Every fundraiser has the potential to make a real difference. A few deliberate choices early on, your story, your goal, your visuals, can significantly expand how many people your fundraiser reaches.

Set a Realistic Fundraising Goal

Set a goal that reflects your actual need and feels achievable for your timeline and audience. A clear, attainable target motivates givers by showing them their support will help you reach something meaningful. For help deciding on an amount, see Setting Your Fundraiser Goal.

Break Down How Funds Will Be Used

Explain where the money goes. Specifics build trust. For example:

• $3,000 for medical bills
• $2,500 for travel expenses
• $4,500 for rent and utilities

When givers understand where their contribution is going, they're more likely to feel connected and motivated to give.

Craft a Clear, Personal Story

People give to people, not to fundraisers. The most important part of your fundraiser is the reason behind it. Introduce yourself, explain what inspired the fundraiser, and be honest about your situation. You don't need perfect language. Honesty, clarity, and sincerity matter more.

Be direct about what you're asking for:

• "If you're able, please consider giving."
• "Sharing this fundraiser would mean so much to us."
• "Every gift and every share helps."

For tips on formatting your story effectively, see Formatting Your Fundraiser Story.

Use Strong Visuals

Add photos or a video. Choose images that reflect your story and catch the eye. If you're adding a video, keep it brief and personal. The most effective videos are ones where someone speaks directly to the viewer. For instructions, see Adding Images and Videos to Your Fundraiser.

Choose a Memorable Fundraiser Link

Pick a short, simple URL that's easy to remember and share. See Changing Your Fundraiser Link for more.

Post Regular Updates

If circumstances change, share updates openly. Transparency builds trust and helps givers feel like they're part of the journey. See Posting a Fundraiser Update for more.

Show Appreciation

Thank your givers. A quick reply to a comment, a shoutout in an update, or a short thank-you video strengthens your connection with supporters. You can also set up a custom thank-you message to send automatically after each donation.

Get the Word Out

Share your fundraiser consistently, not just once. Post on social media, send it by email, and share it in community groups. Ask close friends and family to share within their own networks too. Personal shares build trust and often drive the strongest support. See Sharing Your Fundraiser.

Build Early Momentum

Fundraisers that gain support early tend to keep growing. Reach out to close friends and family first. Early donations and encouraging comments signal to others that your fundraiser is real and supported, which encourages more giving.

Create a Hashtag

Pick a short, memorable hashtag like #TeamForTina or #SupportSarah. Use it every time you post about your fundraiser on social media, as it makes your updates easier to find and helps build a sense of community around your cause.