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Fundraising Strategies – The Driving Force of Non-Profits

Fundraising for Hackensack and Bergen County, NJ non-profits is the community’s investment in your cause — but it only happens after trust is built and relationships are established.

Principles of Fundraising

  • People give to people, not to programs. Giving is emotional, not logical.
  • Consistency matters. Campaigns are more effective when held regularly — not just in one big push.
  • Gratitude fuels growth. When donors feel appreciated and see meaningful impact, that second and third donation becomes easier to secure.
  • Never rely on one donor or one source. Diversify. Diversify. Diversify. It’s the only way to create a sustainable fundraising structure in New Jersey’s competitive nonprofit space.

Strategies of Fundraising

Individual Giving

These are often one-time donations — driven by:

  • Effective email campaigns
  • Website donation forms
  • Recurring donations from monthly giving programs

Make It Easy

Use one-click or tappable buttons so people can donate quickly, no matter what kind of device they’re using.

This is especially important for your Hackensack and Bergen County supporters who are on the go.

Large Gifts and Legacy Giving

These are higher-ticket gifts — often $1,000 or more — and can include:

  • One-time major donations
  • Planned giving (wills, endowments, stocks)
  • Legacy giving programs your nonprofit initiates

Always recognize these donors with sincere gratitude.

  • If they want public recognition, give it.
  • If they prefer private thanks, honor that too.
  • Build a deeper relationship with these key donors — it’s worth the effort.

Live / Virtual Events and Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

These can include:

  • Auctions
  • Birthday fundraisers
  • Sales-based fundraisers
  • Galas
  • Charity walks/runs/competitions

Especially popular with:

  • Educational programs
  • Churches and faith-based groups
  • Veterans’ organizations
  • Community improvement projects across New Jersey

Success here depends on:

  • Event or donation software
  • Volunteers with strong networks
  • Well-planned campaigns supported by:
    • Social media
    • Videos
    • Email
    • Flyers

Execute cleanly — and plan ahead.

Social Media and Email-Driven Fundraising

If your Hackensack or Bergen County nonprofit already has a strong online presence — leverage it.

  • Schedule targeted emails to promote events, increase registrations, and generate donations.
  • Use short, emotionally driven videos to tell your story and build momentum.
  • Add urgency. Remind people why their support matters right now.

Corporate Giving – Sponsorships and Workplace Giving

This strategy involves building partnerships with local businesses across Bergen County and New Jersey. Their support can be:

  • Financial — such as sponsoring a fundraising event
  • In-kind — such as providing:
    • Food and beverages
    • Prizes
    • Space
    • Technical support
    • Printing and promotion

In exchange, you offer:

  • Visibility
  • Recognition
  • Co-branded materials
  • And — most importantly — a chance to build community goodwill

Some Relationship Building Tips:

  • Follow their sponsorship guidelines and requirements
  • Include emotional storytelling, human impact, and clear data in your proposal
  • Be transparent and professional
  • Build the relationship before you ask

And when it’s over? Shake hands. Say thank you. Mean it.

It’s the gift that keeps on giving — because people remember when they’re appreciated.

This is what powers the work of non-profits in Hackensack, Bergen County, and all across New Jersey: community, trust, and strategy.

Fundraising isn’t just about asking — it’s about building something worth giving to.

Browse more articles in our Non-Profit Marketing Knowledge Base

 

Maureen McCullough LLC is headquartered in Hackensack, Bergen County NJ.

We are in business 20+ years with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating.

Call or text us today at 201.753.1677 for a FREE 15 minute consult.