Fundraising

How to Promote a Fundraiser: Tips to Boost Awareness and Donations

Author: Marlena Moore

January 23, 2025

Contents

🕑 7 min read

Promoting a fundraiser might feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. But with the right strategies, you can get the word out effectively, attract donors and hit your goals. Whether running a small community event or a large-scale campaign, we’ll explain how to promote a fundraiser and maximize your reach in this article.

From leveraging social media to crafting compelling emails and tapping into local media outlets, you’ll learn simple tips to implement and deliver real results.

Basics of Fundraiser Promotion

Before getting into specific tactics, let’s go over the fundamentals. Think of these as the building blocks of your fundraising advertising efforts. If you lay a solid foundation, your promotion will stand a much better chance of success.

Website

Your fundraiser’s website is your digital headquarters. It should clearly explain your cause, make donating easy and feature all relevant event details. A donation button, a countdown timer for your event and compelling images or videos can make your website more engaging.

Social Media

Social media is one of the best tools for promoting your fundraiser. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn allow you to reach your audience where they already spend their time. Create posts that showcase your cause, share behind-the-scenes updates and encourage supporters to spread the word — and don’t forget to use event-specific hashtags to build momentum.

Email and Direct Mail

Email marketing is still one of the most cost-effective ways to reach your audience. Send personalized messages to your donor list with clear calls to action, updates on your progress and inspiring stories. Though often overlooked, direct mail can be a valuable addition to your fundraising advertising strategy, especially when targeting an older demographic.

Donors and Supporters

Your existing donors and supporters can become your greatest advocates. Ask them to share your campaign with their networks, provide testimonials about your impact and participate in your events. This kind of word-of-mouth promotion is priceless.

Storytelling

Storytelling gives your fundraiser a human touch. Share the stories of those who will benefit from your campaign, or highlight the passion and dedication of your volunteers. When people feel emotionally connected, they’re more likely to contribute.

Photos and Video

A picture is worth a thousand words — but a video can be even more impactful. Use videos to showcase your event, share thank-you messages from beneficiaries or give a behind-the-scenes look at your preparation. Content like this not only grabs attention but also builds trust.

Local Media

Never underestimate the power of local newspapers, radio stations and TV channels. They’re often more than eager to cover community events and initiatives. A good press release can help you get the necessary media coverage.

Paid Advertising

Sometimes, investing in paid advertising can give your campaign the boost it needs. Platforms like Meta (Facebook) Ads or Google Ads allow you to target specific demographics to reach the right audience. Keep your messaging concise and include a strong call to action.

Click through to claim your 60-day trial of WildApricot to create effective QR codes that will speed up event check-in.

How To Promote Your Fundraiser via Social Media

Social media promotion deserves its own spotlight because of its vast reach and potential. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Create a content calendar: Plan your posts in advance, including key dates like your fundraiser launch, milestones and reminders.
Leverage stories and reels: Short-form content like Instagram Stories or TikTok videos is highly engaging and easy to share.
Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, ask questions and create polls to keep your followers involved.
Partner with influencers: Collaborate with local influencers or well-known community members to amplify your reach.

How To Promote Your Fundraiser via Email Marketing

Email campaigns can make a significant impact when done right. Here’s how to get started:

Segment your list: Divide your contacts into groups based on factors like past giving, event attendance or demographics. This lets you send personalized messages that resonate.
Use attention-grabbing subject lines: A subject line that captivates can mean the difference between your email being opened or ignored.
Include clear CTAs: Include a prominent “Donate Now” button or link directing recipients to your fundraiser page.
Automate your campaigns: Certain platforms allow you to set up automated email sequences, saving you time and effort.

How To Promote Your Fundraiser via Direct Mail

While email is convenient, direct mail can leave a lasting impression. Here’s how to make your mail stand out:

Personalize it: Address your recipient by name and include handwritten notes or signatures.
Make it visual: Use high-quality images and a clean design to capture attention.
Include a return envelope: Making it easy for donors to send checks can significantly boost response rates.
Tie it to digital: Add a QR code or link that directs recipients to your fundraiser website for online giving.

