How to Start a Fundraiser Online

You should base your fundraiser goal on the amount of money you need to raise. When determining your goal, you should remember to:

• Consider your need, project or event costs. This will give you a good starting point for how much money you need to raise.
• Keep your goal in mind throughout your fundraiser. It should be the driving force behind everything you do.
• If you have a lofty fundraising goal try breaking it up into smaller amounts. Then once you hit your first goal you can raise it to your next amount.

There are many different online fundraising platforms. How do you choose the right one? Every fundraiser is different, so you’ll need to keep in mind what’s important for your specific goals and needs. Before choosing the best online fundraising platform for you, consider these features:

• Fees: Some platforms charge fees for use, while others are free. Make sure to check what fees may apply so that you can budget accordingly. Keep in mind that payment processing fees are unavoidable.
• Ease of use: You want a platform that is easy to use, both for you and your donors. Look for a platform with a user-friendly interface.
• Donor support: Make sure the platform you choose offers support for donors. This can include customer service, FAQs, and tutorials.
• Security: Donor security should be a top priority. Make sure the platform you choose has good security measures in place. These can protect donors as well as your account information.

Remember to choose a fundraising platform that suits you best. We recommend our women-led crowdfunding platform AngeLink. It is easy to use and our 24/7 customer service team helps you every step of the way. We review every fundraiser on our platform to protect against fraud so you know your donations are safe. Learn more about How AngeLink Is Solving Common Fundraising Problems.

Your story is the heart of your online fundraiser. It inspires people to donate to your cause. By following these tips, you can tell your story in a way that will engage your supporters. Here are some ways you can tell your story to engage your supporters:

• Keep it personal: Your supporters want to know who you are and why you’re passionate about your cause. Share your story in a way that is honest and relatable.
• Be specific: Don’t just tell your supporters what your cause is. Share why it matters to you and how their donations will make a difference.
• Use emotion: Appeal to your supporters’ emotions through inspiring stories.
• Keep it short: Your supporters are busy people, so make sure your story is concise and to the point.
• Use photos and videos: A picture is worth a thousand words. Supplement your story with visuals that will help bring it to life.

For more in-depth tips read How to Write a Fundraising Story.

Your fundraiser is not only about raising money for your cause. It’s also about spreading awareness and getting people involved. The more people you can reach, the more likely you are to reach your fundraising goal. You have several sharing options available. Here are our favorite methods for reaching a larger audience:

• Social media: Social media is a wonderful tool to reach a wide audience with your fundraiser. You can post on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, to name a few. Post your fundraiser on all your social media channels. Encourage your friends and followers to share your fundraiser.
• Emails: Sending out emails is a classic way to get the word out about your fundraiser. You can email your personal contacts, as well as any relevant groups or organizations. You can send out reminders about your fundraiser. Update donors on how close you are to reaching your goal through a weekly newsletter.
• Fliers: Fliers are another way to get people’s attention online. Platforms like AngeLink have a built-in flier feature that includes a photo, your title, your story, and a QR for fast donating. You can post fliers on online discussion boards, or use them as a visual for your fundraiser. This is an excellent way to create interest in your cause and let your creativity shine.
• Text messages: You can send your friends and family your fundraiser link through a text message. They are also able to forward the link to others. You can promote your fundraiser on online message boards or in group chats.

We’ve compiled even more creative ways to share your fundraiser so make sure to read How to Promote a Fundraiser.

There are many ways to show your donors how much you appreciate their support. By taking the time to thank them, you will build stronger relationships with your donors. This can lead to them coming back to support your cause. Here are some ideas on how to thank your donors for their generosity:

• Send a thank-you letter: This is a personal way to show your donors that you are grateful for their donations. Read How to Write a Donation Thank You Letter for our best tips.
• Send an email: Let donors know how much you appreciate their generosity. You can also highlight top supporters with a weekly email newsletter.
• Post on social media: Thank your donors for their support in a public way. On social media, you can tag your donors to give them all the credit they deserve for their contributions.