Let’s be honest, fundraising is hard. You’re juggling donors, campaigns, events, and a million moving pieces.
Sometimes, it feels like you're just shouting into the void, hoping people care enough to give. That’s where a fundraising thermometer comes in.
Think of it like a big, bold, visual goal tracker. It shows how close you are to your fundraising goal in real time, and it works. When people see progress, they get excited. When they see you’re close, they want to help you cross the finish line. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference.
What is a fundraising thermometer and why does it work?
A fundraising thermometer is exactly what it sounds like, a simple graphic that shows how close you are to hitting your fundraising goal. As donations come in, the “temperature” rises, showing everyone how much has been raised so far. It's a clear, easy-to-understand way to track progress and get people excited about giving.
Here’s why it works so well: people like seeing results. When donors can see the impact of their gift in real time, it creates a sense of momentum. It makes them feel like part of a team working toward something big. And the closer you get to the top? The more people want to help push you over the finish line.
We’ve seen it firsthand, whether it’s displayed on a landing page, at a live event, or shared on social media, a thermometer creates energy. It turns fundraising into a shared experience, not just a transaction. And when people feel involved, they give more and stick around longer.
Benefits of using a fundraiser thermometer in fundraising campaigns
Using a fundraiser thermometer isn’t just about tracking dollars, it’s about creating momentum. When you give people a visual way to see progress, something clicks. It’s no longer just “we need money”, it becomes “we’re almost there, and you can help us get over the line.”
Increase donor motivation with visible goal tracking
People love seeing that their gift matters. A thermometer shows their donation moving the needle, even if it’s just a few bucks. That small win feels good, and it encourages repeat giving.
Build trust through transparency
Donors want to know where things stand. A live progress bar builds confidence. It shows that you're organized, focused, and serious about your goal.
Improve campaign performance through consistent updates
Campaigns can stall when supporters feel disconnected. A thermometer keeps energy high. Every update gives people a reason to stay engaged, and to share the campaign with others.
Engage potential donors across multiple channels
Whether it’s on your website, in an email, or part of a social media post, a thermometer stands out. It grabs attention fast, which is half the battle when trying to grow your donor base.
When and where to use a fundraising thermometer
Not every campaign needs a thermometer, but when you use one in the right place, at the right time, it can make a huge difference. It’s like flipping on a light switch for your supporters. Suddenly, they can see the goal, and that makes it feel real.
Ideal fundraising events for thermometers
We’ve seen thermometers work especially well during time-based or high-energy campaigns. Think: giving days, year-end pushes, peer-to-peer challenges, or capital campaigns. They’re also great for in-person events like galas and auctions, post it on a big screen, and watch the room light up as it climbs.
Best locations to display them
You want your thermometer front and center. Add it to your landing page, share it in emails, post updates on social media, and keep it visible on your campaign dashboard. The more your donors see it, the more likely they are to engage with it. And don’t forget about print, yes, a printed thermometer on a poster at an event still works.
The key is visibility. If supporters have to dig to find out how the campaign is doing, you’ve lost them. Make the progress clear, and make it easy to get involved.
How to use and update your fundraising thermometer
Setting up your thermometer is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you keep it active, up to date, and in front of people. It’s not just a tracker, it’s a way to keep your supporters engaged from day one to the final dollar.
Setting your fundraising goal effectively
Start with a goal that’s realistic, but also a little bit ambitious. It should feel exciting, like something worth chasing. Make sure it ties clearly to your mission, so people know exactly what their donations will make possible.
Updating your fundraising thermometer regularly
This part is non-negotiable. If your thermometer looks stuck, people will assume the campaign isn’t working. Update it often, daily, if you can. Even small changes show momentum and give you a reason to share progress with your community.
Embedding the thermometer on your site
Make it easy to find. Most tools give you a simple embed code that you can drop onto your landing page, homepage, or campaign page. Some even offer plug-and-play widgets that look great on mobile.
Promoting the thermometer on social media and email
This is where you really bring it to life. Share screenshots or progress updates on your social channels. Use it in email subject lines (“We’re 80% there!”). Tie your updates to milestones and thank your donors when you hit them, it builds community and keeps people watching.
