How to Raise More Money for Your Nonprofit in 2026

by Braden Pedersen, CFRE

If your nonprofit is gearing up for 2026 with big goals and limited bandwidth, you’re not alone. Across the country, leaders are stepping into the new year feeling the pressure to raise more money, engage their board, and create financial stability, but without adding more stress to their already overwhelmed teams.

The good news? Raising significantly more money in 2026 is completely possible. You just need the right plan, the right systems, and the right support.

At Onyx Nonprofit Strategies, we’ve helped small and mid-sized nonprofits go from inconsistent, reactive fundraising to predictable, growing revenue, often within the first 3–6 months. Here’s exactly how your organization can do the same.

1. Start With a Clear, Updated Fundraising Strategy

If your fundraising efforts feel scattered, outdated, or overly dependent on one revenue stream, the first fix is simple: you need a new strategy.

A strong 2026 fundraising strategy should include:

• A thorough development audit (what’s working, what’s not, and what’s missing)

• A realistic, data-driven revenue goal

• A prioritized roadmap with quarterly milestones

• Clarity around responsibilities (staff, board, and volunteers)

• A diversified approach (individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, events, etc.)

Without this, you’re relying on guesswork. With it, you’re fundraising with purpose.

2. Build a Repeatable Donor Pipeline, Not One-Off Gifts

One-time gifts are great; predictable revenue is better.

That means your nonprofit should focus on:

• Monthly recurring donors

• Individual major donors

• Multi-year commitments

• Donor retention strategies

• Personal stewardship systems that automate follow-ups and thank-yous

Recurring revenue creates breathing room. It pays the bills, lowers the pressure, and stabilizes your organization so you can grow.

3. Develop a Compelling Case for Support

This is one of the most overlooked (and most valuable) tools in fundraising.

A strong Case for Support:

• Tells donors exactly why your work matters

• Clearly explains the problem you solve

• Shows why your organization is uniquely positioned to create impact

• Highlights your vision for the future

• Connects money to mission in a way that inspires action

Most nonprofits never take the time to create one—and it costs them. When we’ve built a Case for Support for clients like Sickle Cell Midwest, Dad’s Against Crime, and others, it has transformed their donor conversations overnight.

4. Engage Your Board in Fundraising (Even if They Hate Fundraising)

Your board doesn’t have to make cold calls or ask for money to be helpful.

In fact, the most valuable board activities are:

• Hosting small in-home gatherings

• Introducing you to their network

• Sharing your Case for Support with prospects

• Advocating for the mission in their circles

• Joining you on donor visits (you do the talking)

Board engagement is the hidden accelerator for 2026.

5. Clean Up and Optimize Your Donor Data

You can’t raise more money if your donor system is chaotic.

In 2026, your CRM should:

• Track and segment donors correctly

• Show clear pipelines for gifts

• Automate thank-you messages

• Identify lapsed donors

• Integrate with email and marketing tools

• Give your leadership real visibility into performance

If your CRM isn’t doing that, fix it early in the year (you’ll thank yourself later).

6. Implement High-ROI, Low-Effort Fundraising Tactics

Instead of huge galas (or in addition to them), nonprofits in 2026 should lean into:

• Small, relationship-driven fundraising events

• Strategic corporate sponsorships

• Peer-to-peer campaigns

• Mission-aligned storytelling campaigns

• Major gift cultivation plans

• Giving Tuesday micro-campaigns

• Board-hosted in-home fundraisers

These tactics cost little, build momentum quickly, and create real donor relationships.

7. Stop Operating Alone—Bring in a Partner

You can absolutely raise more money in 2026. But you shouldn’t have to do it alone.

Nonprofit leaders are already wearing every hat. Fundraising shouldn’t feel overwhelming or unclear. That’s where we come in.

At Onyx Nonprofit Strategies, we help nonprofits:

• Clarify their fundraising strategy

• Build donor pipelines that work

• Strengthen board engagement

• Create compelling donor messaging

• Implement systems that make fundraising easier

• Raise significantly more money—consistently

Whether you need a 6- or 12-month fundraising roadmap, support implementing your Case for Support, or a strategic partner to stand alongside you in 2026, we can help you build a stronger, more sustainable fundraising program.

Ready to Raise More Money in 2026?

If your nonprofit wants to enter 2026 with confidence, clarity, and a plan you can execute, let’s talk.

Discovery Call (30 Min)

30min

Book Now

Book a free discovery call at Onyx Nonprofit Strategies, and let’s build a fundraising engine that will carry your mission farther than ever before.