Diversified fundraising plan for long-term nonprofit growth

By building a mix of income streams, grants, monthly giving, events, peer-to-peer campaigns, and more, you create a system that’s resilient, responsive, and ready for whatever comes next.

This guide breaks down how to assess your current approach, identify gaps, and explore practical ways to strengthen your fundraising from every angle.

The value of diversified fundraising

A lot of people hear "diversified fundraising" and think it just means trying everything all at once, events, emails, phone calls, you name it. But that’s not it. A diversified fundraising plan is about finding the mix that makes sense for your organization. It means pulling from different revenue streams so that if one dips, the others keep you steady.

Think about it like a three-legged stool. If you only have one or two legs, like grants and major donors, it’s not going to stand up for long. Add in things like monthly giving, peer-to-peer fundraising, local business partnerships, and social campaigns, and suddenly that stool gets stronger. You’ve got options. You’ve got backup. You’ve got control.

Diversifying isn’t just smart, it’s sustainable. It gives you room to grow, space to try new things, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your mission isn’t tied to one check or one season. We've seen small nonprofits double their revenue simply by opening up new giving channels and letting their supporters engage in more than one way.

Evaluating your current donor base and funding sources

Before you start adding new ways to raise money, it helps to look at what’s already working, and what might be holding you back. Take a good, honest look at your donor base. Are you relying too heavily on just a few major donors? Do you have a steady stream of smaller gifts coming in? Are most of your donations coming from one type of event or one time of year?

It’s also worth checking where your donors aren’t coming from. Are you missing out on monthly givers? Have you tried reaching younger supporters or connecting through social media? Is there a corporate sponsorship you’ve been meaning to explore but haven’t had time to pursue?

Mapping out your current funding sources can show you exactly where your risks are. If one source disappeared tomorrow, would your organization still be okay? A diversified plan starts with knowing where you stand, because once you know, you can grow.

Strengthening donor relationships for long-term growth

It’s easy to focus on getting new donors in the door, but keeping the ones you already have? That’s where the real growth happens. Strong donor relationships are what turn one-time gifts into monthly support, and small donations into major ones down the line.

Start by showing people that they matter beyond their money. Say thank you (and mean it), follow up with updates about the impact of their gift, and treat them like part of the team, not just a name in your database. People give to causes they care about, but they keep giving when they feel connected.

We’ve worked with nonprofits that were spending tons of energy chasing new donors, but when they shifted focus to nurturing existing relationships, through personalized messages, calls, even simple texts, they saw their donor retention go way up. Fundraising gets a lot easier when your donors stick around year after year.

A resilient strategy means dedicating effort to both donor cultivation and stewardship, not just constantly chasing new donors.

Leveraging your board members and internal champions

Your board isn’t just there for governance, they’re one of your most powerful fundraising tools. The same goes for your staff and volunteers. These are the folks who already believe in your mission, and chances are, they know people who could too.

Start by helping your board understand their role in fundraising. That doesn’t always mean asking for money. It might mean opening doors, making introductions, sharing a post on social media, or hosting a small donor gathering at home. Sometimes, it’s just about having the confidence to talk about why they care.

We’ve seen boards completely transform fundraising when they feel equipped and supported. Give them talking points, celebrate their wins, and remind them that their networks are valuable. When board members lead by example, others follow, and your fundraising activities get a serious boost.

Creative ways to diversify your revenue streams

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for fundraising, but there are plenty of creative ways to bring in new revenue. The key is finding what works best for your audience, and your capacity.

Monthly giving is one of the easiest ways to build predictable income. Even $10 a month from a handful of donors adds up fast. Peer-to-peer fundraising is another smart move. Let your supporters raise money on your behalf, it’s like multiplying your team without hiring anyone.

Don’t forget about social media. Quick, low-budget campaigns tied to a specific story or goal can work wonders, especially when they’re easy to share. And of course, events (virtual or in-person) still have a place, especially when they’re tied to community building, not just ticket sales.

