Effortlessly raise more money for your cause: a step-by-step guide to using fundraising software

Attention all non-profit organisations and fundraisers! Are you tired of spending countless hours planning and executing fundraising campaigns, only to be short on your donation goals? What if I told you that there is a solution that can help you raise more money for your cause with minimal effort?

I’m often asked the question “What’s your recommended tech stack for a charity?” Unfortunately, there isn’t a straight forward answer. There are a lot of elements to take into account. The size of the charity, of course but also the amount of staff, the budget, the use of the information, etc.

My answer is often that most platforms are good enough for smaller organisations (under $/£/€1 million /year).

In this article, I want to look at the world of fundraising software, exploring their benefits and providing a step-by-step guide on how to effectively use them for your organisation. Say goodbye to the stress and strain of traditional fundraising methods and hello to effortless success in reaching your fundraising goals. 

Get ready to discover the power of your fundraising tech stack and take your cause to new heights.

1 – Understanding the power of a carefully curated fundraising tech stack

In today’s digital age, effective fundraising goes hand-in-hand with strategic technology. Imagine streamlining your fundraising efforts with a fundraising tech stack, a collection of integrated tools that work together seamlessly.

A carefully curated tech stack is more than just a collection of apps; it’s a powerful asset that empowers your team to focus on what truly matters: building relationships and securing donations that fuel your cause.

What is your Fundraising Tech Stack?

A fundraising tech stack is a suite of specialised tools designed to simplify and enhance your nonprofit’s fundraising activities. These independent tools can manage everything from donor data and communication to online donation processing and campaign management. Although they are independent, they need to be integrated and interconnected to be efficient for your organisation.

Benefits of a Carefully Curated Tech Stack:

• Increased Efficiency: Through your management software, you can automate tedious tasks, freeing up your team’s valuable time to focus on strategic initiatives and donor cultivation.
• Enhanced Organisation: Say goodbye to scattered spreadsheets and overflowing inboxes! Your main fundraising software provides a central hub for donor data, campaign information, and communication channels.
• Improved Donor Engagement: Personalised communication is key to building strong donor relationships. Your CRM and email marketing platform allow you to segment your donor base and tailor your outreach for maximum impact.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Gain valuable insights into donor behaviour and campaign performance with robust reporting and analytics tools.
• Streamlined Operations: Manage online donations, track campaign progress, and automate workflows – all within a user-friendly platform.

Popular Fundraising Software Options:

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, several popular fundraising software options cater to various needs and budgets.
Here are a few well-regarded choices:

Project management:

• Asana – Monday – Trello – ClickUp

Email marketing:

• Mailerlite❤️ ← my recommendation – Keap – ActiveCampaign – Mailchimp –  Hubspot*

Website / CMS:

• WordPress❤️ ← my recommendation – Webflow – Hubspot*

Online Giving:

• Donorbox❤️ ← my recommendation – DonorDock – FundraiseUp – Givebutter

AI tools:

• Gemini❤️ ← my recommendation – Pilot – ChatGPT – GrammarlyGo

CRM – Database:

• Donorbox CRM ❤️ ← my recommendation – Beacon CRM – DonorDock – Hubspot* – Salesforce* – BlackBaud RaiserEdge*

* Hubspot and Salesforce are more advanced types of platforms. They offer amazing capacities which require a higher investment to get started and a steeper learning curve.

Unfortunately, not all organisations using these platforms will get an ROI after a few months or even years because their organisation is too small, lacks trained staff to manage it properly and most probably because they don’t make full use of the capabilities of these powerful platforms.

2. Utilising CRM for Donor Management

At the heart of successful fundraising lies strong donor relationships. A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is your secret weapon for nurturing these relationships. Think of your CRM as a digital filing cabinet on steroids, specifically designed to manage your donor data and interactions.

Why is a CRM Crucial for Donor Management?

Imagine trying to remember every detail about every donor – their giving history, interests, and preferred communication methods. Unless you have an amazing memory and it’s an impossible task!

A CRM system keeps all your donor information organised and readily accessible. This allows you to:

• Track donor interactions: Record every phone call, email, or meeting with a donor to build a comprehensive history and personalise future interactions.
• Segment your donor base: Not all donors are created equal. A CRM allows you to categorise donors based on giving history, demographics, or interests. This enables you to tailor your communication and outreach strategies for maximum impact. Remember that there’s no point of segmenting your database if you don’t use the information later one.  Regularly go back to the records and see if you can personalise your approach. (see next point)
• Personalise communications: Go beyond generic form letters. A CRM helps you craft personalised messages that resonate with individual donors, fostering stronger connections. Did they attend a specific event or donated to a specific campaign, mention it. Call them to give them a personal update. Make them feel seen and heard, not just someone else on a big list of names.

