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There are seven categories of ideal funders for your nonprofit organization.When I say “ideal funders,” I’m talking about the people, businesses, organizations, grantors, foundations, and government agencies that have the capacity, affinity, and propensity to give to a mission like yours.Your job as a nonprofit founder is to identify who these people and organizations are and then go after them with focus and strategy. That’s the foundation of successful, sustainable fundraising.The truth is, many founders reach out to people and organizations with high hopes, only to be met with silence. Some never respond. Some politely decline. Others keep saying “no” again and again. At some point, it starts to feel like you’re begging, overexplaining, overconvincing, just to get someone to give.But here’s the reality: if you haven’t identified your ideal funders, you will always struggle.There are people and organizations out there who already have an established reason to want your nonprofit to succeed. They’re already aligned with your mission. They’re already invested in the outcomes you’re working toward. Your job is to find them, and then approach them systematically and strategically so they can say “yes” with confidence.Today, I want to focus on just one of the seven categories of ideal funders: the Benefits Category.&nbsp; &nbsp; The Benefits Category The Benefits Category includes the people, businesses, and organizations that benefit directly or indirectly from your mission.This concept surprises a lot of nonprofit founders, because inside the sector, we tend to think only about the people we serve. But the truth is, there’s always a wider network of beneficiaries connected to your impact.Let’s look at some examples.Example 1: Empowering Nonprofit Founders If you run a nonprofit that supports other nonprofit founders, then those founders are the direct beneficiaries of your mission. In many cases, they already have resources and the capacity to fund your vision, whether that’s through membership fees, training fees, or registrations.Because they benefit directly, it’s much easier to convince them to support you.Example 2: Empowering the Homeless Now, let’s say your organization empowers people experiencing homelessness. The homeless themselves are direct beneficiaries, but most of them don’t have the capacity to give back financially.So where do you look? You look at the indirect beneficiaries.<ul><li>Family members: they benefit from seeing their loved one stably housed and off the streets. </li><li>Real estate agents: they gain new clients as people move into homes. </li><li>Real estate companies: they profit from housing transactions. </li><li>Home décor stores: they sell furniture and decorations to newly housed individuals. </li><li>Housing divisions within local government: your work supports their mandate, so they may provide resources or funding. </li></ul>All of these groups benefit indirectly from your mission.Example 3: Empowering Children If your mission serves children, you may think your work begins and ends with the kids themselves. But the real list of beneficiaries goes much further.<ul><li>Parents benefit because their children are supported. </li><li>Teachers benefit because they can focus on teaching without constant behavioral struggles. </li><li>Schools benefit because empowered children raise the overall standard of education. </li></ul>Again, all of these groups are benefactors of your mission, whether you’ve realized it or not.&nbsp; &nbsp; Why This Matters If you don’t understand this concept, you’ll waste time chasing the wrong funders. You’ll keep knocking on doors that never open.But once you identify your direct and indirect benefactors, everything changes. You can invite them into real partnerships where everyone wins:<ul><li>The people you serve benefit. </li><li>Your partners benefit by connecting their brand, mission, or business with meaningful impact. </li><li>And your organization benefits by gaining sustainable funding. </li></ul>This is the essence of true partnership. It’s not begging. It’s not convincing. It’s aligning interests and working together toward a shared outcome.And here’s the bigger picture: beneficiaries are only one of seven categories of ideal funders. Others include people with a giving history, those who want to enhance their reputation, and more.When you research across all seven categories, you’ll discover a wide range of funders, people, businesses, organizations, and agencies who have a reason to support your mission. And once you tap into those reasons, you’ll be able to build long-term partnerships and unlock transformational funding.&nbsp; &nbsp; The Path to Six and Seven Figures If you’re struggling to raise funds right now, I want you to know this: it is possible to raise six to seven figures over the next 12 months. But it won’t come from scattering your efforts or begging for donations.It starts with building the right foundation. The first step is identifying who your ideal funders are. From there, you can engage them systematically, strategically, and sustainably.That’s how you transform your fundraising. That’s how you move from struggling to thriving. That’s how you build an organization that is strong, resilient, and equipped to achieve its mission. Are You Ready To Unlock Transformational Funding? Let's schedule a free call to discuss what that looks like for your organization. Use the link below to select a convenient time. <a data-mce-href="https://calendly.com/meetwithrooney/introductory-call" href="https://calendly.com/meetwithrooney/introductory-call" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">https://calendly.com/meetwithrooney/introductory-call</a>

