How to start a fundraiser for your nonprofit

Updated June 12, 2026 · Good Circles

To start a fundraiser for your nonprofit: set a clear goal, choose a fundraising method, tell a compelling story, make giving easy, and thank supporters. For ongoing revenue with no event, add a no-cost shopping fundraiser like Good Circles, where supporters fund you every time they shop local.

The basic steps

Set a specific, time-bound goal; pick a method that fits your supporters; tell a concrete story about the impact a gift makes; remove friction from giving; and thank donors promptly. Clarity and ease drive most of a campaign’s results.

Add a recurring, no-cost stream

Events and appeals are spiky. A no-cost shopping fundraiser adds steady, recurring revenue: supporters pick your nonprofit once, and a share of every local purchase they make funds you each month. See passive fundraising »

Why recurring matters

Predictable monthly income is far easier to plan around than one-off pushes. At about $72 per supporter per year, 500 supporters can mean roughly $36,000 a year — with no campaign to run. What is passive fundraising? »

Add a fundraiser that runs itself

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

For nonprofits

FAQ

How do I start a fundraiser for my nonprofit?

Set a clear goal, choose a method, tell a compelling impact story, make giving easy, and thank supporters. Add a recurring no-cost option like a shopping fundraiser for steady income.

What is the easiest fundraiser to run?

A no-cost shopping fundraiser is among the easiest: supporters pick your nonprofit once, and a share of every local purchase they make funds you automatically — no event to organize.