how to start a fundraiser might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you want to raise money for someone’s medical bills, a school project, or a local cause, the process is simple if you take it step by step.
This guide breaks it down into clear actions you can take. No fancy tools. No guesswork. Just the basics that work.
Step 1: Know Why You’re Fundraising
Before you do anything, know your reason. People give when they understand what the money is for. Be specific. Say what’s happening, who needs help, and how the money will be used.
For example:
- “We’re raising money for Mia’s surgery. She needs a kidney transplant in three months.”
- “We want to buy new art supplies for our school, because the current ones are falling apart.”
- “Our football team is trying to get to the regional finals, but we need money to travel and stay overnight.”
Don’t write vague reasons like “to help people” or “to do good.” That doesn’t move people. Make it personal. Make it real.
Step 2: Pick the Right Fundraising Platform
Online fundraisers work because they’re easy to share. Pick a platform that fits your needs. Some platforms are better for personal causes. Some focus on nonprofits or creative projects. Some charge more fees than others.
A few things to look at:
- How easy is it to set up a campaign?
- Can people donate without making an account?
- How fast do you get the money?
- What fees do they take?
Choose a platform that makes it simple. If it’s confusing to use, people won’t give.
Step 3: Set a Realistic Goal
Think about how much you actually need. Don’t guess. Make a budget. Add up the costs.
Let’s say you’re helping someone pay hospital bills. Ask them how much they owe. Include extra for platform fees and taxes, if there are any.
A clear target helps people feel like their donation matters. If you just write “every bit helps,” it feels endless. A goal gives structure. People want to see progress.
Step 4: Write Your Story
Your fundraiser needs a story. This is what makes people care. Keep it short. Keep it honest.
Use simple words. Explain who the fundraiser is for. What’s going on. What happens if you don’t reach your goal.
Don’t try to sound poetic or clever. Just speak from the heart. A story like this works better:
“My dad was diagnosed with cancer. He’s going through chemo and can’t work right now. We’re raising money to help cover rent and groceries while he recovers.”
Break it into short paragraphs. No big blocks of text. Use photos if you have them. A photo makes it real.
Step 5: Share It the Right Way
After you publish the fundraiser, you need to share it. Not just once. Not just in one place.
Start with people close to you. Text your friends. Post it in private groups. Call family. These are the people most likely to give first.
Then go wider. Share on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, email, wherever your people are. Add a short note each time.
Don’t write “Please donate” and nothing else. Add context.
Example:
“My friend Sarah lost her home in a fire. We started this fundraiser to help her rebuild. Any support means a lot.”
And ask people to share it too. That helps more than you think.
Step 6: Keep People Updated
When people donate, they want to know what’s happening. It helps build trust. Even small updates matter.
Post updates like:
- “We reached 25% of our goal”
- “Thanks to your help, we paid the first hospital bill”
- “New photo of Mia – she’s doing better today!”
Updates show that you’re active and honest. It also reminds people who meant to donate but forgot.
Don’t go silent. People stop caring if it looks like you stopped caring.
Step 7: Thank Every Donor
Say thank you. Always. A quick message works. It doesn’t have to be long.
“Thank you so much for your support. It means the world.”
People who feel appreciated are more likely to share and give again. It’s not just polite — it’s smart.
If the fundraiser ends, send a final thank-you update to everyone. Let them know how the money helped.
Step 8: Follow the Rules
Check if your fundraiser needs special permissions or documents. Some platforms ask for proof, especially for medical or large campaigns. If you’re raising money for someone else, be clear about that. Misleading info can get the campaign shut down.
Also, know how taxes work in your country. In many places, personal donations are not taxed, but it depends.
Don’t hide anything. Don’t lie. That never ends well.
Step 9: Keep It Short and Honest
Skip dramatic language. Don’t exaggerate. Don’t say things like “We are desperate” unless it’s true.
Just tell the story as it is. People can tell when you’re being honest.
If the goal changes, update it. If someone offers help in another way, mention it. Keep things clear and real.
Step 10: End the Fundraiser When It’s Done
Once you reach your goal or the event is over, close the fundraiser. Tell people what happened. Show what the money did. Say thank you again.
Don’t keep it running forever. That confuses people.
If you raised more than you needed, say what the extra will be used for. Transparency matters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the things that usually hurt fundraisers:
- Setting a goal with no clear reason
- Writing a long story with no structure
- Not adding pictures
- Sharing once and stopping
- Forgetting to say thank you
- Leaving people in the dark after they donate
Avoid these, and you’ll already be ahead of most.
Final Tip: Start Now, Not Later
The biggest mistake is waiting too long. You don’t need everything to be perfect. Get the basics right. Start small. You can improve as you go.
The sooner people see your fundraiser, the sooner they can help.
