The Best Fundraising Success Stories From Nonprofits

1. Global Autism Project

Founded in 2003, the Global Autism project fundraises to help raise awareness around autism in developing countries. They’ve raised over $2.1 million by encouraging supporters to use online peer-to peer fundraising platforms—and there is no sign they will be slowing down anytime soon.

Their Mission

To provide training and education around autism in developing countries. As they note on their website, of the 90 million people living with autism worldwide, 85% live in developing nations.

What sets them apart

The Global Autism Project started using the hashtag #AutismKnowsNoBorders on their social media early on. Creating a hashtag around your cause can drastically increase awareness about your specific charity. Where there is awareness, action has the opportunity to follow.

Additionally, the Global Autism Project has a program called SkillCorps which offers a two week trip to a developing nation for professionals who work in the autism education field. If you are selected to go on a SkillCorps trip, it is a requirement that you fundraise $5000 to further support the Global Autism Project. Not only does this charity continue to fulfill their mission through education, but they also continue to successfully fundraise for their cause each and every year.

2. Stratton Community Foundation

For the Stratton Community Foundation, the children and families of southern Vermont are their top priority. Fundraising since 1996, this nonprofit has shifted to planning events on crowdfunding platforms in recent years, like their 24 Hours of Stratton March. Using an online fundraiser allows supporters to buy a ticket to the event and register online while all funds are paid directly to the charity bank account.

Their mission

The Foundation aims to end generational poverty in southern Vermont by helping children live healthy and safe lives while also getting an education. By focusing on making sure children in underprivileged communities have access to healthy food, a good education, and funding for basic health necessities, the Stratton Community Foundation seeks to change the lives of generations to come.

What sets them apart

The Stratton Community Foundation is well known for planning elaborate annual fundraising events that community members can’t wait to be a part of. This year, they are raising money for the 8th annual 24 Hours of Stratton event, which is a day where community members have full 24-hour access to Stratton Mountain ski resort.

Why is this so significant? This charity partnered with their local ski resort to offer an exclusive night of skiing for donors! Because the mountain doesn’t offer night skiing the rest of the winter season, this event creates a huge draw for local community members to come out and ski while supporting a good cause. Don’t be afraid to reach out to local businesses to see if they’d be willing to help support your charity—you may be surprised at how generous they’re willing to be.

3. Chris Klug Foundation

When Chris Klug received a life-changing liver transplant in 2000, he knew he had truly received a second chance at life. After that, Chris was dedicated to living life to the fullest—18 months after his liver transplant, he won a bronze medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in the men’s parallel giant slalom event.

Now, his foundation organizes their Summit for Life event every year to raise awareness around organ donations while providing supporters with a bit of organized fun while they’re at it.

Their mission

To educate and cultivate awareness around the importance of organ donations. Their ultimate goal is to one day ensure that no one has to be on a waitlist for a lifesaving organ transplant.

What sets them apart

Chris’s foundation has paired his love of snowboarding with their altruistic mission of saving lives by educating others on the importance of being an organ donor. For the last 14 years, the Chris Klug Foundation has organized a Summit for Life event which encompasses a 2.5-mile uphill ski race, a gondola ride, and a dinner.

By incorporating a race, the Chris Klug Foundation appeals to competitors that may not have initially been looking for a charity to support. To make sure they further their fundraising goal, the foundation requires that a $100 fundraising minimum is raised by racers. The benefit is twofold: not only is money raised to further their cause, but the Chris Klug Foundation also becomes a familiar organization among networks of the racers’ family and friends as they fundraise to compete.

Feel confident planning your next fundraiser

Whether your organization plans on hosting a massive gala or launching a months-long social media campaign, having the right fundraising software can make all the difference. The above charities used GoFundMe Charity to host their fundraisers. As you navigate your next year of fundraising, consider using a platform that requires no subscription fees or contracts, and offers simple event ticketing and registration—and more.