4 Key Strategies for Building a Successful Fundraising Team
One of the first things we say to anyone thinking about starting their own fundraiser is: don’t do it alone. Why is having a fundraising team so important? Hint: It isn’t simply because it’s less work for you. We’ve created a comprehensive guide so you know exactly how to build a fundraising team that’s easy to manage and set up for success.
Why should I create a fundraising team?
- Team fundraising makes a fundraiser more fun. When that positive energy spreads, you wind up raising funds more effectively.
- With fundraising driven so heavily by social networks, each person added to the crowdfunding team dramatically increases your fundraiser’s reach.
- If each member of your team takes on distinct tasks, such as writing updates, sending thank-yous, or scheduling posts, the team will be faster and more efficient. One person trying to do it all is a recipe for burnout.
- Two (or more) minds are better than one. When you create fundraising teams, you can brainstorm team fundraising ideas, organize events, and make stronger collective decisions.
- When momentum peters out or a barrier pops up, your team is there for you to jump in and power through.
How do I build a winning fundraising team?
Here’s a simple 4-step process on how to cultivate a strong team of volunteers for your fundraiser.
Step 1: Recruit team members
The first step in creating fundraising teams: Make a list of people you’d like to invite to join your team. Summarize each person’s strengths and skills (e.g., public speaking, design, video production, writing, etc.). Your list will make it easier for everyone to see where they can make the greatest contribution.
Make contact with everyone in a manner that is comfortable for them. Talk about the difference your fundraiser can make and why their help matters. For example, let them know your nonprofit organization supports local youth or provides emergency relief.
Be mindful of their time. Set clear expectations and communicate how much time or effort will be needed during each phase. Respect goes a long way toward long-term engagement and also minimizes friction down the road.
Once you have a group of a few key people, you can have them recruit others. It’s an excellent method for generating momentum and identifying a team that represents your target audience.
Step 2: Assign roles
At your first meeting, outline your goals and begin assigning roles that play to each team member’s strengths. Here are common roles for effective fundraising teams:
- Fundraiser manager: Keeps everyone aligned, tracks metrics, hosts team meetings, and oversees daily progress using fundraising software or online tools.
- Public relations lead: Develops outreach plans for the local press and organizations, which include pitching your story to nonprofit leaders and media outlets.
- Marketing coordinator: Manages ad promotions and works on event posters, flyers, and online presence, especially with overarching projects such as a golf tournament or community fundraiser.
- Social media manager: Shares updates, manages posts on Facebook/Instagram, as well as community engagement. They also manage text messages and content creation.
- Writer/editor: Crafts the fundraiser story and title, edits email updates, writes donation requests, and helps polish your team’s messaging.
- Creative lead: Produces visuals, including photos, videos, and designs for your fundraising page and promotional materials.
- Sponsorships coordinator: Reaches out to board members, local businesses, and community groups to secure sponsorships or partnerships. Lets people know details such as if it’s nonprofit fundraising or anything else sponsors may want to know.
All of these positions make sure you’re maximizing your group’s skills and talents and creating a clear and deliberate fundraising strategy.
Step 3: Plan your fundraiser
Great teams rely on strong planning. Align your team around shared goals and timelines. Determine your fundraising goal (make sure it’s attainable) and how you’ll measure success through tools available via your fundraising platform. Use a mixture of online and offline sharing strategies to promote your fundraiser and raise money faster.
Here are some fundraising tips to help guide your planning:
- Don’t go silent. Keep your community updated through consistent posts, online donation updates, and check-ins. Regular check-in points help maintain momentum.
- Proof your content. Grammar mistakes can undercut credibility. Have your editor review all public-facing content.
- Leverage networks. Ask team members to share across platforms, with a strong focus on digital fundraising. Your reach will grow with every share.
- Choose wisely. All platforms are not created equal—choose one that offers transparency, low fees, and ease of use.
Check out the top crowdfunding sites to learn more.
Step 4: Kick off your fundraiser together
Launch day matters. A strong kickoff sets the tone for your entire effort.
Everyone on the team should know their specific responsibilities, especially during key milestones. This prevents duplicated work and keeps staff members and volunteers aligned.
Sync up digitally so your launch is coordinated. One large wave of visibility is better than scattered announcements. Encourage sharing through social posts, emails, and even text messages.
Also, friendly competition works. Split your team into smaller groups—like departments or sports teams—and make it fun. Track which group brings in the most donors or major gifts and offer a small prize or shoutout.
Build a fundraising team that works
Team fundraising is a great way to raise more money for a cause you care about and have more fun being part of a team while doing so. Fundraising with the right team also means you’ll have more social reach, serve your beneficiaries more effectively, and support each other along the way. Get started on your own team fundraising page today, and see how much money and more of an impact you can make together.