20 New ways to find large donors 2025

Nonprofits greatly benefit from concise explainer videos for several compelling reasons:

Where do you find major donors, especially if you’re just starting out and don’t have an established donor base?

The challenge is that there’s no magical list of wealthy individuals waiting for you to tap into. Even more importantly, targeting people purely based on their wealth is not a sound strategy. Wealth alone doesn’t guarantee that someone will donate to your cause.

People tend to give to causes they care deeply about, and if your mission doesn’t resonate with them, they’re unlikely to contribute. It’s less about their financial capacity and more about how much they believe in the impact your nonprofit is making. Donations come from trust and a strong connection to your mission.

So, rather than focusing on how much money a person has, prioritize finding individuals who share a genuine connection with your work. You might be surprised to find that your best prospects are already within your reach.

1. Boost Engagement: In today’s fast-paced digital world, capturing attention quickly is crucial. Short, focused videos engage viewers instantly, allowing nonprofits to effectively communicate their mission and impact without losing their audience. Discover how to enhance your nonprofit’s engagement at NPOAuthority.
   1. Simplify Complex Messages: Nonprofits often work with intricate issues or programs. A brief explainer video distills these complexities into clear, easy-to-understand content, ensuring your message is accessible to everyone. Learn more about creating effective communications at NPOAuthority.
   2. Reach a Broader Audience: Explainer videos are more likely to attract a diverse audience, including those who prefer visual content. This broad reach can help your nonprofit connect with a wider range of potential supporters. Expand your reach with tips from NPOAuthority.
   3. Increase Memorability: Videos are not only more memorable but also more likely to be shared. A compelling, concise video can leave a lasting impression, driving viewers to take meaningful actions like donating or volunteering. Make your message unforgettable with NPOAuthority.
   4. Versatile Communication: Whether on social media, your website, or in email campaigns, explainer videos offer a versatile way to consistently deliver your nonprofit’s message across various platforms.
   5. Create Emotional Connections: Through visuals, music, and storytelling, videos can evoke emotions that help build a deeper connection with your audience. This emotional resonance is key in motivating support and donations.
   6. Cost-Effective Impact: Producing and sharing short videos is often more budget-friendly than longer, more complex content, making them an efficient tool for nonprofit communication.
   7. Start your search for major donors in your personal network.
   8. Begin by considering people you already know who might have the ability to make a significant gift. This is especially crucial if you’re the founder of your nonprofit or if your programs are still in their early stages. People are more likely to give based on their relationship with you and the trust they place in you. Think about your social circle, former colleagues, extended family members, etc. Even if you’re unsure about their capacity to give, it’s worth cultivating these relationships.
   9. Identify prospects within your organization’s inner circle.
   10. The most promising major gift prospects often already have a connection to your organization. Consider board members, staff, and volunteers who might be good candidates for significant gifts. Sometimes, even those who benefit from your programs and services can become major donor prospects. Don’t overlook them!
   11. Ask “who do you know?”
   12. Engage your personal network and your nonprofit’s inner circle by asking who they know that might be interested in supporting your cause. Remember, you’re not just looking for wealthy individuals; you’re seeking those who care about your work. An introduction from a friend, board member, or volunteer could be the key to meeting your next major donor.
   13. Review your current donors.
   14. You might have existing donors who have both the capacity and willingness to give more but haven’t been asked yet. To identify potential major donors, examine several factors in your donor database. Look at their total giving over the past year—cumulative giving is more telling than one-time donations. Also, consider the number of gifts and the length of time they’ve been supporting your cause. Regular, consistent donors are more likely to be invested in your mission, making it worthwhile to meet with them personally.
   15. Identify major donors who support similar causes.
   16. You might encounter philanthropists at events, social gatherings, or through your existing connections. Don’t shy away from conversations because you fear “stealing” them from another nonprofit. Instead, give them a chance to learn about your organization. People who support one cause often have an interest in related causes and may be open to supporting your work as well.
   17. Leverage your fundraising events.
   18. A successful fundraising event not only raises money but also introduces you to new potential donors. Non-fundraising events can be just as valuable. At every event—whether it’s a fundraising gala or a volunteer orientation—make an effort to connect with as many attendees as possible. You never know when you’ll meet your next major donor!
   19. Plan a friend-raising event.
   20. Organize a low-pressure event where your board members, staff, and volunteers can invite potential donors, especially those they believe might have the capacity to make a major gift. An open house or cocktail party can provide the perfect opportunity to learn more about their interest in your mission.
   21. Utilize a wealth-screening tool.– Like www.npoauthority.com
   22. Your current donor base may include individuals capable of making significant gifts who haven’t yet done so for various reasons. A wealth-screening tool can help you identify these potential major donors. Some donor management software includes wealth-screening features, or you can use a specialized service to uncover hidden gems within your donor pool.