Ways to engage with a nonprofit beyond financial support

There are countless ways to support a nonprofit beyond a monetary donation. The way you partner with the organizations you support depends on both your interest, skills and time to devote, as well as the organization’s needs and capacity to support donor engagement. 

Below we’re sharing several ways you can get more involved with the nonprofits you support.

Volunteer opportunities

Existing opportunities

One of the easiest ways to engage more deeply with an organization is through their existing  structured volunteer opportunities. These have been designed to give donors a way to grow their impact by donating their time to the organization’s mission.

Looking for structured and existing opportunities, such as signing up for a shift at a food pantry, or reading books to young children, help fill existing needs the organization has while giving you an opportunity to get to know their work more deeply.

New opportunities

Consider what skills you might bring to the table that match the needs of the nonprofit. Are you a marketing expert and the staff is lacking a communications team? Or perhaps you’re handy and notice the physical space could use some small repairs and touch ups. Presenting a valuable skill and offer that is needed could be an asset to the organization, and may better ensure that your time and energy is effectively utilized.

Board service

Joining the board of an organization is a unique leadership opportunity that affords you a direct relationship with the organization, its team and programs. You’ll be part of the governing body that helps establish big-picture strategy and raises funds for the organization's operations.

Joining a board is a generous commitment and one that should be considered deeply. Board members have a fiduciary duty to the organization and are often asked to make a personally significant gift to the organization during their board tenure, in addition to helping to grow the organization’s network of supporters. Keep these in mind when considering whether this might be the right engagement opportunity for you. 

Host a fundraising event

Offering to host a fundraising event is a no-brainer for donors who love to socialize, especially for a good cause. Whether you host an event at your home, at a park, at a professional venue, or virtually, it’s a great opportunity to gather your network together and introduce them to an organization you’re passionate about.

Make sure to let guests know in advance that this event is focused on introducing them to a nonprofit you care deeply about. Personalizing the reason behind your event can go a long way in encouraging your network to get involved.

When thinking of the guest list, focus on including those in your network who you think will genuinely be interested in learning more about this cause or organization, not just friends who will fill the room. 

At the event, thank everyone for coming and make it clear to them why this mission is so important to you personally. If possible, a short speech from the nonprofit’s leader or someone that has benefited from their program can add a powerful layer to your message.

Share with your network 

The engagement opportunity that takes the least time or energy is simply sharing your support of the nonprofit with your network. Whether you post on social media or send around an email, you’ll be introducing an important mission to an audience that may not have heard of them otherwise, or just needed a personal nudge to show their own support. 

Timing your communication so that it coincides with a relevant event or holiday will only help amplify your message. For example, leverage October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to share an organization supporting breast cancer patients or working on a cure. Share a nonprofit focused on education around back-to-school time or graduation, when school is on people’s minds. 

It’s clear there are many ways to further your support of a nonprofit organization that you care about. Talk to your organization about possible opportunities and, if you can, come to them with ideas already in mind in order to alleviate extra work on their end.

You can always speak with your Goodnation Philanthropy Advisor about the best ways to get involved with the organizations that you support through Goodnation. 

Photo credit: Maryland Food Bank