Digital Fundraising Ideas That Actually Work in 2025

Raising money online sounds easy in theory, just post a link and watch the donations roll in, right? But if you’ve ever tried running a digital fundraiser, you know it’s not that simple.

The truth is, people want to give. They just need to feel connected to the cause first. That’s why the most successful digital fundraising ideas don’t rely on pressure, they rely on relationships.

The Shift to Relationship-First Fundraising

In 2025, donors aren’t moved by fancy graphics or slick campaigns alone. They want to see real stories and real people behind the mission. That’s why the best digital fundraisers feel less like a pitch and more like a conversation.

Whether you’re running a local nonprofit, school foundation, or community group, here are a few digital fundraising ideas that help you stay personal, build trust, and raise support the right way.

1. Use Email to Tell a Story, Not Just Ask for Money

Email is still one of the most powerful tools you have, especially when it’s personal. Instead of blasting a donation request, try sending a short story from someone who’s been impacted by your work.

Here’s an example:

Subject: You helped Sarah stay in school this year

Body:
Last year, Sarah’s family wasn’t sure she’d be able to finish her senior year. But because of your support, she had the tutoring, meals, and care she needed to graduate on time.

Now we’re hoping to help five more students just like her — and we’d love your help again.

That kind of message builds connection first, then invites people to take action.

2. Host a Virtual Donor Q&A or Update Session

Set up a short Zoom call where your donors can hear directly from your team, board members, or someone you’ve helped. Let them ask questions and see the work in action. Then close with a low-pressure ask to support your next phase of work.

This shows transparency and makes supporters feel more involved — not just like an ATM.

3. Try a “Give and Share” Challenge on Social Media

Instead of just asking for donations, invite people to give a small amount and then tag two friends to do the same. This works well for things like:

• Supporting a classroom with $5 for school supplies
• Covering one meal at a shelter with a $10 gift
• Matching a friend’s gift in honor of a cause

Keep the tone light and community-driven. You can even add a short video of someone explaining the challenge or sharing why they gave.

4. Make the Most of Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Let your supporters raise money for you. Give them the tools to create their own donation pages or social posts, along with personal stories or talking points they can use.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. One example:

“For my birthday this year, I’m asking friends to donate $20 to the local food bank instead of gifts. Every $20 feeds a family for a week.”

Letting others carry your mission forward makes it more personal and more powerful.

5. Say Thank You in Real, Visible Ways

Your follow-up matters just as much as your ask. Post a quick “thank you” video on social. Share a milestone update by email. Highlight a few donor names (with permission). These touches build loyalty and make people more likely to give again.

Make Fundraising Feel More Human, and Less Like Work

You don’t need a huge team or budget to run a great digital fundraiser. You just need a clear message, a simple ask, and a way to keep showing up for the people who care about your mission.

At Levitate, we help organizations like yours stay in touch with supporters through personal emails, social content, and automated reminders, all designed to feel like you, not like a marketing machine.

If you’re looking for a better way to grow your donor base without losing your personal touch, book a demo with a product expert today.