15 Online Fundraising Ideas That Actually Work in 2025

Fundraising has gone digital, and 2025 is all about smarter, more engaging strategies. With 67.5% of the world online and donations growing 42% in recent years, nonprofits need to adapt to these trends. Here are the 15 most effective tactics for online fundraising this year:

• Virtual Events: Cost-effective and interactive with features like live polls, auctions, and gamification.
• Crowdfunding: Focus on strong storytelling, videos, and progress updates to boost results.
• Supporter-Led Campaigns: Empower your community to fundraise with easy-to-use tools and personal stories.
• Social Media Campaigns: Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn for targeted, shareable content.
• Monthly Giving Programs: Build steady funding by offering recurring donation options.
• Mobile Donations: Text-to-donate campaigns with simple keywords and mobile-friendly forms.
• Online Auctions: Combine excitement and convenience with digital bidding platforms.
• Knowledge Events: Host webinars or workshops to educate and connect with donors.
• Collaborations with Creators: Partner with influencers to reach new audiences.
• Gamified Giving: Add leaderboards, badges, and challenges to encourage donations.
• Gift Matching: Leverage corporate programs to double contributions.
• Thank-You Videos: Personalized appreciation videos to boost donor retention.
• Online Stores: Sell branded merchandise or digital goods to raise funds.
• Volunteer Stories: Share impactful volunteer experiences to inspire donations.
• Optimized Websites: Use mobile-friendly designs, recurring donation options, and clear calls-to-action.

Why These Work

• Personalization: Tailor messages and campaigns to individual donors.
• Transparency: Show how donations make an impact.
• Multi-Platform Reach: Engage across social media, email, and mobile.

With these strategies, nonprofits can grow their donor base, increase revenue, and build stronger connections.

Best Nonprofit Fundraiser Ideas for 2025

1. Online Events That Drive Results

Virtual events are proving to be a game-changer for donor engagement while keeping costs in check. They offer a way to achieve measurable success without the traditional overhead.

Take Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) as an example. In 2021, they hosted two virtual galas that streamed globally, bringing in $1.6 million from 1,100 donors. Impressively, 840 of those donors were contributing for the first time.

To replicate such success, focus on these critical elements:

Interactive Features

• Live polls
• Q&A sessions
• Breakout rooms
• Gamification
• Live performances
• Social media challenges

Revenue Strategies

• Tiered ticket options
• Corporate sponsorships
• Online auctions
• Merchandise sales
• Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns

Another great example is the Boy Scouts' Heart of America Council. They turned their annual luncheon into a virtual event by combining pre-recorded content, live streaming, and peer-to-peer fundraising. The result? They smashed their $620,000 goal, raising over $700,000.

Ensuring Technical Reliability

To keep your audience engaged, your tech setup needs to run smoothly. Here's a quick checklist:

• Use a dependable streaming platform
• Conduct thorough technical rehearsals
• Provide clear instructions for attendees
• Offer real-time tech support during the event
• Record sessions for on-demand access later

Adding hybrid elements can also boost results. For instance, Pan CAN quickly adapted its 'PurpleStride' walk to a virtual format within just 12 days, raising over $172,000. This kind of flexibility can help you reach your goals even in challenging situations.

2. Setting Up Effective Crowdfunding

Using digital tools and smart engagement strategies can make a big difference in crowdfunding success in 2025. With campaigns averaging $7,000 in contributions, careful planning and execution are essential.

Campaign Planning Framework

Create a 60-day plan with a 10-day period focused on execution. Set a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Based) that clearly explains how each donation will make an impact.

First Week Success Strategy

Reaching 30% of your goal during the first week significantly increases your chances of success. Get board members and staff involved as early donors, use matching gifts to create urgency, and rally core supporters before launching.

Crafting a Strong Story

Campaigns with videos raise four times more than those without. Center your story around two key questions: Why now? and Why us?