One Overlooked Funding Source That Could Unlock 6–7 Figures for Your Nonprofit

If you know me well, there’s one thing you’ll notice quickly: I hate asking for help. I like to feel self-sufficient, capable of handling things on my own.So when I first started fundraising, it felt awful. I felt like I was begging, trying to convince people to give, lowering myself to a position I wasn’t comfortable with. And to be honest, that mindset almost crippled my efforts.But everything changed when I realized something powerful: fundraising isn’t begging, it’s inviting.That shift in perspective took me from struggling to raise a few dollars to raising over $5 million, and later working with other fundraisers across the country to raise hundreds of millions.Here’s what made the difference.&nbsp; &nbsp; Step 1: Know Who Already Has a Reason to Give The breakthrough came when I stopped trying to convince people to care and started focusing on people who already had their own reasons to give.Because when someone already sees the value in your mission, you don’t need to twist their arm. All you need to do is tap into that reason and invite them into partnership.Think about it:A homeless empowerment organization doesn’t need to “beg” real estate companies. Real estate agents benefit directly when people move from the streets into homes. Supporting your work means future clients for them. City council members or housing reps don’t need to be convinced either. Partnering with you makes them look good in front of their constituents. When you align with someone’s existing reasons to give, your role shifts from persuader to partner.&nbsp; &nbsp; Step 2: Speak Their Language of Impact This is where most founders miss the mark. They discuss their financial needs, rather than demonstrating how the funder’s goals align with their mission.Instead of:“Please donate, we’re struggling to fund this program…” Try:“We help move people off the streets so they can become your future clients. Let’s partner to make this happen together.” That’s not begging. That’s partnership.&nbsp; &nbsp; Step 3: Look for Alignment, Not Just Money The biggest fundraising mistakes happen when you chase people or businesses who aren’t aligned with your vision. That’s when it starts to feel like begging.However, if your nonprofit empowers children and you approach children’s brands or corporations that already serve kids, you don’t have to convince them. You’re showing them how your impact expands theirs.The secret? Alignment creates momentum.&nbsp; &nbsp; The Shift That Unlocks Millions The day I stopped begging and started inviting was the day fundraising became natural. That’s when I stopped chasing scraps and started closing six and seven-figure partnerships.And here’s the truth I want you to take with you:Fundraising is not about convincing people to give. It’s about inviting the right people, those already aligned with your mission, to a partnership.When you find those people, you don’t feel like you’re asking for help. You feel like you’re building something powerful together.That’s how you raise six or seven figures, not by lowering yourself, but by stepping up as a partner in impact.P.S.: Struggling to raise money. Let's talk. I will be happy to provide you with clarity and show you how to raise 6 to 7 figures for your nonprofit over the next 12 months. Pick a convenient time here: <a data-mce-href="https://calendly.com/meetwithrooney/introductory-call" href="https://calendly.com/meetwithrooney/introductory-call">https://calendly.com/meetwithrooney/introductory-call</a>

Stop Begging for Donations & Start Inviting Powerful Partnerships For Your Nonprofit