We’ve seen nonprofits thrive by mixing it up and trying new things. When you diversify your fundraising activities, you open more doors for people to support you in ways that feel good to them.

Partnering with local businesses and community organizations

Local businesses are often looking for meaningful ways to give back, and your nonprofit might be the perfect match. Whether it’s a one-time sponsorship or an ongoing partnership, these relationships can be powerful for both sides.

Start by thinking about the businesses in your community that align with your mission or audience. Coffee shops, gyms, boutiques, banks, anyone who wants to support their local impact. Ask about things like sponsoring an event, matching gifts, or donating a portion of sales during a campaign. Even in-kind donations like printing, food, or space for events can make a big difference.

And don’t forget to make it easy for them to say yes. Share a clear story, outline the benefits for them, and show how their support creates impact. We’ve helped nonprofits land lasting partnerships just by starting small and being clear about what they needed.

Especially during economic downturns, these partnerships are a great way to keep fundraising momentum going without putting all the pressure on your donors.

Exploring grants and earned income opportunities

Grants are a big part of many fundraising plans, but they shouldn’t be your only plan. The key is knowing where they fit into your overall strategy, and how to make them work with your other revenue streams.

Start by looking for grants that match your mission and programs. That might be local foundations, national funders, or even government sources. It takes time and effort to apply, but when done well, grants can provide a major boost for specific projects or operating needs.

Then there’s earned income, revenue you generate by offering services, products, or experiences. Think: ticketed workshops, branded merchandise, or renting out your space. Some nonprofits even turn their expertise into consulting or training programs. It’s not for everyone, but when done right, earned income adds a steady, flexible source of funding that you control.

We’ve seen organizations get more stable, and less stressed, when they combine grants with creative earned income ideas. It’s all about balancing your funding mix so no single source has too much power over your future.

Building a resilient fundraising plan

A strong fundraising plan doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be clear, flexible, and built with long-term sustainability in mind. Think of it like a roadmap: you need to know where you're going, how you're getting there, and what to do if the road changes.

Start with setting goals that make sense for your size and capacity. Break them into smaller steps so they’re not overwhelming. Then, put those steps on a timeline. That way, you’re not scrambling to fundraise at the last minute or guessing what comes next.

Leave room to adjust. Things will shift, an event might underperform, or a new opportunity could pop up. The best plans are the ones you can adapt when needed. We always tell our partners: have a plan, but hold it lightly.

Also, track what’s working and what’s not. Use tools (like your donor dashboard!) to monitor your campaigns, see which channels are bringing in results, and figure out where to spend your time. A plan backed by data is easier to trust, and easier to grow.

Your next move

A well-diversified fundraising plan doesn’t just protect your mission, it sets it up to thrive. When your funding comes from a mix of sources, you gain stability, flexibility, and the freedom to grow with confidence. You don’t need to do everything. You just need to focus on the right mix for your team, your supporters, and your goals.

And you don’t have to figure it out alone. Harness is more than a platform, we’re a partner. We work alongside your team, helping you craft strategy, build relationships, and grow with intention. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up, we’re here to help you build a fundraising program that lasts.

Frequently asked questions

What is a diversified fundraising plan?
It’s a strategy that spreads your revenue across different sources, like individual donors, grants, events, and partnerships, so your nonprofit isn’t relying too much on one area.

Why is diversification important for nonprofits?
Because things change. A major donor could leave. A grant might not get renewed. When you have multiple streams of income, you’re more stable and prepared for the unexpected.

How do I know if my fundraising plan is too narrow?
Look at where most of your money comes from. If one source makes up more than half of your revenue, that’s a sign you might be too dependent on it.

Can small nonprofits really diversify their fundraising?
Yes! It doesn’t have to be big or complicated. Start with small recurring gifts, build one new local partnership, or try a peer-to-peer campaign. Even small steps can lead to big impact over time.

How can Harness help with fundraising diversification?
Harness gives you the tools and expert support to launch, track, and grow different types of fundraising, without needing a big team. From recurring giving to donor engagement, we’ve got your back.