The Power of Progress Updates

Keeping donors updated regularly can lead to better results. Campaigns that share updates every five days raise three times more than those that don’t. Focus on updates that highlight:

• Key milestones
• Stories showing the impact of donations
• Recognition of donors
• Progress toward your goal

Key Fundraising Windows

Nearly half (42%) of all funds are raised during two critical times: the first three days and the last three days of a campaign. Use these periods to build momentum and keep donors engaged.

Engagement Tips

Provide your brand ambassadors with pre-made posts, graphics, statistics, and testimonials to help spread the word easily.

"Crowdfunding is a way to raise money through a collective effort of your organization and your constituents. It allows your organization to tap into the collective efforts of a large group of individuals and leverages their network for greater reach and exposure." – DonorPerfect

Turn one-time donors into long-term supporters by creating a dedicated post-campaign welcome series.

3. Supporter-Led Fundraising Programs

Using modern digital tools, nonprofits can empower their supporters to take charge of fundraising efforts. In 2025, DIY fundraising is an effective way to grow your donor base by tapping into personal networks. This method involves a series of practical steps to encourage grassroots fundraising efforts.

Building a Strong Foundation

Set up an easy-to-use online platform that allows supporters to create their own fundraising campaigns. Include features like customizable templates and branded pages that reflect your organization's identity while allowing personal touches. Add tools like real-time tracking and automated welcome emails to make the process seamless.

Providing the Right Tools

Equip fundraisers with everything they need to succeed. This includes marketing materials, social media templates, impact stories, and guides on best practices. Automated text notifications can also help keep supporters engaged throughout their campaigns.

Organizations that provide these resources often see impressive results.

Success Stories That Inspire

The Autism Community in Action (TACA) demonstrated how personal storytelling can drive supporter-led campaigns. Through community fundraising, they reached nearly 55,000 families. For example, the #TeamJordan campaign raised over $22,000 from just 87 donors by sharing a heartfelt story about living with autism.

Boosting Engagement with Technology

Integrated platforms make supporter-led fundraising easier by streamlining donations and reaching more people across multiple channels.

"You wouldn't believe the support we saw from the community! Because of OneCause Online Fundraising, everyone was all able to jump right in, build personalized pages, and start fundraising."
– Gildren Bengoa, Tasis Dorado School

The Power of Storytelling

DIY campaigns thrive on clear, engaging stories. For example, a campaign in Africa raised $324,000 by focusing on storytelling: explaining the process, sharing the organization’s mission, and showcasing real examples of success. Ranan L. used this approach for a Bar Mitzvah tzedakah campaign, rallying 174 donors. To keep this momentum, automated support can play a big role in keeping fundraisers motivated.

Automating Support for Fundraisers

As digital fundraising evolves, automation is becoming a key tool. Features like welcome emails for new fundraisers, milestone celebrations, regular updates, and timely reminders can make a big difference. In fact, 78% of nonprofits now use email automation for fundraising. World Bicycle Relief is a great example - April and Michael Joyce raised enough funds to provide 342 bikes through their Trois Etapes Giro challenge, thanks to an automated support system.

4. Social Media Fundraising Campaigns

Social media platforms are a game-changer for nonprofits looking to expand their reach and increase donations in 2025. With people spending an average of 2.5 hours daily on social media, nonprofits have a direct line to potential donors.

Here’s how to make the most of it.

Choosing the Right Platforms

Different platforms work better for different goals. Here’s a quick breakdown:

By tailoring your content to each platform’s strengths, you can reach the right audience more effectively.

Creating Engaging Content

Visuals are the secret sauce for higher engagement. Posts with images get 85% more interactions on Facebook and 35% more retweets on Twitter. Here are some content ideas:

• Share behind-the-scenes videos or updates from staff
• Use visual thermometers to show campaign progress
• Consistently include branded hashtags
• Tie your content to trending topics related to your cause

These tactics set the stage for campaigns that can truly take off.

