10 Sites to Find Donations and Donors | Nonprofit Fundraising

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to find donations and donors for your nonprofit organization. By leveraging various online resources, you can enhance your fundraising efforts and connect with individuals or businesses willing to support your cause. This guide outlines ten key websites, categorized by the type of donations they offer, along with practical advice on how to utilize them effectively.

Chapter 1: Finding In-Kind Donations

In-kind donations involve receiving donated goods or services instead of cash. Here are three websites to help you find these types of donations:

1. DonateStuff.com

   • This platform connects nonprofits with individuals or businesses offering items like clothing, furniture, and electronics.
   • If your area is not yet served, you can express interest for future expansion.

2. Good360.org

   • A well-known site where nonprofits can access excess goods from large businesses.
   • After setting up an account, browse their catalog for items like toys and hygiene products.
   • Note: There may be a small cost for delivery or handling, but it's typically lower than market value.

3. The Share Way

   • This site offers goods for auctions and raffles, including gift card donations from various businesses.
   • Great for fundraising events where acquiring items like alcohol can be prohibitively expensive.

Chapter 2: Finding Donors

Building relationships with potential donors is essential. While there's no single database for donors, the following websites can aid your research:

1. Nonprofit Megaphone

   • Offers a list of about 77 businesses known to give grants and donations.
   • Useful for brainstorming potential funding sources.

2. MillionDollarList.org

   • A database of individuals in the U.S. who have made million-dollar or more gifts to charities.
   • Helps identify donors who may be interested in your cause and assess personal connections.

3. FEC.gov

   • This site tracks political donations, allowing you to discover local donors and their interests.
   • Use this data for prospecting potential donors who align with your mission.

Chapter 3: Finding Matching Donations

Matching donations can double the impact of contributions from your supporters. Here are two key resources:

1. Double the Donation

   • Search for companies with matching gift programs.
   • Inform your donors about these programs to encourage them to maximize their impact.

2. Benevity

   • A platform for companies to manage their charitable giving programs.
   • Register your nonprofit to appear in their database, making it easier for potential corporate donors to find you.

Chapter 4: Getting Discovered by Donors

Increase your visibility to potential donors through the following websites:

1. Giving Compass

   • Designed to connect donors with organizations.
   • Ensure your organization is listed and that your information is accurate and up to date.

2. Stanford University's Philanthropist Resource Directory

   • A resource for philanthropists looking for organizations to support.
   • Identify giving intermediaries in your area and reach out to them to establish connections.

Conclusion

Finding donations and donors for your nonprofit requires strategic research and relationship building. By leveraging the ten websites outlined in this tutorial, you can enhance your fundraising efforts and connect with potential supporters. Remember to keep your organization’s information updated and actively engage with your community to maximize opportunities. For further resources and support, consider exploring online courses or communities focused on nonprofit leadership and fundraising strategies.