Starting a fundraiser can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. You might be unsure where to begin or how to make your campaign successful.
Many people face these challenges when raising money for causes they care about.
Setting SMART goals is crucial for any fundraiser. This ensures you have clear, achievable objectives that guide your efforts—knowing precisely what you want to achieve and when will increase your chances of success.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about starting a fundraiser: choosing the right type of event, creating a plan, selecting the best platform, and effectively promoting your cause.
Ready to get started? Read on!
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Choosing the Right Type of Fundraiser
It is essential to pick a fundraiser that fits your goals. To attract attention, consider online donations, text-to-give services, or organizing unique events.
Direct Mail
Direct mail fundraising campaigns can be very effective. You send letters or postcards to potential donors, and the materials should clearly explain your cause and how people can help.
Creating a detailed budget is crucial for direct mail success. Include expenses like printing, postage, and event management software. Combining offline efforts with online participation can broaden your reach and engage more supporters.
Studies show that many people still respond well to physical mail, making it a valuable tool in your fundraising strategy.
Online Donation Pages
Online donation pages make it easy for people to give to your cause. Choose a platform that integrates with donor management software, which makes it simple to track donations and manage donors.
Use clear call-to-action buttons like “Donate Now.” Add compelling content and promotional graphics to encourage giving. Offer strategic giving levels and incentives so supporters can see their impact.
Ensure the software accepts payments through PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
Text-to-Give Services
Text-to-give services make donating quick and straightforward. Younger donors love the convenience of text messaging. A supporter can donate by texting a keyword to a specific number.
For example, by texting “GIVE” to 12345, they can donate $10 instantly.
These services are excellent for nonprofits and charities looking to raise funds online. Set up automatic monthly giving options to keep donations flowing steadily. This method fits well with social media campaigns, making it easy for people to support causes they care about right from their phones.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Peer-to-peer fundraising lets your supporters raise money for you. They share a personal story and ask their friends and family to donate. This method works well with platforms like Facebook or GoFundMe.
To keep your peer-to-peer event on track, set a SMART goal. For example, aim to raise $10,000 in one month through 100 supporters. Use social media marketing and email campaigns to spread the word about your fundraiser.
Personalize thank you messages and give regular updates to keep everyone engaged.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding allows you to raise money online for a cause. You can create a campaign on platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter. Set a clear goal and tell your story well. Share updates at least every five days to keep supporters engaged.
Use social media platforms to spread the word about your campaign. Google Ad Grants can also help promote your fundraiser with free ads. Keeping people informed makes you more likely to meet your fundraising goals and move your mission forward.
Fundraising Events
Fundraising events can bring people together and raise money for good causes. Ideas include galas, auctions, 5K races, walk-a-thons, and bike-a-thons. Consider consulting with key stakeholders to ensure the chosen date and time work for everyone involved.
Create a detailed budget for expenses like event fundraising software, event management tools, and auction items. Corporate sponsors can provide financial support or in-kind donations to help alleviate costs.
Skilled volunteers from these sponsors could also contribute valuable assistance during the event.
Develop a Fundraising Plan
Map out clear goals using the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Outline every part of your plan with details like team members’ roles, timelines for each task, and all expenses.
Budget for event management tools like auction software or text-to-give services.
Form committees to handle critical areas such as venue arrangements, sponsor management, marketing strategies via social media or print ads, and volunteer coordination. Pick a date and time well in advance to ensure enough preparation time.
Use effective marketing materials to attract donors, including compelling content and promotional graphics.
Select the Appropriate Fundraising Platform
Select software that accepts online donations, processes payments, and manages donors. Tools like the OneCause Fundraising Platform offer integrated ticketing, contactless check-in and out, donor management, and real-time analytics.
Ensure your platform integrates seamlessly with CRM to manage donor information efficiently.
Invest in fundraising software for online donations. Look for donor and event management features that can streamline your fundraising efforts. The right tools will help you achieve your goals faster and more effectively.
