Fundraiser for Nonprofits: How to Raise More Money with Less Stress

Why Fundraising Feels Harder Than Ever (and Why It Doesn’t Have to Be)

If you’re involved in a nonprofit, whether you’re on staff, volunteering, or managing day-to-day operations, you’ve probably faced a familiar dilemma: You need more funding to fulfill your mission, but finding the time, the energy, and the right fundraiser to generate that funding feels overwhelming.

And you’re not alone. Many nonprofits are struggling to stay financially sustainable. Uncertainty is rippling through the global economy. Donors are adjusting their behavior. Spending that once felt generous is becoming harder to justify to boards, partners, and even themselves. To make things worse, the competition for our attention has never been fiercer. For-profit companies around the world have decades of user data guiding their marketing strategies, supercharging their ads, and essentially weaponizing psychology against your message.

But it’s not all doom and gloom; here’s the good news: the most effective nonprofit fundraisers aren’t necessarily the flashiest. They’re the ones that are simple, dependable, and designed to support your mission — not drain your team.

Where Do Nonprofits Actually Get Most of Their Money?

According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, the majority of funding for nonprofits comes from a mix of individual donations, earned income (like events and sales), and grants. While major donors and institutional grants are important, most organizations rely heavily on smaller, consistent contributions from everyday supporters.

Thankfully, this means your ideal fundraiser doesn’t need to go viral. It simply needs to connect emotionally, offer value, and make it easy for supporters to say yes.

5 Fundraisers That Actually Work (and Why)

1. Holiday Wreath Fundraisers

Selling fresh evergreen wreaths and Christmas décor is one of the easiest and most profitable ways for nonprofits to raise money during the holidays. With Mickman Brothers' Holiday Fundraiser, your organization can offer premium, handcrafted decorations made from fresh, sustainably harvested evergreen boughs.

As a leader in the field, Mickman Brothers has helped thousands of organizations raise over $100 million since the company was founded in 1975. You will even be paired with a dedicated fundraising coach, so whether you have a quick question or need help planning your fundraiser, your coach is ready to support you every step of the way. It is no surprise their holiday fundraisers become beloved community traditions.

Why It Works:

·         There’s Demand: Families are already buying new holiday décor, and every home has a front door. Imagine all the sales opportunities! Offering a beautiful, affordable option makes their decision easy.

·         Eco-Friendly & Made in the USA: Their fresh evergreens are biodegradable, long-lasting, and sustainably sourced here in the US. Better yet, Mickman Brothers has planted over a million trees across all 50 states!

·         Great Profits: Amazingly, there are no upfront costs, and you set your own profit margin with their bulk delivery option. You even get a custom online storefront where they handle shipping, and you earn 15% profit.

·         Streamlined Support: They offer free marketing materials — brochures, flyers, posters, even door hangers — plus digital tools and dedicated customer support. This keeps fundraising easy for you and your volunteers.

“Our 2024 season was our 20th year of Mickman Brothers wreath sales. We have raised close to a hundred thousand dollars to support our nature center over the years. Our members, their families, and their friends love the wreaths and centerpieces from Mickman Brothers. The selection is just right, giving shoppers the opportunity to find a product that suits their tastes. The prices fit our customers’ budgets, and the quality makes people smile. The funds raised from our Mickman Brothers sales have helped to keep the doors of our Evergreen Nature Center open. This budget-boost also helps us to provide special activities at our center, plus after-school programs and summer camps for local kids, as well as educational opportunities for adults. Thanks, Mickman Brothers, for allowing us to team up with you over these many years!
— Evergreen Audubon, CO

2. Matching Gift Campaigns

Secure a major donor or sponsor to match contributions during a limited-time campaign. This doubles the impact and creates urgency. To make the most of your efforts, tie the campaign to a clear, specific outcome. You could say, “Every $25 you give helps us rescue and rehome one animal, and today, it’s doubled!” Promote it across all channels available to you and set a firm deadline to build momentum, which encourages last-minute donations.

3. Themed Raffle Baskets

These are easy to organize and fun for participants! Ask local businesses to donate items and sell the tickets online or in person. Popular basket themes include "Family Game Night," "Coffee Lover’s Dream," or "Spa at Home." The real magic (and salability) is in the presentation. A well-curated basket with a clear value can generate surprising amounts of excitement and engagement from your supporters.

4. Peer-to-Peer Campaigns

Empower your supporters to raise money on your behalf through personal outreach and social media. This works perfectly for mission-driven causes, where the story resonates deeply with someone. With the right storytelling tools, your volunteers become ambassadors — sharing why your cause matters and illustrating how others can help. These campaigns are especially effective for nonprofits with passionate followers, since trust and familiarity drive conversions.

5. Donation-Driven Events

Host a small, themed event (like a trivia night or pet photo contest) where the entry fees support your cause, community, and supporters. Although these events are typically low-cost, they are often highly impactful, and offer something valuable in return: entertainment, joy, and a shared experience. You can also boost revenue by offering small gifts (like raffle tickets, merch, concessions) and upselling them during the event.

Spotlight: A Holiday Fundraiser That Checks Every Box

One of the simplest and most effective ways for nonprofits to raise money is through Mickman Brothers’ Holiday Fundraising Program. This program has helped thousands of organizations raise over $100 million since 1975.

Here’s why it stands out:

·         No upfront costs, making it risk-free for nonprofits.

·         You set your profit margin with bulk orders or earn 15% on every online sale.

·         Custom online storefront with nationwide shipping (no inventory headaches).

·         Handcrafted wreaths made from fresh, sustainably harvested evergreens.

·         Eco-friendly program with over a million trees planted across all 50 states.

·         Free marketing materials and dedicated customer support.

Tips to Maximize Any Fundraiser’s Success

·         Tell personal stories that highlight your mission’s impact.

·         Use email and social media to build excitement and remind supporters.

·         Make it easy to give! QR codes, links, and mobile-optimized donation pages help.

·         Encourage supporters to share your fundraiser with their networks.

·         Follow up with gratitude and transparency after the campaign ends.

You Deserve a Fundraiser That Works for You

Fundraising doesn’t have to be exhausting. When you choose the right approach, one that aligns with your mission and respects your team’s capacity, you can raise real money with less stress.

If you're ready to try something that's proven, impactful, and holiday-ready, Mickman Brothers would love to support your mission. Click here to learn more about their Holiday Fundraiser or to set up your customized online storefront.

 

FAQs: Fundraisers for Nonprofits

Where do nonprofits get most of their money?

Most nonprofits rely on a combination of individual donations, earned income from fundraising programs or events, and grants.

How can a nonprofit raise $5,000 quickly?

Choose a high-impact, low-cost fundraiser, like Mickman Brothers’ wreath fundraiser, and promote it through email, social media, and community partners.

What is the 80/20 rule for nonprofits?

It refers to the principle that 80% of your donations often come from 20% of your supporters — making it crucial to nurture key donors.

Can you make money from a nonprofit?

Yes, nonprofits can earn income through fundraising and services—they simply must reinvest those profits into their mission, not distribute them to owners.

How do nonprofits attract donors?

By telling compelling stories, demonstrating impact, offering clear and easy ways to give, and nurturing relationships with transparency and gratitude.

About the Author

Sean Lamson is the Customer Service & Sales Manager, Events Coordinator, and proud member of the marketing team at Mickman Brothers. He specializes in nonprofit fundraising campaigns and seasonal community outreach. When he's not writing or strategizing, he helps organizations find stress-free, meaningful ways to raise money and make a difference in their communities.