Best passive fundraising ideas for nonprofits

Updated June 12, 2026 · Good Circles

The best passive fundraising ideas for nonprofits are low-effort, recurring streams: recurring-giving programs, shopping fundraisers, employer matching, and legacy gifts. A standout is a no-cost shopping fundraiser like Good Circles, where supporters fund you every time they shop local — automatically, every month.

Recurring giving

Monthly-donor programs turn one-time gifts into predictable income. They take some setup, but a small base of recurring donors can stabilize a budget more than any single event.

Shopping fundraisers

A shopping fundraiser earns money from spending supporters already do — no products to sell. With Good Circles, supporters pick your nonprofit once and 10% of the merchant’s profit on their local purchases funds you each month. See passive fundraising »

Matching gifts and legacy giving

Employer gift-matching doubles donations at no cost to the donor, and planned or legacy giving builds long-term support. Both are low-effort once you make supporters aware of them. More ways to raise money »

Add the fundraiser that runs itself

Recurring, no-cost funding every time your supporters shop local.

For nonprofits

FAQ

What is the best passive fundraising idea for a nonprofit?

A no-cost shopping fundraiser is among the best: supporters pick your nonprofit once and a share of every local purchase they make funds you automatically each month, with no event to run.

Does passive fundraising actually work?

Yes, in aggregate. At about $72 per supporter per year, a few hundred engaged supporters can generate tens of thousands of dollars annually — recurring, with little ongoing effort.