Tag: fundraising

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Is it Time to Change Why You Fundraise?

As your organization evolves, you may find that traditional community fundraisers are no longer enough to meet your growing financial needs. Does that mean it’s time to stop fundraising altogether? Absolutely not! The key is shifting the why and the how behind your fundraising efforts.

Here’s the truth: Fundraising is about so much more than just money—it’s about building a community that believes in your mission. Here are a few ideas on hot to transform your fundraising strategy:

Shift from just fundraising to Community-Building�Use your fundraisers as opportunities to build support for your cause. Get people involved — let them feel connected to your mission and become long-term advocates. It is also an opportunity to do sometime your whole team, volunteers, and clients who will all have to work together.

Involve people in your journey—let them see YOU�Your smaller fundraisers can be much more than a simple event—they can become gatherings that engage your community, raise awareness, and foster connections. People want to support something they believe in, but they also want to connect with the individuals behind the cause. Use fundraisers to share your story, your challenges, and your victories.

Expand your reach—both locally and digitally�Building community isn’t just about in-person connections; it’s about expanding your social media presence and connecting with a broader audience. You can use events to grow your social media reach by getting people to follow, engage with online content, contests, and more.��

Online fundraisers are also powerful tools, but they should be crafted in a way that encourages people to share them. Make your campaigns shareable by telling a compelling story, using visuals, and clearly explaining why your cause matters. Ask your supporters to spread the word—and make it easy for them by creating content they can easily share with their networks.

Done right, you can turn every fundraiser into a community event that drives awareness, engagement, and a real connection to your mission. By shifting your strategy, you’re not only raising funds but also creating a movement that brings people together for a common cause.

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First Things First: Go Back


It’s time to kick off a new year, set goals, and make plans on how to help your nonprofit succeed in its mission in 2025. If you worked hard in 2024 to either thrive or just survive, talking about the “big thing” or “next thing” you have to do might actually sound a bit overwhelming.


As we kick off the new year, it might be more profitable to not focus solely on the future, but instead on the past. Here are two funding stats you should know:
Approximately 20% of donors become repeat donors. This means, 80% of people who give to a non profit donate once, but yet are the most likely people to become repeat or long term donors.


Nonprofits spend up to 500% more money and effort to acquire new donors than to retain existing ones. It is still a lot of work to learn how to retain donors, and to help one time donors become long time supporters, but is is far less work than spending year after year seeking new givers.



Knowing this, before diving into new ideas for 2025, why not take a moment to reflect on 2024? The donors and supporters you already have are your most important asset.

So, before jumping into all your new plans for 2025, it will be far more valuable to answer this question: “How am I making those who donated in 2024 feel valued and appreciated?”



In January, as you take time to answer this question, I’ll also be sharing a few ideas on how to make this happen. So please follow, and let’s work together to make your 2025 fundraising your best year yet!

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Take Time

The holidays are coming. For some, this is a joyful thought. For those in the nonprofit world, it might raise a different question: Am I going to survive? There are so many individuals and families in need, and there are endless events to organize. You’re pushing for year-end giving, and it can all feel overwhelming and draining.

No matter what’s on your plate, you do need to take time to slow down. Burnout in nonprofits is far too common. The pressure—both internal and external—to keep everything afloat and meet the real needs of the community is relentless.

As we approach the end of the year, here are a few things you can put in place now, so you can truly take a break later in the month:

Tell people you’ll be taking time off. This creates accountability for yourself and gives others a heads-up that you’re stepping away.

Plan and set dates to take time off. Block out time in your calendar and stick to it.

Automate your social media posts. If you’re pushing for year-end giving, set up your posts in advance. This lets you take care of necessary business without the daily grind.

Rest. Do what fuels you. Whether it’s time with family, reading, or simply unwinding—rest is essential. Your community needs you, but you can only give your best when you’re recharged.

Be thankful. Reflect on the progress you’ve made and the impact you’re having. Gratitude helps sustain you through the busy months ahead.

The work you do is vital, but so is your well-being. Enjoy the holidays!

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Funding Lesson #28: Social Media for Nonprofits!

At our non-profit, when we needed help urgently—whether for meals, diapers, bikes for kids, or family support—social media often proved to be the fastest and most effective way to rally our community. This underscores just how crucial social media can be in times of crisis.

For many nonprofits, social media isn’t just about keeping followers informed; it’s also a vital tool for fundraising. If you’re feeling stuck trying to grow your following, remember: your nonprofit has unique advantages. Here’s how to make the most of them:

1️⃣ Share Compelling Stories: Great stories resonate and get shared. Pair them with eye-catching photos, a clear call to action, and make it easy for people to help. Don’t forget to ask your audience to share your posts!

2️⃣ Utilize Events: Events give you a direct opportunity to engage with people. Consider incorporating a QR code in your presentations that leads straight to your follow button, and ask everyone to follow. This works wonders for fundraisers, community events, or any programs you run.

