FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for Alumni Groups?

Alumni groups have unique fundraising opportunities tailored to their needs. Discover practical grants, corporate sponsors, and innovative ideas. Our expert insights provide depth and guidance for your fundraising efforts.

Top 5 grants for Alumni Groups nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Alumni Groups. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

2025 Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund for U.S. Alumni

Global Ties U.S.

Up to $10,000

Foundation

Provides small grants to teams of U.S. government-sponsored exchange alumni to carry out public service projects that utilize skills gained during their exchange experience.

Apply

Kingdom Advancing Grant

Brotherhood Mutual Foundation

$20,000 to $50,000

Foundation

Supports innovative Christian church programs that transform local communities through ministry. Open to church-based alumni groups focused on community outreach.

Apply

2025 FFA Alumni and Supporters Legacy Grant: Partnering

National FFA Organization

$100 to $2,500

Foundation

Provides funding for FFA Alumni and Supporters chapters to work with local FFA chapters on projects and opportunities.

Apply

The Make Art Grant

Rhode Island State Council on the Arts

$1,000 to $5,000

Government

Supports artists in creating specific artwork in any discipline. Open to Rhode Island-based alumni groups focused on arts and culture.

Apply

Walmart Foundation Local Community Grants

Walmart Foundation

$250 to $5,000

Foundation

Provides grants to local nonprofit organizations for community-based projects. Alumni groups focused on education or community development may be eligible.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Alumni Groups nonprofits in 2025

Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Alumni Groups efforts.

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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Alumni Groups

PayPal Logo
DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%

1.99% + $0.49 per transaction for eligible charities only

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

1.9% + $0.10 per donation received

3% for sending money with a credit card; 1.9% + $0.10 for goods and services payments

3% for sending money using a credit card; 0.5% to 1.75% for instant transfers

Platform fees
$0
No platform fees
No platform fees. Similar to Zeffy, GoFundMe relies on voluntary “tips” from donors to cover platform fees for nonprofits.
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No monthly fees
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Value for money
Capterra ratings
4.9 / 5
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4.2/5
Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings
4.8 / 5
4.6/5
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Quality of support
4.9 / 5
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3.9/5
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10 Best fundraising ideas for Alumni Groups in 2025

Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your Alumni Groups.

1

Alumni Mentorship Marketplace

Create an online platform where alumni can offer mentorship sessions or specialized skills workshops to current students or recent graduates. Mentors set their rates, with a percentage going to the alumni association.

2

Nostalgia Box Subscription

Launch a quarterly subscription box filled with university-themed memorabilia, local treats, and exclusive alumni-designed products. Each box tells a story from a different era of the university's history.

3

Alumni Impact Challenge

Organize a month-long challenge where alumni teams compete to make the biggest impact in their local communities. Teams raise funds and volunteer hours, with the university matching contributions to the winning team's chosen cause.

4

Virtual Homecoming Festival

Host a week-long virtual homecoming festival featuring live-streamed concerts, virtual tours of campus landmarks, online class reunions, and interactive workshops led by notable alumni. Sell festival passes and exclusive merchandise.

5

Alumni-Owned Business Marketplace

Create an online marketplace showcasing products and services from alumni-owned businesses. The platform takes a small commission on sales, with businesses offering exclusive discounts to fellow alumni.

6

Augmented Reality Campus Treasure Hunt

Develop an AR app that guides alumni through a virtual treasure hunt on campus, unlocking donations from sponsors as they complete challenges and relive memories. Can be done remotely or during in-person events.

7

Alumni Skills Auction

Organize an online auction where alumni bid on unique experiences or services offered by fellow graduates, such as executive coaching sessions, artwork commissions, or behind-the-scenes industry tours.

8

Legacy Brick Campaign

Launch a campaign allowing alumni to purchase personalized bricks or plaques to be installed in a new campus landmark or renovation project. Offer different tiers of recognition and create a virtual wall for remote alumni.

9

Alumni-Student Innovation Challenge

Partner with corporate sponsors to host a hackathon-style event where alumni mentor student teams to solve real-world challenges. Winning teams receive funding, and alumni can invest in promising projects.

