A guide to starting a charity fundraising campaign.

Sharing a heartfelt and personal fundraising story isn't always easy, but it's the first step to getting the donations you may really need. Compelling stories turn passive visitors or readers into active donors who will then share your fundraising with others. Need help getting more people involved? Even if you don't think of yourself as a writer, this guide will teach you how to describe your story and run it as a campaign on PavelAndreev.ORG in a way that makes people want to support your cause.

Quick tips for pitching your campaign: learn how to tell your amazing story on PavelAndreev.ORG

When learning how to tell and describe your story, you can keep the tips below in mind. Remember that writing a good fundraising story can help you quickly raise the money you need and reach your goals.

• Break down your text. Paragraphs and bullet points work wonders when you're trying to make something easier to read and understand.
• Write in bold, underlined, italics when trying to highlight your most important points.
• Say it from the heart. Be honest and direct with your supporters. Vulnerability goes a long way.
• Get to the "why." Tell your friends and family why this cause is so important to you.
• Be clear in describing your needs. Give a plan for how much money you need to raise and what the funds will be used for, including how they will help you.
• Post photos and videos. Images help your supporters feel connected to your fundraising, and they offer context for your written story.

Learn from great charity fundraising storytellers

As you consider these stories, ask yourself the following questions:

• How do these stories work to create understanding and empathy?
• What can you learn from their approaches to storytelling?
• For each story, are there particular aspects that made you feel a particular emotion strongly?
• What emotions do you want your own story to convey?

Charity fundraising campaign title

The title of your charity fundraising campaign is critically important. As with the title of a book or movie, it can draw people in or turn them off. The title of your fundraising page is the first thing people see on social media. Don't worry if you can't immediately come up with the perfect title. You can choose a temporary title and edit it later.

The headline you choose should include your name or the beneficiary's name and highlight the main challenge you or the beneficiary is facing.

Example: "Help _____ beat an insidious disease!"

First steps in starting a charity campaign at PavelAndreev.ORG

Start with a sentence that introduces yourself and the "main characters" of your story. Give readers or potential donors the most important information first.

Whether your role as a parent, entrepreneur, environmentalist, or cancer survivor, what made you start this fundraiser? For now, keep this brief introductory information brief - you can always add more context if it becomes relevant later.

Example: my name is _____ and I spent my life _____.

Identify the key parts of your story

When writing your campaign, start by identifying the elements you need to tell fully in your fundraising story. Note which details you have and which you may need to find or develop. Make a list of existing photos and videos and ones you could create. What details will bring your story to life?

Your story should answer the basic questions any reader would have: who, what, where, when, why, and how. Answer questions such as:

• What will the funds be used for? An ordered list is a great way to explain this.
• If you are fundraising for someone else, what is your relationship to them?
• How will the donations raised help you or someone else?
• As for fundraising, why is it especially important - why do you or the recipient need these donations?

Example: these donations will help me _____ with _____.

Share your story

If you've tried other solutions before crowdfunding, it might be a good idea to share what you've done so far. Answer questions like:

1. How have you or your loved ones tried to overcome the challenge presented to you?
2. What obstacles have you faced and how have they changed you as a person?

Use this opportunity to describe the effect of your struggle on your family, your local community, or society as a whole. Describe everything in detail. It is very important that readers know everything.

Example: When _____ happened, we made the choice of ______. And then ______.

Emphasize the turning point

What event prompted you to take action and start a crowdfunding campaign? Whether that moment happened in a doctor's office or at the kitchen table, sum it up in a sentence or two.

Example: When _____ happened, we realized we needed help from our community.

Show why people should care about your situation

This is the main question on a potential donor's mind and the most important question your story should answer. We often turn to crowdfunding after a tragedy, whether our own or someone else's. In these situations, telling someone's story requires courage and honesty.

Build your fundraising story

Here are a few questions to keep in mind when writing your fundraising story:

• Besides the overview, what parts of your story require attention?
• What aspects will get people reading and motivate them to donate?
• How does each sentence and each image deepen interest in contributing?
• Does the flow of the narrative keep readers curious enough about what happens next that they will read your entire story, then want to give support?

Write your story with these elements in mind, then add supporting details to connect the dots. Once you've done this, step back and check that each part of your story is working hard enough for your cause. Remember not to make your story too long - the length of your fundraising description should be between 3-5 paragraphs, usually ideal.

Sharpen your story

Take a few minutes to write down how you feel about your cause. What are the most accurate and heartfelt words you can use to describe the need for help? Then look at the fundraising description - are these words clearly included in your story? Look at your story from the perspective of potential donors.

Get feedback and refine

Read your story out loud to see how it sounds. In addition, ask trusted friends for honest feedback. You can ask friends questions like:

1. Does it sound like you're telling the story to a friend?
2. Are there moments where it feels awkward or there is not enough information?
3. What parts inspire readers to the point of caring and making a donation?
4. Would you be personally inspired to share this story?

One option to consider is to tell your story in sections with subheadings - just as this post is presented. This approach can make it easier for people to understand and absorb information.

When you're happy with the results, review your story a few more times, removing errors. If you have someone in your life with strong editing or proofreading skills, ask them to review your story and make sure it's the best it can be.

Post frequent updates

Writing regular updates is one of our best fundraising tips. As long as you post updates, you're bringing donors into an unfolding story. And when potential donors see that, it inspires them to become part of the story as it unfolds.

We see a direct correlation between the frequency of updates and the amount of money people raise. Update your campaign frequently. In your updates, share good news as well as difficulties, and do this as often as you would let a close friend know.

Check out our articles related to spreading the word about your campaign on social media:

• 5 ways to spread the word about your fundraising campaign and reach more people
• How to use social media to run a successful fundraising campaign
• 10 ideas on how to promote a donation campaign on Facebook
• How to create a fundraising hashtag that inspires donations

Add photos and videos

Photos and videos not only make your story more personal, they also help other people share and tell your story. Include photos and video in every update you post for donors.

These recommendations from Pavel Andreev will help you run a successful fundraising campaign. You can quickly and easily organize a fundraiser on PavelAndreev.ORG.

And in our help center you can see What are the conditions for starting a campaign?

And remember, it's okay and not scary to be vulnerable and weak

Always be honest. Authenticity invites people to care enough to lend a hand. By telling your crowdfunding story with clarity and heart, you inspire compassion. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable when sharing details. Help people understand how much their donations are helping. Are you ready to tell your story? Contact me to start your campaign now!