How To Promote Your Fundraiser Through Your Community

Harnessing the power of your community can be a game-changer. Here’s how to tap into local networks:

Local media: Reach out to local newspapers and radio stations with a compelling press release. Highlight what makes your event newsworthy.
Donors and supporters: Mobilize your existing supporters to help spread the word. This can include sharing on social media, handing out flyers or hosting mini-events to promote your primary fundraiser.
Storytelling: Share testimonials, case studies and personal anecdotes that illustrate your cause’s impact. When people connect with a story, they’re more likely to act (donate!).

How To Promote Your Fundraiser Through Collaborations

Collaborations are excellent to expand your reach and bring fresh energy to your fundraiser. Partnering with local businesses, schools and organizations that share your goals can allow you to use their networks and resources.

Partner with Local Businesses

Local businesses are often keen to support nonprofit initiatives — especially when they align with their values or customer base. Approach them with a clear proposal outlining how the partnership benefits both parties. For example, a restaurant might host a “dine-to-donate” night, where a portion of sales goes toward your cause, or a local store could sponsor your event in exchange for promotion.

Leverage School and Club Partnerships

Clubs, schools and community groups are excellent allies for fundraisers. They often have enthusiastic members who can help with outreach, volunteer efforts or even performance opportunities during your event. Think about connecting with sports teams, art clubs or parent-teacher organizations. These partnerships create a ripple effect of engagement.

Involve Influencers in Your Community

Influencers aren’t just on social media. Look for prominent figures in your community, like local politicians, artists or business leaders. Their endorsement or participation can add credibility and draw attention to your fundraiser.

How To Promote Your Fundraiser With Google Ad Grants

If your nonprofit qualifies for Google Ad Grants, you could receive up to $10,000 monthly in free advertising credits to promote your cause. This program is a game-changer for nonprofits looking to increase their online visibility.

Craft Targeted Campaigns

Use Google Ad Grants to create ads targeting people in your area or those searching for related causes. For instance, an animal shelter could target “pet adoption near me” or “support animal shelters.”

Promote Donation Pages and Events

Google Ads can direct traffic to your event pages or donation forms, helping you raise awareness and funds simultaneously. Make sure your landing pages are optimized for conversions, with clear calls-to-action like “Donate Now” or “Join Our Event.”

Measure and Adjust

Track your ad performance to see what works and what doesn’t. Google Analytics and other tools can help you fine-tune your campaigns to maximize the impact. This may sound a little daunting if you’re not well-versed in digital marketing for nonprofits, but the rewards are worth it.

How Software Can Make Event Promotion Easier

Promoting a fundraiser can be overwhelming, especially when juggling multiple tasks. That’s where software solutions can help you, streamlining your efforts and saving time.

Centralized Email and Contact Management

A contact database makes it so much easier to segment your audience and send targeted emails. Whether reaching out to past donors or inviting new attendees, tools like email automation ensure your message gets to the right people.

Build a Membership Website

With a membership website builder, you can create a hub for your fundraiser. Share your story, event details and donation options in one easy-to-navigate space.

Streamlined Event Management

Managing registrations, tracking attendees and collecting payments doesn’t have to be a headache. Event management tools simplify the process, letting you focus on making your event memorable.

Online Store and Payment Processing

If your fundraiser includes merchandise or ticket sales, an online store with integrated payment processing can handle transactions smoothly. This feature reduces friction for donors and supporters, encouraging participation.

Real-Time Data Tracking

Monitor the success of your campaign with data tracking and reporting tools. Knowing what works lets you adjust your approach for better results next time.

Level Up Your Next Event With WildApricot

Ready to take the stress out of promoting your fundraiser? WildApricot offers everything you need to organize, promote and run successful fundraising events. From website building and email automation to payment processing and donor tracking, WildApricot simplifies the process so you can focus on what really matters: your cause.

Try WildApricot for free with a 60-day trial and discover how its features can make your fundraiser a success.