What is Fundraising?

"the organized activity of raising funds (as for a school, charity, or other cause)"

In other words, fundraising involves planning and executing strategies to gather financial support from individuals, businesses, foundations, or government entities. It can take many forms—including events, campaigns, grant writing, sponsorships, and online giving—all with the goal of supporting a specific mission or purpose.

Who needs fundraising?

Fundraising is essential for any individual, organization, or initiative that relies on external financial support to operate or grow. This includes:

• Nonprofit organizations – to fund programs, services, operations, and outreach

• Schools and educational institutions – for scholarships, classroom resources, and extracurricular activities

• Faith-based organizations – to support ministries, missions, and community aid

• Artists and creatives – to fund projects, exhibits, residencies, or community engagement

• Entrepreneurs and small businesses – especially social enterprises or startups seeking seed capital

• Community groups and grassroots movements – to drive change, advocacy, or local initiatives

• Medical and research institutions – to fund research, equipment, or patient care

• Students and individuals – for tuition assistance, study abroad, or personal development goals

In short, anyone with a mission, message, or project that needs financial backing to succeed can benefit from fundraising.

How to start to fundraise?

Starting to fundraise can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into steps makes it manageable and effective. Here’s how to get started:

1. Clarify Your Purpose
   Define exactly what you're raising money for. Be specific—people give when they understand the “why.” Is it for a new program, startup costs, supplies, or a community need?

2. Set a Fundraising Goal
   Know how much you need to raise and by when. Create a basic budget to back up your ask—it builds trust and shows you're serious.

3. Identify Your Audience
   Who cares about your cause or project? Think about your network, potential donors, local businesses, community groups, or grantmakers.

4. Choose Your Fundraising Method(s)
   Start with one or two approaches:

   • Crowdfunding (GoFundMe, Givebutter)

   • Hosting an event

   • Selling merchandise

   • Applying for grants

   • Direct donor outreach or email campaigns

5. Craft a Compelling Message
   Tell your story. Share the problem you’re solving, why it matters, and how the funds will be used. Authenticity and clarity go a long way.

6. Start Small and Build Momentum
   Begin with people who already know and trust you. Early support builds credibility and encourages others to give.

7. Promote and Engage
   Use social media, email, and word-of-mouth to share updates and celebrate milestones. Make it easy for people to give and stay involved.

8. Thank Your Donors and Share Impact
   Always thank your supporters—personally when possible. Follow up with how their contributions made a difference. Gratitude builds long-term support.

Fundraising is part strategy, part storytelling, and part relationship-building. Start where you are and grow step by step.

When to hire a Fundraiser?

Hiring a fundraiser is a smart step when your organization is ready to grow but doesn’t have the time, expertise, or capacity to manage fundraising efforts effectively. Here are key signs it might be time:

• You’re missing funding opportunities
  If grants go unwritten, donors go uncontacted, or events get delayed due to lack of time or know-how, a fundraiser can help you seize those opportunities.

• You need consistent revenue
  A fundraiser brings strategy and structure to your development efforts—creating sustainable streams of income instead of one-off donations or emergency appeals.

• Your programs are growing faster than your funding
  Expansion is exciting, but without funding to support it, growth can stall. A fundraiser ensures your financial resources grow with your impact.

• You want to diversify your income
  Relying too heavily on one source (like a single donor or grant) is risky. A fundraiser helps you build a more balanced, stable funding portfolio.

• You need a strategy, not just short-term help
  A professional fundraiser can develop a long-term fundraising plan, cultivate donor relationships, and align your messaging with funding goals.

Ultimately, you should hire a fundraiser when the return on investment—whether in time saved, funds raised, or strategic clarity—outweighs the cost. It's not just about raising money; it’s about building a foundation for lasting impact.