How I’d raise $10,000 with no event and no grant

If someone told me I needed to raise $10,000 in the next 60 days and I couldn't apply for a grant or throw an event, here's exactly what I'd do.

What I'd focus on is individual giving - and it doesn't actually require a massive donor list, a fancy CRM, or a whole development team. It requires a plan, a list, and the willingness to ask.

Step 1: Build your list of 25

Write down 25 people who have some connection to your organization. Current donors, past donors, board members, volunteers, community partners, people who've attended your events, people who follow you on social media. They don't need to be wealthy. They need to care.

If you can't get to 25, start with 15. The number matters less than actually writing them down.

Step 2: Segment into 3 tiers

Look at your list and sort them:

• Tier 1 (5–8 people): Your strongest relationships. People who already know and love what you do. These are your top $$ asks (which will range for each organization)

• Tier 2 (8–12 people): Warm contacts who care but haven't been asked recently. These are your mid-tier $$ asks

• Tier 3 (the rest): People who might give $25–$100 if you make it easy. A simple email or text is enough.

Step 3: Create 3 touchpoints over 4 weeks

Don't just send one email and hope. Here's the sequence I'd follow:

• Week 1 — The personal reach-out: For Tier 1, pick up the phone or send a personal email. For Tier 2, send a personalized email. For Tier 3, send a group email with a clear, simple ask.

• Week 2 — The story: Share a specific story about someone your organization has helped. Make it real. Attach it to the dollar amount: "$200 covers a full month of [service]."

• Week 3–4 — The follow-up: For anyone who hasn't responded, follow up once. Not pushy — just: "Hi [Name], just circling back on this — any gift, any amount, truly makes a difference. Here's the link if you'd like to give."

Step 4: Track and thank

Keep a simple spreadsheet: name, tier, date contacted, response, amount. Thank every single donor within 48 hours. Personally.

Let's do the math:

If 5 Tier 1 donors give an average of $1,000 = $5,000. If 8 Tier 2 donors give an average of $300 = $2,400. If 10 Tier 3 donors give an average of $50 = $500.

That's $7,900 from just 23 gifts. Add a couple of generous surprises (there's always one), and you're at $10,000.

Is it guaranteed? No. But this approach works because it's personal, it's direct, and it meets people where they are. You're not blasting a mass email into the void. You're reaching out to people who actually know you.

The hardest part is step 1 — just writing the list. So start there. Right now. Open a doc, write down 15–25 names, and see what happens.

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