to the right audience without emptying the bank account.

That being said, advertising is an investment, not an expense. And like any investment, you need a plan. A good rule of thumb? Allocate 5% to 15% of your budget to digital marketing strategies, communications, and nonprofit fundraising. The trick is making every dollar count—because let’s be honest, most donors prefer their gifts to go straight to your mission, not to your ad budget.

So, how do you do this without breaking the bank? Buckle up. Here’s how.

Stretching Your Budget: Creative Ways to Get on the Air (Without Going Broke)

Before you write off TV or radio ads as “too pricey,” let’s get creative. There are plenty of ways to get airtime without paying top dollar:

• Co-Branding Partnerships – Find a local business that supports your mission. They get feel-good exposure, you get airtime at a fraction of the cost. Win-win!
• In-Kind Donations – Ask media outlets to donate airtime in exchange for recognition, sponsorship, or goodwill. You’d be surprised how many community-driven stations are happy to help.
• Public Service Announcements (PSAs) – The FCC requires TV and radio stations to air PSAs, which means they’re actively looking for nonprofit partners. Keep your pitch short, compelling, and impossible to say no to.
• Community Access Television – Your local cable provider likely has free or low-cost airtime for nonprofits. If you’ve got a good message, this is a great way to get local exposure.
• Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate – Just like in fundraising, everything is negotiable. Ask for nonprofit discounts or bonus placements. Many media outlets are willing to throw in extra airtime for free if you ask.

Let’s Talk Production: Keeping Costs (and Stress) Low

Buying airtime is only half the battle. You also need a great ad—which means production costs, scripting, media placement, and maybe even talent fees. Before you dive in, ask yourself: does my team have the bandwidth to manage an ad campaign?

The secret to a powerful digital marketing strategy for nonprofit ads? Authenticity. Your audience doesn’t need Hollywood-level production—they want real stories, real voices, and a message that sticks. No fancy effects required.

Pro Tips for Keeping Production Affordable:

• Use real people—volunteers, beneficiaries, and staff. No need for professional actors.
• If making a video ad, try DIY tools like Canva, iMovie, or Adobe Premiere Rush.
• Partner with local film students or media professionals who may offer discounts for a good cause.
• Repurpose content—use footage from past events, social media clips, or existing testimonials.

TV vs. Radio: Which One is Right for You?

🎙 Radio:

• More affordable, flexible, and hyper-local.
• Many stations will help write and produce your ad as part of your media buy.
• Perfect for reaching commuters (think morning and afternoon drive times).
• A great option if your message can be told without visuals.

📺 TV:

• Visual storytelling = major emotional impact.
• Standard ad lengths: 15, 30, or 60 seconds.
• Digital TV ads (like those on streaming services) allow for hyper-targeting.
• If you’re new to video production, outsourcing may be worth it—but DIY options work, too.

Measuring Your Impact (Because ROI Matters!)

Like any good fundraising campaign, if you don’t track it, it didn’t happen. You need to know what’s working (and what’s not) so you can refine your approach. Here’s how:

• Watch your website traffic before, during, and after your ad runs.
• Track donations, event sign-ups, and volunteer inquiries tied to your ad.
• Engage your audience—ask donors and volunteers how they heard about you.
• Use direct response tactics—a unique URL, QR codes, or special phone numbers can help track ad performance.

The Bottom Line? You Can Do This.

You don’t need a seven-figure budget to make an impact. With a little creativity, smart partnerships, and some scrappy nonprofit hustle, you can absolutely leverage broadcast advertising to raise awareness, engage donors, and grow your mission.

So whether you’re using radio to promote an upcoming event or crafting a TV ad to tug at heartstrings, be strategic, be authentic, and be resourceful. You have an important message to share—now make sure it gets heard.

Want to learn more?

Check out our Etsy Shop for exclusive resources and expert guidance from a nonprofit professional who gets it. Get access to trainings, templates, and strategies to help you grow, engage, and fundraise effectively.

Visit us today!

Let’s be real: Most nonprofit newsletters are snooze-fests. They’re too long, too generic, or worse—so boring they get deleted before they’re even opened. But a great newsletter? Now, that’s a game-changer. Done right, it strengthens relationships, builds awareness, and inspires action.