Viral Success in Action

A perfect example of social media’s potential is the ALS Association’s #IceBucketChallenge. This simple, shareable campaign raised over $90 million by combining a fun challenge with a clear call to action.

Boosting Engagement

Consistency and creativity go a long way. Here are some tips:

• Post updates at least three times a week
• Highlight donor stories and share impact reports
• Create urgency with countdowns
• Publicly acknowledge contributors (with their permission)

Tracking Success

To understand what’s working, track these metrics:

• Donation conversion rates
• Engagement (likes, shares, comments)
• New donors acquired
• Reach of campaign hashtags
• Average donation size

Keeping Donors in the Loop

Once you’ve got their attention, keep donors engaged with regular updates, such as:

• Progress and milestone achievements
• Media coverage or press mentions
• Stories that show the impact of their contributions
• Personal thank-you messages

Social media isn’t just about raising funds - it’s about building lasting relationships with your supporters. By staying active and engaging, you can turn one-time donors into lifelong advocates.

5. Monthly Giving Programs

Once you've tackled event-based and one-time donation strategies, it's time to focus on creating a steady stream of support. Monthly giving programs are essential for consistent funding, with recurring donations boosting revenue by 40% as more donors opt for this model.

Setting Up Your Program

To establish a successful monthly giving program, ensure your systems:

• Allow automatic monthly billing
• Support easy plan adjustments
• Accept various payment methods (credit cards, PayPal, ACH)
• Use mobile-friendly forms
• Provide secure payment processing

Why Monthly Giving Works

Monthly donations outperform one-time gifts in several key areas:

Making Your Program Stand Out

Organizations are finding creative ways to attract monthly donors:

• Build Branded Communities
  charity:water's "The Spring" is a great example of turning a monthly giving program into an exclusive and well-recognized community.
• Highlight Tangible Impact
  My360Project demonstrates how a $35 monthly gift can provide one pair of shoes, making the donor's contribution feel direct and meaningful.
• Offer Exclusive Perks
  The APGA (Advocates Professional Golf Association) rewards monthly donors with special event access and unique content.

Keeping Donors Engaged

To maintain strong relationships with monthly donors:

• Send personalized updates showing their impact
• Celebrate milestones like anniversaries
• Share behind-the-scenes content
• Offer early access to events or reports
• Foster a sense of community through interactive opportunities

"The 'subscription economy' is continuing to skyrocket... Consumers want subscription models because they enable authentic ongoing engagement that we, modern consumers, desire. There's a reason that we're seeing the growth of recurring giving in our sector because it's how we're purchasing products as well." – Dana Snyder, Positive Equation

These practices help reinforce donor loyalty and boost long-term support.

Growing Your Program

To scale your monthly giving program, focus on:

• Setting recurring donations as the default option on forms
• Tailoring communications based on donor history
• Automating welcome emails and follow-ups
• Experimenting with different messaging and incentives
• Encouraging donors to increase their contributions annually by 10-20%

These strategies ensure a reliable and growing source of funding.

6. Mobile Donation Systems

Mobile donation systems have transformed digital fundraising by making it easier and faster for people to give. With an impressive 98% open rate and an average donation of $107, these systems are a must-have for nonprofits in 2025.

Setting Up Your Mobile Donation System

To run a successful text-to-donate campaign, focus on these key elements:

Success Stories and Results

The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation is a great example of how effective these campaigns can be. By asking donors to text "STEVE" to 91999, they raised $1,013,102 from 43,990 donors. Even better, 86% of pledges were fulfilled.

Maximizing Mobile Engagement

Text messaging isn’t just for donation requests anymore. Nonprofits are using it in creative ways to boost engagement:

• Personalized Messages: Tailor messages based on donor segments to make them feel more connected.
• Visual Content: Adding images or videos can increase donations by up to 400%.
• Consistent Updates: Keep donors in the loop with regular updates - 76% of supporters appreciate text reminders.

