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Let’s be honest with each other for a moment.You’re doing incredible work. The kind of work that changes lives, shifts communities, and leaves footprints that matter. But even with all that impact, raising money still feels like a constant uphill battle, doesn’t it?You’re not alone. Over 70% of nonprofits in the U.S. are struggling financially. Think about that: out of 2 million nonprofits, more than 1.4 million are struggling to raise money consistently. That means founders like you are pouring their hearts into their mission but still going to bed at night wondering how to keep the doors open.And the truth is, it’s not because your mission isn’t powerful. It’s not because people don’t care. It’s because most nonprofits are operating without a fundraising system.Instead, founders are chasing random donors, hopping from one strategy to another, sending “please donate” messages, or writing grant after grant with little to no return. It’s exhausting. It feels like gambling. And it’s unsustainable.The solution? You need a system. A process that brings in money predictably and consistently, not just once, not just by luck, but over and over again.That’s why I want to walk you through the five steps to building a fundraising system that guarantees your nonprofit’s financial sustainability. Follow these steps, and you’ll never look at fundraising the same way again.&nbsp; &nbsp; Step 1: Identify Your Ideal Funders Not everyone is meant to fund your mission. And the more time you spend chasing people who aren’t aligned, the more you’ll feel like you’re begging instead of building.Your ideal funders are people and organizations who already have a reason to care about your mission. They have the propensity (interest in your cause), the affinity (alignment with your mission), and the capacity (resources to give).These funders fall into categories, people who benefit directly from your mission, people who look good by associating with your cause, organizations already invested in solving the problem you address, and more.When you focus on your ideal funders, you stop explaining endlessly, stop begging, and start connecting with people who want to give. That’s when fundraising becomes easier, more natural, and far more effective.&nbsp; &nbsp; Step 2: Create Irresistible Offers Here’s the harsh truth: “Donate Now” buttons and emotional appeals aren’t enough anymore. Donors want to see impact, and they want to know what’s in it for them.That’s where offers come in. Yes, even nonprofits can create offers and they can be just as irresistible as any business offer.There are two main types:<ol><li>Value Offers: These give people something useful while also funding your mission. Example: A STEM nonprofit selling a $15 resource that helps parents guide their kids into better career choices. Every purchase funds the mission and creates direct value for families. </li><li>Impact Offers: These are tied to specific, tangible transformations. Example: $100 provides a child with a backpack and resources for a successful school year. </li></ol>When you combine a value offer with an impact offer, you create something truly irresistible. Imagine saying: “When you buy our career guide for your child, you also empower another child with a backpack and school supplies for a successful year.” That’s a win-win that makes donors excited to give.&nbsp; &nbsp; Step 3: Develop Your Fundraising Plan Wandering from strategy to strategy will keep you stuck. What you need is a step-by-step plan that guides your fundraising efforts and builds momentum.Think of it as a roadmap. For example:<ul><li>Start with awareness — let potential funders know you exist. </li><li>Move to relationship building — ask for advice, not money. </li><li>Transition to partnership — acknowledge their input and invite them into your work.</li><li>Then make the ask — clearly, confidently, and at the right time.</li></ul>Without this kind of plan, you’ll keep spinning your wheels. With it, you’ll create consistency and results.&nbsp; &nbsp; Step 4: Build and Equip Your Fundraising Team Let me be real with you: you can’t do this alone. Fundraising is not a one-person show.You need a team, even if it’s just one or two people to start. Someone to handle emails, someone to work on grants, while you focus on one-on-one relationships with funders.And don’t forget your board. Your board should:<ul><li>Expose your nonprofit to their networks. </li><li>Make introductions. </li><li>Fundraise directly (if able). </li><li>Steward donors by thanking, checking in, and strengthening relationships. </li></ul>When your team and your board are activated, you stop carrying the entire weight of fundraising on your shoulders.&nbsp; &nbsp; Step 5: Launch (and Relaunch) Your Fundraising Campaigns This is where your plan comes to life. Launching a campaign isn’t about one email blast or one event, it’s about consistent execution and follow-up.<ul><li>For prospects who don’t give right away: follow up with stories, stats, and impact. Keep building the relationship. </li><li>For donors who already gave: steward them. Thank them, show the results of their gift, and invite them to give again. </li></ul>Consistency is key. Campaigns aren’t one-time events; they are cycles of outreach, follow-up, and stewardship. Done right, they keep your nonprofit funded year after year.&nbsp; &nbsp; Final Thoughts for You, Founder If you’ve been struggling, it’s not because you’re not good enough. It’s not because your mission isn’t worthy. It’s simply because you’ve been trying to raise money without a system.The five steps, identify your ideal funders, create irresistible offers, develop a plan, build your team, and launch consistently, give you that system. A system that brings in money predictably, sustainably, and without the endless stress.Your mission is too important to leave to chance. You don’t have to beg, scramble, or gamble anymore. You can build a system. And when you do, fundraising becomes less about survival and more about growth.Founder to founder, I want you to know this: You can do this. Your mission deserves it. And the world needs what you’re building.If you are ready to raise money, i have put together a process to get you started. You can learn more here: <a data-mce-href="https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers" href="https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers">https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers﻿</a>

