FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for Community and Economic Development?

Community and economic development require innovative funding strategies. Explore grants, sponsorships, and creative ideas backed by years of nonprofit expertise.

Top 5 grants for Community and Economic Development nonprofits in 2025

Unlock 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.

Apply

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.

Apply

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.

Apply

Thriving Communities Program

The Kresge Foundation

Up to $100,000

Private Foundation

Supports efforts to improve the economic, social, and physical health of US cities, with a focus on projects that advance equitable community development and urban sustainability.

Apply

Community Economic Development Grants

Administration for Children and Families

Up to $800,000

Government

Supports projects that create employment and business opportunities for low-income individuals through nonprofit community development corporations.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Community and Economic Development 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 Community and Economic Development efforts.

Community Development
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Economic Development
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Community Development
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Community Development
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Community Development
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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Community and Economic Development

PayPal Logo
DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%
  • Stripe: 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction
  • PayPal: 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction
  • ACH/Bank transfer: 0.8% ($5 maximum)

2.2% + $0.30 per transaction; 0.8% for ACH payments*

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

Up to ‍5% + 35¢ per transaction

Platform fees
$0
1.75% platform fees. 2.95% platform fees for event ticketing, membership payments and P2P campaigns. Reduced fees for pro and premium plans.
1% to 4%, depending on feature usage
No platform fees. Similar to Zeffy, GoFundMe relies on voluntary “tips” from donors to cover platform fees for nonprofits.
Annual subscription. Undisclosed price
Monthly fees
$0 / month
Donorbox offers 3 subscription plan: Standard $0/month | Pro $139/month | Premium custom pricing
Starting at $299/month*
No monthly fees
Value for money
Capterra ratings
4.9 / 5
4.7/5
3.9/5
4.1/5
4.5/5
Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings
4.8 / 5
4.7/5
4.3/5
4.2/5
4.4/5
Quality of support
4.9 / 5
4.8/5
4.3/5
3.9/5
4.8/5

The only 100% free
fundraising platform
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10 Best fundraising ideas for Community and Economic Development 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 Community and Economic Development.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">What are the most effective fundraising strategies for Community and Economic Development nonprofits in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">In 2025, the most effective fundraising strategies for Community and Economic Development nonprofits include: 1) Leveraging digital platforms for crowdfunding campaigns, with a focus on mobile-friendly donation pages. 2) Implementing monthly giving programs to secure consistent revenue streams. 3) Utilizing AI-powered donor analytics to personalize outreach and improve retention rates. 4) Partnering with local businesses for cause marketing initiatives that align with community goals. 5) Hosting hybrid events that combine in-person and virtual elements to maximize reach and engagement. 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.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">How can Community Development nonprofits secure grants for economic initiatives in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">To secure grants for economic initiatives in 2025, Community Development nonprofits should: 1) Focus on data-driven proposals that demonstrate clear community impact and ROI. 2) Leverage AI tools to identify and match with relevant grant opportunities. 3) Build partnerships with local governments and businesses to strengthen applications. 4) Emphasize innovative solutions to pressing economic challenges, such as workforce development or small business support. 5) Showcase your organization's track record and capacity for effective program implementation. Recent studies show that grants with collaborative, multi-sector approaches are 35% more likely to be funded. Prioritize grants that align closely with your mission and have a proven history of supporting similar initiatives. Remember to allocate resources for grant reporting and relationship management to increase chances of repeat funding.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">What are the best practices for online fundraising for Economic Development organizations?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">Best practices for online fundraising for Economic Development organizations in 2025 include: 1) Optimizing your website for mobile donations, as over 65% of online gifts are now made on mobile devices. 2) Implementing a robust content marketing strategy to educate donors about your impact, using video content and interactive infographics. 3) Leveraging social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn and Instagram, for targeted fundraising campaigns. 4) Utilizing email marketing with personalized content and clear calls-to-action, which can drive up to 28% of online donations. 5) Incorporating peer-to-peer fundraising tools to expand your reach through supporter networks. 6) Offering multiple payment options, including digital wallets and cryptocurrency. To maximize results, ensure your online presence clearly communicates your organization's unique value proposition and the tangible outcomes of donations. Regularly test and optimize your donation process to minimize friction and abandonment rates.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">How can Community and Economic Development nonprofits engage corporate donors in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">To engage corporate donors in 2025, Community and Economic Development nonprofits should: 1) Develop strategic CSR partnerships that align with companies' ESG goals, as 86% of corporations now prioritize these initiatives. 2) Create turnkey employee engagement opportunities, such as skills-based volunteering programs. 3) Offer impact investing options for corporations looking to make a social and financial return. 4) Leverage data visualization tools to clearly demonstrate the community impact of corporate contributions. 5) Propose collaborative projects that address specific local economic challenges, showcasing the mutual benefits. 6) Utilize AI-powered prospect research to identify and approach the most suitable corporate partners. Remember to tailor your approach to each company's unique interests and values. Successful corporate partnerships in this sector have shown a 40% increase in average donation size when aligned with the company's core business objectives.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">What are innovative ways to measure and report impact for Community and Economic Development fundraising?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">Innovative ways to measure and report impact for Community and Economic Development fundraising in 2025 include: 1) Implementing blockchain technology for transparent tracking of fund allocation and project outcomes. 2) Utilizing AI and machine learning to analyze complex datasets and predict long-term community impacts. 3) Adopting standardized impact metrics like IRIS+ or the UN SDGs to facilitate comparisons and attract impact-focused donors. 4) Creating interactive digital dashboards that allow donors to explore impact data in real-time. 5) Incorporating beneficiary feedback through mobile surveys and storytelling platforms. 6) Developing comprehensive Social Return on Investment (SROI) reports to quantify social value creation. 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.</div>