Small nonprofits are ditching overwhelm and embracing smarter, more inclusive strategies in 2025. As technology evolves, digital fundraising continues to offer new and innovative ways to engage donors, streamline giving, and expand outreach—often with less overhead.
Looking to grow your mission-driven efforts digitally this year? Here’s how to stay ahead:
1. Take It One Step at a Time
We’ve already had a flood of change in 2025; overwhelm is out! Instead of overhauling your entire strategy, test one new tactic per campaign. Try adding a short video to your next email appeal, experiment with Instagram Reels for a peer-to-peer drive, or pilot a text-to-donate option. Small, intentional experiments help you learn what resonates without burning out your team.
2. Inclusion = More Engagement
With all that’s happening in the world, there are loads of folks needing additional services or a way to make a difference. Now’s not the time to say no. Your nonprofit can provide something for every supporter:
- Offer diverse payment methods (credit and debit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay).
- Let donors allocate funds to a specific program that speaks to them (e.g., “$50 feeds a family OR provides school supplies”).
- Communicate via SMS, email, social media, or face-to-face to ask supporters their preference in a quick survey.
- Create tiered membership benefits (i.e. exclusive updates for $10/month donors, VIP event access for $50+).
3. Influencer Marketing For Social Proof Wins
Tap into your supporters for social proof or partner with local micro-influencers who care about your cause. A teacher with 5,000 followers sharing why they volunteer at your literacy nonprofit can drive more donations than a generic post or ad. Encourage supporters to post personal stories, not polished pitches. Pro tip: Use influencer-generated content in your own campaigns for extra reach; just don’t forget the hat tip.
4. Basic AI for Smarter Outreach
AI is all the rage, and artificial intelligence tools are being built for every person and purpose, from nonprofit fundraisers to balloon animal artists (probably). Try out some of the available tools to create ideas and messages for your next campaign. Or, take it a step further with a tool that was built for nonprofits. For example, Appeal AI does more than just craft personalized donor messages; it offers strategic advice and assistance geared specifically for nonprofit fundraisers just like you.
5. Purpose-Built Tools Save Time and Money
Ditch spreadsheets and generic software. Use platforms designed specifically for small nonprofit usage. Here are some of our favorites.
10 Tools to Explore for Your Next Digital Campaign
- Canva — best for designing your digital campaigns
- Funraise — best for full-featured digital fundraising
- Good United — best messaging tool
- Google Forms — best for free surveys and event registrations
- Google Meet — best free app for virtual events and meetings
- MailChimp — best email tool, free for 500 contacts
- MoneyMinder — best for audit-ready financials after the funds come in
- Pexels — best royalty-free stock images and videos
- Point App — best for coordinating volunteers
- YouTube Live — best for live streaming event and meetings
2025 is about working smarter, not harder.
As digital fundraising evolves, small nonprofits that embrace new tools and inclusive strategies can expand their reach. Start with one trend—like adding a payment option or testing out AI—and build momentum. With the right mix of innovation and focus, small nonprofits can punch above their weight this year.
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Connect your Bank, Paypal and Square accounts to MoneyMinder PRO to directly download transactions, saving you time and effort. You just review the transactions to ensure they are properly categorized and fill out any required fields.
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