"Using text-to-donate has been a no-brainer simply for the fact that mobile donations are supplemental to existing sources of revenue and will help us reach a new generation of donors."
– Marc Bonner, Development Director, Boy Scouts of America

Once you’ve nailed these strategies, explore platforms that can support your mobile fundraising efforts.

Platform Investment Considerations

Here’s a quick look at what text-to-donate platforms might cost in 2025:

Campaign Optimization Tips

To get the most out of your text-to-donate campaigns:

• Track Metrics: Keep an eye on unsubscribe rates, open rates, and conversions to fine-tune your approach.
• Promote Everywhere: Display your donation keyword across all your marketing channels.
• Test First: Run through the donation process with your team to ensure everything works smoothly.

For example, the United States Equestrian Team Foundation raised $38,000 with a text-to-vote campaign. Each $5 donation counted as a vote, showing how creative approaches can drive results.

Building Long-Term Success

Once your campaign is running smoothly, focus on keeping donors engaged for the long haul. Nonprofits saw a 40% increase in mobile message volume in 2023, so it’s more important than ever to build lasting relationships. Regular updates, impact stories, and clear calls to action can help you create meaningful connections with your supporters.

7. Digital Charity Auctions

Digital tools have transformed how charities raise funds, and online auctions are a great way to engage donors while keeping things convenient. These auctions combine the thrill of bidding with the ease of online participation.

Key Setup Elements

• Starting Bids: Typically set at 30–40% of an item's market value to encourage participation.
• Bid Increments: Keep these small to maintain steady engagement.
• Item Variety: Offer a mix of experiences and products to attract a broad range of donors.
• Mobile Access: Use push notifications to keep bidders updated in real time.
• Payment Processing: Automate checkout to make payments hassle-free.

Choosing the Right Platform

Here’s a quick look at some popular platforms and their features:

• ClickBid: Costs $795/year and includes mobile bidding and live updates.
• Charity Auctions Today: Priced at $297/event with a free basic plan and automated alerts.
• Auctria: Starting at $350, it offers a wide range of tools specifically for nonprofits.

Once you’ve selected a platform, focus on keeping bidders engaged throughout the event.

Tips for Keeping Bidders Engaged

Bundle items creatively to make packages more appealing. For example, turn a basic dinner package into an "Ultimate Evening Out" by including high-end restaurant vouchers, theater tickets, and luxury car service.

Simplify the Auction Process

• Promote the event across multiple channels ahead of time.
• Make registration fast and easy with digital tools.
• Enable mobile bidding with instant notifications.
• Automate payments for a smoother checkout experience.
• Follow up immediately with personalized messages.

Adding Live Streaming

Live streaming can enhance remote participation by offering:

• Real-time bid updates.
• Commentary from a live auctioneer.
• Chat features for bidder interaction.
• Instant notifications for winning bids.

These interactive features make the event more engaging and set the stage for effective follow-ups.

Post-Auction Steps

Once the event wraps up, notify winners, process payments automatically, thank sponsors, and share updates on how the funds will be used.

Smart Technology Investments

When choosing auction tools, focus on features that make bidding easy and engaging:

• Mobile Bidding: Allows participation from anywhere.
• Text Notifications: Keeps bidders updated and competitive.
• Live Analytics: Provides real-time insights into performance.
• Automated Receipts: Simplifies record-keeping for donors.

8. Knowledge-Sharing Events

Knowledge-sharing events combine educational opportunities with donor engagement, creating a unique way to support your cause. By hosting virtual events that provide value, you can turn your expertise into a powerful fundraising tool.

Setting Up Knowledge Events

Choose event formats that align with your mission and audience:

• Expert Panels: Invite industry leaders to discuss meaningful topics.
• Workshops: Teach practical skills tied to your cause.
• Q&A Sessions: Facilitate interactive discussions with experts.
• Case Studies: Highlight real-world impact with compelling stories.

Choosing the Right Platform

The platform you select can make or break the experience. Here's a quick comparison of popular options:

Pick a platform that fits your event goals and audience needs.