What I’m about to share with you are the very reasons why many founders struggle to raise money consistently for their organizations. I’ve lived it myself. I used to be confused and overwhelmed by fundraising, unsure of what I was doing wrong. But over time, I discovered not just how to raise money, I went on to raise over $5 million and worked alongside other fundraisers who collectively raised almost a billion dollars in the nonprofit space.So, if you’re ready to shift from struggling to raising six or even seven figures for your mission, let’s dive into the most common mistakes and more importantly, how to overcome them.&nbsp; &nbsp; 1. You’re Reaching Out to the Wrong Audience This is the biggest trap. I used to believe anyone and everyone should give to my cause. If people could just see the impact we were making, surely they’d donate, right?Wrong.Not everyone is meant to give to your mission. People only give to causes that matter deeply to them. If your cause doesn’t resonate with their story, values, or experience, no amount of convincing will change that.When you reach out to the wrong audience, it doesn’t just waste time, it chips away at your confidence. Every “no” makes you hesitate, doubt yourself, and sometimes even stop taking action.The fix? Identify your right audience, people who are already aligned with your cause, who benefit from it, or who have experienced what you’re helping others through. These people have the propensity, affinity, and capacity to give. Build your fundraising foundation on them, not on everyone else.&nbsp; &nbsp; 2. You Don’t Have a Clear Fundraising Strategy Most organizations reach out with their hands out:“We need $10,000. We need $1,000. We need $50.” But here’s the problem, people hate transactional relationships. They don’t want to feel like an ATM. They want to feel valued. They want to know you see them, care about them, and have their best interests at heart.That’s why you need a fundraising process that builds the know-like-trust factor before you ever make the ask. Think of it this way: you can’t withdraw from a relationship you’ve never invested in.Even with grants, this principle holds true. Most grantors give to organizations they already know or trust. Building relationships before applying dramatically increases your chances.The fix? Build relationships first. Show people they matter. Nurture trust before asking for money.&nbsp; &nbsp; 3. You’re Trying to Do It All Alone The nonprofit world is not a one-man show, it’s a place for collaboration.When you try to carry everything by yourself, burnout is inevitable. You need a team that helps execute your fundraising efforts:<ul><li>Someone to manage emails </li><li>Someone to set up appointments </li><li>Someone to connect with prospective donors </li></ul>And beyond your staff or volunteers, your board should be a fundraising partner, too. Not by magically asking for huge donations, but by opening doors in their networks. Equip them with scripts, proposals, and cases for support so they feel confident and prepared.The fix? Stop trying to be a lone wolf. Build and equip a fundraising team, including your board, that multiplies your capacity.&nbsp; &nbsp; 4. You Don’t Have a Follow-Up Process Here’s the truth: if you reach out to 1,000 people, most will not give on the first ask. And that’s okay. But what separates struggling organizations from thriving ones is the follow-up.Follow up with those who didn’t give, showing you value the relationship, not just the money. Steward those who did give with thank-you notes, updates, and stories of impact. Keep nurturing every connection, because today’s “no” can become tomorrow’s “yes.” One fundraiser I know even asks for referrals after a no:“If this isn’t a fit for you, could you recommend three others who might align with our cause?” That simple shift can turn rejection into opportunity.The fix? Put systems in place to follow up, steward, and nurture relationships long after the first ask.&nbsp; &nbsp; Bringing It All Together If you’re struggling to raise money, it usually comes down to these four things:<ul><li>Reaching out to the wrong audience </li><li>Lacking a clear fundraising strategy </li><li>Trying to do it all alone </li><li>Neglecting follow-up and stewardship </li></ul>Fix these, and you’ll build a fundraising system that funds your nonprofit today and sustains it tomorrow.I’ll be sharing even more on building a strong team, equipping your board, and reaching six to seven figures in the next 12 months. Stay connected, share this with others who need it, and let’s transform the way your nonprofit raises money.&nbsp; &nbsp;

