Creative Fundraising Strategies to Energize Your Political Organization or Campaign That Aren’t Call Time

Call time is the holy grail of fundraising.

Without call time, you won’t have a serious campaign. Without call time, your organization is likely going to have some trouble getting funded. Without call time, you can be sure of one thing: your political career will be very short.

That being said, call time isn’t the only way to fundraise. If you’re looking to pull in some extra cash without sitting in a closet for 40 hours a week on the phone asking for money, here are a few fundraising strategies to energize your team (and wallet).

1. Host Virtual Town Halls with a Twist

Virtual events have become a staple in political campaigns, but why not take it a step further? Instead of the usual run-of-the-mill town hall, consider adding something extra or themed, such as a virtual "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session with a well-known guest or expert on an issue that’s important to your campaign.

Make the event interactive by having attendees submit questions in real time, and then use their input to guide the conversation. This engagement not only builds excitement but can also turn your virtual town hall into a fundraising opportunity. Charge for VIP access (for example, early access to the event for a more intimate conversation), sell exclusive content, or allow attendees to donate in exchange for a shoutout during the event.

2. Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Everyone loves a challenge, and peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising taps into that competitive spirit. This strategy encourages your supporters to set up their own fundraising pages and fundraise on behalf of your campaign.

Whether it’s through giveaways, fundraising events, or even creating challenges like a "donor leaderboard," P2P allows you to tap into networks you might not have access to otherwise. Plus, it gives your supporters a sense of ownership and pride in your cause, strengthening their connection to your campaign.

3. Micro-Donations via Text-to-Give

For nonprofit organizations, text-to-give fundraising is an easy and convenient way to get small donations from your supporters, especially during high-energy moments like live events, debates, or rallies. Set up a campaign-specific text-to-give platform and ask your supporters to donate a small amount like $5, $10, or even $25 by simply texting a keyword.

With mobile giving, you can attract new donors in real time and increase the value of donor drives or announcements. It’s fast, easy, and a great way to gather a large number of smaller donations that add up over time.

4. Exclusive Merch with a Purpose

Branded merchandise like t-shirts, hats, and stickers are a great way to raise funds while building visibility for your candidate or organization. But why not take it up a notch by offering exclusive, limited-edition merchandise that ties into a specific event or cause? For instance, you could launch a special line of merchandise tied to a particular policy or achievement your campaign is promoting.

Offering bundles or early access for donors who give at a certain level can add a sense of exclusivity and drive larger contributions. Everyone loves wearing a campaign shirt, but they especially love wearing one that feels like a “VIP” item.

Just remember two things: only order union-made products and only order as much as you feel confident will sell out. Worker’s rights and sustainability arent just talking points, they are values that should be authentically tied into your campaign. The good news is that your exclusive merchandise becomes even more valuable when there are only x copies available! Use it to your advantage.

5. Host a Fundraising “Experience” or Dinner

Events that go beyond the norm can provide your donors with something truly memorable. For a political organization, leverage your network and gather prizes for an auction or food for a potluck, for example. Events that bring the community together, like a block party, karaoke contest, or sports tournament, are especially effective if your organization has a local tilt.

For a campaign, consider offering a private dinner with the candidate or a day of hands-on engagement, like a "Day in the Life" experience where donors shadow the candidate or team on the trail. Whether it’s a cooking class with your candidate, an exclusive rally, or a behind-the-scenes tour of your operations, you’ll be creating a unique experience that feels much more personal than a typical fundraiser.

6. Digital Fundraising with Gamification

Video games are addicting for a reason. Gamifying your fundraising efforts can help energize your supporters and keep them coming back for more. Create a fundraising “game” where donors unlock certain levels as they give. Pro tip: you can also tie this one into P2P fundraising.

Tap into your potential donors’ competitive nature and offer small rewards or recognition (think: badges, social media shoutouts, or access to exclusive content) as donors progress through the levels. With friendly competition among donors, this gamified approach can boost engagement and excitement, which translates to more donations.

Fundraising isn’t just about asking for money — it’s about building relationships and creating an environment where your supporters feel like they are part of something meaningful. The more creative and engaged your fundraising efforts are, the more likely you’ll not only meet your financial goals but also energize your base and turn them into long-term advocates.

But always remember: even if the rest of this sounds more fun — without call time, you have no fundraising strategy. You will never be off the hook for that. 

Ready to take your fundraising efforts to the next level? Let’s talk! Book a FREE 15-minute strategy session with us today!