Boosting Engagement

Make your event interactive and impactful by focusing on donor involvement. Here are some ideas:

• Use live polls to engage your audience during presentations.
• Enable chat for real-time questions and discussions.
• Include hands-on demonstrations to keep things dynamic.
• Provide downloadable resources for added value.
• Incorporate donation links throughout the session.

Technical Setup

A smooth technical setup is key to a successful event. Here's what to focus on:

• Run multiple dry tests to work out any kinks.
• Test all interactive features like polls or Q&A tools.
• Record the session for those who can’t attend live.
• Set up automated payment systems for donations.
• Share clear, step-by-step instructions for joining the event.

Pricing Options

Offer tiered pricing to attract a wider audience while maximizing contributions:

• Basic Access: Free entry with an optional donation.
• Premium Tier: Includes bonus materials or exclusive content.
• VIP Package: Offers perks like one-on-one time with experts.
• Sliding Scale: Flexible pricing to accommodate different budgets.

Payment processors like Stripe can simplify donation collection during the event.

Keeping the Momentum

Don’t let the connection end when the event does. Keep your audience engaged by:

• Sharing event recordings with attendees.
• Sending additional resources or follow-up content.
• Planning future events to maintain interest.
• Building a community around your cause.
• Analyzing engagement data to refine your approach.

These steps can help turn a single event into a long-term engagement strategy.

9. Working With Online Creators

Teaming up with online creators can expand your fundraising efforts significantly. By 2025, collaborations with creators are central to successful nonprofit campaigns, offering fresh ways to engage potential donors. Here's how to find and work with creators who share your mission.

Finding the Right Partners

Choose creators whose values align with your mission. Here’s a breakdown of influencer tiers to consider:

Building Genuine Relationships

The San Francisco Marin Food Bank showed how impactful targeted outreach can be. They connected with mommy and food bloggers who naturally resonated with their mission. By focusing on micro-influencers, they boosted awareness and saw more donors getting involved.

"When you have a compelling story that is actionable, and tell the right people – influence happens." - Leigh Durst

Engagement Strategy

• Research: Follow creators and interact with their content before reaching out.
• Communicate: Be clear about expectations, including posts, content type, and any compensation.
• Offer Value: Share exclusive opportunities, like behind-the-scenes access, to strengthen the partnership.

Measuring Success

Keep track of these metrics to measure how well your partnerships are working:

• Growth in followers
• Donations linked to the campaign
• Engagement rates
• Overall campaign reach
• Conversion rates

Using dedicated tools can make managing these collaborations much easier.

Platform Management

Platforms like GRIN can help you manage relationships, monitor campaigns, and analyze results effectively.

Best Practices

Encourage your staff to advocate for your cause online - posts from employees generate eight times more engagement than those from the organization itself. Just as digital events and mobile donations increase participation, creator partnerships can amplify your campaign’s reach.

"Any social media network of value grows organically, not artificially. But just because you can't force or buy growth doesn't mean you can't nurture it." - Eric T. Tung

Maintaining Transparency

Be upfront about how funds will be used, along with timelines, goals, and measurable results. This openness builds trust with creators and their audiences, helping your campaigns succeed.

10. Interactive Giving Campaigns

Interactive giving campaigns incorporate game-like features to boost engagement and encourage donations.

Proven Success Stories

The Derby Duck Fundraiser highlights how interactive campaigns can make a huge impact. Since 1988, this program has generated over $280 million for various causes. In 2023, organizations such as Special Olympics Illinois and Broome County Humane Society surpassed their duck adoption goals using this fun and engaging approach.

Key Gaming Elements

Add these interactive features to your fundraising efforts to enhance participation:

Designing Effective Campaigns

To create successful interactive campaigns, focus on these essentials:

1. Clear Objectives: Set specific fundraising and engagement goals.
2. Simple Mechanics: Keep participation easy to understand.
3. Balanced Challenge: Offer goals that are challenging yet achievable.
4. Visible Progress: Use visuals to show how the campaign is advancing.

