Types of Fundraisers for Nonprofits: Building Lasting Connections in 2026

The best fundraisers do more than bring in donations. They give nonprofits another opportunity to introduce people to their mission, strengthen existing relationships, and give supporters a reason to stay involved.

From community events to online campaigns, there are plenty of ways to raise money. The right approach depends on your audience, your resources, and how you plan to continue engaging supporters after the fundraiser ends.

Fundraising Events That Bring People Together

In-person events can raise money while creating memorable experiences around your mission. Choose a format that fits your organization and gives supporters a meaningful way to participate.

• Charity Runs and Walks: Participants can raise money on behalf of your nonprofit while bringing friends, family, and community members into the cause.
• Galas and Dinners: Formal events create opportunities to recognize supporters, share your impact, and connect with prospective donors or sponsors.
• Silent Auctions: Auctions can work as standalone fundraisers or complement another event, especially when local businesses and community partners contribute items or experiences.
• Community Events: Smaller events like workshops, open houses, benefit nights, or family activities can make participation more accessible while introducing new people to your organization.

The event itself is only one part of the opportunity. Following up with attendees afterward can help turn participation into a longer-term relationship.

Online Fundraisers: Reach Supporters Wherever They Are

Digital fundraising makes it easier for supporters to participate regardless of location and gives nonprofits more ways to share their mission online.

• Crowdfunding Campaigns: Build a campaign around a specific goal, story, or need and make it easy for supporters to donate and share it with others.
• Virtual Events: Webinars, livestreams, online workshops, and virtual celebrations can engage supporters without the cost or logistics of a physical event.
• Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Give supporters tools to create their own fundraising pages and invite their personal networks to contribute.
• Social Media Campaigns: Use social content to share stories, highlight impact, promote fundraising goals, and direct followers to your donation page.

Whatever format you choose, make the next step clear. Supporters should know why their contribution matters and how to get involved.

Merchandise Fundraisers

Selling merchandise can generate revenue while giving supporters another way to show their connection to your organization.

Popular options include:

• Branded T-shirts and apparel
• Tote bags, hats, or water bottles
• Stickers or small branded items
• Products created with local businesses or artists
• Limited-edition merchandise tied to a campaign or event

Focus on items your audience will actually want to use or share. Merchandise should support your mission rather than becoming an unnecessary expense or logistical burden.

Raffles, Auctions, and Other Prize-Based Fundraisers

Raffles, drawings, contests, and auctions can add energy to a fundraising campaign, but requirements vary depending on where your nonprofit operates.

Before launching one, review applicable state and local regulations, registration requirements, and tax considerations. Some activities may require permits or may be subject to specific rules.

Being transparent about how funds will be used is also an important part of maintaining trust with supporters.

Engage Board Members in Fundraising

Board members can play an important role in introducing new people to your organization and strengthening relationships with existing supporters.

Depending on your organization, board members might:

• Introduce the nonprofit to personal or professional contacts
• Help secure sponsors or community partnerships
• Invite people to fundraising events
• Share campaigns with their networks
• Thank or follow up with supporters
• Participate in fundraising efforts in ways that align with their role

Fundraising does not have to mean asking every board member to make a direct solicitation. Their relationships and advocacy can be just as valuable.

Choose Fundraisers That Fit Your Mission

Not every fundraising idea will make sense for every nonprofit. Before committing to a campaign, consider:

• Your mission: Does the fundraiser feel natural for your organization?
• Your audience: How do your supporters prefer to participate and give?
• Your resources: Does your team have the time and budget to execute it well?
• Your fundraising goal: Are you trying to raise a specific amount, attract new donors, increase recurring giving, or re-engage existing supporters?
• Your follow-up plan: What happens after someone donates or attends?

Review the results after each campaign and use what you learn to improve the next one.

Turn Fundraising Into Long-Term Donor Relationships

A successful fundraiser should not end when the campaign does.

Someone who attends an event, makes a first-time donation, or participates in a peer-to-peer campaign has already shown an interest in your mission. Continued communication gives you the opportunity to deepen that relationship.

Consider following up with:

• A personalized thank-you message
• Updates showing how donations are being used
• Stories about the people or communities your nonprofit serves
• Invitations to upcoming events
• Volunteer opportunities
• Relevant future fundraising campaigns
• Recognition for milestones or continued support

The goal is not to constantly ask for another donation. It is to keep supporters connected to the work they chose to support.

Use Donor Data to Make Outreach More Personal

Keeping track of donor relationships becomes increasingly important as your nonprofit grows.

A donor management or CRM system can help your team organize contact information, donation history, previous conversations, event participation, interests, and other useful details.

With that information in one place, nonprofits can create more thoughtful follow-up. For example, a first-time donor may receive a different message than a longtime supporter, volunteer, recurring donor, or event attendee.

Automation can also help with recurring communication, such as thank-you messages, reminders, and scheduled check-ins, while still allowing your outreach to feel personal.

Use Social Media and Digital Tools to Expand Your Reach

Social media can help nonprofits stay visible between fundraising campaigns while giving supporters a simple way to share their work with others.

Use your channels to:

• Tell stories that demonstrate your impact
• Share photos and videos from your work
• Recognize volunteers, donors, and community partners
• Promote upcoming campaigns and events
• Celebrate fundraising milestones
• Direct people to donation or registration pages

The strongest nonprofit social strategies are not only promotional. They consistently remind people why the organization exists and what their support makes possible.

Put Your Fundraising Strategy Into Action

There are plenty of types of fundraisers nonprofits can try, but the fundraiser itself is only part of the strategy. What happens before and after someone gives can be just as important.

Levitate helps nonprofits stay connected with the people who make their work possible through personalized email, text messaging, social media, handwritten cards, donation tools, and automated relationship-building touchpoints.

Instead of letting a first donation or event registration become a one-time interaction, your team can continue building the relationship over time.

See how Levitate helps nonprofits strengthen donor relationships, stay top of mind, and make consistent outreach easier. Book a demo today.