 Microwave Fundraising vs. Crockpot Fundraising: Why the Slow Simmer Wins Every TimeA few years back, I worked with a team that was stuck in microwave fundraising mode. If there was a quick-cash tactic out there, they were doing it: golf tournaments, raffles, sponsorship deals heavy on the benefits, you name it. It kept the lights on, but it wasn’t building anything lasting. I gave a presentation about crockpot fundraising – relationship-building, long-term strategy, donor engagement – and it started to click. I wanted to challenge them to try something new and to move out of their "microwave" comfort zone. I promised them that if they could do that, it would pay dividends down the line and make fundraising easier and more enjoyable. I've been in rooms full of nonprofit leaders who are scrambling to make payroll, stressed over budget gaps, or just plain overwhelmed by the pressure to "do more with less." And in those moments, it's tempting to reach for the quick fix – a car wash, a 5K, a golf tournament, a donut sale, a last-minute sponsorship deal. These microwave fundraising tactics can bring in a little fast cash, and I won't pretend they never have a place. But let's be honest: they're not going to carry your mission for the long haul. Microwave fundraising is all about urgency. It's transactional. It gets warm fast, but it cools off just as quickly. These events are often labor-intensive, draining your staff and volunteers. The ROI is usually modest. They’re familiar, easy to organize, and feel reliable. But they’re not always the healthiest choice for your organization. They only feed a few folks, and they don’t build connection to your mission or long-term sustainability. Here's a side-by-side breakdown that captures the heart of the metaphor:  Caption: Microwave vs. Crockpot Fundraising: A visual comparison of quick, transactional tactics vs. slow, relationship-centered strategies. Then there's crockpot fundraising. It takes longer to get cooking, no doubt. And yes, there’s a learning curve. But it’s healthier for your mission in the long run. These strategies usually involve more “vegetables” – meaning thoughtful, nourishing activities like donor conversations, stewardship touches, and consistent storytelling. It takes time. You can’t flip a switch and expect results tomorrow. But when you commit to it – when you really let it simmer – the flavor builds. The connections deepen. The nourishment multiplies. Crockpot fundraising feeds a crowd. You’re not just generating one-time gifts – you’re building community. It’s transformational. It deepens loyalty. It keeps donors connected to the mission. It gives your work staying power. It means investing in consistent donor communications, one-on-one conversations, thank-you calls, stewardship, and strategic asks. First-time donors become recurring givers. Recurring givers become advocates. Advocates become legacy donors. Is it slower? Yes. But it is sustainable. It doesn’t burn you out or box your organization into lopsided agreements just to chase a check. It feeds your mission in a way that microwave tactics never will. It keeps your team grounded and your donors inspired. So when you're weighing your next move, ask yourself: Are we microwaving or crockpotting this? One will keep you hustling for scraps. The other will feed your mission for years to come. Let it simmer. You'll be glad you did. Cheers!  PS - I hope you’ll continue the conversation by subscribing to Real Deal Fundraising. When you subscribe, you’ll get my e-newsletter, which includes the best articles on fundraising, productivity, and cool stuff every week. The whole thing is curated awesomeness as well as freebies like webinars, instructional videos, and whatever else I can put together to be helpful to you! If you liked this…
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Jessica Cloud, CFREI've been called the Tasmanian Devil of fundraising and I'm here to talk shop with you. Archives
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