Virtual Event Integration

By combining interactive features with virtual events, you can further energize donor participation. The Z Event is a great example. This Twitch-based video game streaming marathon blends entertainment with charity, demonstrating how gaming mechanics can drive donations.

"We don't have words to express our gratitude to the wonderful GAME team for all the assistance before, during and after our event. We could not have done it without them. They were always very quick to respond and help when we needed it."
– Paula DiGrigoli, Executive Director, NCH Safe & Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier County

Optimization Strategies

Modern tools can enhance your interactive campaigns. The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, for instance, saw a spike in recurring donations after introducing gamified elements. Maggie McBride, their Digital Marketing Manager, shared: "The recurring upsell has been a game-changer for us. We've seen a huge uptick in recurring donations".

Performance Tracking

Track these metrics to evaluate your campaign's success:

• Donor participation rates
• Average donation size
• Time spent engaging
• Social media shares
• Conversion rates

Analyzing these data points helps refine and improve future fundraising strategies.

11. Gift Matching Programs

Gift matching programs present a huge opportunity for fundraising. Each year, between $4–$7 billion in matching gift funds go unclaimed, making it crucial for nonprofits to adopt strategies that tap into this resource.

Top Corporate Matching Programs

Several major companies offer matching gift programs with generous limits. Here are a few examples:

Success Stories

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers a great example of how matching gift programs can succeed. By using automated tools, they uncovered over $2.4 million in match-eligible donations in just one year. Their email campaign saw a 52% open rate, with 56% of donors accessing matching gift forms or guidelines.

Maximizing Match Opportunities

Boost your results by following these steps:

1. Integrate tools into donation forms
The Lung Cancer Research Foundation saw a 27% increase in matching gift revenue after incorporating Double the Donation into their forms.

2. Train your team
Educate your staff on how to promote matching gift opportunities. Nonprofits using Double the Donation have seen results that are 200% above the industry average.

3. Automate tracking
Streamlining the tracking process can increase submission rates from 10–20% to as high as 60–90%.

Donor Communication Strategies

Did you know 84% of donors contribute more when a match is available? Use these tactics to boost engagement:

• Add reminders about matching gifts in confirmation emails.
• Include a matching gift search tool on your website.
• Share success stories on social media.
• Use hashtags like #DoubleYourDonation to expand your reach.

These simple communication strategies can help improve participation and awareness.

Tracking and Optimization

To measure the impact of your matching gift program, focus on these metrics:

• Total match-eligible donations identified
• Submission rates for matching gift requests
• Average processing time for matches
• Total revenue from matching gifts

"We love that Double the Donation Matching easily integrates with GiveCampus for our crowdfunding campaigns. We saw a huge spike in matching gifts after implementing it for our Day of Giving, and this integration has made it easy to increase our revenue without requiring additional staff resources." - Senior Director of Annual Giving, Marietta College

12. Donor Recognition Videos

Personalized thank-you videos can significantly improve donor engagement. In fact, 93% of donors are more likely to give again when they feel promptly acknowledged. These videos work as a great addition to your digital strategy by building a stronger connection with supporters through personalized appreciation.

Key Elements for Effective Videos

When creating donor recognition videos, focus on these essentials:

• Personal Touch: Address the donor by name and reference their specific contribution.
• Impact Story: Show how their donation is making a difference.
• Natural Tone: Keep the message conversational and unscripted.
• Quick Turnaround: Send the video within 48 hours of receiving the donation.
• Brevity: Keep it under two minutes for maximum engagement.

Real-Life Success Stories

Here’s how some organizations have achieved great results with donor videos:

Creative Video Applications

With first-time donor retention rates at just 19% in 2020, personalized videos can make a big difference. Use them to celebrate milestones for first-time contributors, recurring donors, and major supporters.

