Leann, first of all — what you’re building is incredible. Sensory-based farm experiences for autistic families fills such an important gap.





One practical tip from the early-stage nonprofit trenches: focus on community engagement before major fundraising asks. Trust builds funding.





One creative way to increase both engagement and small revenue (without heavy upfront costs) is partnering with the Lifeline Free Cell Phone Program.





Here’s why this can help a brand-new nonprofit:





• It brings people to your events and outreach days


• It positions you as a resource hub for low-income families


• It builds trust by offering something immediately valuable


• It creates earned income while you’re still in the “build phase”


• It grows your contact list for future donors and volunteers





For example, you could host:


“Community Connection Day at the Farm”


Families come learn about your mission AND eligible individuals receive free phones or SIM cards.





That does three things at once:






Builds credibility

Serves families immediately

Generates funding for your build-out phase








Funders also love to see diversified revenue streams. Being able to say:


“We generate earned income through community technology access initiatives”


makes your grant applications stronger.





If you’d like to learn more about becoming a Lifeline Partner, you can learn more here:


https://docs.google.com/forms/... key in year one isn’t just asking for donations — it’s becoming indispensable in your community. Engagement first. Funding follows.

In our first year, the most practical lesson was this: do not fundraise broadly—fundraise precisely.


When you are in the “build it so we can open” stage, clarity and alignment matter more than scale.


If your project serves autistic children, begin by engaging the local autism community directly. Reach out to regional autism foundations and advocacy groups and ask a simple question: Which businesses consistently support you? Those businesses already have both interest and philanthropic alignment. Warm introductions through trusted organizations dramatically increase your success rate.


Second, connect with your local children’s hospital—not only clinicians who serve autistic families, but their development and grant departments. Hospital fundraising teams know donors who care deeply about your population. They often cannot fund every initiative internally, but they can point you toward aligned individuals, family foundations, and corporate partners.


Third, build relationships with local community foundations early. Study their giving priorities. If you do not fit perfectly, ask what adjustments would strengthen alignment. That feedback is invaluable in year one.


Finally, embrace what I call the “rule of eleven.” Ask ten; the eleventh says yes. Determination and disciplined outreach win in the first year. Rotary clubs, women’s leagues, universities, and business associations provide direct, face-to-face engagement. On a tight budget, personal contact is your strongest currency.


Be precise. Be persistent. Build relationships before you build revenue.

I agree with Lara, but what comes to mind is  more of a friendraiser than a fundraiser...  show people what you do with autistic kids, adults, families with the animals.  I don't think you need to spend a whole lot of money-- keep it pretty short, provide something to drink and maybe some homemade cookies.  But until you can show results, that is one thing..  I have some other thoughts if you want to talk. 

One more thought....(concern).  If you don't have liability insurance you will need to get it. People and animals can be a lovely combo. But accidents can happen. Also, you will have better results recruiting board members if you have in place an insurance policy that protects them against lawsuits if someone gets insured or absconds with your funds down the road. 

All of the advice given so far is very good. But do you have a 501(c)3 IRS designation? If not, you need to get it. People are much more willing to give if they can deduct their donations.  You don't need to pay an attorney, just have someone who can read and understand rules get the instructions and then follow them. You also need to register with your state authorities as a nonprofit (the IRS will want to see that registration and your articles of incorporation). And you need a board of directors NOT made up of immediate family members.  Recruit some folks with varying talents they can contribute (like applying for the 501(c)3, reaching out to prospective donors, etc.).  It's tough getting started. But try to interest some of your local media folks who might give you free publicity if they can see you working with some of the kids you want to help.   Good luck. The search for support never ends. 

Focus on identifying and cultivating people in your area who have a connection to the issues you address, and have the ability to make a gift. Invite those prospects to the farm for a tour. Make sure they are receiving communication from you (newsletters, emails about event or successes). Your board has a role to play in this, too. Each one should identify 2-3 individuals, businesses, or foundations to cultivate personally. Then, ask. The number of people who are willing to give but are never directly asked is astronomical. (There’s an old adage in the fund development community: if you want advice, ask for money; if you want money, ask for advice.) People generally are flattered to be asked to share their wisdom. Once they do, they tend do stay interested in your progress. If creating a special donor group makes it easier, go for it. Asking someone to join your Presidents’ Circle/Friends of the Farm/or whatever with a donation of $1000 can be really effective once you have cultivated a connection. The honest truth is there is no shortcut. Raising money is hard work. But don’t waste your limited time and resources investing in cultivating random people who can’t or won’t give. Be intentional and you will raise more money faster.

I also have an organization working with families with children with autism creating social activities and events to support the family.  We had no money in the beginning and I opted for a 5k as my fundraiser in the first year. I used to run so that was something that I felt comfortable undertaking.  I suggest taking on something that comes naturally for your interests and could be inexpensive.  Simple ideas that are low cost bingo night, partner with other organizations, restaurant dine out night where you get a percentage and trivia night.  The biggest expense is usually finding an event space but maybe a church or library space would work for you. Hope this helps and Good luck!

Start with the board. It is understood that the Board provides the seed funding to get the nonprofit up and going. Per the IRS, you have three board members (minimum - hopefully you have more), and if each invested $2,500, you're off to a good start.  If you break that down, that's about $210 per month. Very affordable. If you are to succeed, you need your board to be financially invested in the work you are doing. If you are going to go after grants in the future, you need to have a board that contributes. I for one do not donate to a nonprofit unless the board gives. 

Hi. Thank you for doing this important work. I personally prefer raising money through individuals with the means to give (including business owners) and pursuing grants over holding events for fundraising purposes. I find that events are better for raising awareness of and networking your organization, but that may just be me. The key on the fundraising side is finding people who are interested in and/or passionate about what you do. I would suggest meeting with administration from schools in the area and asking about parents of children with autism who might be interested in supporting your organization and helping fund its launch. They might even be willing to make an introduction. Same for any other organization that might work with people and/or families of people with autism. You could also try posting information about your organization to social media pages for families of people with autism, and don't forget to ask them to give or at least get in touch with you to learn more. Also, focus on asking people to sign up to give monthly automatically when going for smaller donations. One last thing...if you aren't already, make sure you are showing larger potential donors your plan and your budget for getting this off the ground and for costs going forward. Best wishes!

Fundraising early is really hard, especially when funders want to see proof. 

Attending networking events, community forums, etc. can help make connections and get the word out. 

Do you have an email list, newsletter or anything that you can tap into?