Community is powerful. When we join forces and lean on the people around us, we create a ripple effect. It spreads far and wide, touching the hearts of many and making a real difference. Through online fundraising, we can illuminate the path toward positive change. We’ll make a difference together—one click and contribution at a time.
So, how exactly can you leverage your community to raise awareness to help your fundraiser succeed? Our experts at AngeLink have some tips to get you started. Let’s dive in!
When you start an online fundraiser, the first step is getting the word out. How can you do that? Well, your community can help. Here are five ways you can engage your community to support your fundraiser:
The Chamber of Commerce is a bustling hub of businesses and community leaders. They’re passionate about supporting local initiatives. By reaching out to them, you gain access to a network of well-connected individuals. (And guess what? Many of them will be eager to make a positive impact!)
When contacting your Chamber of Commerce, introduce yourself and your online fundraiser. Explain the purpose of your cause, its significance, and how it benefits the community. Tug at their heartstrings and inspire them to join your mission.
Ask if they could include information about your fundraiser in their newsletter. (Many Chambers of Commerce have them!) Newsletters can help you reach a broad audience and spread the word about your cause. Getting featured can generate exposure and encourage more people to support your fundraiser.
Request a list of local businesses to contact about partnership opportunities. The Chamber of Commerce has a slew of information and connections. They can provide valuable leads on local businesses that may support your cause. Collaborations can help you raise awareness and expand your reach. Many businesses have local customer bases and networks that you can tap into!
Chambers of Commerce often organize networking events and community gatherings. Take advantage of these opportunities to showcase your cause. You can speak at an event or host a booth to engage with attendees. These face-to-face interactions will create a lasting impression on potential supporters.
Your local Chamber of Commerce is a great resource to help you partner with your community. But what about connections outside of this organization? We’ll take a look at some other examples next.
Want to know another great way to raise awareness for your online fundraiser? Connecting with local podcasters! Podcasts have become an influential medium, with countless listeners tuning in every week. On a podcast, you can reach people who are excited to discover new and inspiring stories.
By appearing as a guest, you can:
When you connect with podcasters, be genuine and enthusiastic. If they express interest, discuss potential interview formats.
Podcasts can take the form of:
To start, make a list of podcasters in your state or city who produce content relevant to your fundraiser. Look for shows that cover topics aligned with your cause. (Ex. Animal advocacy, environmental issues, social justice, or any other related subject matter.) You want your message to resonate with their listeners.
Once you have your list, send each podcaster a personalized and friendly message. Introduce yourself and express your admiration for their podcast. Highlight the connection between their content and your cause. Emphasize how their platform can help amplify your message to a targeted audience. Propose the idea of speaking as a guest on their podcast. Share how your story can provide valuable insights and inspiration to their listeners.
Prepare talking points and compelling anecdotes to captivate the listeners. Then, it’s showtime! Share your personal experiences and the emotional connection you have with your cause. Podcast listeners are often engaged and passionate. They’re ideal supporters for your online fundraiser.
After your episode is live, share it everywhere. Allow your followers to tune in and learn about your cause. To thank the host, encourage supporters to write reviews and share the episode.
Have you ever thought about trying to get media coverage for your fundraiser? Local media outlets are always on the lookout for compelling stories to share.
Examples of local media outlets include:
Research local journalists who cover stories related to your fundraiser. Look for reporters who have covered similar causes or are interested in the subject matter. Take note of their contact information and familiarize yourself with their recent work.
Reach out to each journalist with a personalized pitch. Craft a concise and heartfelt message. Introduce yourself, your cause, and the significance of your online fundraiser. Highlight the human element of your story. Emphasize how it connects with the community and why it deserves media attention.
Offer to provide more information. You can share a press release, high-quality visuals, or personal interviews. These resources will make it easier for journalists to create content. Be available and responsive to their inquiries. Show your enthusiasm for sharing your story.
When you reach out to journalists, respect their time and workload. Follow their preferred method of contact, whether it’s through email or social media.
Be concise, clear, and showcase your passion for your cause. Remember, journalists are storytellers. By presenting a compelling narrative, you increase your chances of success.
After you’ve sent your initial pitch, don’t forget to follow up. Journalists are often busy and receive many pitches. A gentle and polite follow-up can serve as a helpful reminder. Thank them for considering your story. Reiterate the key points that make your fundraiser unique and newsworthy.
Be prepared to give an interview or answer additional questions. Respond promptly and provide any requested information or updates. If you pull this off, you’ll see the support roll in!
Local radio channels hold a special place in the hearts of your community. They have loyal listeners who tune in regularly. This makes radio coverage a fantastic opportunity to promote your fundraiser.
To start, research the local radio channels in your area. (A quick Google Search should do the trick!) Look for stations that host segments that highlight local events and charitable endeavors.
Once you’ve identified the relevant radio channels, reach out to them. Introduce yourself and your online fundraiser. Talk about why your cause is important.
Then, offer to be a guest on one of their shows. You can also suggest an interview segment to inspire listeners with your cause. Prepare key talking points that highlight the impact of your fundraiser. Make it easy for the host or producer to see the value of featuring you in their program.
Here are some additional media interview tips for you! Make sure to be genuine, enthusiastic, and articulate. Share anecdotes, personal experiences, and compelling facts that will resonate with the listeners. Make it easy for them to understand how their support can make a difference.
After the interview airs, express your gratitude to the radio channel. Share the segment on your social media platforms.
Local nonprofits are beacons of support and knowledge in your community. They are dedicated to causes like yours. They also understand the challenges and opportunities within your shared sphere. By connecting with these nonprofits, you open doors. You can benefit from their collaboration, guidance, and wider network of supporters.
Look for organizations that share similar values and work towards a common goal. They could be focused on a related social issue, advocacy, or providing assistance to individuals or groups affected by the same cause.
Once you’ve identified these nonprofits, reach out to them with a warm and genuine message. Introduce yourself and express your admiration for the work they do. Explain how your cause aligns with theirs. Show how collaborating can create a more significant impact for both organizations.
Offer to meet with them or set up a call to discuss potential ways to work together.
Collaborations could include:
Collaborating with nonprofits expands your reach and lends credibility to your cause. Their endorsement can inspire trust and confidence in potential supporters.
During your conversation, be open to learning from their experiences and insights. Share your goals, challenges, and aspirations. Be receptive to their suggestions and advice. Nonprofits often have a wealth of knowledge and connections within the community. These can be invaluable to your online fundraiser.
After your meeting or call, follow up with a heartfelt thank-you message. Keep them updated on your progress. Share any milestones or successes. And of course, continue to explore ways to collaborate in the future.
We’re AngeLink, the women-powered crowdfunding platform that’s revolutionizing online fundraising! When we founded AngeLink, we listened to our community. With their feedback, we created a platform that solves common fundraising problems. Our mission is to empower you to make a difference.
With AngeLink, you can share your fundraising achievements with our free badges. Let the world know about your impact through social media. Our Android and iOS app ensures that fundraising is convenient and accessible on the go. You can also simplify the donation process with our built-in fundraiser printable flyer. It comes with a unique QR code for fast and seamless contributions.
If you want to partner with your community to promote your fundraiser, AngeLink is the right platform for you. Let’s rise up together and drive positive change!