Tools and templates to build your donation thermometer
You don’t need to be a tech expert to build a great-looking thermometer. There are plenty of tools out there that make it simple, and some of them are totally free. The key is choosing the right one for your campaign and making it easy to manage as donations come in.
Free fundraising thermometer template options
There are basic templates you can download and customize in programs like Google Sheets, Canva, or even PowerPoint. These are great if you're just getting started and want something fast and simple. Some platforms also offer editable thermometers that let you drop in your fundraising goal and update the progress manually.
Fundraising thermometer widget and plugin tools
If you want something a little more advanced, look for widgets or plugins that update automatically. These are usually built for websites and connect to your donation platform. Some are code-free and super easy to set up, just copy and paste. If you’re using WordPress or a fundraising tool with integrations, you may already have access to something like this without realizing it.
Whether you go DIY or plug-and-play, the most important thing is that it looks clean, matches your brand, and stays up to date. A good thermometer should feel like part of your campaign, not an afterthought.
Design tips for your fundraising thermometer
Your thermometer doesn’t need to be flashy, but it does need to be clear, easy to read, and on-brand. Good design helps build trust, and it makes your campaign feel more polished and professional. The goal here is simple: make it easy for people to understand how much you’ve raised, how far you have to go, and how they can help.
Graphic design principles to consider
Stick with bold, high-contrast colors so the progress stands out. Avoid clutter. Use a clean background and limit extra text. You want the thermometer itself to do the talking. And make sure your fundraising goal is labeled clearly, don’t make people guess what the top number means.
If your organization already has brand colors, try to match them. That way the thermometer feels like part of your campaign, not a random add-on.
Customization options
Many thermometer tools let you change colors, fonts, and labels. If you’re using a widget, you might even be able to animate the fill as donations come in (which adds a fun touch). Just make sure it stays simple and legible on both desktop and mobile, especially if you're sharing it on social media or your landing page.
At the end of the day, the best design is the one your donors don’t have to think about. It should be intuitive, feel familiar, and help them take action fast.
Advanced strategies to increase fundraising impact
Once your thermometer is up and running, there are a few simple strategies you can use to take it from “nice visual” to “game-changer.” These ideas help you squeeze more value out of the tool while keeping your donors involved and excited.
Use thermometers in peer-to-peer fundraising
If you’re running a peer-to-peer campaign, give each participant or team their own mini thermometer. It turns fundraising into a friendly competition and helps individuals track their own progress. When people see how they’re doing compared to others, they stay motivated, and they’re more likely to reach out to friends and family for support.
A/B testing thermometer placement and design
Try putting the thermometer in different spots on your website or emails to see what gets the most clicks or engagement. You might find that placing it near your donation form or at the top of your landing page makes a big difference. If your tool allows it, you can even test different color versions to see what gets the most attention.
Combining thermometers with other fundraising tools
Don’t use your thermometer in a vacuum. Pair it with things like impact stories, donor shoutouts, or matching gift prompts. You can even integrate it with your fundraising CRM or email platform to trigger updates automatically. The more you can connect it to your other fundraising efforts, the more powerful it becomes.
How visual goal tracking increases fundraising efforts
We’ve seen this over and over again, when nonprofits make their goals visible, supporters step up in bigger ways. A thermometer may seem like a small detail, but it has a big job: it turns a number into a mission.
When people see progress in real time, they’re more likely to donate again, share the campaign, and encourage others to get involved. It creates a sense of urgency and energy that static text just can’t match. Especially in the final stretch, that little boost of “we’re so close” can be the thing that gets you over the finish line.
Visual tools like thermometers make fundraising feel like a team effort. They help supporters feel like they’re not just giving money, they’re part of something that’s growing and moving forward. And when that happens, fundraising stops feeling like a chore… and starts feeling like a movement.
Grow you donor base
At the end of the day, people want to be part of something meaningful, and they want to see their impact. A fundraising thermometer does just that. It gives your supporters a clear, exciting way to track progress and stay involved from start to finish.
Whether you’re raising money for a specific project or just trying to grow your donor base, a simple visual like this can create the momentum you need. It keeps the energy up, builds trust, and turns your campaign into a shared goal everyone can get behind.
Ready to bring this kind of clarity and motivation to your next campaign? Harness helps nonprofits create smarter, more connected fundraising experiences, from strategy to execution. Let’s build something powerful together.
