Facebook Fundraisers for Nonprofits: A Full Guide

Matt Schaller
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February 16, 2026

Your most passionate supporters are your greatest asset. They want to help your cause, but they don't always know the best way to contribute beyond a simple donation. What if you could empower them to become active fundraisers and advocates for your mission? This is the core strength of peer-to-peer fundraising, and it’s a key feature of the platform. By using Facebook fundraisers for nonprofits, you make it incredibly easy for someone to dedicate their birthday or start a campaign on your behalf, sharing their personal connection to your work with their entire network. This guide will show you how to inspire and support these advocates.

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Key Takeaways

  • Establish Trust Before You Ask for Donations: Get the fundamentals right by verifying your nonprofit status and fully optimizing your Facebook Page. A professional, complete profile with compelling visuals is non-negotiable for building the credibility that inspires people to give.
  • Combine Powerful Storytelling with Smart Promotion: Move people to act by sharing personal stories that show the real-world impact of a donation. Promote your fundraiser across all your channels—email, your website, and other social platforms—to build momentum and reach supporters wherever they are.
  • Focus on Relationships, Not Just Transactions: A campaign's end is the start of a donor relationship. Personally thank supporters, use direct messaging to share updates on their impact, and empower peer-to-peer fundraisers with tips and resources to turn one-time givers into lifelong advocates.

How Do Facebook Fundraisers Work for Nonprofits?

Facebook fundraisers are a powerful, built-in tool that allows registered nonprofits to collect donations directly through the platform. Think of it as a way to open a new fundraising channel right where your supporters are already spending their time. Instead of directing people off-site to a separate donation page, you can capture their generosity in the moment. This makes giving easy and seamless, removing the friction that often causes potential donors to drop off. It’s a straightforward way to turn your social media followers into active, engaged supporters of your cause.

Explore the Types of Facebook Fundraisers

There are two primary ways fundraisers happen on Facebook. First, your nonprofit can create and run its own campaign directly from your organization's Page. This is perfect for specific appeals, like an end-of-year drive or a campaign for a new project, where you can set a clear goal and timeline. The second, and often more powerful, type is supporter-led fundraisers. This is when an individual creates a fundraiser on your behalf. The most common example is a birthday fundraiser, but it also includes peer-to-peer campaigns like Facebook Challenges, where supporters rally their friends and family to give.

Understand the Supporter and Nonprofit Experience

For a supporter, the experience is incredibly simple. They can donate to your cause with just a few taps, without ever leaving the Facebook app. This ease of use is a huge advantage. For your nonprofit, it’s an opportunity to connect with a massive audience that may not be on your email list. To get started, you’ll need to be a registered nonprofit and have an active Facebook Page. Once you’re set up, you can start receiving donations and, more importantly, begin building relationships. This is your chance to use tools like direct messaging to personally thank donors and welcome them into your community.

See the Key Benefits for Your Organization

The most obvious benefit of Facebook fundraising is its incredible reach. With nearly three billion monthly active users, the platform gives you access to a vast network of potential new donors. When a supporter starts a fundraiser for you, they are giving your cause a personal endorsement to their entire network—a form of social proof that is priceless. The results speak for themselves, with over $7 billion raised for causes on Facebook and Instagram. By tapping into this tool, you can find new supporters and see how other organizations have found fundraising success on the platform.

Are You Eligible for Facebook Fundraising Tools?

Before you start mapping out your next big campaign, let's cover the basics. Facebook has a few boxes you need to check to make sure your nonprofit is ready to receive donations on the platform. It’s not complicated, but getting these details right from the start will save you a ton of headaches later. Think of it as laying the groundwork for a successful fundraiser and building trust with your community from day one.

These requirements are in place to verify that your organization is legitimate, which helps give donors the confidence to contribute. By meeting these standards, you’re not just gaining access to powerful tools; you’re also signaling to supporters that their contributions are going to a credible and established cause. This verification process also ensures a smooth payout process, so the money you raise gets to your organization without any hitches. Once you confirm your eligibility, you’ll be ready to start connecting with supporters and raising money for your mission. Let’s walk through the three main requirements you’ll need to meet to get started.

Verify Your Nonprofit Status

First things first, Facebook needs to confirm that you are a registered nonprofit. For organizations in the United States, this means you need to have 501(c)(3) status. This is the official designation from the IRS that recognizes you as a charitable organization. It’s a non-negotiable step for using Facebook’s donation tools, as it ensures that all funds are going to a legitimate cause. If you’re already registered, great! If not, you’ll need to secure that status before you can begin fundraising on the platform. This is a key part of the overall strategy for Facebook fundraising for nonprofits.

