To successfully fund your project, you’ll need to reach out to your own network of potential donors. Successful projects usual have 4 key elements:
Concentrate on a single initiative or project. This is not intended for broad fundraising efforts for your organization, unit or department. Share your story in a way that resonates deeply with supporters who share your values and deliver it with genuine enthusiasm.
Explain to your donors why this particular amount is essential. Illustrate the positive impact their contributions will have on the Kansas State University community.
Dedicate time daily to your project throughout the 30-day campaign. Develop a strategy to promote your project’s fundraising efforts. Respond promptly to inquiries from donors or potential supporters. Engage with your audience daily through social media, email, personal interactions or phone calls
Identify 2-3 advocates to support your campaign. Determine ahead of time how they will promote your cause via social media, email or word of mouth. Is there a group, department or professional partner willing to assist? Do you have an existing social media following or a partner who can connect with their network? If you lack an audience, crowdfunding might not be the best approach for you.
Social media samples
Using your networks, you’ll want to succinctly inspire excitement and interest around your cause. You can use the following prompts as inspiration for the text in your posts, customizing the message as you see fit.
Today we launch our <CAMPAIGN NAME> campaign! Check it out here: <LINK> Help us reach our goal of $ <#>! Support <NAME OF GROUP>! 🙂
I’m trying to raise the most money for my team today. It’s a good cause. Hope you can help! <LINK>
Today is the last day of our <CAMPAIGN NAME> campaign! We are almost to our goal, so please consider supporting <NAME OF GROUP> students with a gift of any size. Thank you to everyone who has contributed! <LINK>
On Instagram, include it on your profile as your “website” and direct followers to click on the link in your bio:
Today we launch our <CAMPAIGN NAME> campaign! Check it out in the link in my bio! Help us reach our goal of $<#>!
With your support, we will be able to <EXPLAIN END GOAL OF PROJECT>!
Check out the link in my bio to see how you can help support this dream! Thank you!
Today is the last day of our <CAMPAIGN NAME> campaign! We are almost to our goal, so please consider supporting <NAME OF GROUP> students with a gift of any size. Check it out via the link in my bio. Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
How often should I communicate?
- Post 2-3 times per week on social media
- Make updates on the crowdfunding platform once a week and for every milestone
- Have 2-3 ambassadors identified who will consistently post and share. Determine ahead of time how they’ll promote your cause via social media, email or word of mouth.
Who should I ask about my project?
You might have more potential donors in your network than you think. Consider these questions to help identify them:
- Who in your network of friends or family would support this cause and support you and your organization?
- Do you have social media platforms or campus marketing tools available to share your cause with friends and family through social channels?
- Who in your organization has a social media platform? Do you have connections with faculty, staff or professionals who could assist in sharing the word of the campaign on their social media?
- As a student, do you have faculty or staff members who might have additional contacts?
- Are there newsletters or communication channels you can use to promote your project?
- Can other organizations or community groups support your cause?