Help nonprofits raise money through events, campaigns, and donor development. Fundraising expertise is valuable for organizations with limited staff.
Consider these related business ideas and specializations:
Help nonprofits raise money through events, campaigns, and donor development. Fundraising expertise is valuable for organizations with limited staff.
Consider these related business ideas and specializations:
San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:
Test this idea before investing heavily:
Volunteer to run or assist with a fundraising campaign for a local nonprofit. Take ownership of a specific goal (raise $X through online donations, secure 3 new sponsors, etc.) and document your results.
Do you enjoy the relationship-building aspect of fundraising? Can you handle rejection and keep asking? What methods suit your personality? Do you get results?
You exceed the fundraising goal, the organization asks you to do more, and you find the work fulfilling.
Expected startup and operating expenses:
Areas where quality investment pays off:
Fundraising involves handling donor relationships and money. Professional standards protect you and your clients. Untrained fundraisers damage nonprofit reputations.
Good enough: AFP certification or equivalent training. Continuous learning through webinars and conferences.
Finding the right grants is more than half the battle. Good databases save hours of research and improve your hit rate.
Good enough: Foundation Directory Online or similar. Library access can provide free or discounted subscriptions.
Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:
Financial timing and planning notes:
Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:
Join shomby today and start selling to your local community. We provide the platform—you bring the passion.
We build shomby around your business—not the other way around. If there's a feature, integration, or tool that would help your nonprofit fundraising business succeed, we want to hear about it.
Help individuals and organizations create memorable events. Event planners handle logistics, vendor coordination, and day-of management so clients can enjoy their celebrations.
Teach skills and bring people together for hands-on learning. Workshops create community while sharing knowledge—from craft classes to professional skills.
Share your local knowledge through walking tours, food tours, or specialty experiences. Tourists and locals alike seek authentic, insider perspectives.
San Juan Islands-specific considerations for this business:
Test this idea before investing heavily:
Volunteer to run or assist with a fundraising campaign for a local nonprofit. Take ownership of a specific goal (raise $X through online donations, secure 3 new sponsors, etc.) and document your results.
Do you enjoy the relationship-building aspect of fundraising? Can you handle rejection and keep asking? What methods suit your personality? Do you get results?
You exceed the fundraising goal, the organization asks you to do more, and you find the work fulfilling.
Expected startup and operating expenses:
Areas where quality investment pays off:
Fundraising involves handling donor relationships and money. Professional standards protect you and your clients. Untrained fundraisers damage nonprofit reputations.
Good enough: AFP certification or equivalent training. Continuous learning through webinars and conferences.
Finding the right grants is more than half the battle. Good databases save hours of research and improve your hit rate.
Good enough: Foundation Directory Online or similar. Library access can provide free or discounted subscriptions.
Areas where cost-cutting makes sense:
Financial timing and planning notes:
Strategies to reduce risk and increase odds of success:
Join shomby today and start selling to your local community. We provide the platform—you bring the passion.
We build shomby around your business—not the other way around. If there's a feature, integration, or tool that would help your nonprofit fundraising business succeed, we want to hear about it.
Help individuals and organizations create memorable events. Event planners handle logistics, vendor coordination, and day-of management so clients can enjoy their celebrations.
Teach skills and bring people together for hands-on learning. Workshops create community while sharing knowledge—from craft classes to professional skills.
Share your local knowledge through walking tours, food tours, or specialty experiences. Tourists and locals alike seek authentic, insider perspectives.