Let’s start out with the definition of what a fundraising proposal is. It is essentially an argument for why the problem your fundraiser seeks to address is important and deserves funding, along with how much it will cost to operate and fund (and/or implement). You can write the description for your fundraiser proposal-style, and it can also help you raise more money and build trust with your community. The right combination of visuals accompanying a set of measurable goals and clarity of how the funds will be raised can help create successful fundraising for your nonprofit or even a start-up.
Tips for writing a persuasive crowdfunding proposal
Your crowdfunding fundraiser page story (which is also in effect your project proposal) needs to inform and rally your backers to action. Stories, testimonials, and media, such as photos or video, can all help you gain the trust of people and build relationships. Apply these simple fundraising tips and you will create a winning fundraising proposal your target audience loves, impress your funders, and secure major donors you desire.
Explain your project
Be clear about your fundraising goals. What are you raising money for? Address the basics: who you are, who your nonprofit or organization serves, and what exactly you’re planning to do with the money. A detailed plan will make people feel more confident about your project. Where possible, share metrics that will indicate how you will measure progress.
Convey the importance of your cause
People want to support causes that spark positive change. Use this space to show the potential impact of your efforts. What problems are you solving? What will your organization actually do, in concrete terms, and how do donations make it possible for you to do that work? These two questions will also help you relate to your potential donors and stakeholders.
Put a name to the face
If you could see the human beings behind a cause, wouldn’t you be more likely to take action? Break out the personal stories, do a team member’s spotlight, and display images of the people who will do the work and for whom it will be done. This kind of communication fosters a connection, and that is a win in any instance of peer-to-peer fundraising.
Get in front of every person to make sure they know who you are, the why behind your organization’s mission, and what initiatives you have implemented. Feature your board members and explain what pulled you to the work. These personal touches incentivize donations and build donor loyalty.
Tips for writing a grant proposal based on your fundraiser
Many organizations also blend online fundraising with more traditional forms of fundraising, like applying for grants. If you’re looking for foundations to fund your work, your crowdfunding page can be a very solid beginning to what can later become a more formal grant proposal.
A strong grant proposal can also complement your year-end fundraising plan and help to bring your nonprofit or organization to the attention of new potential donors, partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities. Take advantage of this time to describe in more detail about your fundraising activities.
Cover the basics
Begin with an executive summary that demonstrates for your potential donors the who, what, and why of your fundraiser. Then start talking about your mission: What does your company do? What makes your work special? Give examples of past or present work and explain how your organization would use the prize money to continue its work. What are your objectives, your timeframe, and how will you handle the money? Describe how your project aims to survive if and when the funding runs out, if it is granted.
Be specific when describing your team, your qualifications, and what makes your efforts unique. This builds confidence and helps stakeholders understand your value.
Include financials
Transparency is so critical when it comes to nonprofit fundraising. Offer an exact budget, a way to donate, and, if possible, links to the fundraising pages, and 501(c)(3) documentation proving your organization exists. Demonstrate how each dollar donated will support your cause and establish markers for success. Leveraging a donation tracker or CRM on a fundraising platform can show immediate accountability and encourage donor participation.
Be persuasive
Your grant proposal is a solicitation in a way. Keep your ask persuasive, orderly, and organized. Include some measurable targets and what types of fundraising have worked well for you in the past. Refer to successful fundraising events or mention examples of effective fundraising efforts.
You can even share data, metrics, and testimonials from your last fundraising activities. You can’t beat imagery that presents community involvement, outreach events, or past successes. These added bonuses help create an overall picture of your work and your cause that is more compelling.
Do your research
Not every funder is a fit. Find foundations that adhere to your organization’s mission and values. Do a little digging and see what type of grants they’ve given in the past, and then make sure your project matches. Learn deadlines, formats, and anticipated disbursement schedules. Use additional resources such as nonprofit directories or proposal-writing templates to develop your game even further.
Create a step-by-step fundraising plan
Each proposal should be a plan for success. Create a timeline with key milestones, describe how you will mobilize your donor base and your audience at each step, and detail the partnerships you need to do your work. Be sure to mention virtual and in-person fundraising, if applicable, and peer-to-peer and direct mail outreach. This step-by-step format demonstrates preparation and strategic planning.