How to Raise Money the Right Way for Your Nonprofi

Good morning, and welcome to a beautiful Monday! Today, let’s dive into a pressing question many nonprofit leaders face: How do I raise money for my nonprofit organization?
Or how I raise money the right way for my nonprofit?
Here's the truth: you're already trying to raise money—commendable. But if the results aren’t what you hope for, the problem isn’t just effort; it’s strategy. Fundraising isn’t just about asking for money; it’s about doing it in a way that sets you up for success.
Over the years, Sharon has worked with countless nonprofits, guiding them through a process that works no matter your organization's stage. Today, I’ll share the four key steps to raising money correctly. These steps are foundational; skipping them can lead to frustration and limited results.

Let’s break it down:
The Two Key Areas of Fundraising Success
The process is divided into two key areas:
1. Becoming Funding Ready
2. Executing Your Fundraising Strategy
Each step builds on the last, and following this sequence is crucial.

Step 1: Ensure Organizational Alignment
Fundraising success starts with internal readiness. The first step is about building your board and creating a cohesive team.
Your board and team should function as a unit with shared goals and clear roles. Raising money requires a united front, and a disconnected board or an unmotivated team will make it harder to build trust with potential funders.

Step 2: Strategic Visioning & Organizational Development Planning
This step is where you define your mission, vision, and strategy.
- What problem are you solving?
- How will your organization address it?
- What resources do you need to succeed?
People rally around clear, bold solutions—not surface-level efforts or symptom-focused fixes. Strategic visioning helps you see the bigger picture and plan how to meet the needs you’re addressing truly.
For instance, solving systemic issues often requires millions of dollars—not just a quick $100,000 fix. This step forces you to plan realistically, align your goals with your capacity, and build an organization equipped to achieve meaningful change.

Step 3: Build Your Fundraising Infrastructure
Now that you have a clear vision, it’s time to create the tools and systems you need to raise money effectively.
This phase includes:
- Conducting a fundraising audit to assess your current strategies
- Running a market study to understand your audience
- Identifying major gift prospects through wealth screening
- Creating a comprehensive fundraising plan
This is where you lay the groundwork, like crafting proposals, preparing donor materials, and developing strategies that resonate with your target audience. Without this infrastructure, even the best ideas can fail to gain traction.

Step 4: Execute with Precision
Finally, you’re ready to execute. This is where you:
- Cultivate relationships with potential donors
- Nurture those connections over time
- Make the ask when the time is right
Many nonprofits need to complete this step but jump into fundraising without preparation. The result? Frustration, rejection, and missed opportunities.
To succeed, you must execute methodically, ensuring your donors are engaged and invested in your mission before you ask for support.

Fundraising Takes Time
One crucial thing to remember is that fundraising is a process, not a sprint. Building trust and securing meaningful contributions often takes months—or even years. That’s why careful planning and consistent effort are so important.
As Sharon always says, the results of your fundraising efforts directly reflect the strategies and effort you put in.

Ready to Take Action?
If you’re struggling with fundraising or don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. Whether it’s organizing your board, building your infrastructure, or executing your strategy, we’ve got you covered.
You can check the comment section to schedule a free call with us. Let’s work together to create a roadmap for your nonprofit’s success.
Until next time, keep pushing forward. Remember, raising money the right way starts with a solid foundation.
Bye for now!

Rooney Akpesiri is the VP of Acquisition, Nonprofit Solutions Matter