For larger gifts, consider including:

• Updates on specific projects
• Testimonials from beneficiaries
• Messages from leadership

Tips for Crafting Memorable Videos

"Donors pay the most attention to the thank-you communication."

• Professor Jen Shang, PhD, Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy

To make your videos stand out:

• Skip the script - keep it genuine.
• Highlight the impact through real stories from beneficiaries.
• Use props like whiteboards to display donor names.
• Include your contact details for a personal touch.
• Mix in footage, photos, and testimonials for variety.

These thoughtful touches can help foster deeper connections and make your donors feel truly valued.

Measuring Video Impact

Track these metrics to gauge the success of your videos:

• Open rates
• Average view duration
• Response rates
• Follow-up donations
• Improvements in donor retention

For example, The Juilliard School has seen success with student-created thank-you videos for their education donors.

"It takes me less time to do a personal video than to write and edit letters that are not as personal. My donors are super impressed with my Gratavids and mention they have never felt so seen and appreciated."

• Mike Salley, Show Mercy International

13. Online Store Fundraising

Online stores have become an essential tool for engaging donors and generating revenue. By selling digital merchandise, organizations can increase income while boosting brand visibility - making this approach highly effective in 2025.

Setting Up Your Store for Success

To create a successful online store, focus on these key areas:

Product Selection

• Branded clothing and accessories
• Custom items with mission-related messages
• Event ticket bundles
• Sponsorship packages

Store Organization
Group items into themed collections. For instance, offering merchandise tied to specific campaigns can drive more sales.

Maximizing Sales Through Social Integration

Social media integration can significantly enhance your store's performance. Take Heal the Bay, for example - they introduced their "Reusable Goods Collection" on Instagram and Facebook storefronts, allowing supporters to purchase eco-friendly products directly through these platforms.

Smart Pricing Strategies

Use these pricing tactics to attract more donors:

• Bundle Packages: Offer discounts on multi-item sets.
• Tiered Pricing: Cater to different donor levels with varied price points.
• Limited Editions: Launch exclusive items for specific campaigns.
• Membership Perks: Reward recurring supporters with special discounts.

"Whether you are selling t-shirts, coffee mugs, or event sponsorships, you can list any item with your own title, description, and image, for a stated price or suggested donation amount." - Givsum

Success Story: Trek Relief

Trek Relief took their fundraising to the next level with a personalized merchandise program. Donors could customize thank-you gifts, creating a stronger emotional connection. They also streamlined their operations by automating processes with Zapier.

Best Practices for Store Management

Inventory Control

• Use on-demand printing to cut costs.
• Partner with fulfillment services for smoother operations.
• Monitor top-selling items to guide future decisions.

Donor Service

• Add personalized thank-you notes to orders.
• Clearly communicate shipping timelines.
• Include details about tax-deductible amounts.

Marketing Strategy

• Announce new products through email campaigns.
• Share impact stories alongside product promotions.
• Time product launches with relevant events for maximum exposure.

Measuring Store Performance

To refine your store's performance, track these metrics:

14. Volunteer Success Stories

Sharing volunteer success stories has become a powerful way to boost online fundraising in 2025. Just like donor stories build trust, showcasing volunteer achievements highlights the real-world impact of your organization’s efforts.

Turning Experiences Into Stories

Digital storytelling can turn volunteer experiences into engaging and shareable narratives. For example, The Literacy Pirates, a nonprofit in London, creates videos featuring volunteer advice and offers both physical and digital badges to celebrate milestone achievements.

Key Elements That Inspire Donations

To make these stories resonate, focus on these important components:

• Mission Connection: Highlight how volunteers directly contribute to your organization’s goals, helping potential donors see the difference their support makes.
• Recognition: Celebrate volunteer achievements in ways that also drive fundraising, such as:

These strategies not only honor volunteers but also encourage donations by showcasing measurable impact.

Real-Life Success Stories

Cannonball Kids' Cancer Foundation raised over $27,000 by creating personalized fundraising pages. Each page tied every mile run to a specific child’s story, which was shared widely on social media.

