Planning and running a successful fundraiser is no small task. Whether you’re organizing a school fundraiser, leading a youth sports team, or supporting a local nonprofit, you’re bound to face obstacles along the way. The good news? Most fundraising challenges are common — and with the right fundraising challenges and solutions, they’re solvable.
Here are the top 7 challenges fundraising organizers face and practical solutions to help you overcome them.
1. Lack of Participation
The Challenge:
Boost participation with clear communication, incentives, and team-based goals. Kick things off with a fun launch event or meeting. Use texts, emails, and social media to keep everyone informed and motivated. Offering small prizes for top sellers or class competitions can go a long way in driving enthusiasm.
The Solution:
Boost participation with clear communication, incentives, and team-based goals. Kick things off with a fun launch event or meeting. Use texts, emails, and social media to keep everyone informed and motivated. Offering small prizes for top sellers or class competitions can go a long way in driving enthusiasm.
Examples to Boost Participation:
- Launch Event: Host a short kickoff meeting with snacks, music, and a fun explanation of how the fundraiser works — in person or via Zoom.
- Incentive Prizes: Offer small prizes like gift cards, extra recess time, or team shout-outs for top sellers or most shares on social media.
- Classroom or Team Goals: Set a group challenge — e.g., “If we sell 500 tubs of cookie dough, we get a pizza party!”
- Progress Tracker: Use a poster, whiteboard, or digital leaderboard to show real-time progress toward the goal.
- Weekly Reminders: Send quick text or email reminders every week with motivation, updates, and tips to help sellers stay active.
2. Donor Fatigue
The Challenge:
Your supporters are tired of being asked to donate — again.
The Solution:
Combat donor fatigue by offering variety and value. Instead of always asking for direct donations, try product fundraisers (like gourmet snacks, Katydids Candy, or cookie dough) where supporters receive something in return. Rotate fundraising types throughout the year and focus on sharing the impact of each campaign, not just the ask.
3. Limited Time and Resources
The Challenge:
Organizers often juggle fundraising with full-time jobs, family responsibilities, or coaching.
The Solution:
Choose a turnkey fundraising program that provides everything you need — from order-takers to prize kits and digital tools. Look for companies with excellent customer service that do the heavy lifting so you can focus on rallying your group.
4. Poor Planning and Goal Setting
The Challenge:
Without a clear plan or financial goal, it’s hard to measure success — or even know what success looks like.
The Solution:
Start with a specific, measurable goal: “We want to raise $3,000 for new uniforms.” Work backward to set individual participant goals and create a timeline with benchmarks. Clear goals give people a reason to care and help build momentum.
5. Ineffective Promotion
The Challenge:
You launch the fundraiser… and crickets. No one knows it’s happening.
The Solution:
Create a simple marketing plan that includes flyers, social media graphics, email templates, and text reminders. Make it easy for participants to share with their network. Use online fundraising tools or e-commerce platforms to expand your reach beyond just local supporters.
6. Collecting Money and Tracking Orders
The Challenge:
Managing cash, checks, order forms, and receipts can be a logistical nightmare.
The Solution:
Go digital. Use a fundraising platform that supports online payments. Many modern fundraising companies offer mobile-friendly online payments, saving you hours of spreadsheet headaches.
7. Burnout from Repeating the Same Fundraiser
The Challenge:
You’ve done the same candy bar sale five years in a row. It’s predictable… and boring.
The Solution:
Keep things fresh by rotating your fundraiser type each season or year. Consider options like gourmet Nuts, Katydids Candy, cookie dough, popcorn, or even experiential fundraisers like fun runs. Fresh ideas reignite enthusiasm among your group and your supporters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How can I get more people to participate in a fundraiser?
A: Focus on clear communication, incentives, and setting achievable team goals. Launch events and regular reminders help keep the energy up.
Q: What’s the best way to set fundraising goals?
A: Start with your “why” and build a specific, measurable dollar amount. Break it into smaller goals for teams or individuals.
Q: What do I do if my fundraiser isn’t working?
A: Reevaluate your promotion strategy, participation rates, and engagement tactics. Sometimes a fresh approach or better incentives can turn things around.
Fundraising Challenges and Solutions: Final Thoughts
Whether you’re leading a school fundraiser, managing a youth sports team, or working with a nonprofit, having the right tools, plan, and support can make all the difference.
Want an easier way to fundraise?
Check out our turnkey fundraising programs designed to save you time, increase participation, and maximize your results.
