If you’re the only person handling fundraising at your nonprofit, you are not alone. And you’re not doing it wrong. Your challenge is to navigate a complex role with limited time, tools, and support. An organization with one staff often means the role involves switching from writing impact reports to troubleshooting tech issues, from crafting donor thank-yous to prepping for board meetings, all while keeping the mission front and centre.
Someone who can make it work as a team of one is often resourceful and committed, but too often stretched thin. And while the work is vital, it can feel isolating, especially when fundraising lands squarely on your shoulders.
In this article, we share six practical strategies to keep your fundraising plan focused, streamlined, and doable.
1. Start small and keep tasks realistic
When you’re a team of one, the pressure to “do it all” can be overwhelming. But fundraising doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. A single thank-you call, a short donor update, or a warm email can deepen relationships more than a polished campaign ever could.
Start with what’s already working. That grant report you submitted last month? It probably includes impact data that can be repurposed for a donor appeal. That heartfelt note you wrote to a supporter? It might be the perfect template for your next newsletter.
You don’t need a new strategy. Instead, give yourself permission to build from what you already have.
2. Build a schedule that respects your capacity
Forget the 12-month fundraising calendar with colour-coded campaigns and quarterly appeals. When you’re solo, consistency is more important than big plans. A fundraising plan that fits your capacity may look more like the following:
- One donor update per month (a thank-you, a story, a check-in).
- One grant deadline per quarter.
- One impact story every year.
This kind of schedule creates consistency without burnout. It also leaves time for the unexpected, because your day might include everything from board preparation to fixing the printer, so flexibility is key in creating a schedule that works long-term.
3. Prioritize relationships
Fundraising is relational, and when you’re a team of one, that’s your advantage. You likely know your volunteers and donors by name. You’ve heard their stories. You are their point of contact, and are regularly building donor relationships. That type of connection is invaluable.
Whether you’re using spreadsheets, a notebook, or even your inbox, any of these can help you keep track of donor updates. What matters most is the intention behind the outreach. Are you thanking donors in a way that feels personal? Are you sharing impact stories that connect their gift to real change?
As your organization grows, though, your needs grow with it. That’s when tools like a donor database, automation, and other systems start to make a real difference. They help you streamline tasks, stay organized, and scale the same relational habits you built early on. A simple system is enough when you’re small, but a stronger one becomes essential as your fundraising expands.
Remember, relational fundraising is less about volume and more about people. And this is something small teams do well.
4. Use tools that feel like teammates
There’s no shortage of fundraising platforms, automation tools, and AI-powered solutions like ChatGPT. But not every tool is built for small teams. The best ones feel like teammates rather than tasks.
Look for tools that are intuitive, affordable, and focused on relationships. Whether it’s donor management software, a template for your grant applications, or a storytelling platform, choose tech that respects your time and supports your work.
When you are working solo, don’t be afraid to say no to tools that feel overwhelming. Keeping it simple and straightforward is a sound strategy.
5. Integrity over urgency
Fundraising often comes with pressure: meet the goal, hit the deadline, create a new email appeal. But integrity matters more than urgency. That means:
- Saying no to opportunities that don’t align with your mission.
- Understanding when to decline a donation.
- Being transparent with donors about what’s possible.
- Choosing strategies that feel authentic to you, even if they are slower.
You have the power to shape a fundraising culture grounded in trust, and being focused on your mission and values will keep you grounded and on the right track, rather than chasing the next big new trend.
6. Accept that you’re doing enough
If you’ve ever ended the day wondering whether you did “enough,” this is your reminder: you did. You showed up. You stewarded relationships. You moved your mission forward. That’s fundraising. That’s leadership. And remember, fundraising might be important, but it’s not the central work of your mission. Sometimes operational issues come up that must take priority. When you work alone, incorporating the fundraising strategies that work for your schedule is enough to keep your organization moving forward.
Being a team of one is hard. But it’s also an opportunity to build something deeply human, deeply connected, and deeply yours. And remember, you are not alone. There’s a community of solo fundraisers, small teams, and sector allies who understand your reality and want to help.
Roxanne Tackie is the co-founder of Story Point Consulting where she helps people working or volunteering at small nonprofits and charities find the right donors, effectively communicate with supporters, and strengthen relationships with them once they generously give their support. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, baking, and teaching and studying the artform of tap dance.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s alone and do not necessarily represent those of CharityVillage.com or any other individual or entity with whom the authors or website may be affiliated. CharityVillage.com is not liable for any content that may be considered offensive, inappropriate, defamatory, or inaccurate or in breach of third-party rights of privacy, copyright, or trademark.