Meet Facebook's Page Requirements

Beyond your official nonprofit status, your Facebook Page itself needs to be in good shape. Facebook has a short checklist to ensure your Page looks professional and provides key information to potential donors. Your Page must be at least two days old and clearly list your nonprofit category. You’ll also need to include your organization's address in the 'About' section and have at least one post on your timeline. Finally, be prepared to provide your tax ID and contact information. These simple steps help Facebook verify your organization and make it easier for supporters to learn how to create and manage fundraisers for your cause.

Know the Geographic Restrictions

It’s also important to know that Facebook’s fundraising tools aren’t available everywhere just yet. Currently, the platform processes donations for registered nonprofits located in a specific set of countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. If your organization is based outside of these regions, you won’t be able to use the native donation features for now. Always double-check the most current list of eligible countries before you invest time and resources into planning a campaign. This is a crucial detail to confirm as you build out your social fundraising strategy.

How to Create a Fundraiser on Facebook

Once you’ve confirmed your nonprofit is eligible for Facebook’s fundraising tools, you’re ready to get started. The good news is that Facebook has made the technical side of setting up a campaign incredibly simple. With just a few clicks, you can have a live fundraising page ready to accept donations. This ease of use is a huge advantage, as it lets you focus your energy where it truly matters: telling a powerful story that connects with your supporters and inspires them to give.

Before you even begin the setup process, take some time to think through your campaign's narrative. What specific goal are you trying to achieve? Who will you help with the funds you raise? Having a clear, compelling, and emotional story is the single most important element of a successful fundraiser. Remember, you’re not just asking for money; you’re inviting people to become part of a solution. The steps below will guide you through the mechanics, but the heart of your campaign will always be its story. This is also where ongoing engagement through direct messaging can make a huge difference in keeping your donors connected to your cause long after the campaign ends.

Set Up Your First Fundraiser

Getting your fundraiser live is a straightforward process. Start by going to your nonprofit’s Facebook page and looking for the ‘Fundraisers’ tab in the menu on the left-hand side. Once you click it, you’ll see an option to ‘Raise Money.’ From there, you’ll be prompted to select who is organizing the fundraiser—in this case, your nonprofit. You’ll then set a clear, achievable goal for your campaign and choose an end date. Finally, you’ll give your fundraiser a title and write a description explaining why you’re raising money. This is your first opportunity to share your story and make a personal appeal to your audience.

Customize Your Campaign Details

To build trust and credibility with potential donors, it’s essential to have all your details in order. Facebook requires this information to verify your organization, and supporters will feel more confident giving to a page that looks complete and professional. Make sure your page is categorized as a nonprofit organization and that your physical address is listed in the ‘About’ section. You’ll also need to provide your tax ID number during the setup process. These small details are non-negotiable for using the platform’s tools and play a big role in showing donors that their contributions are going to a legitimate, established organization they can trust.

Add Compelling Visuals and Copy

Your fundraiser’s visuals are the first thing people will see, so make them count. Your profile picture should be a clear, high-quality version of your logo. Use your cover photo to tell a story—showcase your work in action with a powerful image of the people you serve, your dedicated volunteers, or a specific program that donations will support. When you write your fundraiser’s description, be specific and heartfelt. Instead of just stating your mission, share a story of an individual whose life was changed by your work. Seeing real-world impact helps donors feel a tangible connection to your cause. For inspiration, look at how other successful nonprofits tell their customer stories.

A Quick Guide to Facebook Fundraising Fees

When you're running a fundraiser, every dollar counts. That's why it's so important to understand exactly how the money gets from your supporters' hands to your organization's bank account. Facebook's fundraising tools are incredibly powerful, but they aren't completely free from processing fees or instant payouts. Let's walk through what you can expect so you can plan your campaigns and budget with confidence.

Break Down the Processing Fees

First, the good news: Meta doesn't charge any fees for donations made to nonprofits on its platform. However, there are standard payment processing fees to cover the transaction. Donations made through Facebook are processed by the PayPal Giving Fund (PPGF), which charges a fee of 1.99% of each donation plus $0.49. This is a relatively low rate compared to many other online fundraising platforms, meaning more of each gift goes directly to your mission. Understanding these small deductions is key to accurately forecasting your campaign revenue and appreciating the full value of Facebook fundraising.

