Fundamentals of Non-Profit Fundraising: Principles, Challenges, and Emerging Practices
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Journal: NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies (ERDO)
Year: 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-fundamentals-2025
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About the Article
Fundraising is the foundation of non-profit sustainability, yet its practice is continually reshaped by economic conditions, donor expectations, and technological innovation. This article examines the core principles of effective fundraising, emphasizing donor motivation, transparency, storytelling, and diversification. It highlights emerging practices such as peer-to-peer fundraising, micro-donations, and community-driven events as pathways to resilience, while addressing structural challenges in developing and emerging economies. By combining theoretical insights with practical strategies, the article provides both academics and practitioners with tools to strengthen sustainability and trust in non-profit resource mobilization.
Key Topics:
- Donor motivation and behavior
- Transparency and accountability
- Storytelling and emotional engagement
- Diversification and innovation in fundraising
- Challenges in developing and emerging economies
- Emerging practices: peer-to-peer, micro-donations, community-driven events
Academic Value:
This article underscores that the fundamentals of fundraising rest on a balance of trust, accountability, and innovation. It contributes to academic debates on non-profit management by linking theory with practice and provides a roadmap for practitioners operating in constrained environments. By situating fundraising principles within global challenges and emerging opportunities, it offers actionable strategies to secure sustainability and legitimacy for non-profit organizations.
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