The Bululu Well Project exceeded its $7,000 fundraising goal by keeping supporters engaged through updates. CEO Josh Chalmers credited the platform’s tools, saying:

"[Givebutter] gave us the tools to build a community of givers".

Streamlining Story Collection With Digital Tools

Digital tools make it easier to gather and share volunteer stories. Evans Consulting, for instance, automated their process and collected over 750 impact stories, which they used to improve their volunteer onboarding process.

Tips for Capturing Great Stories

Collect testimonials right after key achievements. Use short written or video formats to highlight measurable outcomes.

"Narratives increase oxytocin production in the brain, enhancing empathy and trust - two qualities that are essential in volunteer engagement and retention." - Dr. Paul Zak

15. Website Donation Tools

To turn online engagement into contributions, it's essential to fine-tune your website's donation tools. A well-placed and easy-to-use donation tool can significantly increase donations.

Smart Button Placement

When Network for Good switched its donate button from gray to red, donations went up by 30%. Position your donation button in the top-right corner, above the fold, and make it stand out with a bright, contrasting color. It should also be larger than other navigation elements.

Besides design, ensure your donation process works smoothly on mobile devices.

Mobile-First Design

With about 57% of nonprofit website traffic coming from mobile devices, a mobile-friendly design is crucial. For instance, The Salvation Army UK saw a 49% conversion rate by using mobile-responsive donation forms.

Clear, action-oriented text on donation buttons can also make a big impact.

Language That Converts

The text on your donation button matters. Here's how different wording has affected conversions:

Monthly Giving Integration

Adding a recurring donation option can encourage long-term support. On average, monthly donors contribute $948 per year.

Advanced Features That Drive Results

"Fundraise Up is simple to use, and I love how easily it integrates with Google Analytics." – Isabel Melotti, World Hope International

Consider adding features like one-click donations, multiple payment options, visual goal trackers, matching gift tools, mobile-friendly forms, and strong security measures.

Testing for Optimization

"We've seen fewer abandoned donations and increased coverage of transaction fees." – Sandra Fasules, Director of Digital Engagement and Response

Experiment with elements like button color, form length, suggested donation amounts, and recurring donation prompts to find what works best.

These upgrades work hand-in-hand with other strategies, ensuring your website turns every interaction into an opportunity to engage donors.

Conclusion

In 2025, online fundraising is advancing rapidly. Individual giving is expected to grow by 3.4% this year, opening new doors for nonprofits to expand their impact.

Prioritize Recurring Giving

Recurring donors contribute up to 42% more annually and maintain a 78% retention rate. This highlights the importance of strengthening monthly giving programs to secure consistent support.

Use Data to Make Smarter Decisions

Organizations that rely on data-driven strategies often see performance boosts of up to 20%. Tools like CRM analytics, donor surveys, and AI-powered personalization can help track donor behavior, improve engagement, and enhance response rates. These methods work alongside traditional fundraising tactics to ensure every campaign delivers results.

Build Corporate Partnerships

Many Fortune 500 companies now offer matching gift programs and publish CSR reports, making corporate partnerships a valuable resource. Focus on connecting with businesses that align with your mission. These partnerships can boost current fundraising efforts and lay the groundwork for future donor relationships.

"We're not out of the woods yet. In 2025, making the most out of your existing and new individual donors will be critical." - Lindsey Baker Bower, Donorbox

Plan for the Future

The Great Wealth Transfer is projected to move $124 trillion over the next 23 years, with $18 trillion expected to benefit nonprofits. To prepare, consider developing planned giving programs, engaging younger generations, and accepting alternative currencies and stock donations.

Digital communication is seen as essential by 89% of nonprofits, while 92% believe AI can enhance user engagement. Combined with the 15 strategies outlined earlier, these tools offer a clear path for digital fundraising success. By implementing these approaches and monitoring their impact, your organization can secure consistent funding and advance its mission.

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