Community and economic development require innovative funding strategies. Explore grants, sponsorships, and creative ideas backed by years of nonprofit expertise.
Start a fundraiserUnlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Community and Economic Development. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Varies by community size
Government
Provides annual grants to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.
Rural Community Development Initiative Grants
USDA Rural Development
$50,000 to $250,000
Government
Provides funding to help non-profit housing and community development organizations support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas.
Economic Development Administration (EDA) Grants
U.S. Department of Commerce
Varies by program
Government
Offers a variety of grants to support economic development, foster job creation, and attract private investment in economically distressed areas of the United States.
Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Community and Economic Development efforts.
2.2% + $0.30 per transaction; 0.8% for ACH payments*
2.9% + $0.30 per donation
Up to 5% + 35¢ per transaction
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 Community and Economic Development.
Community Impact Crowdfunding Challenge
Launch a multi-tiered crowdfunding campaign where donors can choose specific community development projects to support. Use compelling storytelling and real-time impact tracking to engage supporters. Implement a matching gift program to incentivize larger donations.
Economic Development Hackathon
Organize a weekend-long hackathon where tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members collaborate to develop innovative solutions for local economic challenges. Charge entry fees, secure corporate sponsorships, and showcase winning ideas to potential investors.
Locally-Sourced Subscription Box
Create a monthly subscription box featuring products from local businesses and artisans supported by your economic development initiatives. Include a brochure highlighting the impact of each purchase on the community.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Partnership Program
Develop a structured program for corporations to invest in community development projects aligned with their CSR goals. Offer tiered partnership levels with varying benefits, including project naming rights, impact reports, and employee engagement opportunities.
Neighborhood Transformation Challenge
Launch a city-wide competition where neighborhoods compete to implement the most impactful community development projects. Provide seed funding, resources, and mentorship. Raise funds through corporate sponsorships and a public voting system where donations count as votes.
Virtual Reality Economic Development Tour
Create an immersive VR experience showcasing past, present, and future community development projects. Offer virtual tours to potential donors, investors, and community members. Monetize through ticket sales, sponsorships, and in-experience donation opportunities.
Micro-Lending Marketplace
Develop an online platform connecting local entrepreneurs with community members willing to provide micro-loans for small business development. Charge a small transaction fee and offer donors the option to reinvest returns or donate them back to the organization.
Community Cookbook Fundraiser
Compile a cookbook featuring recipes from local restaurants, food entrepreneurs, and community leaders supported by your economic development programs. Sell the cookbook online and at local events, with proceeds supporting future initiatives.
Skills-Based Volunteer Auction
Organize an online auction where professionals bid to provide pro-bono services to local nonprofits and small businesses. Monetize through entry fees, sponsorships, and a percentage of the value of services provided.
Community Investment Trust
Establish a community investment trust that allows local residents to invest in commercial real estate development projects in their neighborhood. Use the trust as a fundraising tool by allocating a percentage of returns to your organization's community development initiatives.
In 2025, the most effective fundraising strategies for Community and Economic Development nonprofits include:
According to recent trends, nonprofits using these strategies have seen an average 23% increase in year-over-year fundraising totals. To implement these effectively, focus on clear impact messaging, transparent reporting of fund usage, and building strong community partnerships.
To secure grants for economic initiatives in 2025, Community Development nonprofits should:
Best practices for online fundraising for Economic Development organizations in 2025 include:
To engage corporate donors in 2025, Community and Economic Development nonprofits should:
Innovative ways to measure and report impact for Community and Economic Development fundraising in 2025 include:
These methods can increase donor trust and engagement, with organizations using advanced impact reporting seeing up to a 30% increase in repeat donations. Focus on presenting both quantitative metrics and qualitative stories to provide a holistic view of your organization's impact on community and economic development.
© 2025 Zeffy, inc. All rights reserved.