So how do you create a newsletter that people actually want to read? Here’s the roadmap.

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Newsletter’s Purpose

Your newsletter shouldn’t just be a box you check off. Every issue needs a clear purpose tied to your nonprofit’s mission. Is it to:

• Keep donors engaged with impact stories?
• Recruit and retain volunteers?
• Rally support for an upcoming campaign?

If your newsletter doesn’t move the needle on your goals, it’s time to rethink it.

Step 2: Name It With Intention

“Monthly Bulletin” or “Nonprofit Newsletter” won’t cut it. Give it a name that reflects your organization’s personality and purpose. Make it memorable. And when it lands in someone’s inbox, they should immediately know it’s from you—so brand it with your logo and colors front and center.

Step 3: Craft Content That Captivates

People open newsletters for value, not fluff. Here’s what works:

• Compelling Stories: Bring your mission to life with real people and real impact. Instead of saying, “Our program helped 500 people,” tell the story of one person whose life was changed.
• Behind-the-Scenes: Show donors and volunteers what happens behind closed doors—whether it’s a day in the life of a staff member, an upcoming initiative, or a sneak peek at an event.
• Calls to Action: Every newsletter should give readers something to do. Donate, sign up, share—make the ask clear and easy.
• Milestones & Wins: Celebrate progress. Share anniversary moments, program growth, and major achievements. People want to see success.
• Faces, Not Just Facts: Highlight board members, staff, or volunteers with short, engaging bios and a great photo. Human connection matters.

Step 4: Find the Right Frequency

Consistency is more important than frequency. A well-crafted newsletter every two months beats a rushed one every month. Pick a cadence you can maintain—whether it’s monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly—and stick to it.

Step 5: Make It Easy to Read (and Act On!)

People don’t read—they skim. Make it effortless:

• Keep text short, punchy, and scannable.
• Use high-quality images to break up content.
• Choose clean, easy-to-read fonts that reflect your brand.
• Format it for mobile. If it’s clunky on a phone, no one’s reading it.

Step 6: Get It in Front of the Right People

Don’t let your newsletter disappear into the void. Get strategic with distribution:

• Email it with an engaging subject line—no one’s opening “Our October Update.”
• Share excerpts on social media to drive traffic to the full version.
• Print copies for in-person events or leave them in high-traffic community spaces.

Step 7: Be Patient—Engagement Takes Time

Your first few newsletters might not be blockbusters. That’s normal. Consistency builds trust, and over time, your audience will come to expect—and look forward to—your updates.

The bottom line? A newsletter isn’t just an email blast—it’s a relationship builder. Make it worth their time, and you’ll see the results.

Want More Nonprofit Growth Strategies?

Check out our Etsy Shop for exclusive resources and expert guidance from a nonprofit professional who gets it. Get access to trainings, templates, and strategies to help you grow, engage, and fundraise effectively.

Visit us today!

‍

Let’s be real—finding new donors can feel like trying to get someone to swipe right on your nonprofit. It’s nerve-wracking. Will they like us? Will they commit? Or will they ghost us after one gift?

But here’s the thing: new donors are the lifeblood of your nonprofit. Without them, your donor base shrinks, and so does your impact. So, how do you bring new folks into your circle and—more importantly—keep them around for the long haul? It starts with building relationships, not transactions.

Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Make Your Current Supporters Your Hype Team

Your most passionate supporters—your donors, volunteers, board members—already love you. So why not turn them into your recruitment squad? Ask them to invite friends, family, and coworkers to get involved. A personal invitation from someone they trust is worth way more than a slick email campaign.

And hey, a little incentive never hurts. Maybe a free tote bag, a shoutout on social media, or a “bring-a-friend” night at a volunteer event. People love to feel like insiders.

2. Build Your Email List (And Actually Use It Well)

Email is gold—when done right. Start collecting emails at every opportunity: at events, on your website, via social media.

But here’s the kicker: don’t just send boring newsletters. Welcome new subscribers with a killer email series that tells them who you are, why your work matters, and how they can be part of the magic. Make them feel like VIPs.

