FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for Foster care and child welfare services?

Foster care and child welfare services face unique challenges in funding. This complete guide offers in-depth resources, including grants, corporate sponsors, and innovative ideas from experienced professionals.

Top 5 grants for Foster care and child welfare services nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Foster care and child welfare services. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP)

Administration for Children and Families

$500,000 to $1,000,000

Government

Supports community-based efforts to develop, operate, expand, and enhance initiatives aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect, including foster care prevention.

Apply

Foster Care Innovation Grant

Annie E. Casey Foundation

$50,000 to $250,000

Foundation

Supports innovative approaches to improve outcomes for children and youth in foster care, with a focus on family preservation and reunification.

Apply

Child Welfare Capacity Building Collaborative

Children's Bureau

Up to $500,000

Government

Provides funding to build capacity of child welfare agencies and organizations to improve services and outcomes for children and families.

Apply

Adoption Opportunities Program

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

$250,000 to $1,000,000

Government

Supports projects that facilitate the elimination of barriers to adoption and provide permanent, loving homes for children who would benefit from adoption.

Apply

Child Welfare Services Grant

Kellogg Foundation

$100,000 to $500,000

Foundation

Supports organizations working to improve child welfare systems, with a focus on racial equity and community-based solutions.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to Foster care and child welfare services 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 Foster care and child welfare services efforts.

Retail
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Technology
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Retail
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Apparel
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Pet Supplies
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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for Foster care and child welfare services

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DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%

2.4% + $0.30 per transaction for Visa/MC/Disc; 3.95% + $0.30 for AmEx; 1.3% + $0.30 for ACH

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

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

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

Platform fees
$0
No platform fees for most plans; 1% applies for 'Optional Tips Disabled' on Starter Plan
No platform fees. Similar to Zeffy, GoFundMe relies on voluntary “tips” from donors to cover platform fees for nonprofits.
1% to 4%, depending on feature usage
1.75% platform fees. 2.95% platform fees for event ticketing, membership payments and P2P campaigns. Reduced fees for pro and premium plans.
Monthly fees
$0 / month
Starting at $0/month ($259/month for higher plans)
No monthly fees
Starting at $299/month*
Donorbox offers 3 subscription plan: Standard $0/month | Pro $139/month | Premium custom pricing
Value for money
Capterra ratings
4.9 / 5
4.5/5
4.1/5
3.9/5
4.7/5
Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings
4.8 / 5
4.6/5
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4.7/5
Quality of support
4.9 / 5
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10 Best fundraising ideas for Foster care and child welfare services 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 Foster care and child welfare services.

1

Foster Family Story Spotlight Series

Create a weekly social media series highlighting foster families' experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Each post includes a donation link and call-to-action. This personal approach builds emotional connections and drives engagement.

2

Virtual Foster Care Simulation Workshop

Host an online interactive workshop where participants experience simulated scenarios faced by foster children and caregivers. Charge a participation fee and offer sponsorship opportunities for businesses.

3

Foster Care Journey Bracelet Campaign

Design and sell unique bracelets representing different stages of a child's foster care journey. Each bracelet comes with a story card and QR code linking to more information and donation options.

4

Corporate Foster Mentorship Program

Partner with local businesses to create a mentorship program pairing foster youth with corporate professionals. Companies sponsor the program, covering costs and providing donations based on employee participation.

5

Foster Care Awareness Mural Project

Collaborate with local artists and foster youth to create public murals depicting foster care experiences. Host a mural unveiling event with silent auctions for mural-inspired artwork and sponsorship opportunities.

6

Foster Care Tech Innovation Challenge

Organize a hackathon-style event challenging tech professionals to develop innovative solutions for foster care system issues. Charge entry fees, secure tech company sponsorships, and crowdfund the winning projects.

7

Foster Family Recipe Cookbook

Compile a cookbook featuring recipes from foster families, along with their stories. Sell the cookbook online and through local bookstores, with proceeds supporting foster care programs.

8

Virtual Foster Care Film Festival

Host an online film festival showcasing short films about foster care experiences. Sell virtual tickets, offer sponsorship packages, and include a donation component during the streaming event.

9

Foster Care Awareness Month Challenge

Create a 30-day social media challenge for Foster Care Awareness Month (May). Each day features a different foster care fact, story, or action item. Participants are encouraged to share and donate.

