5 Easy Email Marketing Strategies for Nonprofits (That Actually Work)
If you’re running a nonprofit, you already know email is one of the most powerful tools you have. It’s cheap, it’s direct, and it builds long-term relationships. In fact, email is still the #1 driver of online donations for nonprofits (M+R Benchmarks).
But here’s the problem: many organizations either don’t use email at all, or they only send the occasional fundraising ask. That’s leaving money—and relationships—on the table.
Here are 5 simple, proven strategies you can start using today.
1. Send a Welcome Email Series
Don’t just send one “thanks for subscribing.” Create a short 3-part welcome series:
Thank them + introduce your mission.
Show them impact (stories, stats, photos).
Invite engagement (donate, volunteer, follow on social).
👉 New subscribers are most engaged in the first 7 days—don’t waste that window.
2. Share Stories, Not Just Appeals
Donors want to know how their money makes a difference. Instead of always asking for donations, alternate with impact stories.
Example: “Because of you, 25 kids started school this week with new backpacks.”
It makes your next ask more effective because donors already feel connected.
3. Segment Your List
One size doesn’t fit all. Segment your email list by:
First-time donors
Monthly givers
Volunteers
Event attendees
That way, each group gets messages that feel personal and relevant.
4. Optimize for Mobile
Over 60% of nonprofit emails are opened on phones (Campaign Monitor).
Quick checklist:
Keep subject lines short (40 characters).
Use buttons instead of text links.
Make sure donation pages are mobile-friendly.
5. Always Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Every email should have one main action you want people to take:
“Donate $25 today.”
“Sign up for our 5K event.”
“Follow us on Instagram.”
Don’t overload your email with multiple CTAs—it confuses readers.
Email doesn’t need to be complicated. If you focus on welcoming new supporters, telling great stories, segmenting your list, designing for mobile, and using clear CTAs—you’ll see stronger engagement and more donations.
Even small nonprofits can master this. Start with one strategy this week, then layer on the rest.
At Socials Runway, we help nonprofits set up email campaigns that actually convert.
👉 Follow us on Instagram for more tips.
👉 DM @katchmedigital if you’d like help setting up your first automated email series.