Know Your Payout Timeline and Methods

Once a donation is made, the funds don't appear in your account immediately. The payout schedule depends on whether your nonprofit is enrolled with the PayPal Giving Fund. If you are, funds are typically disbursed within 15 to 45 days after the donation is made. For organizations that are not enrolled, it can take up to 90 days to receive the funds. This is a huge reason to make sure your organization is properly registered before you launch a campaign. Faster access to funds means you can put those dollars to work sooner. You can see how other nonprofits have successfully managed their social fundraising by checking out their customer stories.

How Supporters Can Create Birthday Fundraisers for You

One of the most powerful features of Facebook fundraising is that it isn't limited to your organization’s own campaigns. Your most passionate supporters can become advocates, raising money on your behalf for milestones like their birthday. When someone creates a fundraiser for your cause, they’re not just asking for donations; they’re sharing their personal connection to your mission with their friends and family. This personal endorsement is incredibly effective and can introduce your nonprofit to a whole new audience of potential donors.

These supporter-led campaigns are a fantastic way to grow your community with very little effort on your part. The key is to make it as easy as possible for people to find you and to feel supported once they start fundraising. By understanding how the process works from their perspective, you can better equip them for success and build stronger, more lasting relationships with your most dedicated advocates.

Enable Birthday Fundraisers on Your Page

The good news is that once your nonprofit is verified and eligible for Facebook’s fundraising tools, this feature is automatically enabled. Facebook makes it simple for your supporters to raise money for you. There isn't a special switch you need to flip; the option for users to select your organization will appear as long as your page is in good standing and registered with Meta Pay.

Your main job is to ensure your page is discoverable and that your mission is clearly stated. Think of it as setting the stage. When a supporter feels inspired to dedicate their birthday to your cause, you want them to be able to find you easily and feel confident that the funds will go toward the incredible work you do. This is the foundation of successful peer-to-peer fundraising.

Walk Through the Supporter Experience

For a supporter, starting a birthday fundraiser is a straightforward process. They typically receive a notification from Facebook about two weeks before their birthday, prompting them to dedicate it to a nonprofit. If they choose to do so, they simply click the prompt and follow the steps.

They can also create one manually by going to the "Fundraisers" section on Facebook, selecting "Raise Money," and choosing "Nonprofit." From there, they search for your organization by name, set a fundraising goal and an end date, and write a personal story about why they’re raising money for you. Facebook provides a default story and cover image, but encouraging supporters to personalize these details can make their campaign much more effective.

Tap into Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

When a supporter starts a fundraiser for you, it’s a huge vote of confidence. Your next step is to acknowledge and thank them for their incredible effort. You can track these campaigns on your Facebook Fundraisers page, which shows you who started them and how much they’ve raised. A simple thank you post on their fundraiser page can go a long way.

To take it a step further, you can use direct messaging to offer personalized encouragement and share fundraising tips. This one-on-one engagement makes your advocates feel seen and valued, motivating them to raise even more. By actively supporting your peer-to-peer fundraisers, you not only help them reach their goals but also cultivate a community of loyal, long-term supporters for your cause.

Proven Strategies for Fundraising Success

A successful Facebook fundraiser is more than just a link and a plea for donations. It’s about creating a connection and making it easy for people to support a cause they care about. With a few key strategies, you can turn your campaign into a powerful driver of support for your mission. These proven tactics will help you engage your audience, build momentum, and ultimately, raise more money for your nonprofit.

Craft a Compelling Story

Facts and figures can inform, but stories are what move people to act. Sharing personal, emotional stories that show the real-world impact of your work is one of the most effective ways to improve your fundraising. A compelling narrative helps potential donors connect with your cause on a personal level. Use authentic photos and videos to introduce the people you serve or highlight the volunteers making a difference. When supporters can see the faces behind the mission, their donation becomes a meaningful contribution to a story they want to be a part of. You can see how powerful this is in the success stories of other nonprofits.

Time Your Campaign for Maximum Impact

Your message is powerful, but it has to be seen to make a difference. To get the most engagement, it’s important to post your fundraising requests when your followers are most active online. Dive into your Facebook Page Insights to see when your audience typically scrolls through their feeds. Is it during their morning commute, their lunch break, or in the evening? Analyzing your audience's activity helps you find the best times to share your campaign. Posting during these peak hours ensures your fundraiser gets in front of more people, giving you a better chance to hit your goals.

