How to fundraise online and promote your campaign easily

Many nonprofits and small teams navigate the realities of limited time and lean staffing while striving to expand their impact. The good news? With a clear roadmap and effective systems, you can stay organized, connect meaningfully with donors, and build campaigns that truly move the needle without overwhelming your team.

The key is approaching fundraising as an ongoing relationship-builder—creating consistent experiences that transform one-time supporters into long-term advocates for your cause.

What is online fundraising and how does it work?

Online fundraising is when you use the internet to raise money for a cause. That could mean setting up a donation page, sharing your story on social media, or sending emails to your supporters. Instead of waiting for people to show up at an event, online fundraising helps you reach them where they already are—on their phones, tablets, or computers.

It’s a great way to connect with more people, especially if your team is small or your budget is tight. And it’s not just about collecting money—it’s about building real relationships with the people who care about your mission. When done right, it’s personal, simple, and way more effective than you might think.

We’ve seen this work again and again. Whether it’s a one-time campaign or a long-term strategy, online fundraising helps nonprofits grow, stay organized, and raise more with less effort.

How to fundraise online: Step-by-step guide for a successful fundraiser

Set clear fundraising goals that connect with your mission

Before you ask for donations, you need to know exactly what you're asking for—and why it matters. Think about what you’re raising money for and how much you need. Maybe it’s $5,000 to start a food program, or $20,000 to fund a new shelter. Whatever it is, make sure your goal feels real, and tie it to something people can picture.

The more specific you are, the more people will care. When supporters know where their money is going and what kind of impact it’ll make, they feel more excited to give. And when you hit your goal, you can show them exactly what they helped make happen.

From our experience working with nonprofits, this step makes a huge difference. A clear, honest goal builds trust and gives your campaign a stronger chance to succeed.

Create a compelling fundraising page or online donation form

Your fundraising page is where the magic happens. It’s where people decide whether to give—and how much. So it needs to be clear, easy to use, and full of heart.

Start by telling your story. Why does your cause matter? What change are you trying to make? Keep it short and honest. Add a strong photo or video so people can see the real impact behind the words. Then, make sure your donation form is simple. The fewer steps it takes, the better.

We’ve seen organizations double their donations just by updating their page to feel more personal. Use real language. Use real stories. And always, always make sure the page works well on a phone. Most people give from their mobile devices now—don’t make them pinch and scroll to figure it out.

Harness partners love this part because we make the donation page feel like part of their brand—clean, fast, and friendly. It’s one of the easiest ways to turn a visitor into a donor.

Choose the right fundraising platform to raise money

Not all fundraising platforms are built the same. Some are basic. Some are clunky. And some—like Harness—are designed to actually help you grow. The platform you choose should make it easy for people to give, easy for you to manage, and easy for everyone to stay connected.

Look for tools that save you time. Can you track donations in real time? Can you follow up with donors automatically? Does the platform let you set up recurring gifts or peer-to-peer campaigns without needing a tech person?

We’ve worked with teams who switched to Harness after trying two or three other tools. Why? Because they wanted a system that actually helped them raise more without burning out their staff. Choosing the right platform isn’t just about features—it’s about support, guidance, and making sure your mission gets the attention it deserves.

Engage friends and family early in your campaign

When you’re starting out, your friends and family are your strongest supporters. They already know you, they care about what you’re doing, and they want to see you succeed. So don’t be shy—ask them to help you get your fundraiser off the ground.

Send them a quick message. Share your fundraising page. Let them know what you’re trying to do and why it matters to you. Even if they can’t give much, they can help spread the word. A few shares from people close to you can reach dozens (sometimes hundreds) of others.

We’ve seen nonprofit teams kick off huge campaigns just by starting with their inner circle. It builds momentum fast—and that early support gives new donors confidence to join in, too. The first few days of a fundraiser matter a lot, and your people can help you hit the ground running.

Use peer to peer fundraising to scale your campaign

Peer-to-peer fundraising is one of the most powerful tools you can use to scale your campaign. Essentially, it lets your supporters do the work for you. Instead of just relying on you to fundraise, they create their own fundraising pages and share them with their networks.