10

Corporate 'Fostering Futures' Gala

Organize a high-profile gala event partnering with major corporations. Feature success stories of former foster youth, silent auctions with luxury items, and corporate matching challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">What are the most effective fundraising strategies for foster care nonprofits in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">In 2025, the most effective fundraising strategies for foster care nonprofits include: 1. Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns leveraging social media platforms 2. Virtual and hybrid events that engage supporters globally 3. Monthly giving programs to secure consistent revenue 4. Corporate partnerships with companies aligned with child welfare causes 5. Impact-driven storytelling through video content and interactive web experiences To maximize results, integrate these strategies with a robust digital marketing plan. Utilize email automation, personalized messaging, and data analytics to target and engage donors effectively. Emphasize transparency by showcasing how funds directly impact foster children's lives. Additionally, explore emerging technologies like blockchain for secure, transparent donations and AI-powered chatbots for donor engagement.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">How can foster care organizations use social media for fundraising in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">Foster care organizations can leverage social media for fundraising in 2025 by: 1. Creating engaging, shareable content that highlights success stories and impact 2. Utilizing platform-specific features like Instagram's donation sticker or Facebook's fundraising tools 3. Partnering with micro-influencers who have personal connections to foster care 4. Launching social media challenges that encourage user-generated content and donations 5. Implementing AI-powered social listening tools to identify and engage potential donors According to the M+R Benchmarks Study, social media followers for nonprofits grew by 23% in 2024. To capitalize on this trend, foster care nonprofits should focus on building authentic connections with their audience. Use data analytics to determine optimal posting times and content types. Incorporate interactive elements like polls or Q&A sessions to boost engagement. Remember to maintain a consistent brand voice across all platforms while tailoring content to each platform's unique audience.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">What are the best grant opportunities for child welfare services in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">In 2025, the best grant opportunities for child welfare services include: 1. Federal grants from the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) 2. State-specific child welfare grants (vary by location) 3. Private foundation grants focused on child welfare (e.g., Annie E. Casey Foundation) 4. Corporate giving programs aligned with child and family services 5. Community foundation grants targeting local child welfare initiatives To maximize success, focus on grants that align closely with your organization's mission and programs. The National Foster Youth Institute reports that over $7 billion in federal funds were allocated to foster care in 2024. Research thoroughly and tailor each application to the specific funder's priorities. Utilize grant management software to track deadlines and requirements. Consider partnering with other organizations to strengthen your applications. Remember to build relationships with funders beyond just submitting applications – attend webinars, engage on social media, and provide regular updates on your impact.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">How can foster care nonprofits increase monthly recurring donations?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">Foster care nonprofits can increase monthly recurring donations by: 1. Implementing a user-friendly, mobile-optimized donation platform 2. Creating compelling 'sustainer' programs with exclusive benefits 3. Using data analytics to identify and target potential recurring donors 4. Developing personalized email and SMS campaigns to encourage monthly giving 5. Showcasing the long-term impact of recurring donations on foster children's lives According to the Nonprofit Tech for Good report, organizations with recurring giving programs raised 40% more in 2024 than those without. To boost your program, emphasize the convenience and impact of monthly giving. Offer multiple giving levels and allow donors to easily upgrade their contributions. Implement a strong onboarding and retention strategy, including regular impact updates and personalized thank-you messages. Consider using AI-powered tools to predict donor behavior and tailor your outreach accordingly. Remember to continually test and optimize your recurring donation page to maximize conversions.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">What are innovative ways to engage corporate sponsors for child welfare services in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">Innovative ways to engage corporate sponsors for child welfare services in 2025 include: 1. Developing skills-based volunteering programs that leverage employees' expertise 2. Creating cause-related marketing campaigns that align with the sponsor's brand values 3. Offering virtual reality experiences that showcase the impact of sponsorship on foster children 4. Implementing blockchain technology for transparent tracking of corporate donations 5. Designing gamified employee giving programs that boost engagement and contributions The 2024 Corporate Giving Report showed a 15% increase in companies prioritizing child welfare causes. To capitalize on this trend, focus on creating mutually beneficial partnerships. Offer data-driven impact reports that demonstrate ROI for sponsors. Utilize AI-powered matching platforms to identify potential corporate partners with aligned values. Consider developing a tiered sponsorship program with clear benefits at each level. Remember to engage employees at all levels of the sponsor organization through volunteer opportunities and awareness campaigns. Regularly communicate success stories and impact metrics to maintain long-term partnerships.</div>