3️⃣ Act Immediately: Turn every moment into a chance to gain new followers. For instance, offer a door prize at your next event specifically for new social media followers.

Implementing these strategies can help you grow your follower base quickly and effectively. Need more tips on promoting your nonprofit or community group?

Contact me, the funding coach, for more info and strategies.

#Nonprofit#Fundraising#SocialMediaStrategy#CommunitySupport#FundingCoach

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Funding Lesson #26 – STAY

Raising funds takes time because building trust takes time. There is something powerful that happens when you build credibility through perseverance.

I definitely don’t encourage people to stay in places that aren’t working for them. There is always a time to leave.

However, there is a tipping point that leaders reach by staying long enough that people associate you with the work and cause you represent. It’s hard to know exactly how long it will take, but it’s definitely years.

When it happens, some things get easier. It becomes easier to ask for more, to present to the right people, and to become a voice for the cause you represent in your community.

The secret is simply consistency. Keep doing what you do. Do it well. Don’t give up. Stay.

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Warning: Build Sustainability or Risk Hurting Your Non-Profit

My community, like many others, is littered with remnants of past projects left to fall apart—a recurring issue across various sectors. I’ve witnessed large-scale government-funded youth projects receive millions, only to disappear soon after funding dried up. Similarly, numerous churches and community centers expand ambitiously, only to struggle financially with higher ongoing expenses.

While securing large donations and grants can be immensely beneficial, they can also potentially sink your non-profit or faith community.

Over a decade ago, I received invaluable advice on creating sustainability. At the time, our organization had just acquired significant funding earmarked for expanding our building. With differing opinions among members on its use, seeking external guidance was crucial.

The consultant pointed out that more space meant new programs, opportunities, and long-term bills. He challenged us to invest a portion of the funds in income-generating initiatives, cost reduction strategies, and enhancements that would boost sustainability—not just in completing our building. We followed his advice, making our space more accessible to the public, increasing rentable areas, and adding features to attract new participants.

Think of it this way: getting a puppy isn’t just one decision; it’s a commitment to countless decisions, financial adjustments, and hard work. Yet, the joy and companionship it brings make it worthwhile for years to come.

To build a truly successful non-profit over the long term, integrating sustainability into your fundraising and growth strategies is essential. Otherwise, you risk falling into recurring pitfalls. It’s crucial to ask the tough questions: Will new funds this year lead to unforeseen costs next year? What happens when a grant for new staff or programs expires?

This concept might be new to many, but it’s prudent to factor in costs and expenses into your fundraising budgets that mitigate ongoing financial burdens associated with growth. This approach becomes even more critical with larger donations, grants, or expansions.

If you’re interested in learning more about sustainable fundraising practices, please visit thefundingcoach.ca.

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Funding Lesson #24 – Build a Case for Support

I have been involved with skateboarding for almost four decades and have helped raise funds for multiple parks, ramps, and events. It has always been a huge passion, and I am very excited to be involved with two skateboard projects right now that are building parks and ramps in Nova Scotia.

This post is just an introduction to this concept, with more to follow over the next few weeks. I often get asked these questions about raising funds: “Where do we even start?” and “How do we build support?” Whether you are just starting out or an older non-profit that is expanding, there is one common answer: Build a ‘Case for Support’.

Non-profits begin because passionate people are trying to meet urgent needs. We need to find funds quickly and consistently. It is not easy to get funding, and it’s easy to get frustrated when it doesn’t happen. However, a significant reason it may be difficult could be that your organization has never taken the time to build a case for support.

A case for support presents a compelling vision for what can be achieved. It involves articulating credible reasons why people, supporters, levels of government, or donors should trust you with their funds.

By building a case for support, you will need to articulate things like:

What is the need?

How can the need be met?

How can you provide the solution?

What is the cost?

Who are you? (Do you have the ability to fulfill this dream?)

So, back to skateboarding. I am attaching a case for support put together by the Lawrencetown Skatepark Project. It is a great example of what building a case of support can look like.

Having a case for support allows you to share your vision with a much larger group. It helps communicate on a greater level and opens doors to funders who will only support groups that have done their homework. It provides clear direction and a clear ask.

Furthermore, a bonus is that when your team works on a case of support together, it brings unity of purpose. It also informs your whole team of the goals and needs, and everyone can contribute to making your non-profit succeed.

If you would like to discuss how to build a ‘Case for Support’, please contact the funding coach.

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Funding Lesson #23 – Making Money Make Money


Have you ever wondered why some organizations seem to receive a higher amount of grants, donations, and large-scale gifts, while others struggle? There are several factors that can lead to this, such as the right team members, a clear vision, and just hard work.
One very important, and less understood, factor, however, is that some organizations have learned to leverage funds to get more funds. This is just a short group of ideas on learning funds to get more funds.