The Five Steps to Building a Fundraising System That Guarantees Your Nonprofit’s Financial Sustainability

If you’re still sending out donation appeals without a clear offer, you’re actually doing it wrong. I need you to hear this, because it could be the one thing standing between your nonprofit and true financial sustainability.Gone are the days when people gave just because you told an emotional story or asked them to be generous. Gone are the days when words like donate now could carry the weight of your fundraising campaign. The landscape has shifted.Today, donors ask one simple question before they give: “What’s in it for me?”And if that question isn’t answered, they’ll scroll past your appeal or click away from your page.Now, don’t misunderstand me. People still care about impact. They still care about your mission. But in this age, they give for only two reasons:<ol><li>They get something in return. That doesn’t always mean a physical gift. It could be recognition, access, influence, or even just the satisfaction of knowing they’re part of something bigger. </li><li>They see the clear transformation their gift creates. They want to know that their single donation, regardless of its size, is making a meaningful impact. </li></ol>That’s it. Those are the two reasons.And this is where most nonprofits fall short. Too many organizations are still leaning on emotional appeals, hoping generosity alone will do the work. Too many are sending out vague calls to action like donate today, without showing donors the value they receive or the transformation they’re making possible.But here’s the good news: when you shift your focus to creating a strong offer, everything changes.An offer is not the same thing as an ask. An ask says, “Please give.” An offer says, “Here’s what happens when you give, for you, and for the people we serve.”See the difference?When you create a strong offer, donors don’t need to be convinced. You don’t have to over-explain. You don’t have to beg. The offer itself attracts them, because it’s irresistible.And this is the difference between fundraising that barely scrapes by and fundraising that builds long-term financial sustainability.So, I want you to do this: stop sending generic appeals. Stop banking on generosity. Start building strong offers. Offers that help your donors see both what they gain by giving and the transformation their single gift can create.Because here’s the truth: once you nail your offer, donors will find you. Funders will seek you out. Why? Because you’re showing them exactly what they’re looking for: value, clarity, and transformation.That’s the game changer. That’s how you stop struggling and start building a nonprofit that thrives.If you are ready to start raising money consistently, here's where to start: <a data-mce-href="https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers" href="https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers">https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers</a>

Why Your Donation Appeals Aren’t Working And What To Do Instead

Why have so many founders and business leaders fallen into this culture of dependency? Why do they feel like they have to wait for some consultant, some expert, or some miracle before they can actually get things done?The truth is, it wasn’t always like this. When someone starts a nonprofit organization, or when someone starts a business, they are ready to put in the work. They are ready to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, whether it’s raising money, selling their products, or scaling their organization. But somewhere along the way, the world we’ve built has completely shifted.Today, people want fast results. That’s understandable. Who doesn’t want things to happen quickly? But in the rush to get fast results, too many founders, business leaders, and nonprofit executives are short-changing themselves.Here’s why: when you rely too much on professionals to “get it done,” you miss the opportunity to build the capacity, the muscle, you need to not just create results, but sustain them. And what’s worse, we’ve now created a culture where consultants almost thrive on this dependency. The more founders feel they can’t do it themselves, the more they reach out, and the more consultants can make it seem complicated, so that they can sell their services.Let me give you an example. I was working with a founder who needed to develop his fundraising systems and file for his 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. I told him from the start: “You are going to do this yourself. I will guide you, but I’m not going to do it for you.”At first, he didn’t have the confidence to follow the process himself. So we ended up bringing in a professional to help him. There was a lot of back and forth, and it was frustrating for him. But eventually, he realized something important: he could do it himself. The process had been set up for him all along, but he just hadn’t believed it.The moment he realized he had the capability all along was exactly when we started having a real discussion about the culture of dependency. He saw how much of it is built into the system, how consultants sometimes make things sound harder than they are, and how founders fall into the trap of waiting for someone else to act.Here’s the lesson for any founder, nonprofit executive, or business leader: Whatever you are trying to achieve, whether it’s transforming your board, raising money, building fundraising systems, or scaling your business, you don’t have to depend on anyone else. You need knowledge. You need tools. But you don’t need dependency.Even if you bring someone in to help, the key is this: let them build the system for you, don’t let them do it for you. That’s how you grow. That’s how you build the muscle. That’s how you create results that last.So stop waiting on someone else. Stop giving away your power. Take the steps yourself, and trust that you’re capable of more than you think.

