Things to keep in mind when crowdfunding for charity
In the past, an investor was needed for a project to get a boost. Whether the project was for a quirky invention or a new game app, corporate backing was often needed to get them up and running. Those days are behind us, thanks in large part to fundraising.
In one word
Simply put, crowdfunding, also known as crowdsourcing, pertains to an initiative or campaign designed to gain support, often financial, for a given project. The campaign is aimed at the general public with the aim of identifying people or groups who wish to help to promote the project from the living room to reality. In turn, these donors receive gifts or first prizes on new products after the project ends.
Unlimited
These days, crowdsourcing is no longer limited to inventions or applications. In fact, many charities and nonprofits, or even people who advocate for a certain cause, have found the Internet and its billions of users a viable alternative to seeking much-needed help and resources.
goals
Crowdsourcing draws its beauty from the fact that it is aimed at people who have a strong interest in a certain cause and who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn about the initiative if it were not for the Internet. It’s essentially about social media and philanthropy rolled into one.
ABC of crowdfunding
Launching a charity campaign through crowdfunding is no science. However, you need to take into account some considerations to ensure your success.
First, at the heart of any campaign there must be a compelling cause. By compelling, it means one that pulls on the emotions of the target demographic.
Authentic
For netizens used to hoaxes and fake news, it is fairly easy to spot a campaign running on a shallow or hollow premise. This makes it imperative to create a crowdsourcing page that is genuine and sincere. The fact is that the push to give money can only be possible if there is a semblance of connection between the advocacy or cause and the donor. Otherwise, the message of the campaign will surely fall on deaf ears.
Technical concerns
Also, some technical concerns need to be seriously considered. For example, the success of a crowdfunding campaign is highly dependent on the number of people who can view it. As such, emailing and sharing on social media is important to getting the word out. It is essential that the campaign is heard by as many people as possible. The wider the audience, the greater the likelihood of getting pledges and donations.
Funnel the money
How money will be channeled from the donor to the fund and ultimately to the recipient (s) is also a major concern. How will credit card donations be made? Through which bank will the funds be distributed? How long will the checks clear? There should be clear rules about these things.
And lastly, it’s equally important to express gratitude to the crowdsourcing donors who took the time to provide support. Whether in the form of a personalized thank you card or a gift, sending love to donors is a great way to seal a wonderful partnership.
