Beyond Grants and Gala Events... How Else Can You Raise for Your Non-Profit?

When most people think about fundraising for a non-profit, their minds often go to two things: applying for grants or planning big gala events.

While these can be successful endeavours, they can also be time-consuming, competitive, and unpredictable. Thankfully, there are many other effective and sustainable ways to bring in revenue, many of them enabling you to build even deeper and long-lasting relationships with donors that can ensure on-going giving.

Here are some diverse, practical fundraising approaches you can start using right away:

1. Round-Up Giving

Round-up giving allows people to donate their "spare change" from everyday purchases. When someone buys something for $4.60, their total rounds up to $5.00, and $0.40 is automatically donated. This kind of giving is easy for donors, adds up fast, and is great for younger or busy supporters. Watch this short video to learn more.

2. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Encourage your supporters to raise money on your behalf using their own personal networks. Donors can create a fundraising page, share their story, and ask friends and family to contribute, expanding your reach and building community.

3. Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships

Local businesses and larger companies often love supporting causes not just through event sponsorships but through ongoing collaborations. Examples can include: employee giving or payroll deductions; matching gift programs; percentage-of-sales donations; corporate volunteering partnerships.

4. Online Campaigns & Social Media Fundraisers

Jumping on digital fundraising campaigns - whether seasonal drives, Giving Tuesday appeals, or targeted social media pushes - can reach people where they already are. This is a low cost, easy, measurable, and engaging way to fundraise without the headache of too much organization and planning.

5. Selling Merchandise or Digital Products

Branded shirts, mugs, tote bags - or even downloadable items like ebooks, guides, or artwork - can be great income boosters. Not only does this promote your mission it also reaches people through products they love.

6. Service-Based Income

Some nonprofits generate revenue by offering workshops, training sessions, webinars, consulting, or community programs related to their mission. This can be a great way to showcase your expertise while diversifying income.

7. Crowdfunding for Specific Projects

People love donating to a specific, tangible need and crowdfunding platforms are a trusted avenue that help you share your story and set goals. They work particularly well for urgent projects and can even become a trending initiative growing even more awareness.

8. Community Partnerships (Schools, Clubs, Churches)

Community groups love supporting meaningful causes through donation drives, volunteer activities, or mini fundraising efforts - a great way to build local awareness and community spirit. Easy-to-use software such as Continue To Give can help you set up events such as these.

Final Thoughts

Diversifying your fundraising strategy can lead to more prosperous funding. When you move beyond grants and gala events, you create a stronger, more resilient organization - one that can reach more people, generate more donations and keep up meaningful work even when circumstances change. Try combining a few of these strategies and ideas, starting with the easiest wins for your team. Over time, these alternative fundraising methods can bring in steady, scalable support for your church, non-profit or mission.

At Continue To Give we work with churches, non-profits and missionaries to help maximize fundraising efforts through a robust all-in-one software that includes Giving, Management and Fund Accounting. Find out more here.