A guide to successful fundraising campaigns

The hardest thing is getting started. This applies with full force to any new venture you embark on. You're probably reading this because you've never run a charity campaign before and you need some useful information and first-hand advice on the subject.

The main driver of any charity initiative is the desire to help and the belief in doing good. Of course, it doesn't happen by desire alone, but you need concrete action. Anyone can collect donations and you don't have to have a foundation or other organisation to help! In our impromptu ,,Guide to successful fundraising campaigns,, we will try to present you the basic steps you need to follow to organize a successful donation campaign.

Organising a charity campaign requires constant hard work

Before you start fundraising for your cause, you need to be absolutely sure that you won't lose motivation after a few days and that it's not a "spur of the moment" feeling to help that usually comes to us around the holidays. Then you can move on to the second stage of "preparation Think carefully about what your giving campaign stands for and how it differs from others. Is it appropriate to create your own or would it be better to join an existing initiative. There are dozens of campaigns you can check out at PavelAndreev.ORG or other popular charity websites.

Set a realistic goal and deadline

To a large extent, the goal you need to reach depends on the cause you have chosen. For example, if it's a fundraiser to raise money for an emergency treatment/surgery for someone close to you, then you need to calculate very well how much you will need initially and in what time frame it needs to be raised. In such situations, it may be necessary to re-collect funds for treatment if unforeseen circumstances arise related to the conduct of treatment; purchase of medication, etc.

Should you wish to organise a fundraising campaign to raise funds for recent tragic events; stray animals or to support disadvantaged people, then we advise you to set 'realistic' financial targets and a timeframe for collection. Set a low threshold for a minimum amount that does not require excessive effort to meet. This will reduce the chance of failure and you will not risk "disappointing" the donors who have joined the campaign. As for the time it takes to raise the money, avoid overly long campaigns. Shorter deadlines encourage people to give more quickly.

Choose an appropriate name and share an inspiring story

To get more people involved in your giving campaign you need to touch their hearts with words. It's crucial to choose a suitable name and tell a true story. Share your feelings and what drove you to organise the campaign. Be sincere and people will appreciate it. Avoid extremes and don't exaggerate so that you don't turn your campaign into a 'trite story'.

Tell in detail how you plan to use the funds. Transparency and accountability will earn you the trust of donors. Everyone would love to know what and how the funds they have contributed to the campaign have been used.

Don't rush to publish your campaign. Read the text you have written several times. Edit it where you feel it is necessary and attach as many photos and video material to it as possible. The combination of inspiring text and heartfelt images can give your donation campaign the kick-start it's been dreaming of. It's safe to say that up to 80% of a campaign's success depends on the photos and videos you attach. They are much more persuasive than any words and can touch even the iciest heart!

Use as many channels as possible and create your own community

Once you're done with your campaign and you think you're ready to introduce it to your audience, it's time to set up a donation campaign on a site like Pavel Andreev's foundation, which is one of the most transparent and doesn't deduct commissions from the campaigns it runs! Use as many channels as you can to reach potential supporters - social networks like Facebook, Tik-tok, Instagram; media sites; TV; radio; direct contact with people; businesses; organisations; charity foundations and whatever else you can think of. Try to reach people who might actually be willing to join your initiative.

If your campaign is not a one-off and you have an idea to continue it in one form or another, then you can create your own community to which you can direct people who want to help. Be it through your own website or a Facebook page/group where you can periodically share important information about the development of the campaign.

Share regular updates on the progress of the campaign

Keep in regular contact with people and share what is happening with the campaign. Especially when it comes to donation campaigns related to tragic events such as natural disasters. You can post short messages on a daily basis, but still don't overdo it and stay within a certain framework. Share really important information. Not only will you gain people's trust, but you may also bring in new supporters who weren't sure they wanted to get involved before.

Provide as many opportunities as possible for donors

Don't just limit yourself to collecting donations by opening a donor bank account. Not all people can donate by bank, which would deter them from even wanting to support your cause. Provide the option of donating to a Paypal or Revolut account; organise charity events - a competition; a concert; exhibitions; bazaars; an auction or whatever you deem appropriate in the case.
The PavelAndreev.ORG platform is here to give you all possible channels for donations completely free and in one place.