Why Nonprofits Should Contract Out Marketing & Communications Work—Especially for Fundraising

by Mitra Karami, Senior Consultant

In the nonprofit world, every dollar counts. Whether you’re trying to feed more families, rehome more pets, or raise funds for another cause you believe in, the success of your mission is directly tied to your ability to raise funds—and communicate impact effectively. That’s why it’s worth asking: Is your current marketing and communications strategy doing enough to support fundraising efforts?

If your team is stretched thin or if your fundraising efforts feel disjointed, it may be time to consider contracting out key marketing and communications work to professionals who specialize in nonprofit fundraising. And no, we’re not talking about hiring a pricey marketing firm that charges high agency retainers and focuses on brand awareness over mission-driven results. We’re talking about strategic, project-based partnerships with small firms that understand nonprofit fundraising inside and out – like the Ostara Group!

Here’s why this route is often not just smarter—but also more cost-effective.

1. Fundraising Requires Specialized Strategy, Not Just Good Design

While traditional marketing agencies can make things look beautiful, fundraising is about more than a polished image—it’s about inspiring people to act. Donor behavior is shaped by emotional storytelling, clear calls to action, and an easy giving experience. Ostara specializes in nonprofit fundraising and brings this donor-first mindset to every project—from crafting your annual appeal to redesigning your donation page.

We can help you:

• Audit your website to optimize the donor journey.

• Use language and visuals proven to increase giving.

• Make your online donation process seamless and compelling.

  
  

Traditional agencies might focus on campaigns and brand consistency, but Ostara’s fundraising experts focus on what moves donors to give.

2. Project-Based Work Means Flexible, Scalable Costs

Hiring a full-service marketing firm can be expensive. Retainers, strategy sessions, revisions—it adds up fast. Contracting out on a project basis (think: one consultant to write your annual appeal and design your impact report) allows you to control costs and scale up only when you need to.

Need a one-time website audit? Done. Need help updating your donation page copy before year-end? Easy. Want to outsource your annual report to someone who’s done it for dozens of other nonprofits? You can do that—without paying for a year-long commitment.

This kind of flexibility is a game-changer for nonprofits with limited budgets and seasonal fundraising needs.

3. You Get Experts Focused on What Matters Most

Ostara’s consultants specialize in nonprofit fundraising communications and bring a depth of experience and mission alignment that generalist marketing agencies often lack. We are professionals who have worked inside nonprofits, written countless appeals, created donor-focused content, and understand what resonates with funders and donors alike.

We can:

• Write compelling, data-informed impact reports that clearly show outcomes.

• Update your donation page with tested language that increases conversions.

• Develop segmented donor communications that improve retention and response rates.

In other words, we focus on results—not just deliverables.

4. You’ll Save Staff Time and Avoid Burnout

Let’s face it—most nonprofit teams are already doing the work of two or three people. Asking your in-house team to manage complicated design projects, write persuasive donor content, and optimize your digital donation experience on top of everything else is a recipe for burnout. Contracting out specific fundraising communications work allows your staff to focus on relationship-building, program delivery, and other core mission activities.

You’re not replacing your team—you’re empowering them to do what they do best.

5. You’ll Stay Current with Best Practices

Fundraising communications change quickly—what worked five years ago might fall flat today. Our consultants stay on top of trends, tools, and donor behavior. They know how to navigate AI-assisted content creation, digital donor engagement, and storytelling across platforms.

They bring in fresh ideas, new technologies, and data-driven strategies—without requiring you to hire a full-time expert.

Final Thought: It’s Not About Spending Less—It’s About Spending Smarter

When you contract out marketing and communications work specifically tied to fundraising, you’re investing in your mission. You’re ensuring that every donor touchpoint is intentional, compelling, and optimized to drive support. And by choosing Ostara’s consultants over costly marketing agencies, you’re getting more targeted expertise at a fraction of the cost.

The end result? Stronger fundraising campaigns, more engaged donors, and a more sustainable future for your organization.

Looking to outsource your fundraising communications strategically?

Start with a simple project: a website audit, a year-end appeal rewrite, or a redesign of your donation page. You may be surprised how far that investment goes. And, Ostara is here to help!