4 Reasons You Are Finding It Hard to Raise Money and What To Do For A Change

<figure id="figure-dq877a4d4cmesy6asr"><img id="dq877a4d4cmesy6asr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1cWt9LCv3MJFutZNMM5Krz6D8e2MSsiuPzsIPadHy9j3LIOKe0ADhxYLAlMa6ZN2.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1cWt9LCv3MJFutZNMM5Krz6D8e2MSsiuPzsIPadHy9j3LIOKe0ADhxYLAlMa6ZN2.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Let’s get real for a moment.The number one reason you’re struggling to raise money is simple: you’re reaching out to the wrong audience.Most nonprofit founders fall into the same trap. You think, “If I just convince them enough, they’ll give. If I just show them the good work we’re doing, they’ll give.”But here’s the truth: that never works. And you already know this—you’ve been in the game, and you’ve seen how exhausting it is to keep trying to persuade people who aren’t aligned with your mission.What you need isn’t better persuasion. What you need is a better audience.&nbsp; Meet Your Ideal Funders The people you should be reaching out to aren’t “everyone in the community.” They’re what I call your ideal funders—individuals, businesses, organizations, grantors, foundations, and even government agencies who already have a reason to give.These are people who are naturally aligned with your mission. They don’t need convincing. They just need an invitation to partner with you.Not everyone will believe in your cause. Not everyone will see the importance of your work. But your ideal funders will. And when you start focusing on them, fundraising becomes easier, more effective, and way less discouraging.&nbsp; How to Map Out Your Ideal Funders This is where the game changes. In our 5-Day Challenge, the very first thing we do is what I call Ideal Funder Mapping. We identify individuals, businesses, and organizations that are completely aligned with your mission.Here are just a few categories we use:Those who benefit from your cause. And I don’t just mean the people you directly serve. I mean those who indirectly benefit. If you serve children, their parents are benefactors. If you serve people experiencing homelessness, real estate companies, landlords, and home decor businesses benefit once those people secure housing. Those who look good by associating with your mission. These are companies or individuals who gain credibility, goodwill, or visibility by partnering with you. Those who’ve triumphed over what you’re fighting against. Survivors, advocates, and champions who understand the importance of your mission firsthand. We use eight categories like this to help you identify funders who have the propensity, affinity, and capacity to give. That means they want to give, they care about your cause, and they actually have the resources to do so.&nbsp; Why This Changes Everything When you start reaching out to the right people, you stop begging.I know what it’s like to feel like you’re pleading for money. As founders, we hate that. We’re doing good work. We’re helping people. We don’t want to beg to be able to do that.And here’s the key: begging only happens when you’re talking to the wrong people.With ideal funders, you don’t have to twist arms. You simply speak to their reason for giving and invite them to join you. It’s not a plea—it’s a partnership.And once you start building relationships with the right people:Every “yes” boosts your confidence. Every new donor feels like momentum. You create recurring supporters who give not once, but again and again. &nbsp; The Next Step So here’s my challenge to you: step off the begging trail. Step off the convincing trail. Stop wasting your time trying to get anybody to care.Instead, start mapping out and reaching out to the people who already care. The people who depend on your work. The people who want to see your mission succeed.That’s the shift that will transform your fundraising strategy, your organization, and ultimately, your impact.In my next post, I’ll share a step-by-step strategy for reaching out to these people in a way that secures donations up to 70% of the time and keeps them coming back.Because raising money isn’t about begging. It’s about building the right relationships.If you are struggling to raise money consistently for your mission, I am always happy to help. Let's schedule a convenient time to chat. You can pick a time here: <a data-mce-href="https://calendly.com/meetwithrooney/introductory-call" href="https://calendly.com/meetwithrooney/introductory-call">https://calendly.com/meetwithrooney/introductory-call</a>

Why You’re Struggling to Raise Money (and How to Fix It)

