This crowdfunding thing is not as easy as it looks.

I just looked at the list that I started with and felt pride that I had gotten it all done.  In order to make life easier for others of you embarking on a crowdfunding campaign for a non-profit, here’s my how to:

First the easier stuff:

Pick a Platform: There are tons. I chose StartSomeGood because our 501c3 status is pending and they are non-profit focused.  They take less money than Kickstarter and their “all or nothing” policy is a bit softer.  I’ve been so pleased with their customer service.  A specific person, Patty, has been assigned to help me and she has proofed my text, told me what to add, given me ideas.

Time Frame:  We are doing 5 weeks.  Just the way it worked out.  Usually a month or so.

ID Target Market:  Ours = Mothers primarily based on donations. When coming up with your target: Think what’s my issue, geography, innovation, who am I? This helped me to plan the video and text.

Title: Short and catchy: Birth Supplies to Save 1,000 Moms & Babies in Laos  

Text: Summarize your project and organization history.

Now the time-consuming parts:

Video: So important but doesn’t have to be high production quality. Figure out who you are talking to and appeal to them.  If you can get help, as I did, your life will be a million times easier.  But don’t put off the campaign because you don’t have a film genius at your disposal.

Financial Goal and Rational: Why are you asking for this money?  Due to StartSomeGood’s rules, I divided my goal up: $1,600 is my tipping point (which I must achieve to keep the money) and will fund 3 months of kits and education, $4980 is my large goal and is needed to fund the kits and education for the year.

Rewards:  You need to decide what you will give depending on what you do.  We are doing cards at $10 + magnets at $25 + calendars at $50 + phone call at $100 + Lao scarf at $200 + Lao table cover for $500 + wall hanging at $1000 (each levels gets all the previous level gifts).  Who knows how much this incentivizes people but you have to do it.

Strategy for Getting Donors:  This is on-going and intense.  First day is critical, last week too.  Here’s what I am doing: First I sent an email to 30 friends/donors begging them to donate on Day 1 (important!).  Next, on the day, I will send a reminder and instructions for getting their friends involved.  I have 3 blog networks ready to promote it.  I will approach more bloggers.  And FB, Twitter, Instagram non stop.  Plus two live fundraisers scheduled.

I’ll update this soon, as the campaign unfolds.  Wish me luck!!