Create Urgency and Build Momentum

Why should someone donate now? Creating a sense of urgency can motivate people to give immediately instead of putting it off. You can achieve this by setting a clear deadline for your campaign or securing a matching gift from a corporate sponsor or major donor. Announcing that "all donations will be doubled for the next 24 hours" is a powerful call to action. This approach not only encourages quick contributions but also makes donors feel like their gift has double the impact. This is a core principle behind successful, time-bound events like Facebook Challenges.

Use Donate Buttons and Live Video

Make giving as simple as possible. Using the built-in "Donate" button on your Facebook posts and page removes friction from the donation process, allowing supporters to give with just a few clicks. Don’t forget about the power of live video. Going live on Facebook lets you connect with your audience in real-time, answer their questions, and share updates. You can even add a donate button directly to your live broadcast, making it easy for viewers to contribute while they’re most engaged with your message. The goal is to make the path to donation short and simple, a core part of a modern social fundraising strategy.

How to Promote Your Facebook Fundraiser

Creating your fundraiser is a fantastic first step, but the real magic happens when you start promoting it. A strong promotional strategy is what separates a good campaign from a great one. It’s how you build momentum, reach new audiences, and ultimately, hit your fundraising goals. Think of it less as a one-time announcement and more as an ongoing conversation with your community. By strategically sharing your campaign and empowering your supporters to do the same, you can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond your existing followers. Let’s walk through some proven ways to get the word out and keep the energy high.

Promote Across All Your Channels

Don’t keep your fundraiser confined to Facebook. Your supporters are spread across different platforms, and meeting them where they are is key to maximizing your reach. Think of your Facebook fundraiser as the central hub, with all your other channels acting as spokes driving traffic to it. Start by sending a dedicated email to your subscriber list, letting them know about the campaign and how they can contribute. Add a prominent banner or a call-to-action button on your website’s homepage so every visitor sees it.

You should also share the fundraiser link across your other social media profiles, like Instagram, X, and LinkedIn, tailoring the message for each platform’s audience. This multi-channel approach ensures you’re not missing any segment of your audience. By integrating your Facebook fundraising efforts into your broader communications plan, you create a cohesive and powerful campaign that gathers support from every corner of your community.

Thank and Engage Your Fundraisers

When a supporter takes the initiative to start a fundraiser for your cause, it’s a huge deal. Acknowledging their effort is one of the most important things you can do. A simple, timely thank you makes them feel valued and strengthens their connection to your mission. You can send a personalized message, give them a shout-out on your main Facebook Page, or comment directly on their fundraiser to cheer them on. This small act of appreciation can turn a one-time fundraiser into a lifelong advocate for your organization.

This is your chance to build a genuine relationship. Check in on their progress and offer words of encouragement. By actively engaging with your fundraisers, you show them that they’re a vital part of your team. Many successful nonprofits have found that this personal touch is what inspires supporters to come back and fundraise again and again. You can see how other organizations have built these powerful supporter relationships and the impact it has had on their missions.

Share Tips with Supporters via Messenger

Your supporters want their fundraisers to succeed, but they might not know the best way to make that happen. You can guide them by sharing helpful tips and resources directly through Facebook Messenger. This is a perfect way to offer personalized coaching at scale. Set up automated messages to share advice, like suggesting they make the first donation to their own fundraiser to build early momentum or providing them with a template post they can share with their friends and family.

This proactive support removes friction and empowers them to be more effective advocates for your cause. You can provide them with compelling images, key statistics about your work, or a short video that tells a powerful story. Using direct messaging to deliver these tips ensures your advice is seen and feels personal, helping your fundraisers feel more confident and equipped to reach their goals.

Encourage Supporters to Share and Engage

Your supporters’ personal networks are one of your most powerful, untapped resources. The real strength of Facebook fundraising lies in its peer-to-peer nature, so don’t be shy about asking people to share the campaign. When someone donates, thank them and follow up with a gentle nudge to share the fundraiser with their friends. When a supporter creates their own fundraiser, encourage them to post about it regularly and tag friends who might be interested.

Make sharing as easy as possible. Create a toolkit with pre-written posts, compelling photos, and even short video clips that people can easily copy and paste. Remind your audience that every single share introduces your cause to new people who may have never heard of you otherwise. This simple act of amplification is what helps campaigns go viral and exceed their goals. You can find more ideas for mobilizing your community in our nonprofit playbooks.

Common Facebook Fundraising Mistakes to Avoid

Running a Facebook fundraiser is more than just clicking "Publish." It's easy to get caught up in the big picture and miss the small details that can make or break your campaign. But don't worry—most of the common slip-ups are easy to fix. By avoiding a few key mistakes, you can ensure your fundraiser not only meets but exceeds its goals, building stronger connections with your supporters along the way. Let's walk through some of the most frequent missteps and how you can steer clear of them.

