For churches and nonprofits, fundraising has always been about more than money. It's about trust. It's about mission. It's about helping people connect their generosity with something eternal.
But let’s be honest. The way people give has changed. In the past, you could rely on Sunday envelopes or annual banquets. Today, your audience is mobile, digital, and distracted. If you want to reach them, you have to meet them where they are.
That doesn’t mean you need to become a tech wizard. But it does mean embracing new tools and proven strategies that can move your mission forward in real, measurable ways.
Here are the tools and tactics that we’ve seen work for churches and nonprofits in the digital age.
1. Make Giving Easy and Mobile-Friendly
If people can’t give in under 30 seconds from their phone, you’re losing opportunities.
Your giving platform should be clean, simple, and mobile-optimized. That includes text-to-give options, recurring donation settings, and the ability to give directly from a social media post or email link.
Tools like Tithely, Kindful, Pushpay, and Donorbox are designed with ministries and nonprofits in mind. They help remove barriers and make giving a seamless part of someone’s digital experience.
2. Tell Stories That Move People
People don’t give to line items. They give to impact. If your fundraising message reads like a spreadsheet, it’s time to rethink it.
Use storytelling across all your platforms—email, video, social media, and your website. Share real stories of lives changed, needs met, and communities transformed.
Video is especially powerful. A short 60-second clip featuring a volunteer, a donor, or someone directly impacted by your mission can drive far more engagement than a static post ever could.
3. Use Email Like a Conversation, Not a Newsletter
Email is still one of the most effective digital fundraising tools. But it only works if you’re using it with care.
Avoid generic blasts and instead segment your list. Talk to first-time donors differently than long-time givers. Use short, personal subject lines. Focus on one ask per email.
And always follow up with impact. People want to know their gift made a difference. That simple follow-up builds trust and increases the chance they’ll give again.
4. Leverage Social Media for Micro-Campaigns
You don’t need to wait for Giving Tuesday or year-end to run a campaign. Some of the most effective fundraising we’ve seen comes from short, focused campaigns promoted on social media.
Set a clear goal, share it creatively, and update progress along the way. Use Instagram stories, Facebook lives, and real-time video to build energy.
Small goals with strong messaging often perform better than broad, generic appeals.
5. Make It Personal with Video and Voice
We are living in a time where people crave authenticity. Use video messages or even short voice notes to thank donors, invite people to give, or share updates.
You can use tools like Bonjoro or Loom to create quick, personalized video messages that show your appreciation. A pastor or director speaking directly to someone’s inbox goes a long way in building lasting relationships.
6. Track What’s Working and Adjust Quickly
One of the greatest advantages of digital tools is the ability to track engagement. Open rates. Click-throughs. Conversions. Social reach.
Watch the numbers. Not to become obsessed, but to learn what resonates with your audience. Then adjust your messaging and strategy accordingly.
You don’t need to be a data scientist. Just pay attention. If something is working, do more of it. If something flops, change it quickly.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Sometimes the biggest barrier in digital fundraising is hesitation. You post updates, you talk about impact, but you don’t make the ask.
Be clear. Be bold. Invite people into the story with their generosity.
Use phrases like “Here’s how you can be part of this” or “We’re looking for 20 new monthly partners.” When the ask is specific and mission-driven, people respond.
You Don’t Need to Do It All. Just Start Somewhere.
If digital fundraising feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many church leaders and nonprofit teams feel stuck or unsure where to begin. The good news is you don’t need to have everything figured out to start making progress.
Choose one area to focus on. Maybe it’s updating your giving page. Maybe it’s running a short social campaign. Maybe it’s sending a personal thank-you video this week.
At PMF Creative, we help ministries and nonprofits create fundraising systems that feel aligned with their mission and manageable for their team.
You can have the most meaningful mission in the world, but if no one can find you online, you’re missing out on the people who need you most.
As a husband, father, and CEO, I’ve always believed that the local church and faith-based nonprofits carry the most important message in the world. But I also know how easy it is to feel overwhelmed trying to communicate that message in a fast-paced, digital-first culture.