investment concept, money for startup, fundraising

Too many nonprofit founders are stuck in a loop, trying every fundraising idea that pops up, exhausting themselves with grant applications, and planning events that don’t move the needle.Here’s the truth: fundraising doesn’t fail because your mission isn’t worthy. It fails because your strategy isn’t aligned.And that’s what we’re going to fix today.<h3>The Mistake Most Nonprofit Leaders Make About Fundraising</h3>When most founders set out to raise money, they ask questions like: “What’s the best fundraising idea for my nonprofit?” “Should we host an event, do an online campaign, or go after sponsorships?” These are the wrong starting questions.Why?Because they focus on the tactic, not the target. They prioritize the activity instead of the audience.Fundraising isn’t about choosing the flashiest idea. It’s about asking:<ul><li>Who do we want to raise money from? </li><li>How do we build a strategy that moves them to give? </li><li>Until you get clear on that, even the best-looking campaign won’t land.</li></ul><h3>&nbsp; Fundraising Begins with Understanding Your Donors</h3>A donor-centric fundraising strategy always starts with identifying the right people:<ul><li>Who are the individuals or groups that benefit most from the impact you create? </li><li>Who has the most to gain from your mission? </li><li>Who would be moved to support your work because it aligns with their values, interests, or community? </li></ul>Let’s say you serve children through educational programs. The people who benefit most may be parents, teachers, or school administrators.If you support the homeless, think about real estate companies, housing developers, or furniture stores — all of whom benefit when people move from the streets into homes.Once you identify this group, then (and only then) do you craft a fundraising strategy built specifically to reach and engage them.<h3>Your Strategy Must Be Relationship-Driven</h3>Fundraising doesn’t work without trust. And trust doesn’t happen overnight.Every strategy you build should follow this simple relationship-building sequence:<ul><li>Initiate – Introduce your organization in a way that speaks to their values </li><li>Nurture – Stay connected, show impact, ask for advice, share stories </li><li>Invite – Make a timely, relevant ask once trust is built </li></ul>You might start with a soft email campaign. Then follow up with a personalized story. Invite them to visit your organization. Ask for advice before making an ask.The goal is not to impress them with tactics. The goal is to make them feel seen, understood, and aligned with your mission.<h3>&nbsp; But What About Finding These People at Scale?</h3>Yes, identifying donors is one thing, but how do you find more of them?Here are just a few simple strategies:<ul><li>Ask your board and donors to recommend like-minded individuals </li><li>Run a social media campaign to gather referrals </li><li>Use donor research tools like iWave or DonorScape to find people by interest, geography, or giving history </li></ul>This is how you scale your donor identification — without guesswork.<h3>&nbsp; Build the Strategy After You Know the People</h3>So now you know your target audience. The next step is to map out how you’ll raise funds from them. The right strategy depends entirely on the people:<ul><li>If they respond to in-person connection → consider events </li><li>If they’re corporate decision-makers → craft a sponsorship pipeline </li><li>If they’re online and engaged → build a digital campaign with nurturing emails </li></ul>But again: strategy comes second. Audience comes first.Too many organizations do this backwards. They plan a fundraising gala or launch a Giving Tuesday campaign without ever asking if their ideal donor even cares about that channel.<h3>&nbsp; Here’s the Mindset Shift You Must Embrace</h3>Your nonprofit doesn’t just serve the people you impact. It also serves the people who make that impact possible, your donors, partners, and volunteers.When you build systems with that in mind, everything changes. Your fundraising becomes a designed experience, not a desperate effort.That’s how you move from survival mode to sustainability. That’s how you stop winging it and start leading it.<h3>&nbsp; Ready to Build a Fundraising System That Actually Works?</h3><ul><li>You don’t need to hire expensive consultants. </li><li>You don’t need a full development department. </li><li>You just need a system.</li></ul>That’s exactly what the DIY Fundraising System Execution Toolkit gives you — for just $99. Inside, you'll get:✅ A complete step-by-step plan for building a donor-centric fundraising strategy ✅ Templates, scripts, and tools to save you 100+ hours ✅ Guidance to help you map out your ideal donor, identify them at scale, and engage them confidently ✅ A 1-hour group coaching session + 7 days of email mentorship to keep you on track You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to build a predictable, repeatable fundraising engine, one that doesn’t depend on you begging, guessing, or burning out.&nbsp; This is for action takers, not idea chasers. You don’t need another campaign idea. You need a real strategy backed by a proven system.👉 <a data-mce-href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/the-diy-fundraising-execution-toolkit" href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/the-diy-fundraising-execution-toolkit">Grab the DIY Fundraising Execution Toolkit now</a>&nbsp;and finally start raising the funds your mission deserves.<a data-mce-href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/live-coaching" href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/live-coaching">&gt;&gt;&gt; Or Join The Live Coaching Fundraising Acceleration Session &lt;&lt;&lt;</a>

How to Identify the Right Fundraising Strategy for Your Nonprofit (Without Chasing Flashy Ideas)

