Why Small Nonprofits Struggle (and How to Fix It)
It’s human nature—we tend to put off the most challenging, uncomfortable, or difficult tasks the longest. For many small nonprofit leaders, that task is fundraising.
Let’s be honest—most nonprofit founders and visionary leaders didn’t start their organizations because they love asking for money. They started with a passion to make a difference. But no matter how powerful your mission is, your vision will never become reality without a strong financial foundation.
Three Key Principles to Remember
In the early days, fundraising should be your top priority.
When launching a nonprofit, 70-80% of your time and effort should be focused on building and growing your donor base. That might feel counterintuitive—after all, you’re eager to dive into the work that fuels your passion. But without funding, your impact will be limited. Over time, this percentage will shift, but as the leader of your organization, fundraising will always be part of your role.Fundraising happens 24/7.
Many nonprofits focus on writing the perfect donation letter or crafting the most compelling campaign, but the truth is, fundraising success is built between those moments. How you communicate with donors year-round, the way you serve both donors and beneficiaries, and how consistently you share stories of impact all play a bigger role in your next campaign’s success than any single appeal.Fundraising is Everyone’s Job.
Communicating the mission and vision of your nonprofit, and being able to clearly explain to a potential donor how their partnership can make an impact is job #1 for everyone in your organization, even volunteers. As the leader, making sure that everyone throughout your team is crystal clear on these foundational elements is the most important work you can do.
Get the Support You Need
This doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. As a nonprofit growth coach, I can help you prioritize your time, put proven systems in place, and remove the guesswork—so you can raise more support with confidence – and make more impact.
Take the first step! Schedule a free call today, and let’s talk about how we can work together to get your nonprofit fully funded.