The beauty of peer-to-peer fundraising is that it taps into the networks of your supporters. Their friends, family, and coworkers might not follow your nonprofit on social media—but they’ll definitely listen to someone they know personally. And when those friends see the support from their own network, it creates a ripple effect.

With Harness, we’ve seen nonprofits grow their donor base quickly by letting their supporters take the lead. The more people you have working on your behalf, the bigger the impact—and all while keeping the work manageable for your team.

Where can I promote my fundraiser online?

Getting the word out is just as important as setting up your campaign. If no one knows about your fundraiser, they can’t support it. Luckily, there are a bunch of simple, effective ways to promote your campaign online—without spending a ton of time or money.

Promoting your fundraiser on social media

Social media is one of the fastest ways to get your campaign in front of people. Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or even TikTok, these platforms let you share your story in a personal, visual way.

Keep your posts short and real. Use pictures or videos when you can. And don’t be afraid to repeat yourself—people often need to see something a few times before they take action. One post won’t do it. A few posts across several days will.

We’ve seen the best results when nonprofits treat social like a conversation, not a billboard. Ask questions. Share updates. Thank your donors publicly. The more genuine you are, the more likely people are to engage and give.

Use email to build stronger donor relationships

Email might feel old-school, but it still works—especially when it’s done right. It’s a direct line to the people who already care about your cause. Plus, unlike social media, you’re not fighting an algorithm. Your message goes straight to their inbox.

Start by sending a clear, personal message about your fundraiser. Let them know why you're reaching out and how they can help. Keep it short, friendly, and focused on impact. A good subject line helps, too—something honest and specific works better than clickbait.

As your campaign rolls on, keep the emails going. Share updates, tell donor stories, and celebrate progress. People like to know where their money’s going, and staying in touch helps build trust over time.

We’ve helped partners set up email plans that feel like conversations, not asks. And when your emails feel human, people actually open them—and give.

Tap into local and niche audiences through digital ads

If you want to reach beyond your usual circle, digital ads can help you find new supporters—especially people who care about your cause but haven’t heard of you yet. The good news? You don’t need a big budget to get started.

For nonprofits, the Google Ad Grant is a game-changer. It gives eligible organizations up to $10,000 a month in free search ads. That means when someone Googles terms related to your mission, your campaign can show up at the top of the results. We’ve seen this open the door to new donors, volunteers, and even long-term supporters.

You can also try low-cost ads on social platforms. A few well-targeted dollars on Facebook or Instagram can go a long way if your message is strong. Just make sure you’re clear about your goal and who you want to reach. That way, you’re not just getting clicks—you’re getting people who care.

Work with your community through person event promotion

Even in a digital world, in-person events still matter—and when you mix them with online promotion, the results can be powerful. A local event gives people a chance to connect face-to-face, while your online tools help spread the word and collect donations.

Think about hosting a small gathering, a community walk, a volunteer day, or even a table at a local market. Then use your fundraising page to promote it, collect RSVPs, and accept donations from people who can’t attend but still want to support you.

We’ve seen partners turn simple in-person moments into big fundraising wins by adding things like text-to-give, QR codes, and live progress updates. It’s all about meeting people where they are—and giving them easy ways to get involved, whether they’re across the street or across the country.

Fundraising events and creative campaign ideas to raise funds

When it comes to raising money, people love to be part of something fun, meaningful, and personal. The right event or campaign idea can bring your community together, boost donations, and make your cause feel even more real. And the best part? You don’t have to go big to make a big impact.

Virtual and hybrid fundraising events

Virtual events let you reach more people without the cost and stress of a big in-person gathering. You can run things like trivia nights, online workshops, or livestream Q&As from your living room—and supporters can join from anywhere.

Hybrid events are also growing fast. You host a small local event, and stream it live for those who can’t be there in person. It’s the best of both worlds: personal connection and wide reach.

We’ve helped nonprofits use Harness to run these kinds of events smoothly—tracking donations in real time, sharing impact updates, and even texting with top donors during the event. It makes giving feel easy and exciting, no matter where someone is.

Add matching gifts, raffles, or merchandise for engagement

People love to give when there’s a little extra in it. That’s why adding things like matching gifts, raffles, or custom merchandise can make your fundraiser even more engaging.

