Overcoming 6 Tough Fundraising Challenges

Fundraising Challenges

Identifying the Right Target Market

Finding the correct platform to host the fundraiser and the right people to reach is the most difficult obstacle to overcome. A nonprofit, like any other business, has a target market. The people who will be moved by your work and motivated to donate to your cause are referred to as your target market. However, people will only be motivated to donate if your message or cause has an emotional impact on them.

For example, suppose your goal is to employ underprivileged women in Asia. In that case, it is usually a waste of time and money to seek funding from a businessperson in the United States. They might be more inclined to assist a local group and donate to a cause in their own country. Instead, if you target an Asian woman-owned business, they might be more than willing to donate to your cause. 

Telling Your Story 

Sending a clear, powerful message, like proper targeting, is one of the top fundraising challenges. A nonprofit is typically focused on a variety of topics at once, but you must narrow it down so that your audience can understand exactly what is being done. 

Online fundraising campaigns that aren’t based on a compelling story aren’t as successful as those that are. Telling your nonprofit’s story in a way that appeals to contributors’ emotions and displays the impact they may make is crucial to a successful campaign. People are naturally encouraged to give when they read important stories, and stories encourage them to get more involved in your cause over time. Give your supporters exactly what they want:

• Information on how their money will be spent
• Visual presentations
• A clear understanding of your organization’s objectives

Finding New Donors

People are cautious of who they trust with their money. They conduct extensive research, consult friends and family, and reach out to others who share their ideas and ideals. They may not be aware of your existence if your name does not appear in the research. 

Though it can be difficult to focus on marketing when you have such lofty goals in mind, even a small amount of time spent on social media or at community events can make a significant difference. You want your charity to be visible when someone is ready to donate!

To solve this problem, you should understand what your contributors anticipate from you and where you will locate your donors. It may be best to use multiple concepts to make your fundraising campaign effective. For example, you can use storytelling to emotionally appeal to your donors through email campaigns, community events, and video campaigns, as well as to generate and maintain donor interest.

Retaining Donors 

Someone may give once, but how about getting someone to donate twice or on a regular basis? That could be a difficult task. Maintaining contributors depends on the value you can provide them. What do they get in return for their assistance? Donors want to feel as though they are a part of the story. They don’t like giving since they don’t know where their money goes or how it’s spent. 

The most effective organizations tell their stories with their donors in mind. This might be as simple as sending out regular updates on the job they’re doing and the lives they’re affecting via email or social media. It could also mean enlisting the help of volunteers to assist you in your work, allowing you to work together on a project.

Donors also want to feel appreciated; send them a handwritten thank you note and keep them updated on the progress of their funds. They should be included and praised. For example, when working with one of our nonprofit clients, TechnoServe, we used marketing automation during crucial stages in the donor journey to make them feel appreciated. We devised a “Welcome Sequence” that appealed to potential donors both emotionally and intellectually, as well as a “Thank You Sequence” that highlighted ROI. 

Empower them to spread the word about your cause and encourage others to donate.

Building and Maintaining Trust

One of the most important factors influencing charitable giving is public trust. Unfortunately, when issues arise in the charity sector, the media is quick to capitalize on the situation. 

They concentrate on the few failed organizations, which are frequently characterized by poor leadership. As a result, people are less likely to donate to charities in general. Many people believe that if one organization fails, then all organizations are untrustworthy.

Nonprofit organizations are the good guys. Rather than just generating money for the sake of getting money, they have a goal, a vision to make the world a better place. When it comes to getting public funding, however, organizations must follow the rules. 

All of this requires being as honest and up front about your methods and actions as possible, avoiding shortcuts and understanding the perspectives of your contributors. If you don’t, you risk losing the faith and trust of your supporters and audience, which is the kryptonite of all charities.

Reengaging Donors

There’s always the risk that you may not reach your intended goal, and your internet fundraising campaign will need to come to an end. When your fundraiser reaches its end, it might be disappointing, but there are strategies to re-engage your donors and keep the momentum continuing. 

If you share updates about your fundraiser as frequently as possible, people will be more engaged. If you mention that you’re near reaching your goal, providing an impact statement may encourage more donations. This can be done by segmenting your donor database and personalizing your approach to each one based on their giving history.

Let New Target Help With Your Fundraising Challenges

New Target’s custom fundraising, marketing, and community-based initiatives are designed to meet you where you are and then deliver a realistic action plan. We’re a strong and approachable firm and will supply you with all of the digital services you demand, as well as an experience that is unique and personalized to who you are.