Can you still fundraise during COVID?
Fundraising During COVID-19: What Still Works Today
Over this past year, many nonprofits have been forced to hit pause on their fundraising efforts for safety and economic reasons. If you’re a nonprofit, you know this better than anymore. With the pandemic still in full force, and nonprofits struggling now more than ever, it’s important to start thinking about fundraising again—and how to do it safely and effectively during this time.
By adjusting to the societal changes and making a few adjustments to your strategy, your nonprofit can continue fundraising and connecting with supporters during the pandemic. Here are 5 tips to help your nonprofit with fundraising efforts during this critical time.
1.Go virtual
While a lot of traditional fundraising methods, such as events and campaigns, aren’t able to happen right now, you can still host virtual events and encourage supporters to attend. For example, you could host a virtual gala instead of an in-person shindig. Encourage supporters to get dressed up at home, listen to a keynote speaker or watch a musical performance from their couch, and contribute to your nonprofit through an online auction. While this experience won’t be the same as an in-person gala, it’s still an opportunity for your supporters to band together and show their support.
When it comes to campaigns, consider moving your efforts to social media. Crowdsourcing campaigns thrive in digital environments. Just set up a profile on a crowdsourcing platform, customize the page with details about your nonprofit, and share the site out on your social media platforms. Any supporters that follow you can share it as well, which will only increase the number of people who see it and can contribute.
2. Take advantage of direct mail
Direct mail is one of the most successful marketing strategies available—even with all of the digital channels today. As a nonprofit, you can easily take advantage of direct mail for a fundraising letter campaign. Choose a postcard or letter design, grab your donor list, and start writing! Make sure your letters include the necessary components for a successful donation request: an emotional appeal, an explanation of how the donor can help, and instructions on how to contribute. Once you’re finished, mail out your letters and wait for the donations to come in. Not sure where to begin? Early Express can help you create a targeted mailing list to get the word out.
3. Keep conversations going
With everything going on, your instinct might be to avoid talking to donors and supporters. In reality, that’s the last thing you should do. This is the time to reach out, check in and ask for assistance. Make a list of your top donors and schedule virtual meetings with each of them. You can start off the conversation by asking how they are doing. Then, share how the pandemic has impacted your nonprofit and the clients you serve. Tell them exactly what you need to keep providing the services you were previously. Many donors will gladly rise to the occasion and help out if they can. You might be surprised.
4. Bring out the brochures
There’s a good chance you have some brochures advertising your nonprofit laying around. Now is a good time to bring those back out and put them to use. Drop off a few brochures (safely!) at local restaurants or shops that are still open in your community. You can also drop off brochures in mailboxes of neighborhoods with audiences that would respond well to your nonprofit’s services. Don’t have a brochure for your nonprofit? Early Express’s online print store can help you create a high-quality brochure and ship it to you fast. Make sure to include information on what services your nonprofit provides, how it benefits the community, and how supporters can contribute or donate to the cause.
5. Say thank you
Now more than ever, it’s important to spread your gratitude. Take the time to extend genuine and heartfelt thank you’s to supporters and donors who have stuck by your side. Pick up the phone to call them, write them handwritten notes or say thank you in person if you get the chance. This gesture will go far, especially during times like these when people are stressed and could use some joy and love.
Whatever you do during these unprecedented times, just remember to keep your head up, carry on and don’t stop trying. Your clients need you more than ever, and your donors and supporters need to know what they can do to help you provide your services. As a small business located in Dayton, OH, Early Express understands that these are difficult times. We are here to support you and your business in any way we can.
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Outreach and fundraising remain the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations. In 2026, nonprofits face a rapidly evolving landscape where donor expectations, technology, and communication channels continue to shift. While digital marketing plays a critical role, many organizations are rediscovering the power of direct mail to cut through digital noise and connect with supporters in a meaningful way. Despite predictions of its decline, direct mail continues to outperform many marketing channels when it comes to engagement and trust. In fact, modern direct mail—powered by data, personalization, and digital integration—has become one of the most effective tools nonprofits can use to reach donors, inspire action, and build long-term relationships. If your nonprofit is considering adding or expanding direct mail in your outreach strategy, here are four key tips to help you maximize results. 1. Define and Segment Your Audience Successful direct mail campaigns begin with a clear understanding of your audience. Who are you trying to reach? Common nonprofit segments include: Current donors Lapsed donors Volunteers Event attendees Prospective supporters in your community Each group has different motivations and interests, which means your messaging should be tailored accordingly. Modern direct mail campaigns rely heavily on data segmentation. Using targeted mailing lists, nonprofits can segment audiences based on factors such as: Geographic location Donation history Age or household demographics Engagement with past campaigns By sending the right message to the right audience, your organization can significantly improve response rates and donor engagement. 2. Tell a Story That Inspires Action People don’t donate to organizations they donate to stories and impact. Direct mail offers a powerful opportunity to tell compelling stories about the people and communities your nonprofit serves. Instead of focusing solely on statistics or operational details, highlight the real-life impact of your work. Ask yourself: Whose life changed because of your mission? What problem is your organization solving? How can the reader become part of that solution? Use strong visuals, emotional storytelling, and clear messaging to draw readers in. A compelling headline, powerful imagery, and a clear call-to-action can make the difference between a piece of mail that gets discarded and one that inspires a donation. 3. Personalization Builds Stronger Donor Relationships In today’s fundraising environment, personalization is no longer optional it’s expected. Supporters want to feel recognized and valued. Direct mail allows nonprofits to create a more personal connection than many digital channels. Consider incorporating: The recipient’s name in the headline or greeting A thank-you message referencing previous support Suggested donation amounts based on past giving Personalized stories relevant to the donor’s interests Advanced data tools now allow nonprofits to personalize entire mail pieces, from images to messaging. These efforts show donors that their support matters and help strengthen long-term relationships. 4. Integrate Direct Mail with Digital Campaigns The most successful nonprofit campaigns today combine direct mail with digital outreach. Rather than treating them as separate strategies, use them together to reinforce your message and increase engagement. For example, you might: Include a QR code that leads directly to your donation page Send a follow-up email referencing the mail piece Retarget website visitors with social media ads Use personalized URLs (PURLs) to track engagement This integrated approach allows supporters to interact with your campaign in whichever way is most convenient for them whether that’s responding to a mail piece, donating online, or engaging through social media. Why Direct Mail Still Works for Nonprofits In an era where inboxes are crowded and online ads are easily ignored, direct mail offers something unique: a tangible, trusted connection. For nonprofits, that connection can lead to: Higher donor engagement Stronger brand awareness Increased fundraising results Long-term donor loyalty When combined with smart data strategies and digital marketing, direct mail becomes a powerful tool for reaching the right people with the right message at the right time. How Early Express Supports Nonprofit Direct Mail Campaigns Executing an effective direct mail campaign requires the right tools and expertise. Early Express provides nonprofits with a full range of direct mail solutions designed to simplify the process and maximize results. Our services include: Targeted mailing lists Data processing and segmentation Print and mail management Daily mail handling solutions With the right strategy and support, your nonprofit can build stronger connections with donors and expand your outreach.
