6 Tips for First-Time Fundraisers to Build Momentum & Boost Giving

Launching your first fundraiser can feel a little overwhelming. You have a fundraising goal to reach, new and past supporters to engage, and plenty of details to coordinate along the way. The key is to build momentum early and keep it going throughout your campaign. When supporters understand the impact their donations can make, see others getting involved, and have an easy way to give, they’re more likely to join in and support your cause. Here are six tips that will help you launch your fundraiser strong, keep the energy going, and reach your goal.

1. Set a Clear, Specific Goal

Before asking donors to give, make sure you can articulate what you're raising money for and why it matters. Setting specific, measurable goals helps donors see exactly what their contributions will support. When people understand the impact of their gift, they’re more likely to get involved and support your campaign. Here is how to break out your goals into achievable milestones.

• Pick a dollar amount you want to raise.

• Connect it to a tangible outcome (meals served, trees planted, kids helped).

• Set a deadline to create healthy urgency.

• Break it into milestones, like 25%, 50%, and 75%, so you can celebrate progress.

Every milestone is another opportunity to keep momentum going by celebrating wins, sharing progress, and showing supporters how their money is supporting the organization's mission.

2. Tap Into Your Network

When you're raising money for a school, nonprofit, sports team, or special cause, your warmest donors are the people who already know and trust you. This creates social proof, helping new donors feel more confident in your organization and more comfortable contributing.

How to reach out to supporters:

• Make a list of your top donors.

• Reach out personally by calling or sending them an email.

• Ask supporters to share your campaign with their family and friends.

• Post regular updates on the platforms where your donors and potential supporters are most active. You can even create a Facebook group to create a more personal sense of community where you and your supporters can connect and interact.

3. Tell a Powerful Story

Donors don't give because of statistics; they give because they connect with a story and feel inspired to make a difference. A strong story usually includes:

• A real person or a powerful moment that illustrates the need.

• A clear challenge your organization or school is facing.

• Why meeting the fundraising goal will make a big difference.

• A clear connection between the donor’s gift and the impact it makes.

4. Give Supporters More Than One Way to Donate

Offering different ways to donate can help you reach more people. Depending on your organization and audience, you can raise donations by:

• Direct donations via your website

• Silent or live auctions

• Raffles

• Fundraising events

• Corporate sponsorships

5. Maximize Giving With Matching Gifts

Matching gifts are an often overlooked opportunity for fundraisers, and they can double your impact fast. Examples of ways to implement matching gifts.

• Employer matching programs, where companies match donations made by their employees.

• A generous supporter willing to match gifts up to a set amount.

Remind your network that their gift can go twice as far through gift matching. Have a clear deadline to create a sense of urgency and encourage people to give.

6. Follow Up & Thank Every Donor

A donor’s contribution is an opportunity to strengthen your relationship and keep them connected to your school or organization’s mission. When you stay connected after a donation, you create opportunities to build lasting relationships and encourage future support.

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FAQs

• How can first-time fundraisers build momentum?

  Start promoting your fundraiser early, sharing progress updates, celebrating milestones, and encouraging your supporters to share the campaign with their family and friends. Early participation helps create excitement and builds momentum.

• What is the 80/20 rule in fundraising?

  The 80/20 rule suggests that roughly 80% of your fundraising results may come from 20% of your donors. Focus on building strong relationships with these key supporters while continuing to engage your broader donor base.

• What is the best way to keep donors engaged year-round?

  Consistent communication with your donors is important, so share updates on impact, progress, and success stories.

• How often should I contact donors?

  Many organizations send out monthly or quarterly updates, and additional emails during key campaigns or milestones.

• Why does social proof make people more likely to donate?

  Humans naturally look to the behavior of others when making decisions. Seeing friends, peers, or even strangers donate validates the choice and reduces hesitation. It creates trust and a sense of community.

• How can nonprofits encourage social proof?

  • Make sharing easy by adding social share buttons after someone has donated

  • Highlight donor stories and experiences

  • Show milestones and how far away you are from your goal

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