Starting a non-profit is a big step towards making the world a better place. Whether you want to help children learn, clean up the environment, or support your local community, one thing is always true — you need money to make it happen.
But fundraising can feel confusing and even scary, especially when you’re just getting started. The good news? You don’t have to be an expert to raise money. You just need to start in the right way.
This post will walk you through tips to help your new non-profit raise funds and grow.
Step 1: Be Clear About Your Mission
Before you raise even a dollar, be clear about why your non-profit exists. What is the problem you are trying to solve? Who are you helping? And how?
This is called your mission statement. It’s like your non-profit’s heart and brain in one sentence.
For example:
- “Feeding 1,000 hungry children every month in Chicago”
- “Helping stray dogs find homes in California”
- “Teaching poor farmers how to grow better crops in India”
When your mission is clear, people will understand what you do, and want to support you.
Step 2: Choose the Right Structure
If you’re serious about helping others and collecting money legally, you’ll need to form a nonprofit organization. This step makes your non-profit official and allows you to receive tax-exempt donations, apply for grants, and gain trust from donors.
It also protects you and your team from personal liability.
You can make this step easy by using a trusted service like MyCorporation, which has helped over a million businesses and non-profits get started across all 50 states.
Step 3: Start Small, Think Big
Many new non-profits think they need big donors or rich people right away. That’s not true.
Start with people you know:
- Friends and family
- Former coworkers or classmates
- People in your community or at your place of worship
Even if someone gives only a small amount, it matters. It shows they believe in you. Over time, these small donors can become your biggest supporters.
You can also try crowdfunding platforms. They’re great for sharing your story and asking for small donations from a lot of people.
Step 4: Build a Trust Circle
People give to people they trust. That means your donors need to feel confident that their money is being used the right way.
To build trust:
- Be open about how you use donations.
- Share updates about your progress.
- Show photos, videos, or stories from your work.
- Say thank you, often and sincerely.
Think of it like this: Fundraising is not begging. It’s inviting someone to be part of your mission. They’re your partners.
Step 5: Do Your Homework
Before asking anyone for money, take a little time to learn about them. Ask yourself:
- What causes do they care about?
- Have they donated to other non-profits like mine?
- Do they like data and reports, or personal stories?
This is called donor research. It helps you ask the right people, in the right way, at the right time.
Also, look at other non-profits like yours. Who is funding them? Maybe those funders would be interested in helping you, too.
Step 6: Make Your Ask Simple and Clear
Once you know who to ask, the next step is how to ask.
Keep it simple:
- Tell them what you do.
- Tell them how it helps people.
- Tell them how much you need.
- Tell them exactly what their donation will do.
Always end with a clear “ask.” Don’t be shy. People love to give, especially when they know it will make a difference.
Step 7: Use Social Media
You don’t need a big marketing budget to get noticed. Use free tools like:
- Facebook and Instagram (post photos and stories)
- WhatsApp or Telegram (send donation updates)
- Email newsletters (keep donors in the loop)
The more you talk about your work, the more people will see it and share it.
Tip: Always include a link to donate and make it easy for people to give online.
Step 8: Say “Thank You” Like You Mean It
A thank you goes a long way.
- Send a thank-you email or message right after someone donates.
- Mention their name (people love hearing their name).
- Share what impact their donation made.
Even a short thank-you video from your team or beneficiaries can make your donors feel special. And when donors feel appreciated, they are more likely to give again.
Step 9: Know When to Say No
Sometimes, a donor may offer money that comes with strings attached. Maybe they want to change your mission or take control of how you work.
If the funding doesn’t match your values or mission, it’s okay to say “no.” Your long-term vision is more important than short-term money.
Grow slowly, grow wisely.
Step 10: Learn as You Go
No one becomes a fundraising expert overnight. You’ll make mistakes. That’s okay. Every mistake is a lesson.
Keep learning:
- Take free online courses on fundraising.
- Talk to other non-profit leaders.
- Read blogs and attend webinars.
The more you learn, the better you’ll get.
When you form a nonprofit organization with Mycorporation, you’re not just starting a legal process. You’re stepping into a bigger mission: helping people, solving problems, and making lives better.
And fundraising? It’s not about money. It’s about building relationships, sharing your passion, and inviting others to be part of the change.
