When it comes to raising awareness and driving donations, visibility is everything. One of the most effective — and often overlooked — tools for nonprofits is the billboard. Whether digital or traditional, billboard fundraising can help your organization reach new audiences, inspire action, and build trust through high-impact messaging.
Why Billboards Work for Fundraising
Billboards are powerful because they combine large-scale visibility with simple, direct messaging. They’re not cluttered like social feeds or inboxes, and they can reach thousands of drivers, commuters, and pedestrians every day.
Key benefits include:
- Broad reach: Exposure to large audiences in high-traffic areas
- Credibility: Public displays build trust and legitimacy
- Repetition: Regular commuters see the message multiple times
- Emotional impact: Visual storytelling makes messages memorable
This makes billboards a smart choice for awareness campaigns, donor appeals, and event promotions.
1. Promote Major Fundraising Campaigns
Billboards are ideal for announcing big giving initiatives, like capital campaigns, annual drives, or matching gift challenges. A simple, clear message like “Help Us Build a New Community Center — Donate Today” can drive action fast.
Pro tip: Use short URLs or QR codes that make it easy for people to give on the go.
2. Highlight Matching Gifts or Time-Sensitive Appeals
Time-limited campaigns perform especially well on billboards. Messaging like “Every $1 Donated Before Dec 31 = $2 Impact” creates urgency and encourages immediate giving.
Digital billboards can be updated in real time to show countdowns, donation progress, or event reminders.
3. Announce Fundraising Events
If your organization hosts galas, fun runs, auctions, or benefit concerts, billboards can build buzz weeks in advance. By placing them in strategic, high-traffic areas near your community, you’ll increase both attendance and donations.
4. Recognize Major Donors or Sponsors
Billboards don’t just have to make asks — they can also celebrate impact. Recognizing sponsors or major donors on a public display is a powerful way to strengthen partnerships and encourage future giving.
5. Partner With Billboard Companies
Many billboard companies offer discounted or donated space for nonprofits as part of their community outreach. It’s worth reaching out to local advertising companies to explore in-kind partnerships.
Some also offer rotating digital billboard space, which can keep your message live for less cost than a full static board.
Tips for Effective Billboard Messaging
- Keep it short and clear — aim for 8 words or less.
- Use bold fonts and strong visuals.
- Include a simple call to action like a QR code, text-to-donate number, or short link.
- Stick to one core message, not multiple appeals.
Final Thought
Billboards can be a game-changing tool for fundraising campaigns, blending traditional visibility with modern giving tools. Whether you’re promoting an event, launching a major campaign, or simply raising awareness, the right billboard strategy can turn passing traffic into lasting support.
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