1. Decide exactly what the money is for
Donors give to something specific. A request for help with costs is vague; winter coats for 40 children at one school is something a person can picture and finish. Write one sentence that says who is helped and how.
2. Set a goal you can explain
Pick an amount you can break down: what each part costs and what happens when the goal is reached. A smaller goal that is met builds more trust than a large one that stalls. You can also set an end date, which gives people a reason to give now.
3. Tell the story plainly
Say what happened, who is affected, what the money will do and who you are. Use real details and a real photo. Keep it short enough to read on a phone, and never exaggerate; people share fundraisers they believe.
4. Share it person to person
Most gifts come from people who were asked directly. Send the link to family, friends, coworkers and groups you belong to, one message at a time, before posting it publicly. Early gifts show everyone else the fundraiser is real.
5. Post updates and say thank you
Tell donors what their money did, with photos if you can. Thank each person. People who are thanked and kept informed give again and bring others.
Starting a fundraiser on 1 Million Hearts
Creating a fundraiser here is free. You fill in a short form with a title, a goal, the story and your contact details, and we review each fundraiser before it goes public. The only fee is the card processing fee of 2.9% plus $0.30 on each donation, and we send the money raised to the organizer by Zelle.