Don't Overlook Your Profile Optimization

Think of your Facebook page as your organization's digital front door. If it looks neglected or unprofessional, potential donors might hesitate to step inside. A common mistake is not optimizing your profile for fundraising. Start with the basics: make sure your profile picture is a clear, high-quality version of your logo. Use your cover photo to tell a visual story about your impact—show your team in action, highlight the community you serve, or feature a powerful image from a recent project. A complete and polished profile builds the trust and credibility needed to inspire giving.

Avoid Inconsistent Posting

Out of sight, out of mind. It’s an old saying, but it’s especially true on a busy platform like Facebook. Posting sporadically is a mistake that can quickly lead to a disengaged audience. You don't need to post every hour, but establishing a consistent rhythm keeps your mission top-of-mind. Aim for quality over quantity, sharing content that is interesting, helpful, or inspiring. A steady stream of updates shows your supporters that you're active and dedicated, which builds momentum for your fundraising campaigns. Planning your content can help you maintain a regular presence and build a thriving online community.

Remember to Appreciate Your Donors

Someone just took the time to create a fundraiser for you or make a donation. That's a big deal! Forgetting to acknowledge their support is a major missed opportunity. A simple thank you can make a supporter feel seen and valued, turning a one-time donor into a lifelong advocate. You can post a public shout-out on your page or, even better, send a personal note. Using direct messaging to connect one-on-one is a powerful way to show genuine appreciation and build a real relationship. This small gesture reinforces their decision to support you and encourages them to stay involved with your cause long-term.

Seize Every Storytelling Opportunity

Facts and statistics can inform, but stories are what truly move people to act. One of the biggest mistakes in fundraising is failing to tell a compelling story. Don't just state what your organization does; show the impact it has on real lives. Share personal, emotional customer stories from the people you serve, your volunteers, or your staff. Use powerful photos and videos to bring these narratives to life. When you ask for donations, frame it within a story that illustrates exactly how a supporter's contribution can make a difference. This approach connects with donors on a human level and gives them a powerful reason to join your mission.

How to Track Your Fundraising Performance

You can't improve what you don't measure. Tracking your campaign’s performance is the key to understanding what connects with your audience and drives donations. By paying attention to the right numbers, you can move from hoping for success to building a repeatable strategy that delivers results. It’s about making small, smart adjustments along the way to ensure your message is making the biggest possible impact for your cause.

Use Facebook's Built-in Analytics

Facebook provides a suite of built-in analytics tools to help you see exactly how your fundraisers are doing. Think of this as your campaign's command center. Here, you can monitor donations in real-time and track progress toward the goals you’ve set. Using these insights is the first step to understanding what resonates with your audience and what doesn't. It’s all about getting a clear picture of your performance so you can make informed decisions for your next Facebook Challenge or campaign.

Monitor These Key Metrics

When you look at your analytics, it's easy to get lost in the numbers. To keep things simple, focus on a few key metrics that tell the real story of your campaign's health. These are the numbers that show you how your efforts are translating into real support.

  • Awareness: How many people are seeing your posts? This is your reach.
  • Growth: Are you gaining new followers? This shows your audience is expanding.
  • Engagement: Look at reactions, comments, clicks, and shares. This tells you if your content is connecting.
  • Conversions: How many people took action, like signing up or donating? This is your bottom line.

Optimize Your Performance Based on Data

The data you collect is only useful if you act on it. Regularly review your key metrics to spot trends. Are posts with videos getting more shares? Do questions in your copy lead to more comments? Use these observations to refine your strategy and double down on what’s working. This data-driven approach turns guesswork into a clear plan for success. For even more detail, you can use Facebook's Nonprofit Manager to get a deeper understanding of your fundraisers and donor behavior, helping you build stronger donor relationships over time.

Beyond the Campaign: Integrating Facebook into Your Strategy

A successful Facebook fundraiser is a fantastic achievement, but its true value extends far beyond the final dollar amount. Think of your campaign not as a finish line, but as a starting point for a deeper, more integrated fundraising strategy. The people who donate, share, and engage with your fundraiser are showing you they care about your mission. The next step is to welcome them into your community for the long haul.