Create Effective Marketing Materials
Design eye-catching promotional graphics. Write compelling and persuasive content.
Promotional Graphics
Use eye-catching images to grab attention. Incorporate your logo and colors for branding. Use visuals to highlight the impact of donations. Include corporate sponsors in graphics to acknowledge their support.
Utilize free or discounted marketing tools like Canva and Snappa for stunning designs. If needed, outsource design work to a nonprofit-focused company like Kwala. This ensures high-quality promotional material without breaking the bank.
Compelling Content
Use storytelling to make your message powerful. Highlight a person in need or a specific program. This helps people connect emotionally with your cause. Ensure your promotional materials convey a clear and consistent message across different channels.
Customize messages for direct mail, email, and social media posts. Tell the same story but adapt it to fit each platform’s style. Use simple language that everyone can understand. Include strong calls to action so donors know exactly how they can help.
Strategies for Promoting Your Fundraiser
Use social media to share your fundraiser with a broad audience. Send email campaigns to keep supporters informed and engaged.
Social Media Marketing
Promote your fundraiser on social media. Customize your message for each channel, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use engaging graphics and compelling content to attract attention.
Create unique hashtags to boost remote participation. Live stream events online to increase engagement and reach a wider audience. Interact with followers by replying to comments and sharing updates on progress.
This will help keep supporters involved in your cause.
Email Campaigns
Email campaigns are powerful tools for your fundraiser. They help you reach new and previous supporters quickly. Use email marketing to send different messages about your fundraiser.
Share updates, event dates, and donation links.
Survey your supporters to find the best date and time for the event. This way, more people can attend or donate when it suits them. Make sure to include details about your fundraiser on your website, too.
Inform potential donors immediately with clear calls to action in each email campaign.
Collaborations with Influencers
Collaborate with influencers to maximize reach and attract more donors. Influencers have dedicated followers who trust their recommendations. They can promote your fundraiser on social media, share blog details, or create engaging videos.
Engage local bloggers, YouTubers, and Instagram personalities for collaboration. Please provide them with promotional graphics and compelling content. Please encourage them to use hashtags related to your cause.
This helps spread the word faster and reach a wider audience interested in supporting nonprofit organizations like yours.
Google Ad Grants
Google Ad Grants offers nonprofits free advertising credits of up to $10,000 monthly. Use them to promote fundraisers and causes online. Having your event appear at the top of Google search results helps your event reach more people.
Focus on specific long-tail keywords, such as “online shopping fundraiser” or “tax-deductible donations.” Make sure your landing pages are in good shape and link correctly. This will maximize your visibility and drive more traffic to fundraisers.
Engaging with Donors
Send personalized thank-you messages to your donors.
Personalized Thank You Messages
Use donors’ names in thank-you messages. It makes them feel unique and valued. Acknowledge their history with your organization, too. For example, “Dear Sarah, we appreciate your continued support for the last five years.” This shows that you notice their efforts.
Send thank-you letters and digital eCards after events or donations. Follow up with these messages and avoid asking for more donations immediately. This builds trust and a lasting relationship between you and the donor.
Thanking donors for their contributions makes them likely to give again in the future.
Regular Updates
Regular updates are crucial for keeping donors engaged. Campaign leads who update supporters every five days raise three times more donations than less communicative ones. Share how their contributions impact the cause.
Use platforms like Donorbox Text-to-Give or PayPal Giving Fund to send quick updates.
Frequent communications turn new donors into lifelong supporters. Send personalized thank-you messages after each donation. Share results and feedback to strengthen relationships with your donor community.
Regular updates let donors see the real difference they make, encouraging continuous support.
The Bottom Line
Starting a fundraiser requires planning and dedication. Choose the type that best fits your cause, such as a fundraising event or crowdfunding campaign. Get creative with marketing materials to draw interest and support.
Promote using multiple channels, including social media and email campaigns. Personalize your messages to engage donors and make them feel valued.