3. Your Website Shouldn’t Be a Maze

If someone lands on your website and has to dig through three menus to find the “donate” button, you’re losing them. Make it stupidly easy to give.

Pro tips:
✅ Mobile-friendly is non-negotiable.
✅ Keep your donation form short and sweet.
✅ Use pop-ups (sparingly!) to offer free resources in exchange for an email.

4. Use Social Media to Tell Stories, Not Just Ask for Money

If your social media posts are just “Donate now!” on repeat, you’re doing it wrong. Instead, tell stories. Show impact. Engage.

Find out where your audience hangs out (TikTok? LinkedIn? Facebook?) and focus your energy there. And for the love of all things good, don’t post and disappear. Reply to comments. Reshare posts from supporters. Treat it like a conversation, not a megaphone.

5. Do Your Homework: Prospect Research 101

Not all donors are created equal. Some might love your cause but only be able to give $10. Others could write a check that makes your jaw drop. How do you tell the difference? Research.

Look at who’s giving to similar organizations. Check public donor lists. But most importantly, start with your own donors. Who’s been consistently giving over time? Who’s engaged beyond just writing a check? Those are the folks you want to cultivate into major donors.

6. Partner with Businesses Who Actually Care

Corporate giving isn’t just for the mega-nonprofits. Small and mid-sized businesses in your community are often looking for ways to give back, and they’re much more approachable than, say, Apple.

Start small. Ask for in-kind donations, event sponsorships, or matching gifts. And don’t be shy about reminding them that good PR is part of the deal. Businesses love to be seen supporting local causes—help them help you.

7. Team Up with Other Nonprofits

No, the nonprofit next door isn’t your competition. They’re your potential collaborator. If your missions align, why not join forces for a fundraising event, a community initiative, or a social media campaign?

Example: An animal shelter and a local environmental group could team up to promote sustainable pet care. Cross-promotion = double the audience.

8. Don’t Forget About Your “One-and-Done” Donors

Ever had someone donate once and then disappear? Don’t assume they’re gone forever. They may just need a nudge.

Reach out with something meaningful:

• A quick story about how their past donation made a difference
• An invite to an event or volunteer opportunity
• A personal thank-you message that isn’t just a form letter

Show them that they weren’t just a dollar sign to you.

9. Host Events That Don’t Scream “Fundraiser”

New donors don’t want to feel like they’re walking into a high-pressure sales pitch. Instead, invite them to a “getting-to-know-you” event. Think open house, community panel, or even a low-key coffee chat. The goal? Let them see your work in action and connect with the people behind it.

Bonus tip: Follow up personally. A “thanks for coming” email is great, but a real conversation is better. Reference something they said at the event to show you were actually listening.

10. Treat Your Volunteers Like Future Donors

Did you know nearly half of all donors start out as volunteers? That’s because people give their time first, and when they see the impact firsthand, they’re more likely to give financially, too.

Make your volunteers feel valued. Tell them how their work is making a difference. Then, when the time is right, invite them to deepen their impact with a donation.

11. Your Board Members Should Be Door Openers

Your board isn’t just there to approve budgets—they’re your best networkers. They have connections to potential donors, corporate partners, and other big players in your community.

Give them tools to spread the word—talking points, success stories, even a simple email template they can send to their networks. Make it easy for them to champion your cause.

12. Get Your Nonprofit in the News

Local media loves a good story. Pitch a feel-good feature about your work to the newspaper, radio station, or even a local blogger. Highlight real people—your beneficiaries, your volunteers, your impact.

Don’t overthink it. “Nonprofit does good” is always a headline people want to read.

Final Thoughts

Finding new donors isn’t just about casting a wide net—it’s about making real, human connections. When people feel like they’re part of something bigger, they don’t just donate once. They stick around.

So, start with relationships. Build trust. Show impact. The money will follow.

And if all else fails? Remember: ask, ask again, and then ask one more time (nicely). Because your mission is worth it.

Want More Nonprofit Growth Strategies?

Check out our Etsy Shop for exclusive resources and expert guidance from a nonprofit professional who gets it. Get access to trainings, templates, and strategies to help you grow, engage, and fundraise effectively.

Visit us today!

‍