How to Write a Nonprofit Elevator Pitch That Gets Noticed

Joanne Toller, CFRE (Ret.)
Apr 27, 2022
4 min read

Updated: Feb 14

Imagine you’re face-to-face with a potential donor or a community leader who could support your cause. You only have 30 seconds to explain your nonprofit’s mission and impact. What do you say?

Most nonprofits struggle with crafting a compelling elevator pitch—one that sparks interest, inspires action, and leaves a lasting impression. But a well-crafted pitch can open doors to funding, partnerships, and new opportunities.

This guide will walk you through step-by-step strategies to create a nonprofit elevator pitch that gets noticed.

What is a Nonprofit Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a short, persuasive summary of your organization. It explains:

Who you are
What your nonprofit does
Who you help
The impact you create

It’s called an "elevator pitch" because it should take 30 seconds or less—about the time it takes to ride an elevator with someone.

Your pitch should be concise, engaging, and memorable so that the listener wants to ask more or get involved.

Step 1: Know Your Audience

Before crafting your pitch, consider who you're speaking to.

If you're talking to a parent, emphasize how your nonprofit supports children or families.
If you're speaking with a corporate donor, highlight your impact and how partnering with your nonprofit benefits them.
If you're networking with another nonprofit leader, focus on your unique approach to solving a shared challenge.

Tailoring your pitch ensures that your message resonates.

Step 2: Brainstorm Key Elements

To build a strong elevator pitch, start by brainstorming the core elements of your nonprofit.

Define the Problem

Every nonprofit exists to address a problem. What issue does your organization solve?

If you run a domestic violence shelter, the problem might be a lack of safe housing for survivors.

If you work in youth education, the problem could be a lack of access to learning resources for underserved students.

Highlight Your Solution

What does your nonprofit do to solve this problem?

Do you provide direct services like shelter, food, or counseling?
Do you offer educational programs to raise awareness?
Do you advocate for policy change?

Show the Impact

People connect with real stories and results.

"Last year, we provided 1,500 nights of safe shelter for survivors of domestic violence."
"Our mentoring program has helped 85% of participants graduate high school."

Involve the Listener

A great elevator pitch should make the listener think, "How can I help?"

"We’re looking for partners who want to be part of the solution. Would you like to learn more?"
"A small monthly donation can provide meals for a child in need."

Step 3: Structure Your Pitch Using AIDA

AIDA stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action.

Attention

Start with a compelling hook. This could be a surprising fact, an emotional statement, or a question.

"Did you know that 1 in 5 children in our city go to bed hungry?"
"Every night, hundreds of people sleep on the streets with nowhere to turn."

Interest

Follow up with a sentence that builds on the problem and introduces your organization.

"At [Your Nonprofit], we provide emergency food assistance and long-term solutions to fight hunger in our community."
"We operate a shelter and job training program to help people transition from homelessness to stability."

Desire

Create an emotional connection by showcasing impact and outcomes.

"Last year, we served over 10,000 meals to families in crisis."
"In the past 12 months, 85% of our shelter residents found permanent housing."

Action

End with a clear call to action based on your audience.

"We’re looking for volunteers and donors to expand our impact. Would you like to get involved?"
"Your support can help us reach even more people. Can I share more about how you can help?"

Step 4: Refine and Shorten Your Pitch

Once you’ve drafted your pitch, trim unnecessary words and refine it for clarity.

A full elevator pitch should take no more than 30 seconds. If you need to shorten it for social media, here’s how:

Standard Pitch (30 seconds):"Every night, over 10,000 people in our city sleep on the streets. At Safe Haven Shelter, we provide emergency housing and long-term support to help individuals rebuild their lives. In the past year, we’ve helped 1,500 people find permanent housing. We’re looking for partners who want to be part of the solution—would you like to learn more?"
Twitter/X Pitch (120 characters):"Safe Haven helps people transition from homelessness to stability. Help us change lives. Learn more: [website link]"
Instagram Bio Pitch (30 characters):"Ending homelessness. Join us."

Step 5: Practice and Get Feedback

A great elevator pitch is practiced, not memorized.

Say it out loud multiple times to refine your tone and timing.
Practice with staff, board members, and volunteers to ensure alignment.
Get feedback from supporters or donors to see how it resonates.

The more natural your delivery, the more effective your pitch will be.

Final Tips for a Winning Nonprofit Elevator Pitch

Keep it simple and jargon-free. Avoid overly complex language.
Let your passion show. Enthusiasm is contagious.
Adapt your pitch based on who you’re speaking to.
Be open to conversation—a pitch should spark dialogue, not be a one-way speech.

A well-crafted nonprofit elevator pitch creates opportunities for funding, partnerships, and advocacy. The more effectively you communicate your mission, the more people will want to support your work.

Start crafting your perfect elevator pitch today—you never know when the next great opportunity will come your way.

Want to refine your nonprofit elevator pitch even further? 👇