The 5 Most Common Fundraising Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Fundraising is the backbone of any nonprofit’s success, but many grassroots organizations struggle to meet their goals due to avoidable missteps.
If your organization is finding it hard to raise money, give yourself some grace. I learned how to fundraise through trial and a lot of error (more about my story HERE). Hopefully, this blog will shed some light on what not to do, so you can learn from my mistakes and build a more sustainable fundraising strategy.
1. Being Afraid to Ask for Money
👉 This is the most common mistake, so let’s start here!
The Mistake:
Many grassroots organizations hesitate to ask for donations because they don’t want to seem pushy or fear rejection. But if you don’t ask, your audience won’t know you need financial support.
How to Avoid It:
Ask with confidence and ask often! Your supporters believe in your mission, but they won’t automatically know that you rely on donations unless you tell them.
Regularly communicate fundraising needs through email, social media, and in-person conversations. Be direct: “We need to raise $5,000 this month to keep our programs running. Will you help by making a $25 donation today?”
The more you normalize asking, the more comfortable your audience will become with giving.
2. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Fundraise
The Mistake:
Too many nonprofits scramble to raise money when they’re in a financial bind—whether it’s for an urgent program need or an event like Giving Tuesday. A last-minute post on Instagram saying “Hey, it’s Giving Tuesday! Please donate!” is not a fundraising strategy.
How to Avoid It:
Plan ahead! Even if you don’t have time for a formal fundraising plan, start by outlining:
What you need (e.g., $5,000 for a summer program)
How you’ll ask (social media, email, direct mail, events)
When you’ll ask (Giving Tuesday, end-of-year giving, grant cycles)
Example: Instead of posting a single fundraising appeal on Giving Tuesday, create a mini-campaign:
Week before: Email supporters about your upcoming fundraiser.
Day before: Share a story about the impact of past donations.
Giving Tuesday: Go live on social media, post multiple times, and send a reminder email.
Day after: Follow up with a thank-you message and update on the campaign’s success.
This strategy keeps donors engaged and increases the likelihood they’ll give.
3. Failing to Debrief After a Fundraiser
The Mistake:
Many nonprofits finish a fundraising campaign and immediately move on to the next thing—without evaluating what worked and what didn’t.
How to Avoid It:
After any fundraising effort, set aside 15 minutes in your next team or board meeting to ask:
How much did we raise? (Don’t forget to subtract expenses to see your income!)
How did our supporters respond?
How many people donated?
Did we have any major gifts or repeat donors?
What can we improve next time?
Tracking basic fundraising metrics doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A simple Google Sheet to track donations, donor retention, and event success can help you refine your approach and raise more money in the future.
4. Not Keeping Donors Engaged
The Mistake:
Many nonprofits focus on attracting new donors but forget about the ones they already have. If donors only hear from you when you need money, they won’t feel valued—and they won’t stick around.
How to Avoid It:
Prioritize donor relationships all year long by:
Sending personalized thank-you notes (handwritten or email)
Giving impact updates (e.g., "Your donation helped 50 students attend summer camp!")
Checking in (A quick call or text just to say thank you)
Pro Tip: Your donors are partners, not ATMs. Treat them like insiders—keep them in the loop about how their contributions are making a difference.
5. Not Clearly Communicating Your Impact
The Mistake:
Donors want to know how their money makes a difference. If your fundraising appeals are vague (“Your donation helps our programs”), they won’t inspire confidence or urgency.
How to Avoid It:
Use clear, specific messaging that shows tangible impact. Instead of:
❌ “Your donation helps support our food pantry.”
Try:
✅ “A $25 donation provides groceries for a family of four for a week.”
Even better? Show, don’t just tell.
Share photos & videos of your programs in action.
Feature real-life testimonials from people you’ve helped.
Use numbers to highlight impact (e.g., “Last year, we served 500 meals to families in need”).
When donors see the difference they’re making, they’re more likely to give again.
Final Thoughts
By confidently asking for support, planning ahead, analyzing what works, keeping donors engaged, and clearly communicating your impact, your nonprofit can create a more successful and sustainable fundraising program.