Beyond Grants: How Nonprofits Can Generate Everyday Funds with Digital Products

Beyond Grants: How Nonprofits Can Generate Everyday Funds with Digital Products

Running a nonprofit is no small feat. You’ve got a mission to fulfill, people to serve, and impact to create—but let’s be honest, you also need money to make it all happen. While grants and donations are great, they’re often unpredictable, competitive, and tied to strict guidelines.

And right through here many U.S. NON-PROFIT Founders have experienced shocking awakenings when they logged in and saw their GRANT DASHBOARD at zero.

I've heard some HORROR stories.

Nevertheless ...

The good news?

You don’t have to rely solely on traditional funding sources. Every nonprofit has the potential to create a digital product that, when promoted correctly, can provide a consistent revenue stream—without requiring major overhead costs.

Why Digital Products?

Digital products are a one-time investment that can generate revenue over and over again. Once created, they can be sold repeatedly with little to no additional cost. Think about it—no shipping, no storage, no restocking. Just pure impact and income.

I created my first digital product in 2008 and now have a plethora of these products that help support the mission of one of the main non-profits I founded.

Here’s why digital products are a perfect fit for nonprofits:
✅ Low Cost to Create – You don’t need a huge budget to get started.
✅ High Scalability – Whether one person or 1,000 buy it, your costs stay the same.
✅ Position Your Nonprofit as a Thought Leader – Selling knowledge-based products builds credibility and trust.

What Kind of Digital Product Can Your Nonprofit Create?

Not sure what type of digital product fits your nonprofit? Here are some ideas based on your mission and expertise:

1. Online Courses & Webinars

Do you educate, train, or empower a specific group? Package that knowledge into an online course!
Examples:

• A youth-focused nonprofit could create a financial literacy course for teens.
• A faith-based nonprofit could offer leadership training for church leaders.
• A health-focused nonprofit could create a mental wellness course.

💡 Pro Tip: Offer a free or low-cost mini-course to attract sign-ups and upsell a more in-depth paid version.

2. eBooks & Guides

If your nonprofit already produces research, blogs, or educational content, repurpose that into an eBook or guide that people will pay for.
Examples:

• A food insecurity nonprofit could sell a budget-friendly meal planning guide.
• A women’s empowerment nonprofit could create a career development workbook.
• A disaster relief nonprofit could offer a “How to Prepare for Emergencies” guide.

💡 Pro Tip: Partner with a corporate sponsor to cover costs and split proceeds.

3. Templates & Toolkits

People love ready-made solutions. If you have systems or strategies that work, package them as templates or toolkits.
Examples:

• A nonprofit serving startups could sell a grant-writing template.
• A youth mentoring organization could offer a parent-teen communication toolkit.
• A mental health nonprofit could create a self-care planner.

💡 Pro Tip: Sell them as bundles or subscriptions to increase long-term revenue.

4. Membership or Private Community Access

Have a passionate audience that values connection? Offer a members-only community with exclusive content.
Examples:

• A nonprofit for educators could create a monthly resource hub for teachers.
• A leadership nonprofit could launch a mentorship network for young professionals.
• A faith-based nonprofit could start an online prayer and coaching group.

💡 Pro Tip: Use platforms like Patreon, Mighty Networks, or Kajabi to run your community.

5. Digital Events & Summits

If you host in-person events, consider virtual versions. People will pay for exclusive access to training, Q&A sessions, or behind-the-scenes content.
Examples:

• A business nonprofit could host a fundraising masterclass for new entrepreneurs.
• A human rights nonprofit could offer a storytelling summit featuring activists.
• A nonprofit for single moms could create a monthly life coaching series.

💡 Pro Tip: Offer tiered pricing with VIP perks for higher-paying attendees.

How to Sell & Promote Your Digital Product

Having a great digital product is one thing—getting people to buy it is another. Here’s how to market it effectively:

✅ Leverage Your Existing Audience – Promote through email, social media, and your website.
✅ Run Limited-Time Offers – Create urgency with discounts or early-bird pricing.
✅ Use Storytelling – Show how your product directly supports your mission.
✅ Collaborate with Partners – Cross-promote with other organizations or influencers.
✅ Automate the Sales Process – Use platforms like Samcart, Gumroad, Teachable, or Thinkific to handle payments.

Final Thoughts: Your Mission, Your Money

Your nonprofit’s impact shouldn’t be limited by funding struggles. By creating a valuable digital product, you can serve your audience while generating sustainable income—no grant application required!

So, what digital product will your nonprofit create? Let’s get those everyday funds rolling in!

Need help?