Who’s Missing From Your Donor List?

If you want to embrace Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and beyond truly, here’s how you can make your fundraising efforts more inclusive:

• Make your website accessible—Ensure your donation page is screen-reader-friendly, and all images have alt text.

• Offer multiple engagement options—Text-to-give, video messaging, and accessible virtual events allow more donors to participate.

• Ensure events are fully accessible—Choose venues with ramps, provide ASL interpreters, and offer sensory-friendly spaces.

• Feature diverse voices in your storytelling—Showcase disabled donors, activists, and beneficiaries to shift the narrative from charity to empowerment.

• Audit your fundraising materials—Eliminate jargon, ensure readability, and use plain language to reach a wider audience.

• Train your team on accessibility best practices—Many barriers exist simply due to a lack of awareness. Training staff and volunteers on inclusive practices can go a long way in making your nonprofit welcoming to all donors.

• Partner with disability-led organizations—Collaboration is key. Work with groups that specialize in disability rights to learn best practices and make genuine connections with the community.

• Create donor opportunities that reflect diverse abilities—Offering multiple ways to participate, from virtual volunteering to advocacy campaigns, ensures everyone has a way to contribute.

Being inclusive isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategy for expanding your donor base and increasing long-term engagement. A fundraising approach that embraces accessibility, representation, and inclusion isn’t just ethical—it’s effective.

Prioritizing these efforts doesn’t just invite more donors in—it builds a stronger, more sustainable nonprofit that truly reflects the values of community and equity.