Nonprofit Email Marketing: How to Grow Your List & Fundraise More
The Power of Nonprofit Email Marketing
Your email list is one of your nonprofit’s biggest assets. It’s your direct line to donors, volunteers, and advocates who care about your mission. But if you’re not actively growing and nurturing your list, you’re missing out on a truly valuable opportunity.
Nonprofit email marketing isn’t just about sending monthly newsletters; it’s about creating a community of lifelong supporters.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
✔ Why growing your email list is critical for fundraising success.
✔ Proven strategies to attract and retain engaged subscribers.
✔ How to use email marketing to strengthen donor relationships and drive donations.
Let’s transform your email list into a powerful tool for advancing your mission.
Why Growing Your Email List Matters
Gone are the days of sporadic newsletter updates and spreadsheet email lists. Refining your list and communicating frequently is your opportunity to connect with people who are excited to support your cause.
Here’s why growing and nurturing your list should be a top priority:
Email drives donations. Nonprofits see an average return of $42 for every $1 spent on email marketing. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to fundraise.
You own your email list. Unlike social media followers, your email list isn’t subject to ever-changing algorithms. It’s a direct channel to your supporters.
More engagement = more impact. Regular communication keeps your nonprofit top of mind, making supporters more likely to donate, volunteer, or advocate when the time is right for them.
How to Grow Your Nonprofit’s Email List
Growing your email list doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right strategies, you can attract engaged subscribers who are genuinely interested in your mission. Here’s how:
Use a Lead Magnet (Offer Something Valuable in Exchange for an Email)
Why It Works: People are more likely to share their email addresses if they get something valuable in return. When someone downloads something you’ve created, they’re actively engaging with your organization, which is an important part of relationship building.
Lead Magnet Ideas:
A free guide or checklist (e.g., 5 Ways to Support [Your Cause]).
A behind-the-scenes video or impact story.
Access to exclusive content (e.g., invite-only webinars or Q&As with your team).
Example: An environmental nonprofit could offer a Sustainable Living Guide in exchange for an email signup.
Optimize Your Website for Signups
Why It Works: Your website is often the first point of contact for potential supporters.
Best Practices:
Use pop-ups or embedded forms on key pages (homepage, donation page, blog).
Keep the form short—only ask for a name and email.
Highlight the benefits of joining (e.g., “Get inspiring stories and exclusive updates”).
Example: Instead of a generic “Sign up for our newsletter,” try something like, “Join 5,000+ changemakers and get monthly stories of impact.”
Leverage Social Media to Grow Your Email List
Why It Works: Your social media followers are already interested in your mission. The next step is to convert them into email subscribers.
Strategies:
Add an email signup link to your bio.
Run a giveaway requiring an email signup.
Tease exclusive content (e.g., “Subscribers get early access to this special announcement!”).
Capture Emails at Events
Why It Works: Events are a great opportunity to connect with supporters personally, both in person and online.
How to Do It:
Use a QR code at check-in leading to an email list signup form.
Offer an incentive (e.g., “Enter to win a free t-shirt by signing up!”).
Host an online event and collect emails from attendees.
Partner with Like-Minded Organizations
Why It Works: Partnerships expand your reach to new audiences.
Ideas:
Guest blog for a partner organization and include an email list signup link.
Ask corporate sponsors to share your newsletter with employees.
Do a “content swap” to promote each other’s email lists.
How to Keep Email Subscribers Engaged Once They Join
Growing your list is just the first step. Keeping subscribers engaged is what turns them into lifelong supporters. Here’s how to do it:
Create a Strong Welcome Email Series
Why It Works: A warm welcome sets the tone for your relationship.
What to Include:
A thank-you message.
An introduction to your mission and impact.
A clear call-to-action (e.g., follow on social media, donate, attend an event).
Pro Tip: Your first email should feel like a handshake, not a sales pitch.
Send Regular, Valuable Email Content
Why It Works: Consistent communication keeps your nonprofit top of mind.
Content Ideas:
Impact stories—real examples of your work in action.
Behind-the-scenes updates—staff insights, program highlights.
Advocacy opportunities—petitions, volunteer calls, event invites.
Donor shoutouts—publicly show appreciation for your supporters.
Maximize Your Nonprofit’s Email Marketing Strategy
Email marketing is one of the most powerful tools you have to connect with your supporters and inspire them to give. But without a clear strategy, even the best intentions can fall flat.
In our free eBook, Transform Your Fundraising Strategy with High-Impact Email Marketing, I simplify email marketing for nonprofits in 7 easy steps. I’ll teach you how to effectively:
Build a winning email strategy.
Grow your list with a lead magnet.
Create a subscriber journey.
Craft compelling campaigns.
Engage new donors.
Reconnect with returning donors.
Motivate lapsed donors.
This eBook is designed to help you make the biggest impact with the least effort. Together, we’ll build a system that works so you can focus on moving your mission forward.
Click here to download your free copy.
Your nonprofit’s email list is a community of people who believe in your mission. By growing your list, keeping subscribers engaged, and sending meaningful content, you can turn email subscribers into lifelong supporters.
