Fundraising & Audience Building: Best Practices from PPF

Whether you're launching a grassroots initiative or scaling a community-driven project, fundraising and audience building are essential ingredients for long-term success. At PPF, we've compiled a practical list of best practices to help you grow your project with purpose and confidence. While this guide isn’t exhaustive, it’s a great starting point, and we always recommend consulting with fundraising and audience-building experts when possible.

First Steps: Build Your Foundation

Before you start asking others to support your mission, make sure your house is in order:

• Consult your legal, financial, and tax advisors. They can help you navigate compliance and might even become supporters themselves.
• Lead by example. Make an annual contribution to your own project. It shows commitment and inspires others to follow suit.
• Start close to home. Reach out to family, friends, colleagues, and business associates. Your inner circle is often your first donor base.
• Clarify your story. Draft a short, compelling “elevator pitch” that explains your mission, impact, and why support matters.

Establish Your Digital Presence

Visibility is key. Make it easy for people to find you, learn about your work, and contribute:

• Create a project website and social media accounts (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.).
• Include an online donation page using an approved processor. This is especially helpful for crowdfunding campaigns.
• Stay consistent. Share regular updates about milestones, behind-the-scenes progress, and impact stories.
• Engage; don’t just post. Respond to comments, thank supporters, and join conversations in your field.

Host Events & Explore Revenue Streams

Events and programs not only raise funds, they build community and deepen engagement:

• Special event fundraisers: Galas, golf outings, or benefit concerts.
• Social media fundraisers: Tap into Giving Tuesday, birthdays, or awareness days.
• E-commerce: Sell branded merchandise or mission-related products.
• Programs and services: Offer revenue-generating opportunities such as:
  
  • Camps
  • Clinics
  • Trainings/Workshops
  • Services
  • Classes

Pro tip: Pair every event or program with a clear “next step” for attendees: sign up for updates, become a donor, or join as a volunteer.

Seeking Grants: Expand Your Reach

Grants can be game-changers, but they require research and strategy:

• Target diverse funding sources, including:
  • Private family foundations
  • Corporate foundations
  • Community and civic groups
  • Community foundations
• Explore local opportunities through:
  • Associations
  • Leagues
  • Unions
  • Other relevant entities
• Use donor research tools.

Keep Donors Engaged

Raising funds is only half the journey; retaining supporters is just as critical:

• Say thank you quickly and personally. A prompt acknowledgment builds trust.
• Show impact. Share stories, numbers, and visuals that highlight how donations are making a difference.
• Invite feedback. Donors and community members often have insights that can strengthen your project.
• Build relationships. Treat donors as partners in your mission, not just sources of funding.

Final Thoughts

Fundraising and audience building are ongoing journeys, not one-time tasks. The most successful projects combine authenticity, strategy, and persistence. Start with what you have, lean on your network, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Every dollar raised and every new supporter is a step closer to your mission.

Need help tailoring these strategies to your project? Let’s talk.

*Current PPF projects, please reach out to your Project Management Team to assist with platform setups.