Tips for Effective CRM Usage:

• Keep it Up to Date: Regularly update donor information to ensure accuracy and avoid missed opportunities.
• Segment Strategically: Don’t just categorise by donation amount. Consider factors like interests and preferred communication styles.
• Personalise with Care: Use data to personalise greetings, highlight shared interests, and express genuine gratitude for their support.
• Automate Where Possible: Use the CRM’s automation features to streamline tasks like sending birthday emails or acknowledging donations.

By utilising a CRM effectively, you can transform your donor management from a chore to a strategic advantage that cultivates lasting relationships and fuels your fundraising efforts.

3. Harnessing the Power of Email Marketing

In the digital age, email remains a powerful tool for connecting with your donors and inspiring them to support your cause.

Effective email marketing allows you to nurture relationships, share updates, and ultimately drive donations.

Why Email Marketing Matters:

• Cost-Effective: Email marketing offers a high return on investment compared to traditional outreach methods.
• Targeted Reach: Segment your email list and personalize messages to resonate with specific donor groups.
• Measurable Results: Track email open rates, click-throughs, and donations to gauge campaign effectiveness and refine your strategy.
• Long-Term Engagement: Regular communication keeps your organization top-of-mind and fosters ongoing donor relationships.

Crafting Compelling Fundraising Emails:

• Subject Lines Matter: Hook your audience with clear, concise, and engaging subject lines that pique their interest.
• Personalize Your Message: Use your CRM data to personalize greetings and tailor content to resonate with individual donors.
• Focus on Storytelling: Weave compelling stories about the impact of your work and the difference your donors make.
• Clear Calls to Action: Don’t leave your donors guessing! Include clear and concise calls to action that encourage them to donate, volunteer, or share your message.

Fundraising Software and Email Marketing:

Fundraising software can be your email marketing powerhouse. These platforms offer features like:

• Easy List Management: Build and segment your email lists to ensure targeted outreach.
• Email Design Tools: Create visually appealing and professional email campaigns without needing coding expertise.
• Automated Workflows: Schedule email sequences, set up automated thank-you messages, and streamline communication.
• Detailed Analytics: Track email performance metrics like open rates, click-throughs, and donation conversions to measure success and refine your strategy.

By harnessing the power of email marketing and leveraging the capabilities of fundraising software, you can build stronger connections with your donors, drive fundraising success, and ultimately fuel your mission.

In today’s competitive fundraising landscape, every advantage counts. This article has explored how a carefully curated fundraising tech stack can empower your non-profit to achieve remarkable results.

We’ve highlighted the importance of utilizing a CRM system for effective donor management, allowing you to build strong relationships and cultivate lasting support. We’ve also discussed the power of email marketing in fostering engagement and driving donations.

Remember, fundraising software is not a magic bullet, but it’s a powerful tool that streamlines workflows, automates tasks, and provides valuable data insights. By strategically using these tools, you can free up your team’s time to focus on what matters most – building meaningful connections with your donors and making a difference in the world.

Take Action Today!

Don’t wait to implement these strategies in your fundraising efforts. Research different fundraising software options, explore the features of a CRM system, and start crafting compelling email campaigns. By taking action and embracing the power of technology, you can unlock a world of possibilities and elevate your fundraising success to new heights.

Need help?

My specialised online fundraising services for non-profits go beyond fundraising. It’s about setting up your organisation for success, using the right tools and platforms to inspire action and foster a dedicated community of supporters.

Together, let’s transform your online platform into a powerful tool that amplifies your impact and drives results.

Book a free call to learn more and embark on your journey towards a more impactful and engaging online presence.

Here’s what I can help you with:

• Compelling copywriting and content writing: Create captivating website copy, engaging blog posts, and effective email marketing materials that resonate with your audience.
• Strategic email marketing: Design targeted email campaigns to nurture leads, build relationships, and foster ongoing supporter engagement.
• Streamlined online donation set-up: Simplify the process for your supporters to donate online, maximising your fundraising potential.
• Website creation tailored for non-profits: Develop a user-friendly and visually appealing website that showcases your mission, stories of impact, and opportunities to get involved.

Thank you for your dedication to driving positive change. Let’s embark on this digital journey and amplify your charitable endeavours together!