A lot has changed since the dawn of 2020. Recent events have changed the way we get together, the way we view our communities, and the way we reach out to help others. 

One notable change that organizations shouldn't overlook is the 30% increase in online giving we've seen in the past year or so. Online crowdfunding campaigns and fundraisers are at an all-time high, generating much-needed funds for charities, student groups, start-ups, and even individuals in need. 

If you're getting ready to embark on an online fundraising campaign, you've come to the right place. We're here to set your online fundraising endeavors up for success.

Read on to learn everything you need to know to create a successful online fundraising campaign.

Step 1: Establish Your Beneficiary or Cause

First thing's first: who or what are you fundraising for? Keep in mind that establishing a specific beneficiary or cause for your online fundraiser produces better results than just fundraising for an organization, in general. 

In other words, you're not just raising money for a food bank. You're raising money to feed members of your community. You're not raising money for your student organization, but to gain access to the equipment or activities you need. 

We'll talk more about how to tell a story later. First, make sure that you pick a specific beneficiary or cause that you can summarize in the name of your fundraiser. 

Step 2: Set a Reasonable Goal and Timeline for Online Donations

While you can leave your fundraiser open-ended, we often suggest establishing a monetary goal and a timeline for your online fundraiser. Even if ongoing funds are needed, consider breaking up an ongoing fundraiser into smaller goals with clear goalposts.

Why does a monetary goal and timeline matter? It helps to create momentum for your online fundraiser. People want to help you reach a goal, and seeing how much you still need or how much time is left to donate will incentivize donors to act fast.

What happens if you meet your goal? You can always make an announcement and raise it to keep bringing in donations.

Step 3: Select Your Online Fundraising Platform

Now, it's time to select your online fundraising platform. At CrowdChange, we offer online fundraising technology that is safe and seamless to use.

Share your CrowdChange link across platforms for easy access to that donation button. Using our platform, you can allow for set or custom donation amounts as well as one-time or recurring donations. We also make it easy to gift match, sell tickets, and sell merchandise as part of your online fundraiser.

We also offer the tech support you need to make sure that your online fundraising campaign goes off without a hitch.

Step 4: Create a Compelling Story

Once you have your CrowdChange fundraising page set up, it's time to think about copy. What are you going to say that will make people feel compelled to donate? How are you going to express the importance of raising funds for your beneficiary or cause?

One thing that marketing experts will tell you is that storytelling is a more successful tactic than sharing facts and figures. While those facts and figures can lend authenticity to your story, you want to ensure that you're creating an emotional connection for your donors. 

Who will these funds help? Will these funds keep someone healthy or safe or make someone's dreams come true? Will these funds make it possible for your organization to keep making the world a better place?

People donate money to fundraisers because they want to make a positive difference. The copy of your fundraising campaign provides you with an opportunity to show exactly how those donations will create change. 

Step 5: Identify Key Channels for Your Fundraising Campaign

How can you reach potential donors in a way that will make the largest impact? To figure that out, you may want to take a look at previous fundraising campaigns your organization has undertaken. Which marketing channels produced the largest response?

Common marketing channels include direct mail, email, and social media. If your donors respond best to direct mail, you can still send out pamphlets, postcards, or fliers directing recipients to your online fundraiser. 

Nowadays, social media is an important tool. Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are all great places to advertise your fundraising campaign. Not only will you reach your existing followers but interested donors can also easily share their posts with their own followers, increasing your reach instantly. 

Using a mix of marketing channels is the best route. However, you should still identify your most lucrative or productive marketing channel and direct most of your time and energy to that channel. 

Step 6: Send Your Fundraiser Out Into the World

Now, it's time for the moment we've all been waiting for: sending your fundraiser out into the world! You've set a goal and timeline, created a compelling story, selected your online fundraising platform, and identified your best marketing channels. Now, it's time to put all of your hard work into action. 

Once donations start pouring in, we recommend staying active in your storytelling. How are the funds raised so far being used? What will further donations help you accomplish?

Don't forget to thank your donors and keep sharing your CrowdChange link until your goals are met and you've had a successful online fundraiser!

Starting an Online Fundraiser? CrowdChange Can Help

Fundraising planning can feel overwhelming, especially if you're pivoting to an online fundraising campaign for the first time. Our guide will get you through those early hurdles and set you up for a smooth and successful crowdfunding campaign.

Want to find out more about how CrowdChange can help you create the perfect online fundraiser? Contact us and we'll answer any questions you may have and set up a free demo for you to try out. We're certain that CrowdChange will be a perfect match for your organization or cause.