If you want to raise a lot of money for your fundraiser, instead of starting with a large goal like $5,000 or $10,000 it’s better to start with a small goal like $1,000 or $2,000 and then periodically adjust your goal upwards if and when you come close to hitting your fundraising target.

There are a couple reasons for this:

(1) A smaller goal will help you build momentum for your project.

People are more eager to contribute to your fundraiser when they see that you are making progress towards reaching your goal.  For instance, if you set a relatively low goal like $500 even a small number of contributions will affect your percentage raised.  In this example, let’s say you get your parents and your grandparents to each donate $100 on the first day of your fundraiser, you’re already 40% towards your goal before you even start asking other friends and family members.  This will make you look like a fundraising machine and will encourage others to jump on by contributing to your cause.

(2) The second reason starting with a small goal is helpful is because people like to see that their donation is making a difference.

If your goal is $1000, a $25 or $50 donation makes a real difference.  If your Aunt Thelma donates $25 she gets excited because she gets to see that her donation just moved you 2.5% closer to your goal.  On the other hand if you set your goal at $10,000, you might scare off potential donors like Aunt Thelma who might feel like their $25 donations are too small to make much of a difference.

If this strategy has worked for you in the past, we’d love to hear from you.  Comments and questions are always welcome.

Until next time,  Happy fundraising!

- Ethan