Fundraising Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making

You’re working hard to bring in donations. You’ve got campaigns, emails, maybe even a big annual event. But if fundraising still feels like an uphill battle, you might be making some avoidable mistakes—ones that could be costing you donors, dollars, and sanity.

Let’s fix that. Here are some common fundraising missteps and how to turn them around.

1. You’re Asking for Money, Not Impact

🔴 Mistake: Your appeals focus on your needs instead of the change donors make possible.

✅ Fix: Instead of “We need $10,000 for our programs,” try “Your gift provides meals for hungry families.” Make donors the heroes of the story—because they are.

2. You Treat Donors Like ATM Machines

🔴 Mistake: Only reaching out when you need money.

✅ Fix: Build relationships. Send thank-yous without an ask. Share impact updates. Treat donors like partners, not transactions.

3. You’re Ignoring Monthly Giving

🔴 Mistake: Relying on one-time gifts instead of steady, predictable revenue.

✅ Fix: Promote a monthly giving program. Even small recurring gifts add up and keep donors engaged year-round. (Bonus: Monthly donors have way higher retention rates!)

4. You’re Not Saying Thank You Fast Enough

🔴 Mistake: Sending thank-you notes weeks or months after a donation.

✅ Fix: Donor appreciation should be immediate and personal. Aim for 24-48 hours - but no later than 72 hours. A quick email, handwritten note, or even a voicemail makes a huge difference.

5. You Make Giving Harder Than It Should Be

🔴 Mistake: A clunky, confusing, or outdated donation form.

✅ Fix: Your donation page should be mobile-friendly, simple, and fast. Fewer clicks = more completed gifts. (And always include multiple ways to give—credit card, PayPal, Venmo, etc.)

6. You’re Not Asking for Larger Gifts

🔴 Mistake: Assuming donors will “give what they can.”

✅ Fix: Don’t be afraid to suggest specific amounts. Instead of an open-ended ask, try “Will you join us with a gift of $100?” Even better—tie gift levels to real impact.

7. Your Fundraising Is Too Inconsistent

🔴 Mistake: Only fundraising at year-end, then scrambling when funds run low.

✅ Fix: Build a year-round strategy. Monthly emails, social media engagement, and seasonal campaigns keep donors engaged before December rolls around.

8. You’re Ignoring Data

🔴 Mistake: Guessing instead of tracking what works.

✅ Fix: Pay attention to open rates, click-throughs, donor retention, and gift sizes. If something’s not working, tweak it! Data tells you what donors actually respond to.

There's No Time Like the Present to Make Changes

Every nonprofit makes mistakes—what matters is fixing them. With a few small shifts, you can strengthen relationships, raise more money, and make fundraising feel less like pulling teeth.

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I'm Liz. I help nonprofits raise more money with less stress—so you can stay focused on the work that matters. You don’t have to figure out fundraising alone. Let’s talk.