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If you’re a nonprofit professional who’s never done fundraising before, diving into this world can feel intimidating. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be an expert to start raising money effectively.
With a few simple steps and the right tools, you can start bringing in donations, building relationships with supporters, and growing your organization’s impact.
This guide to fundraising 101 is designed to take you from zero to confident in just five actionable steps. Whether you’re wondering how to start fundraising or looking for a gentle push to get going, you’re in the right place.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Change Your Mindset — It’s OK to Ask
Before you send your first email or post your first appeal, you need to shift your thinking.
If the idea of asking for money makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Many nonprofit professionals—especially those new to the field—worry about seeming pushy or intrusive. But here’s the reality: fundraising is not begging. It’s an invitation to make a difference.
Your organization exists to solve a problem or meet a need. Donors want to be part of that solution. When you ask for support, you’re giving them a chance to do something meaningful with their money.
That’s BIG.
And here’s something to keep in mind: People are already spending money every single day—on Amazon, at Starbucks, on subscriptions, takeout, and countless little conveniences. The fact is, people have money to spend and what you’re offering is an opportunity to do something bigger with that money—Something with lasting impact.
You are not asking for yourself—you’re asking for the cause. And that cause deserves support. Start believing that!
So as you learn how to start fundraising, remind yourself: It’s not just OK to ask—it’s essential.
Step 2: Get Your Donation Page Ready
Once your mindset is in the right place, it’s time to get practical. The first thing you need is a place for people to give.
A high-quality donation page is crucial to converting interest into action. Here are a few quick tips to get yours ready
- Keep it clean and simple: Avoid clutter. Highlight your mission and how donations help.
- Make it mobile-friendly: A large percentage of people will visit your site on their phones.
- Add a “Donate” button to the top right corner of your website: This is where people naturally look for it.
- Tell a story: Use a short blurb that includes your value proposition, or a testimonial that shows donors the impact of their gift.
If your donation page isn’t easy to find or use, you’ll lose potential support before you even get started. This is a foundational piece of nonprofit fundraising 101.
Step 3: Use Social Media (Smartly)
Social media can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Here’s the trick: start small. Pick one or two platforms where your donors are likely to be (like Facebook or Instagram), and focus your energy there.
What should you post? Think mission-driven and donor-focused:
- Share stories of impact
- Post updates from the field
- Introduce team members
- Celebrate donors
- Invite people to give
Always include a link to your donation page. That’s a golden rule in fundraising for nonprofits.
Need help coming up with content? Try our free AI Social Media Post Generator to save time and generate compelling posts in seconds.
You don’t have to go viral—just be consistent, authentic, and mission-focused.
Step 4: Launch a Newsletter
Building relationships with donors is just as important as raising money. One of the best ways to stay connected is through a monthly email newsletter.
Think of it as your organization’s “highlight reel.” Share updates, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and stories that show your impact.
People give to causes they feel connected to. A newsletter helps keep your mission top of mind and builds trust over time.
Here’s how to get started:
- Choose a simple email platform (Mailchimp or Substack are great).
- Send once a month—consistency is key.
- Focus on storytelling and impact.
- Include photos, quotes, and a donation link.
- Keep it short—just 3–5 short sections.
Newsletters nurture relationships—and relationships drive donations. Don’t skip this step.
Step 5: Send Fundraising Letters
Now we come full circle: Remember, it’s OK to ask.
Once you have your donation page, your social media accounts, and your newsletter in place, you’re ready to make a direct ask. Email is one of the most effective tools you have.
Experts recommend sending fundraising letters multiple times per year—especially around key giving seasons like:
- End of year (November–December)
- Spring campaigns
- Giving Tuesday
- Special project launches or emergency needs
Your emails should:
- Start with a compelling subject line
- Share a story or specific need
- Ask clearly for support
- Include a link to your donation page
- Thank the donor for being part of your mission
Don’t want to start from scratch? Try our AI Fundraising Letter Generator to create heartfelt, persuasive messages in minutes.
Direct asks through email are where real results happen. Don’t be afraid to hit “send.”
Quick Recap: 5 Steps to Start Fundraising Today
Step | What to Do |
1. Change Your Mindset | It’s OK to ask—you’re helping donors make an impact. |
2. Donation Page | Make it simple, clear, and easy to find. Use Glass Register to keep 100% of donations. |
3. Social Media | Start with 1–2 platforms. Post often and include your donation link. |
4. Newsletter | Keep donors engaged with monthly updates. Use our AI newsletter generator. |
5. Fundraising Emails | Send clear, heartfelt asks several times a year. Use our AI tools to help. |
Fundraising for Non-Fundraisers
Want to Take Your Fundraising to the Next Level? Frontier is a full-service nonprofit fundraising and marketing agency. We’ve partnered with charities across North America for over 12 years, helping them raise tens of millions of dollars.
Whether you need strategic guidance, campaign management, or creative support, we’re here to help.
👉 Book your free 15-minute strategy call to discover how Frontier can help you grow.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This
Starting something new always feels daunting—but you don’t have to do it alone.
With these five easy steps, you’ll have everything you need to launch a successful campaign:
- A donor-positive mindset
- A strong donation page
- A basic social media presence
- A relationship-building newsletter
- An effective email outreach plan
Still wondering how to start fundraising?
Just pick one step and take action today. Remember, even the most successful fundraisers started exactly where you are now—with a cause they believed in and the courage to ask others to care.
Welcome to the world of fundraising for nonprofits—you’re going to do great.
