How to Build a Stronger Fundraising Strategy

As a grant writer, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative grants can be for nonprofits. They can bring in the kind of funding that launches a brand-new program, opens the door to new partnerships, and helps organizations grow in ways they never thought possible.

At the same time, I’ve also seen how powerful it is when grants are paired with other funding types. A mix of revenue streams creates more stability, more flexibility, and more opportunities to make a bigger impact.

To dig into this idea, I reached out to my colleague Sara Hoshooley, Founder of Charity Shift, to talk about how nonprofits can diversify their fundraising in ways that complement and strengthen the role grants play in a well-rounded strategy.

Why is diversification important for nonprofits?

Sara: Diversifying your fundraising means building a stronger, more resilient organization. Multiple revenue streams can ensure consistent funding for programs and operations, create more opportunities to connect with different audiences, and increase flexibility to respond to emerging community needs.

The key is to choose strategies that work for your mission and your team’s capacity. You do not need to do everything at once, even small, steady changes can strengthen your funding base over time. The best strategies are the ones you can actually maintain, not just the ones that sound impressive on paper.

What role does individual giving play in a diversified strategy?

Sara: Across North America, individual donors contribute roughly 70% of all charitable giving, making it one of the most reliable nonprofit revenue streams. Start by engaging the people closest to your work, such as board members, volunteers, program participants, and past donors. Clear, personal communication about the impact of their support can transform occasional donors into loyal, monthly contributors who provide predictable, sustainable funding.

You do not need costly events to build an individual giving program. Simple stewardship strategies like regular email updates, impact stories, and heartfelt thank-yous can be just as effective. At Charity Shift, we often work with small nonprofits to develop these low-cost, high-impact donor engagement plans that fit within busy team schedules.

How can corporate partnerships contribute beyond financial sponsorship?

Sara: Businesses can offer much more than financial contributions. Corporate partnerships can include in-kind services, employee volunteers, and access to new networks. Look for companies whose values align with your mission or who serve your community.

These relationships often lead to longer-term, mutually beneficial collaborations. For example, a local business might sponsor a program while also donating professional expertise or staff time, creating value that goes far beyond a cheque. The most successful partnerships are built on real relationships, not just transactions, and often grow in scope over time.

What other revenue streams can nonprofits explore?

Sara: In addition to grants, individual giving, and corporate partnerships, nonprofits can explore fee-for-service or earned revenue by offering training, consulting, or specialized programs for a fee. Social enterprises, workplace giving campaigns, planned giving programs, and peer-to-peer fundraising are also strong options.

The goal is to choose strategies that align with your mission and capacity, rather than trying to implement multiple new methods at once. I often recommend piloting new ideas on a small scale first, then building on the ones that show the most promise.

What advice do you have for small teams who want to diversify without feeling overwhelmed?

Sara: For small teams, the biggest challenge in building a diversified fundraising strategy is often time and expertise. Having a clear, realistic plan and, when possible, outside guidance can make all the difference.

If you are looking for support in building multiple funding streams while keeping grants as a strong pillar of your revenue, Charity Shift specializes in helping small nonprofits go beyond grants with tailored, step-by-step strategies and hands-on coaching.

And as always, if you are looking for expert support with researching, writing, and managing grants, I can help you secure the funding you need to grow your impact. Learn more about my grant writing services here.