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!!