10

Class Year Giving Circles

Establish giving circles for each graduating class, where alumni pool their donations to fund specific university initiatives. Classes compete to have the highest participation rate and total amount raised.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">How can alumni groups increase donor engagement and retention?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">To increase donor engagement and retention, alumni groups should focus on personalized communication, impact reporting, and meaningful involvement opportunities. Implement a multi-channel approach using email, social media, and direct mail to reach donors. Share regular updates on how donations are making a difference, using compelling stories and data visualizations. Offer exclusive events, webinars, or networking opportunities for donors to connect with fellow alumni and current students. Consider implementing a monthly giving program, which can increase retention rates by up to 80% according to Network for Good. Utilize data analytics to segment your donor base and tailor outreach based on giving history, interests, and engagement levels. Finally, prioritize stewardship by promptly acknowledging gifts, providing personalized thank-you messages, and recognizing donors through various channels.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">What are effective digital fundraising strategies for alumni associations in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">In 2025, effective digital fundraising strategies for alumni associations include leveraging artificial intelligence for personalized outreach, implementing peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, and utilizing social media challenges. AI-powered tools can analyze donor data to create tailored messaging and suggest optimal giving levels. Peer-to-peer fundraising platforms enable alumni to create personal fundraising pages, tapping into their networks and potentially increasing donation volume by 50% according to Classy. Social media challenges, like TikTok's viral fundraising trends, can boost engagement and attract younger alumni donors. Incorporate augmented reality (AR) elements in virtual events or campus tours to create immersive experiences for remote alumni. Explore cryptocurrency donations, as 45% of cryptocurrency owners donated to charities in 2020 (Fidelity Charitable). Lastly, optimize your website and donation forms for mobile devices, as mobile giving donations have increased by 205% in recent years (Nonprofits Source).</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">How can alumni groups effectively use data analytics to improve fundraising results?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">Alumni groups can leverage data analytics to significantly improve fundraising results by implementing the following strategies: First, use predictive modeling to identify potential major donors based on giving history, wealth indicators, and engagement levels. This can increase major gift identification accuracy by up to 30% (iWave). Second, employ segmentation techniques to create targeted campaigns for different alumni cohorts, potentially boosting response rates by 760% (Funraise). Third, utilize A/B testing for email subject lines, donation page layouts, and call-to-action buttons to optimize conversion rates. Fourth, implement real-time donation tracking dashboards to monitor campaign progress and make data-driven decisions. Fifth, use social listening tools to gauge alumni sentiment and identify trending topics for content creation. Finally, leverage artificial intelligence to analyze unstructured data from social media and alumni interactions, providing deeper insights into donor motivations and preferences. Remember to prioritize data privacy and comply with relevant regulations when collecting and analyzing alumni data.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">What are innovative ways for alumni groups to engage young alumni in fundraising efforts?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">To engage young alumni in fundraising efforts, alumni groups should focus on innovative, tech-savvy approaches that resonate with this demographic. Implement gamification elements in your fundraising campaigns, such as progress bars, leaderboards, and challenges to foster friendly competition. Utilize social media platforms popular among young alumni, like Instagram and TikTok, to create viral fundraising challenges. Develop a mobile app for easy giving and engagement, as 25% of donors complete their donations on mobile devices (Nonprofits Source). Offer micro-giving options, allowing young alumni to make small, recurring donations that fit their budgets. Organize virtual reality (VR) events or tours that reconnect young alumni with their alma mater. Implement a mentorship program that pairs young alumni with established professionals, encouraging both engagement and potential future giving. Create cause-specific crowdfunding campaigns that align with young alumni's values and interests. Lastly, showcase the impact of donations through compelling storytelling and data visualization, as 68% of young donors want to see the direct impact of their giving (Classy).</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">How can alumni groups create successful virtual fundraising events in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">To create successful virtual fundraising events in 2025, alumni groups should focus on interactive and immersive experiences. Utilize augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to create engaging virtual campus tours or recreate iconic campus locations for alumni gatherings. Implement live streaming platforms with real-time donation tracking and interactive features like polls and Q&A sessions. Consider hosting hybrid events that combine in-person and virtual elements to cater to diverse alumni preferences. Incorporate gamification elements such as virtual scavenger hunts or trivia contests to boost engagement. Leverage AI-powered networking tools to facilitate meaningful connections between attendees. Offer exclusive virtual experiences, such as behind-the-scenes tours or VIP meet-and-greets with notable alumni or faculty. Use data analytics to personalize event content and follow-up communications based on attendee interactions. Finally, ensure seamless integration with mobile giving platforms, as mobile-friendly donation pages can increase conversions by 34% (Nonprofits Source). Remember to prioritize accessibility features to ensure all alumni can participate fully in virtual events.</div>