profile

Kay @ NonProfit Life

How to use social proof to increase donations

Published about 1 month ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader,

Sometimes the smallest tweak to your online messaging can be the difference in people donating or continuing to scroll. One way you can get to the former? Try using social proof.

When people see that others are already giving, backing your cause, or showing up to support you—it builds trust. And trust leads to action.

Here are five ways to work social proof into your fundraising and communications:

  1. Share donor stories - Let your supporters speak for you. A few lines about why someone gave, in their own words, can be more powerful than a perfectly polished appeal.
  2. Show donation momentum - “13 people gave in the last hour” or “We’re halfway to our goal!” works because no one wants to miss out. Real-time updates build energy and urgency.
  3. Use your numbers - Meals delivered. Students enrolled. Pets adopted. Show what’s already happening—and invite donors to be part of it.
  4. Highlight partners + community champions - When people see respected local businesses or community leaders standing with you, they’re more likely to follow. Name names, tag partners, and shine the spotlight.
  5. Recognize your donors - A thank-you wall. A simple social media shout-out. These small things go a long way to show that people are giving—and that giving is valued.

That’s it! Social proof doesn’t have to be fancy—it just has to be visible.

Pick one and try it out this week. Then hit reply and tell me how it goes!

Cheers,
Kay

Certified Fund Raising Expert (CFRE)
Founder and CEO, NonProfit-Life

PS: If you’re looking to take your fundraising to the next level, here are 3 ways you can do that today:

​

​

Kay @ NonProfit Life

Templates and tools to help you grow your nonprofit

I teach nonprofit professionals - over 5,000 and counting! - how to grow their organizations with practical, action-oriented templates and tools. From event sponsorship packages, grant proposals, board orientation handbooks, and everything in between, I focus on helping you save time, effort and precious resources. As a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), I've raised 25 million+ for other organizations, and now my passion is to help you do the same for yours. Join the weekly newsletter to get time saving tips, tricks and action plans you can implement today to accelerate your nonprofit.

Read more from Kay @ NonProfit Life

Hey Reader, You’ve got the venue booked. You’ve got the caterer lined up. You’ve got people registering for your next fundraising event…but are you leaving money on the table? Ticket sales and auction items are only part of your event's revenue potential. If you’re not maximizing event sponsorships, you’re likely missing out on thousands of dollars in support - and potential long-term partners! Here’s how to change that: 1. Start early.Sponsorships take time. As soon as your event is...

6 days ago • 2 min read

Hey Reader, You know how one great conversation can be the spark that ignites a lifetime of connection? It’s true in your personal life — and in your nonprofit life too! If you need to: gather compelling story content for your appeals create deep, meaningful relationships with your donors, beneficiaries, staff and volunteers nurture deeper connections You need to learn how to conduct an empathetic interview. My friend, Rachel Zant, has written this helpful, easy to read guide you can grab...

13 days ago • 1 min read

Hey Reader, If you’re planning a fundraising event and need to secure sponsors fast, I finally just launched the bundle so many of you have been asking for! The Ultimate Event Sponsorship Package includes all my most popular templates to secure, track, and steward sponsors - all in one professionally designed package for an additional 30% off. It’s perfect for executive directors, event planners, and teams who want to raise more money and build better sponsor relationships without starting...

18 days ago • 1 min read