Why do some nonprofits constantly chase donations, while others seem to attract funding and support without breaking a sweat?The answer comes down to one word: systems.Systems are the reason some organizations operate with ease, executing programs, engaging powerful boards, and growing consistently, while others are stuck writing grants at 2 a.m., scrambling for donations, and burning out.If you’re in the group that’s always chasing, always worried about money, and constantly pulled in every direction… the truth is, you lack systems.When an organization lacks systems, the burden always falls on the leader. You’re trying to raise funds, deliver programs, build your board, and manage marketing, all by yourself. It’s exhausting, and ultimately unsustainable.But successful organizations don’t operate like that. They have systems and processes that bring in donations, keep board members engaged, and enable their teams to execute without micromanagement.And when I say systems, I don’t mean complex automation or fancy tech platforms. I’m talking about building your nonprofit in a way that all parts of the organization work interdependently to fulfill the mission.This is where many small or startup nonprofits fall short. Founders try to do everything themselves. They chase money, try to lead alone, and operate without structure.But the key is not to chase the outcome. It’s to build the systems that create the outcome.Look at organizations like Feeding America or Habitat for Humanity. They’re built on strong internal structures. Every department, from fundraising to marketing, is organized, resourced, and aligned.You don’t need to be a large nonprofit to start building like this. You can begin right where you are, using what you have, especially volunteers.Here’s how you do it:&nbsp; Build the System, One Department at a Time Start with the board. Each board member should take ownership of a key area, fundraising, marketing, outreach, etc. That board member develops a plan of action, presents it to the board for approval, and then works with you to recruit a small team (even if it’s volunteers) to execute that plan.For example:<ul><li>Fundraising: Create a resource development plan. Recruit a team to implement it consistently. </li><li>Marketing: Develop a communication plan. Bring on a content creator, email strategist, or social media volunteer to carry it out. </li><li>Programs: Design a delivery system. Assign roles to ensure consistency in service delivery. </li></ul>The key is daily, consistent execution, not doing it all at once, and not doing it all alone.&nbsp; Volunteers First. Paid Staff Later. You don’t need a huge budget to build a working system. Start by building volunteer teams that operate within each department, using simple tools and consistent processes. Then, as you grow and raise funds, you can bring in part-time contractors or full-time staff.Remember: Consistency builds momentum, and momentum creates results.&nbsp; Don’t Forget Your Board is Part of the System You also need a system to engage your board. One that keeps them committed, active, and contributing, rather than leaving you to carry the weight alone.And if your current board doesn’t have the skills or commitment you need, it’s time to recruit the right people: fundraisers, marketers, community leaders, people with lived experience, individuals who bring energy and value to your mission.&nbsp; This is Where We Can Help At Nonprofit Board Builders, we equip and empower you to:✅ Recruit the right board ✅ Re-engage your existing members ✅ Delegate responsibility without micromanaging ✅ Build execution systems across fundraising, marketing, and moreWith the right systems and the right people, you’ll stop chasing money and start attracting the resources and support your mission deserves.If you’re ready to stop struggling and start scaling, click the link below. Let’s work together to build a nonprofit that runs on systems, not stress.<a data-mce-href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/board-strategy-call" href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/board-strategy-call">&gt;&gt;&gt; GET THE DIY FUNDRAISING EXECUTION TOOLKIT &lt;&lt;&lt;</a><a data-mce-href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/fundraising-strategy-call" href="https://nonprofitboardbuilderllc.com/fundraising-strategy-call" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">&gt;&gt;&gt; JOIN THIS WEEK'S GROUP COACHING GAME-CHANGING FUNDRAISING SYSTEM TRAINING &lt;&lt;&lt;</a>

The Nonprofit Strategist

Blog

One Overlooked Funding Source That Could Unlock 6–7 Figur...

Stop Begging for Donations & Start Inviting Powerful Part...

4 Reasons You Are Finding It Hard to Raise Money and What...

Why You’re Struggling to Raise Money (and How to Fix It)

How to Identify the Right Fundraising Strategy for Your N...

Why Do Some Nonprofits Struggle While Others Attract Reso...