With matching gifts, a donor or sponsor agrees to match the amount raised—so every dollar goes twice as far. This creates urgency and excitement, and it often motivates people to give more than they normally would.

Raffles are another simple win. Offer a prize—big or small—and let donors enter by giving. It makes donating feel like a fun experience, not just a transaction. And if you’ve got custom merchandise like T-shirts, mugs, or stickers, selling them as part of your campaign helps spread the word and raise extra funds.

We’ve seen these little add-ons bring in thousands of extra dollars when done right. They're easy to set up—and with the right platform, easy to manage, too.

Best practices for managing your fundraising effort

Raising money online isn’t just about launching a campaign—it’s about keeping it running smoothly and making sure every part of it works together. When you manage your campaign well, it builds trust, saves time, and helps you raise more with less stress.

Optimize your fundraising page for recurring donations

One-time gifts are great. But recurring donations? That’s what keeps your mission moving month after month. And the best time to ask for that recurring support is right when someone gives for the first time.

Your donation form should make this easy. A simple checkbox or quick nudge—like Harness' SmartAsk™ feature—can turn a $50 one-time donor into a $10/month supporter. That adds up fast, and it means you can plan your programs with more confidence.

We’ve seen organizations go from unpredictable funding to steady, reliable income just by adding this one step. The easier you make it, the more people will say yes.

Showcase your fundraising progress to reach your goal

People like to see progress. It helps them feel part of something bigger—and it encourages them to take action. When you show how close you are to your fundraising goal, it builds excitement and momentum.

Use a progress bar or goal tracker right on your fundraising page. Update it in real time if you can. And don’t be afraid to celebrate the milestones along the way—like hitting 25%, 50%, or your first 10 donors.

We’ve seen teams use countdowns, text updates, and even social shoutouts to keep the energy high. Every little win reminds people that their gift matters. And when they see the finish line getting closer, they’re more likely to jump in and help you get there.

Say thank you, follow up, and build donor relationships

When someone gives, it’s a big deal. A quick, heartfelt thank you goes a long way—and it’s something too many campaigns forget. The follow-up isn’t just about being polite. It’s the start of a lasting relationship.

Right after someone donates, send them a thank you message. Make it feel personal. Tell them what their gift will help do. Then, a few days or weeks later, check in with an update. Share a story. Show them how they made a difference.

We’ve worked with nonprofits who turned first-time donors into monthly supporters just by staying in touch. A well-timed email, a quick text, even a handwritten note—it shows you care. And when donors feel seen, they’re way more likely to give again.

Smarter fundraising, stronger impact

Online fundraising isn’t just a trend—it’s a smarter, more personal way to grow your mission and strengthen your community. But the most successful campaigns don’t just come from good intentions—they come from smart strategy, the right tools, and a partner who’s with you every step of the way.

That’s where Harness comes in. We’re more than a fundraising platform—we’re an extension of your team. From building beautiful donation pages to creating data-driven strategies, our platform and expert services are designed to help you save time, raise more, and connect deeper with your donors.

Whether you’re launching your first campaign or refining a long-term giving program, Harness gives you the confidence, clarity, and support to turn your vision into results—without burning out your team.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start an online fundraiser for a nonprofit?

Start by choosing a trusted fundraising platform, like Harness. Set a clear goal, create a simple donation page, tell your story, and share it through email, social media, and with friends and family. Keep it personal and easy to follow.

What are the best platforms to fundraise online?

There are a lot of options—GoFundMe, Donorbox, Classy—but if you want a platform built specifically for nonprofits, with expert support and smart tools, Harness is a great choice. It’s made for small teams who want to grow without getting overwhelmed.

How do I promote my fundraiser without social media?

Use email, text messaging, local events, your website, and personal outreach. You can also use tools like the Google Ad Grant to reach people searching for causes like yours—even if you’re not on social.

How long should an online fundraiser last?

Most campaigns run 2–6 weeks, but it depends on your goal and audience. The key is to build momentum early, keep sharing updates, and celebrate every milestone along the way.

What makes a fundraising page successful?

It should be simple, mobile-friendly, and personal. Include a clear goal, your story, strong visuals, and an easy way to give. Make sure donors can see how their gift makes a difference.