The Culture of Dependency That’s Holding Founders Back

If you’ve ever wondered why your nonprofit keeps struggling to raise money, even when your programs are impactful, the problem may not be your mission at all.The real challenge lies in how you’re asking.There are three major reasons most nonprofits stay stuck:Banking on emotional appeals. You’re hoping a heartfelt story alone will convince people to give. Using generic calls to action. “Donate now” or “Support us today” isn’t enough anymore. Relying on generosity alone. You assume that people will give because they’re kind or charitable. The truth? That old playbook doesn’t work anymore. The Fundraising Landscape Has Changed Donors and funders today are asking new questions:“What’s in it for me?” “How will my money create maximum impact?” They want to see clear, measurable outcomes for their investment, not vague promises.This shift is why so many nonprofits with amazing programs still struggle to raise sustainable revenue.The solution? Stop depending on emotional appeals and start creating offers. Yes, Nonprofits Can and Should Create Offers When we talk about an offer in the nonprofit world, we mean designing a tangible, specific transformation for a set amount of money.A strong nonprofit fundraising offer does two things:<ul><li>It gives donors/funders a clear, maximized transformation for a fixed price. </li><li>It provides them some form of value or magnified impact in return. This is what makes giving irresistible.</li></ul> What a Great Offer Looks Like Here’s a simple example:The Old Way: “Donate $100 to help kids get back to school.” The New Way: “For $100, you provide a backpack for one student AND empower a parent with our 15-step guide to help their child make better career choices.” See the difference?The second option creates a double transformation. A child gets a backpack. A parent gets a resource that improves their child’s future.It’s no longer just about charity, it’s about value and impact. More Examples of Offers That Work<ul><li>A grantor funds 100 backpacks for kids and empowers 1,000 parents with a reading skills guide. </li><li>A donor sponsors 10 therapy sessions for low-income clients and gets access to a stress-management workshop for their own family. </li><li>A supporter buys a resource that helps their child choose better careers and funds a backpack for a child in need. </li><li>Every dollar now carries double weight. This is what I call a Double-Impact Fundraising Offer™.</li></ul> Why This Changes Everything When you shift from “please donate” to offering value-driven, impact-magnifying opportunities, everything changes:You attract the right supporters who want transformation, not just a tax write-off. You stop begging and start presenting irresistible partnerships. You scale revenue sustainably because your offers can grow with your programs. This is the future of fundraising.Not emotional begging. Not generic calls to action. But offers that donors and funders can’t say no to. If you’re tired of chasing donations that don’t come through If you’re ready to fund your programs without burning out If you want to create offers that multiply impact and revenue Then it’s time to rethink the way you FUNDRAISE.Ready to transform your fundraising. <a data-mce-href="https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers" href="https://idealfunders.com/creating-offers">Learn how to build a Double-Impact Fundraising Offer for your nonprofit here &gt;&gt;﻿</a>

Why Your Nonprofit Struggles to Raise Money (Even With Great Programs)