Here is one example. Most municipal, provincial, or federal grants, plus many foundations, will only fund 40-50% of a project. Some organizations never apply for certain funding because they don’t believe they will be able to cover the rest.
However, this is where a fund strategy can help. One where you move from thinking single grants/donations to the big picture.


It is amazing how fundraising can change if you know that if you can raise $25,000, you can use that to be eligible for a grant and double your funds for a project. People give more when they know their funds will go further.


It is also a perfect time to bring all levels of government together and challenge them to find a way to help. You can use $50,000 from a provincial fund to cover the 50% of what you need for a federal grant, to get $50,000. The principle can be applied, however, no matter what the grant or funding is.


When people know their funds will go further, it is a huge incentive to give. This principle is not only about grants but also with donors. If someone was willing to donate $10,000 to your organization, then this is the perfect time to run a matching campaign. One where you challenge people to give, and if you reach a goal of $10,000, then it will be matched.
This is a way to increase giving but also to attract bigger donors and donations. Why does it work? If a large donor sees that your organization is not just asking for money but is asking everyone to chip in and do their part, plus is putting in their own effort, it is an incentive to give higher amounts as their gift is creating more giving.

So it may seem some organizations are just lucky, or are liked more, or have special connections, and receive more funding. While there may be pieces of that which are true, it is also very possible for an organization to learn how to do this. Yes, it is work, it is networking, but it starts with a funding plan. One that looks at the big picture and sees how the pieces can be put together. One that understands that your money can make money.


If your organization would like help in creating a funding strategy, why not reach out to the funding coach?

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Funding Lesson #22 – Develop the Skill of Asking

Asking for help is tough, both in our personal and professional lives. You may hate asking for directions so much that you will just stay lost. Asking can feel embarrassing for some people, as it exposes that we have a need.

‘You don’t have because you don’t ask.’ This, of course, is taken from scripture, but it is very true in all situations. Your organization will never have what it needs to operate if people are not aware of what you need, and if no one is ever asked.

Letting our needs be known can, of course, happen in many ways: word of mouth, social media, emails, mail-outs, and our staff/volunteers. However, this is one skill that will help your organization go farther. It is the ‘Skill of Asking.’

I remember sitting in a meeting just a few years ago, where we were trying to put funding together with multiple levels of government and departments. We had an amount we needed to be matched. There was discussion on smaller amounts being given. At one point, I had to clearly state what we needed. We needed six million dollars.

Later, it was confirmed that the money was going to be given for the project, which is amazing. The truth is if no one clearly asked for that amount, it may never have been given. Someone needs to ask.

This, in no way, means if you just ask people for donations, support, or volunteers, that you will get it. That is why asking is a skill that needs to be developed. Here are just a few pieces of what asking means:

1 – The willingness to be upfront with people about your needs.

2 – You have to be ready to back up your request with data and some proof you can put this help to good use and create a result.

3 – You have to learn when is the right time, place, and person to ask.

4 – You have to build relationships and trust.

5 – You have to be okay hearing ‘No’ and move on.

When I see organizations that are doing well long-term, there is usually someone in the organization who has learned to ASK.

If you would like to explore developing a funding strategy, including how to ASK, why not reach out to the funding coach?

www.thefundingcoach.ca

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This June I am taking on new Clients

What is ‘The Funding Coach’? Here is the simple answer: I am helping nonprofits, faith communities, and organizations build sustainable funding plans so they can serve their communities in greater and more consistent ways.

Over the past decade, I have helped raise over twenty-five million dollars in community development projects and received over 150 grants for charities I was working with. I have taught fundraising classes at events, colleges, and universities.

For the past decade, I took on the responsibility to raise funds for my own local community projects. However, as the Funding Coach, I am now taking on the role of helping other individuals, groups, and organizations fulfill their dreams to serve their own communities.

On top of coaching, I am part of a group representing the public to address Mental Health and Addiction issues in the Eastern Zone in NS. It has been a long-term passion to see addiction and poverty rates decrease while community health grows.

This has led me to be a proponent of the Iceland/Planet Youth strategy. I have done 100+ presentations, consultations, and strategy building sessions on how organizations can work together to create community transformations.

If your organization needs to:

– Create a sustainable plan to fund your organization.

– Develop a strategy to create long-term change and create a ‘Case for Support.’

– Create better giving systems.

– Learn how to apply for grants.

– Raise short-term funds for a project.

– Or, you just need help with fundraising, encouragement, and a positive mentor.

Then why not contact me about how we can work together to help your organization? I want to save you time, help you increase support, and help you serve better.

You can sign up for our newsletter at www.thefundingcoach.ca or follow and receive free regular fundraising lessons at https://www.facebook.com/thefundingcoachonline