How to Get Your First 10 Donors for Your New Nonprofit: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey there! Rooney here, founder and CEO of Nonprofit Startup School. If you’re looking to start a nonprofit or raise money for your cause, you’re in the right place. At Nonprofit Startup School, we provide free resources to help you get your organization off the ground, and you can even schedule a call with me to dive deeper into fundraising strategies. Today, we’re tackling a question that keeps many nonprofit founders up at night: How do you get your first 10 donors?

Let’s be real—starting a nonprofit is exciting, but fundraising can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re just getting started. You might be wondering how to even begin asking for donations or how to sell your vision to others. Trust me, you’re not alone. That’s why I’m breaking down six clear steps to help you secure your first 10 donors—and set the stage for even more support down the road.

Step 1: Leverage Your Personal Network

Your family and friends are your first line of support. Why? Because you’ve already invested in these relationships over the years. When you’re starting out, these are the people who are most likely to believe in you and your mission. They’re not just potential donors—they’re also a source of skills, expertise, and connections.

For example, maybe you have a friend who’s great at web development or a cousin who’s a pro at marketing. Tap into their talents! The support you get from your personal network isn’t just about money—it’s about building a strong foundation for your organization.

Step 2: Tap Into Your Board Members

When recruiting board members, make it clear that 100% board giving is a non-negotiable policy. Your board members should be your biggest advocates and your first donors. If they’re not willing to invest in your mission, why should anyone else?

Board members can also open doors to their networks. Many of them are connected to business owners, executives, and other influential individuals who might be interested in supporting your cause. A strong, committed board can be a game-changer for your fundraising efforts.

Step 3: Build a Strong Online Presence

In today’s digital age, your online presence is everything. Start by creating a solid social media strategy. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are powerful tools for sharing your story and connecting with potential donors.

Next, invest in a well-designed website. This is your nonprofit’s digital home base, and it needs to be professional, easy to navigate, and capable of converting visitors into donors.

Finally, consider crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo. These platforms can help you reach a broader audience, and you can use your social media and website to drive traffic to your campaigns.

Step 4: Create a Prospect List and Build Organic Relationships

Don’t just ask for money right out of the gate. Start by identifying people in your community who align with your mission—individuals who have supported similar causes in the past or who have expressed interest in your work.

Once you have a list of prospects, focus on building genuine, organic relationships with them. Invite them to events, ask for their advice, and keep them updated on your progress. The goal is to create a connection before making the ask. When the time is right, they’ll be much more likely to support your cause.

Step 5: Launch Your Nonprofit with a Bang

An official launch event is a fantastic way to generate buzz and attract donors. Invite local media, government officials, community leaders, and anyone else who might be interested in your mission. A well-executed launch can lead to press coverage, pledges, and long-term support.

Think of your launch as your nonprofit’s debut—it’s your chance to make a great first impression and show the world why your work matters.

Step 6: Offer Incentives to Donors

People love to feel appreciated. Offering incentives like thank-you cards, donor impact updates, or even small tokens of appreciation can go a long way in building loyalty. When donors see the tangible impact of their contributions, they’re more likely to give again—and encourage others to do the same.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it—six proven steps to secure your first 10 donors:

1. Leverage your personal network.

2. Tap into your board members.

3. Build a strong online presence.

4. Create a prospect list and build organic relationships.

5. Launch your nonprofit with a memorable event.

6. Offer incentives to show your gratitude.

If you’re ready to take your nonprofit to the next level, head over to https://nonprofit-school.com for free resources and tools to help you get started. And if you need personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to book a call with me. Let’s work together to turn your vision into reality.

Catch you tomorrow with more tips and strategies. Until then, keep pushing forward—you’ve got this!

—Rooney