Prepare for Success by Planning your Campaign
Learn about what crowdfunding can help you with, as well as how to submit an effective campaign
Here to help you Succeed
Crowdfunding has many benefits for non-profits over and above Fundraising. These include but are not limited to:
- Raising awareness about your group
- Develop a committed following of partners
- Get people (around the world!) talking about your Campaign
- Create excitement that spurs people to volunteer for your group
- Makes it possible for people to have a positive impact, regardless of the size of their gift
- Gives you a way to show donors the impact of their gifts
However, let us begin by debunking a common misconception. There is no “crowd” out there just waiting to “fund” your project. “Crowdfunding” is an active process not a passive one. Careful planning and execution of your campaign can have a magical effect on results.
4 Basic Steps to Applying
Name your project and put your byline on it
Answer your donor’s question within the title with what you’re raising money for, and who you are. “Help the Little Growers Kids Program fund their Raised Beds Project” explains that the donor is supporting Great Growers, which is a children’s program raising money for a specific project (raised beds). The better you can succinctly display this in one line, the better it will share on social media and emails.
Define your Project
Have a definitive assignment in mind. “The building for our community centre needs windows and doors.” Be prepared to communicate your goal to someone who has no prior knowledge of it. Pretend like you’re going to knock on someone’s door and ask for money for your project – what questions are they going to ask you about your project? Who are you? What are your values? What do you do in the community? “We need some money for some stuff for our community centre” doesn’t inspire someone to pull out their card to donate.
Know your Financial Goal
Have a clear financial goal in mind. Know exactly how much you want to raise and in what time frame. This is a great place to include some of those specific details that the more interested will want to know. “The windows and doors will cost $20,000 and we need them by September 30.” Also, make the goal achievable. You can always follow up with ‘extension’ campaigns.
Sign Up!
Finally, sign up. InvestLocalBC has an easy to use Campaign submission process. Head to the “Start a Campaign” page to find the link to introduce yourself to us. Once we hear more about your organization and fundraising goals, we’ll get back to you with the next steps to proceed. If you need assistance with this we are more than happy to help.
Backer Rewards
Some organizations like to offer a way to further connect with their donors through incentives or gifts. There are lots of small tangible things that campaign managers can offer to backers that support their project. Some include photos of the project, t-shirts, invitation to a funders-only event like a BBQ at the site, thank you phone calls or emails, key chains and other memorabilia, the list goes on. And remember, we’re here to help, so if you’re looking for ideas we have tons just ask!
With every InvestLocalBC project, campaign managers will be able to access a personal inbox. This will allow campaign managers to contact funders and verify contact information including shipping details. Funders will be given an option whether or not they choose to provide their personal contact information.
For more information about InvestLocalBC, campaigns, and donations, check out our FAQ on the About Crowdfunding page.
We’re here to support you through your Campaign!
Download our free Workbook to fill out with your group so you’re ready for Fundraising Success!
