If you’ve ever said, “I need to raise money, but I have no idea where to start,” this post is for you.
Because here’s the truth no one tells nonprofit founders:
Fundraising campaigns don’t start with strategy.
They start with clarity.
I’ve seen so many founders paralyzed by one simple question:
“What do I even say in a campaign?”
Not because they don’t care. Not because they’re not motivated.
But because campaigns feel BIG. Complicated. Overwhelming.
And when you’re already doing ten other jobs inside your nonprofit, launching a full campaign? It sounds exhausting.
So let’s fix that.
What Is a Fundraising Campaign, Really?
A fundraising campaign isn’t some fancy, corporate thing.
At its core, it’s this:
A focused effort to raise money for something specific within a set timeframe.
That’s it. It can last 1 week or 6 weeks.
It can happen entirely by email.
It can be as simple as:
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One clear goal
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One story
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One way to give
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And a handful of scheduled touchpoints
You don’t need a huge list. Or a grant. Or a gala.
You just need to start with a plan.
Step 1: Know Your Goal and Why It Matters
Set a specific, impact-driven goal.
Not just: “We need money.”
Try: “We’re raising $2,500 this month to provide summer learning kits for 50 students.”
When you clarify what the money is used for, your donors will become clearer about why it matters.
Step 2: Plan First, Write Second
The reason most people struggle with what to say is because they skip straight to the messaging before they’ve mapped the structure.
Start with these questions:
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Who are you talking to?
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When do you want to launch?
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What’s your timeline for emails, posts, and updates?
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How are people supposed to give?
Mapping these out before writing anything saves time, energy, and a whole lot of second-guessing.
Step 3: Write Like You’re Talking to One Person
You don’t need “marketing copy.” You need a clear message with heart.
Start with:
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A story (real or representative)
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Why it matters
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What you’re asking people to do
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And a heartfelt thank-you (even before they give)
Your donors want to help. Make it easy to say yes.
Step 4: Make It Repeatable
The best fundraising campaigns aren’t just effective.
They’re repeatable.
Keep your calendar. Save your emails. Reuse your thank-you message.
Then next time? You’re not starting from scratch.
Want Support + Tools to Actually Build Your Campaign This Month?
Inside the PACE Membership, July’s focus is Create Your Fundraising Campaign.
Members get:
✅ A Campaign Builder Kit
✅ A 30-Day Challenge to keep them on track
✅ Audio support through our private podcast, Founder’s Compass
✅ A complete system they can use again and again
If you’ve been saying, “I know I need to fundraise, but I don’t know how,”
👉 This is your next step.
Join us inside PACE.
You don’t need to do this alone. And you don’t need to get it perfect.
You just need to get started with the right system behind you.