One of the biggest challenges nonprofit leaders face is getting their board members to actually support fundraising. And it’s not always because they don’t want to, it’s usually because of how things started or how expectations were set.Let’s look at some of the common reasons board members don’t step up: 1. You recruited friends and family Many founders start out by bringing in friends and family as board members. The problem is, you can’t hold them accountable in the same way you could with people outside of your inner circle. They often feel like they’ve done you a favor just by joining, so stepping up with responsibility doesn’t always happen.2. They see the role as a title, not a responsibility Too many board members view being on a board as just a badge of honor. They love the title, but not the responsibility that comes with it. For them to support fundraising, that mindset has to shift.3. They’re given unrealistic fundraising targets Some organizations treat board members like sales reps, assigning them yearly fundraising quotas. I believe that approach is wrong. It puts unnecessary pressure on people who aren’t professional fundraisers and doesn’t lead to sustainable results.4. They don’t know how to help Board members aren’t usually trained fundraisers. Without clear guidance, they simply don’t know how to contribute.5. They haven’t been equipped Even when they want to help, many boards lack the scripts, tools, and resources to confidently raise money or make introductions. So how do you actually get them to raise money? 1. Plan with them In community development, we say: people who plan together, act together. When board members are involved in planning, they see the resources and effort it takes to achieve the mission. Without that understanding, they will almost always undervalue fundraising.2. Help them map their networks Board members aren’t supposed to be knocking on random doors. Their role is to help open their doors. Start by identifying your organization’s ideal funders, maybe that’s real estate agents, companies, or local businesses. Then ask each board member: Who do you know in this category? That’s how they map their network in a way that’s actually useful.3. Equip them with scripts and tools Once their network is mapped, give them the resources they need to take action. Some will be comfortable making the ask themselves, while others may prefer making introductions. Both are valuable.4. Involve them in stewardship Board members can also support fundraising by stewarding donors, making calls, saying thank you, and ensuring donors feel recognized. That personal touch keeps supporters engaged and giving. Final Thoughts Getting your board involved in fundraising isn’t about forcing quotas or unrealistic expectations. It’s about planning with them, helping them see their role in the bigger picture, and equipping them with the tools to act. When that happens, your board moves from being passive seat warmers to true partners in advancing your mission.Struggling To Raise Money? <a data-mce-href="https://idealfunders.com/raise-money-consistently" href="https://idealfunders.com/raise-money-consistently" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">&lt;&lt; Here is how to raise money consistently &gt;&gt;</a>

How to Get Your Board Members to Support Fundraising

When it comes to raising money for your organization, many founders think the only way to get started is to ask people for donations. But the truth is, you don’t always have to start with money. In fact, before you ever raise your first dollar, you already have four forms of capital you can leverage to kickstart your fundraising and create impact.Let’s break them down. 1. Intellectual Capital Your knowledge, expertise, and unique experience are valuable assets. This is called intellectual capital. Many founders don’t realize that what they know can actually be turned into resources that generate income for their mission.You don’t always have to beg for donations, you can provide value instead. Imagine putting your intelligence, skills, and expertise into something tangible that helps people while also supporting your organization.For example, let’s say you’re a child counselor running a nonprofit that provides counseling for kids. You could create an e-book or online course explaining how to counsel children effectively and sell it to parents. By doing this, you’re:<ul><li>Achieving your mission </li><li>Empowering parents and kids </li><li>Creating a revenue stream for your nonprofit </li></ul>That’s the power of intellectual capital.2. Relationship Capital Who you know matters. Your relationship capital includes the people in your network who can support your mission. These could be:<ul><li>Business owners who might donate </li><li>Skilled professionals who can provide services like graphic design or website development </li><li>Mentors or community leaders who can open doors for you </li></ul>Some of these connections may provide financial support, while others can help you in different ways to grow your organization. Your network is a resource, you just have to recognize it and leverage it.3. Platform Capital Platform capital is all about the visibility and reach you already have. Maybe you’ve been active on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Maybe you have access to influencers, TV presenters, or other people with audiences.These platforms give you an opportunity to amplify your message, attract support, and share your mission with more people. You don’t need a huge following to get started; what matters is showing up consistently and using the platforms you have strategically.4. Reputational Capital Some people call this story capital. It’s your credibility, integrity, and track record. People give to people they trust, and your story (how you got here, why you care, and what you’ve achieved) can be a powerful tool to inspire others to support your mission.If you’re thinking, “I don’t have anything to raise money with,” the truth is, you already do. Your reputation, your story, and the trust you’ve built are assets that can help you attract supporters and build momentum for your nonprofit. When you tap into these four forms of capital, intellectual, relationship, platform, and reputational, you’re not just raising money; you’re building a strong foundation for long-term impact.If you want to learn how to turn these forms of capital into real funding for your organization, we help nonprofit founders unlock transformational funding. We’ll teach you the strategies, equip you with the tools, and help you get the results you’re aiming for.Your next supporter is already closer than you think; you just have to know where to look and what you already have.<figure id="figure-lj9bdr5upnmf5yaxz1"><img id="lj9bdr5upnmf5yaxz1" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/cDQLdOiMEMpwY3A1GepyFccULfjvczafnohMyUju2VCM4qyPjG2zhdFxDRaZSE3n.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>

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The Five Steps to Building a Fundraising System That Guar...

Why Your Donation Appeals Aren’t Working And What To Do I...

The Culture of Dependency That’s Holding Founders Back

Why Your Nonprofit Struggles to Raise Money (Even With Gr...

How to Get Your Board Members to Support Fundraising

4 Forms of Capital Every Nonprofit Founder Has Before Rai...