10 Examples of Affiliate Marketing That Could Work for Nonprofits

Affiliate marketing isn’t just for e-commerce or lifestyle brands. In fact, affiliate marketing for nonprofits is a growing strategy to drive donations, expand awareness, and build community engagement. Many organizations ask, “Can nonprofits run affiliate programs?” — the answer is yes. With the right nonprofit affiliate marketing strategy, even small organizations can launch affiliate fundraising programs that generate measurable impact.

Here are 10 examples of affiliate marketing that could work for nonprofits, along with insights to inspire your own program.

1. Recurring Donation Programs

Encourage supporters to share a unique link that directs to your recurring donation page. Affiliates earn recognition or small rewards for every new recurring donor they bring in.

2. Event Ticket Sales

If your nonprofit hosts workshops, galas, or fundraising events, affiliates can promote tickets to their communities. A percentage commission structure for nonprofits could motivate partners while keeping costs predictable.

3. Merchandise or Cause-Related Products

Sell branded merchandise or fair-trade products and invite affiliates to promote them. Use a nonprofit affiliate program template to clearly define terms and commissions.

4. Membership Drives

Nonprofits with membership programs can leverage affiliates to grow subscriptions. Each new member referred through an affiliate link can earn a small reward, like exclusive content or recognition.

5. Corporate Partnership Referrals

Engage local businesses or socially conscious companies to refer their clients or employees to your nonprofit’s programs. Highlighting nonprofit affiliate partnerships examples can inspire other potential affiliates.

6. Volunteer Recruitment Campaigns

Affiliates can promote volunteer opportunities using personalized tracking links. While commissions might not be monetary, recognition or mission-driven perks can incentivize participation.

7. Fundraising Challenges or Competitions

Set up team-based affiliate fundraising campaigns where affiliates compete to raise the most donations. Tiered commission structures for nonprofits can reward top performers.

8. Affiliate-Driven Content Series

Bloggers, podcasters, or social influencers can write or speak about your cause, including affiliate links to donation pages. This boosts both awareness and revenue while keeping the program scalable.

9. Educational Webinars or Workshops

Affiliates can promote tickets or registration for paid webinars or educational workshops. You can offer flat-rate commissions per sign-up to keep it simple.

10. Cause-Related Subscription Boxes

Nonprofits can partner with subscription box services or create their own, allowing affiliates to earn a percentage of each box sold. This model works well for mission-aligned products like wellness kits, eco-friendly items, or artisan goods.

Getting Started With Your Nonprofit Affiliate Program

All these ideas can be tailored to your mission and resources. Use a nonprofit affiliate program template—found in our Affiliate Marketing for Nonprofits Toolkit—to define commissions, terms, and expectations clearly. Track performance using affiliate dashboards or spreadsheets, and don’t forget to optimize your nonprofit affiliate marketing strategy with ongoing reporting and engagement. Don’t know where to start? check out our complete guide to affiliate marketing for nonprofits.

Whether you’re running a small grassroots nonprofit or a larger social enterprise, affiliate fundraising programs can amplify your mission, grow your supporter base, and turn every advocate into a partner.