Digital Fundraising for NFPs: Smarter Ways to Engage

Donors

Introduction

Digital fundraising for isn’t just a trend—it’s the new backbone of not-for-profit (NFP) sustainability. As donor preferences shift online, NFP leaders who embrace digital-first fundraising strategies are better positioned to engage supporters, diversify revenue, and build long-term impact.

For CEOs, the challenge lies in aligning fundraising with mission and culture. For CFOs, the challenge is ensuring fundraising efforts are measurable, efficient, and sustainable. Together, leadership teams can unlock digital as both a funding source and a strategic growth tool.

Why CEOs Need a Digital-First Fundraising Mindset

Donor behaviour has changed permanently. Today’s supporters expect:

• Seamless online donation experiences

• Mobile-optimised websites that are quick and trustworthy

• Authentic storytelling about impact

• Opportunities for recurring giving rather than one-off donations

For CEOs, this means digital fundraising must be integrated into the organisation’s DNA—not treated as a side project. A digital-first mindset ensures every campaign connects back to mission, builds community, and strengthens trust.

The Best Platforms for Digital Fundraising for NFPs

Australian charities now have access to a wide range of digital platforms. Each has its strengths:

• mycause – 100% Australian-owned, trusted for crowdfunding and embedded donation forms.

• GiveNow – Affordable, donor-friendly, with options for recurring giving.

• GoFundraise – Ideal for peer-to-peer and event-based fundraising.

• Raisely – Excellent for branded fundraising campaigns and appeals.

• Global platforms like JustGiving – Broader reach, but higher competition and fees.

The right choice depends on the size of your supporter base, your campaign goals, and how much integration you want with your existing systems.

How CFOs Can Measure ROI of Digital Campaigns

Fundraising is not just about dollars raised—it’s about sustainability. CFOs can help by ensuring campaigns are evaluated across:

• Cost per dollar raised (CPDR) – Is the campaign efficient?

• Donor lifetime value – Are digital donors sticking around beyond the first gift?

• Engagement metrics – Are campaigns building awareness, not just revenue?

• Operational costs – Do the systems free up staff time or add admin burden?

A CFO who understands the metrics can help the board and CEO see digital fundraising as a long-term investment, not a gamble.

Case Study: From Old-School Appeals to Digital Success

A mid-sized Australian NFP with a loyal donor base relied heavily on direct mail appeals. While effective in the past, costs were rising, and younger donors were disengaged.

By introducing a digital-first campaign strategy—website optimisation, targeted Facebook ads, and embedded donation forms—they saw:

• 30% increase in new donors under 40

• 50% reduction in campaign costs compared to mail-outs

• Higher average gift amounts from recurring donors

This was not about abandoning traditional methods—it was about modernising to meet donors where they are today.

Practical Steps for CEOs and CFOs

1. Audit your digital presence – Can donors give easily, quickly, and with trust?

2. Invest in storytelling – Use social proof, impact stories, and visuals.

3. Pilot and measure – Start small with a campaign, then scale what works.

4. Link finance and fundraising – Align reporting between fundraising and finance teams.

5. Upskill staff and board – Digital fundraising is everyone’s responsibility.

Conclusion

Digital fundraising is not just a channel; it’s a strategic capability. For NFP leaders, the choice is not whether to go digital—but how well to do it. The organisations that thrive will be those that combine mission-driven storytelling with measurable financial discipline.

Call to Action

Ready to modernise your fundraising approach? At Diamond Advisory, we help NFPs design digital strategies that are measurable, scalable, and aligned to mission.

👉 [Book a strategy call]