5 Proven Fundraising Strategies to Raise More Money in 2025
Fundraising is the lifeblood of mission-driven organizations. But in 2025, it’s also harder than ever. Donor fatigue is real, competition is fierce, and costs are rising across the board. TTo keep growing, organizations can’t stick to the same old playbook. They need strategies that break through the noise and build trust.
Here are five proven fundraising approaches. Each is backed by current research and nonprofit trends. Together, they’re helping organizations raise more in 2025.
Storytelling Through Video
GoFundMe found that crowdfunding campaigns with a personal video raise 150% more than those without.
Video works everywhere. A short reel can live on your site. A mission film can boost social engagement, fuel events, and strengthen email appeals.
The secret isn’t polish. It’s proof. Authentic, human stories move people from passive interest to active giving.
Want to learn how to do it well? Read our blog here on using video storytelling to drive donations.
Peer-to-Peer FUNDRAISING
Your biggest advocates are often the people already in your corner. Peer-to-peer campaigns let supporters raise money for your mission. They open doors to networks you could never reach alone.
Research shows that 80% of donors who give to a peer-to-peer fundraiser are new to the organization. That’s donor acquisition at scale, built on trust between friends and family.
Make it simple. Share clear stories, give supporters easy tools, and celebrate every effort.
Peer-to-peer campaigns let supporters fundraise on your behalf, unlocking networks you could never reach alone. OneCause’s guide walks through goal-setting, recruiting, branding, and reporting tips to make your campaign shine.
Plus, Mightycause’s “Best Practices” guide offers real-world examples and storytelling prompts to energize your fundraisers.
Recurring Giving Programs
One-time donations are great. Monthly gifts change the game. Recurring giving is on the rise. In 2024, it made up 31% of all online nonprofit revenue.. A small $20/month commitment often adds up to far more than a single large gift.
Strong recurring programs:
- Offer easy entry points ($10–$25/month).
- Show tangible monthly impact.
- Build donor identity around “belonging” to your mission.
Pairing storytelling with a recurring ask dramatically increases sign-ups and strengthens donor loyalty.
Major Donor Cultivation
Big gifts still drive the majority of revenue for most organizations. But major donor strategy isn’t about the “ask” — it’s about the relationship.
Bringing major donors into campaigns adds credibility, networks, and long-term commitment.
Personal stewardship is key. Major donors respond to personal care. A quick update, an impact report, or a short thank-you video can help them feel like true partners.
Focus less on transactions, more on transformation.
For a deeper dive into why trust and thoughtful stewardship convert into long-term support, this guide breaks down the process.
Hybrid FUNDRAISING Events (In-Person + Virtual)
Events are back, but the pandemic shifted donor behavior forever. The most effective fundraisers now combine in-person connection with virtual access.
A gala dinner livestreamed to remote donors. A benefit concert paired with an online giving drive. Conferences where sessions live on as reusable video content.
Hybrid models widen reach, cut geographic limits, and create evergreen assets. They’re not just an event — they’re a platform for ongoing fundraising.
Final Words
There’s no single silver bullet for fundraising. The organizations winning in 2025 blend timeless strategies with modern storytelling.
No single tactic guarantees success. Not video, peer-to-peer, recurring gifts, major donors, or hybrid events.. Winning in 2025 requires more than money. It requires momentum.
👉 Want to see how cinematic storytelling can help your organization raise more in 2025?
