Fundraising Do’s and Don’ts
If you’re interested in how to raise funds online, we’ve put together a stellar guide for launching your next fundraiser!
Do:
Personalize your fundraiser. Write a compelling story that explains whom you are raising money for, what they are going through and exactly what kind of expenses they’re facing. Then take the time to personalize donation emails, letters, and tweets so that donors see the true impact of their donation.
Raise money for someone else. The person in need of raising funds may not have the time or energy to organize or promote a fundraiser due to things like treatment, travel etc. Often people are also more inclined to give if you’re raising money on someone else’s behalf.
Donate first. As the fundraiser’s organizer, it’s your job to get the ball rolling. Donating first demonstrates your dedication and commitment to raising money and sets a good precedent for others considering a donation.
Be persistent. Rallying people to donate online is no easy task, but don’t let this get you discouraged. Once the fundraiser is live, many donors will need reminders and gentle nudges before they donate. Just be polite in your persistence!
Don’t:
Rely on social media alone. It’s hard to raise funds without the help of social media – just don’t hinge on this method alone. If you post via Facebook or tweet your fundraiser, potential donors might miss it (even if you have a large social network). Go knock on a neighbor’s door, pick up the phone or send individual emails. Social media is an amazing tool, but make sure to use multiple tactics to reach the most people.
Be afraid to ask for help. Most people are new at this, so don’t be afraid to ask for help on how to raise money and craft a fundraising strategy that’s predisposed for success. What’s important is that you have the most successful fundraiser possible to help your loved one, so there’s nothing wrong with asking for support when you need it.
Give up! It’s cheesy but true; fundraising takes time and patience. If you are ever feeling stuck, it’s just a chance to use your creativity and try a new approach.
Do everything yourself. Instead, build a fundraising team to help you with some of the responsibilities. Build a team with multiple organizers who have different skills and access to separate networks (i.e. coworkers, family members, old high school friends, etc.).