Integrating Facebook fundraising into your year-round efforts means you’re not just asking for one-time donations; you’re building a sustainable pipeline of support. It’s about turning momentary interest into lasting loyalty. With a platform as vast as Facebook, you have an incredible opportunity to connect with both your current supporters and entirely new audiences. By treating each campaign as a chance to learn, connect, and grow, you can create a powerful cycle where your social media presence and your overall fundraising goals fuel each other, leading to more predictable and impactful results for your cause.

Connect Social with Traditional Fundraising

Your Facebook strategy shouldn't live on an island. Instead, it should act as a bridge, connecting your digital efforts with your traditional fundraising channels. With nearly three billion people on the platform, Facebook is the perfect place to amplify the work you’re already doing. Are you sending out a direct mail appeal? Share the story behind it on your Facebook Page to reach a wider audience. Hosting a gala or community event? Use Facebook Events to manage RSVPs and build excitement beforehand. The data you gather from your social audience can also provide valuable insights that inform your other fundraising activities, helping you understand what messages resonate most with your supporters.

Build Lasting Donor Relationships

The end of a fundraiser is the beginning of a relationship. A simple thank you can make a huge difference, making your supporters feel seen and valued. But don't stop there. The key is to keep the conversation going long after the campaign closes. Use direct messaging to share updates on the impact of their donation, invite them to join a Facebook Group for your most dedicated supporters, or simply check in to let them know you appreciate them. This consistent, personal communication helps transform a one-time donor into a lifelong advocate for your mission, which is essential for improving donor retention and building a strong community.

Turn Social Followers into Donors

One of the biggest challenges for nonprofits is converting their passive social media followers into active, engaged donors. A well-run Facebook fundraiser is a direct path to making that happen. Your existing followers are already warm to your cause; they just need a clear and compelling reason to give. Use powerful storytelling in your posts to show the urgent need and the direct impact a donation can make. You can also mobilize your community through peer-to-peer campaigns like Facebook Challenges, which empower your supporters to become fundraisers themselves. By giving your followers specific, actionable ways to get involved, you can turn your audience into an active force for your mission.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the fees, and how do we get our money? While Meta doesn't take a cut from donations, there are standard payment processing fees that apply to each transaction. These are handled by the PayPal Giving Fund and are typically a small percentage plus a fixed amount per donation. As for getting your funds, the timeline depends on your enrollment status. If your nonprofit is registered with the PayPal Giving Fund, you can expect to receive the money within 15 to 45 days. If not, it can take longer, which is why getting fully set up beforehand is so important.

Do we get the contact information for people who donate? This is a crucial point for building long-term relationships. For donations made directly to your nonprofit's fundraiser, you will receive some donor information. However, for donations made to a supporter's personal fundraiser (like a birthday fundraiser), Facebook's privacy policies often limit the data you receive. Donors have to opt-in to share their email address. This makes it incredibly important to thank donors publicly on the fundraiser page and use direct messaging to build connections whenever possible.

What's the difference between a fundraiser we create and one a supporter creates? When your nonprofit creates a fundraiser directly from its Page, you have complete control over the story, goal, and promotion. This is ideal for specific campaigns like an end-of-year drive. A supporter-led fundraiser, like a birthday campaign, is a form of peer-to-peer fundraising. Here, an individual raises money on your behalf from their own network of friends and family. This is powerful because it acts as a personal endorsement of your work and introduces your cause to a brand new audience.

My fundraiser has stalled. What can I do to get it going again? It's completely normal for a campaign to lose a bit of steam. The best way to re-energize it is to create a new reason for people to give now. You could share a new, compelling story about the impact of a donation or announce a matching gift challenge where all contributions are doubled for a limited time. Going live on Facebook to give a behind-the-scenes look at your work or answer questions in real-time can also create a fresh wave of engagement and inspire people to contribute.

How long should our fundraising campaign run? There's no single right answer, but a good rule of thumb is to create a sense of urgency without making the window so short that people miss it. For most campaigns, a duration of two to four weeks works well. This gives you enough time to promote the fundraiser across your channels and build momentum, while the clear end date encourages people to donate before it's too late. For supporter-led fundraisers, like birthday campaigns, they typically run for about two weeks around the person's birthday.

Nick Black

Nick Black is the Co-Founder and CEO of GoodUnited, a B2B SaaS company that has raised over $1 billion for nonprofits. He is also the author of One Click to Give, an Amazon bestseller on social and direct messaging fundraising. Nick previously co-founded Stop Soldier Suicide, a major veteran-serving nonprofit, and served as a Ranger-qualified Army Officer with the 173rd Airborne, earning two Bronze Stars. He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. Nick lives in Charleston, SC with his wife, Amanda, and their two children.