One of the most promising areas for nonprofit revenue growth is through digital fundraising efforts. MissionWired reported that one-time gifts from “new” donors to various charities nationwide were up 18 percent between January and June 2025. Trends in email open rates were also higher in 2025 than in previous years.
With this trend in new one-time donations, it’s critical to be visible while also making giving quick and convenient. As part of our firm’s nonprofit accounting consulting, we offer some broad strategies here as well as targeted campaign strategies. Plus, we include tips to maximize and properly track your digital giving efforts.
1. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Leverages Social Capital
Your peer-to-peer (P2P) campaigns allow individuals to raise money on behalf of the organization using their personal networks. Nonprofits supply the templates, toolkits, and branded pages that volunteers personalize and share.
Some of the most popular peer-to-peer events include:
- Endurance or memorial events (walks/runs)
- Fundraising on behalf of a peer donor’s birthday or personal milestone
- Mission month campaigns (e.g., mental health awareness month)
- Storytelling narratives that align with peer-to-peer interests and causes
Tip: Choose a vetted fundraising platform that can also integrate with your CRM and finance software.
2. Social Media Campaigns That Reach the Heart
Your donors already use social media, and they want to know how your organization is solving challenges in the world that they care about.
Social media campaigns should include:
- Story-driven content such as before/after impact stories or videos
- Urgent calls to action such as countdowns, goals, donor spotlights
- Influencer partnerships that expand reach and interest
- Micro-campaigns for certain dates such as #GivingTuesday)
Choose the social media platform that is most popular with your existing followers or new donor targets (e.g. Generation Y and A). Social media requires a strong following to get your message out, so be mindful of the time and effort your team has to maintain a strong presence before launching a fundraiser. Establish loyalty and trust first with your content and impact.
Tip: Tie your social media metrics (clicks, shares, donations) to any broad or narrow campaign goals. Set clear thresholds for when a platform or approach isn’t providing enough return on investment for your team’s efforts.
3. Matching Gift Challenges Maximize Reach
Matching campaigns are an excellent way to create urgency and increase giving. A donor or key corporate sponsor agrees to match donations up to a certain amount within a specific time frame. It creates a sense of urgency among other donors who don’t want to miss out on the community effort!
For a successful match campaign:
- Highly publicize a clear match goal that is tied to a deadline
- Use real-time donation trackers on the donor page
- Promote heavily across all digital channels
- Make it easy to donate and highly publicize if the match is met!
Tip: For accounting, ensure written clarity on pledge collection and those matching commitments. Your team should document pledge terms in writing and budget your cash flow for any delays in the match payment or fulfillment of the pledge.
4. Online Auctions Offer a Fun, Competitive Environment
Online auctions combine fundraising and entertainment, especially when tied to in-person events. Platforms can help nonprofits set up easy-to-use digital bidding systems. Just be aware that the setup for an online auction is just as time intensive as an in-person auction. However, an online auction aligned with a planned in-person auction can enhance your auction’s reach and fundraising.
Solicit donated auction items that are attractive to your donors, such as:
- Experiences (virtual or in-person)
- Artwork and collectibles
- Donated goods or services
Tip: Track the fair market value of donated items for proper IRS reporting by donors as well as buyers. Ensure that both parties receive accurate acknowledgment letters for tax purposes, particularly for high-end items.
5. Text-to-Give and Mobile Giving Accelerate Donations
Donors want easy and instant options to donate. Too many steps or clicks will turn them off and away. Text-to-give campaigns allow them to give by sending a short code from their phones. As donors rely more exclusively on their mobile devices, this fundraising option will be more popular and necessary to reach them in a timely way.
Be respectful of donor preferences, such as:
- Avoiding spam texting
- Offering opt-outs
- Being mindful of time zones for text scheduling
Mobile campaigns require donors to already be on your approved solicitation lists, so you will need to gain permission first before sending texts. For urgent needs such as natural disasters, longer giving drives or auctions, they can be effective for reminding donors to give…or join a matching offer!
Tip: Evaluate merchant fees and transaction costs associated with texting volume for mobile giving. Track costs vs. donations. The best platforms will also integrate with your CRM and donor lists to streamline records and acknowledgments.
6. VIP Experiences/Clubs
Your new donors could become regular donors with the right incentives. Offering VIP experiences or opportunities exclusive to regular givers can be attractive to donors who already believe in your cause and enjoy being part of a dedicated online community.
Some ideas for VIP incentives or experience include:
- Insider digital newsletters and branded swag stores
- Access to live, virtual events with key leaders
- Online ambassador community for top donors to share ideas and connect
Tip: Ensure that any promised donor benefits remain within IRS guidelines for deductible contributions. If tangible benefits are offered, calculate and disclose the fair value properly.
With all of these digital fundraising ideas, tracking donations and allocating to the appropriate programs or mission-driven efforts is important. Ideally, maintain an unrestricted approach to fundraising so that your organization can be flexible in its budgeting and mission priorities.
Start with simple to more complex digital fundraising efforts. Be mindful of the costs of fundraising platforms, texting and maintaining your digital channels among busy staff. If we can help you answer any questions about budgeting or properly accounting for your fundraising efforts, let us know.
Talk to the CAS+ team at LvHJ for more ideas to manage expenses and build alternative revenue sources through nonprofit accounting consulting.
