Online fundraising tips

Here are some handy tips to help you maximize your online fundraising efforts:

Spread the word

Utilize your social networks:

Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Blogs, Pinterest, etc.

Update your progress and encourage friends, family and colleagues to donate by sharing the link to your fundraising campaign page. Upload an icon or picture representing your efforts.

• Facebook: Send a direct message, rather than posting on your wall. Personalizing a message to lists of friends, family and colleagues is more persuasive.
• Twitter: Shorten your link to share by going to www.tinyurl.com.
• Blog and personal website: Add a widget of your fundraising campaign! Go to your fundraising page and open the “Get a widget” tab, and copy and paste the code to your blog or website.

Contact your community outlets

Local media outlets such as your neighborhood or city newspaper, television channels, or faith community bulletins are a great way to spread the word about the cause you care about and your fundraising efforts. Be sure to let them know why you are raising funds and why the need is urgent. Include a link to your fundraising website and pictures. Our Materials and messages page will help.

Email, email, email

Carefully select a list of recipients to email, asking them to contribute to your campaign. Target emails to friends, relatives, parent’s friends and classmates who typically do not see your social media activity. Place a link to your fundraising campaign page within your email signature.

Get their attention!

Personalize your campaign

Your campaign page starts with a generic title and message -- but those fields are for you to personalize! Go to your fundraising page and open the “Edit” tab. Tell your community why you care and why the need is urgent. Set a fundraising goal and suggest a gift amount. Studies show that people are more likely to give more when donating with a credit card.

Include captivating pictures

Pictures can help others understand the situation and your commitment to help. In emails, on your social media profiles and on event flyers, include a picture of the people you want to reach or a picture of yourself (e.g. preparing for an event). Include images from an event in your thank you messages and ask for additional donations.

Help them give

Make it a heartfelt message

Tell others why you are fundraising for people in need. Share your personal story and communicate your passion. Remember: inspiration inspires.

Donate to your own campaign

If you are asking other people to support your fundraising efforts, why not show them just how much you care by donating yourself? This seed money for your campaign provides legitimacy to your efforts and communicates your ambition.

Be ambitious

Set a fundraising goal for your campaign that is ambitious, but achievable! Your friends and family want to help you succeed. Go to your page and open the “Edit” tab, and fill in the “Fundraising Goal” field.