Think Fundraising Isn’t for You? Think Again.
If you’ve ever said, “I want to help, but I’m not good at asking for money”, this blog is for you.
Many people believe fundraising is only for charities, influencers, or people with wealthy networks. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Today, starting a fundraiser is something anyone can do—from a parent trying to cover medical bills to a student funding a dream project.
Here’s the catch: Fundraising isn’t about asking. It’s about inviting.
You’re not begging—you’re giving people a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Let’s break down how to start a fundraiser step-by-step, bust some myths, and give you practical tools to launch your campaign successfully.
Step 1: Define Your Purpose Before You Start a Fundraiser
Every great fundraiser begins with one simple but powerful element: a reason that matters.
Instead of immediately googling “fundraising websites” or “best way to raise money,” take a moment and answer this:
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Why are you raising money?
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Who will it help?
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What difference will it make?
For example:
“I’m raising €2,500 so my sister can access therapy after an accident.”
“Our animal shelter needs €1,000 to buy winter blankets for rescued pets.”
This clarity not only fuels your passion—it helps potential donors understand exactly where their money is going.
Step 2: Choose the Right Fundraising Platform
There are many options for launching a fundraiser online, but each serves different needs. Ask yourself:
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Are you fundraising for a personal cause or a nonprofit?
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Do you need recurring donations or one-time support?
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Where is your audience located?
Top platforms to consider:
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WhyDonate – Great for both personal and charitable causes across Europe with low fees and multi-language support.
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GoFundMe – Popular in North America, ideal for medical and emergency fundraisers.
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Kickstarter/Indiegogo – Perfect for creative projects and startups.
Choose one that’s simple to use, transparent in fees, and donor-friendly on mobile.
Step 3: Set a Realistic Fundraising Goal
Many beginners ask: How much should I ask for when starting a fundraiser?
Here’s a smart rule: Start small, show transparency, and build trust.
Break down your goal so donors can see exactly where their money goes.
Example:
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€500 = 1 month of medication
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€1,200 = a new laptop for school
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€2,000 = rent for 3 months during recovery
This builds trust and shows potential supporters that their donation has a real, measurable impact.
Step 4: Tell a Story That Moves People
When creating your fundraising page, think less like a marketer and more like a friend writing a heartfelt letter.
Avoid stiff, generic copy. Instead, be human. Share:
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Who you are
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What happened
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What you need
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How it will help
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Gratitude for any support
Step 5: Launch Your Fundraiser with a Soft Opening
Don’t hit “publish” and immediately share your fundraiser with the world.
Instead, start with a “soft launch.”
Send your page to 5–10 close friends or family members first. Get early donations and feedback. When people see that others have already donated, they’re more likely to jump in.
Once you’ve reached about 15–20% of your goal, it’s time to go public.
Share it:
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On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X
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Via email and WhatsApp
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In community groups or newsletters
Always include a short, personal message with your link. Not just “Please donate”—but “This cause means the world to me. If you can support or share, I’d be so grateful.”
Step 6: Keep the Momentum Alive with Updates
One of the top reasons fundraisers fail is this: the organizer disappears after launch.
Don’t let your campaign fade into silence.
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Post regular updates (every few days or weekly)
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Share milestones (e.g., “We just passed 50%!”)
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Show behind-the-scenes progress
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Thank donors publicly (if they’re okay with it)
Step 7: Say Thank You—Loudly and Often
Gratitude builds trust—and trust builds donations.
Thank every donor personally, either via a message, comment, or email. Also consider:
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A “thank you” post on social media tagging supporters (with permission)
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A final update when the goal is reached
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A video showing the results of the donations
Bonus Tips: How to Start a Fundraiser That Truly Connects
Here are some quick, actionable ideas that can boost your campaign:
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Offer small perks: Shout-outs, digital thank-you cards, or name mentions
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Run a mini-challenge: “If we raise €500 this week, I’ll dye my hair pink!”
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Partner with local influencers: Ask them to share your cause
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Use hashtags: Like #fundraiser, #supportlocal, or #helpmystory
Conclusion: You Can Start a Fundraiser—Today
Starting a fundraiser doesn’t require professional skills or deep pockets. It requires:
✅ A story
✅ A clear purpose
✅ A platform that fits
✅ Real connection
Whether you’re raising €500 or €50,000, the steps are the same: Be honest, stay present, and invite others into something meaningful.
And remember: you’re not asking for charity—you’re offering people a chance to make a difference.
FAQs About How to Start a Fundraiser
1. What is the best platform to start a fundraiser online?
It depends on your location and goal. WhyDonate is ideal for European users and personal or nonprofit causes, while GoFundMe is better for US-based fundraisers. Look for low fees, mobile accessibility, and donation flexibility.
2. How long should my fundraiser last?
Most successful fundraisers run for 30–60 days. It’s long enough to build awareness but short enough to create urgency. Set a clear end date to motivate donors.
3. What if I don’t reach my goal?
You can still withdraw partial funds on most platforms. Be transparent with your donors and explain how the collected amount will still help your cause.
