How to Start a Fundraiser: 6 Essential Tips for First-Time Fundraisers
Learning how to start a fundraiser online can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to. With a clear plan and the right tools, you can turn first-time jitters into real results. Read on to discover Go Raise Dough’s 6 essential tips for first-time fundraisers.
1. Set Goals
Every fundraiser starts with a clearly established goal — but it can be hard to know where to begin. We recommend starting by calculating the minimum amount of money you need to support your cause.
Next, use the SMART framework to create a structured, actionable plan for your fundraiser:
- Specific: Answer all of the “W” questions around your fundraiser, such as:
- Who needs to be involved?
- What are you aiming to accomplish?
- When do you need funds?
- Where will you host your fundraiser?
- Which obstacles might be present?
- Why does it all matter?
- Measurable: Choose metrics, like total funds or ticket sales, to track.
- Achievable: Evaluate your existing resources for fundraising capacity.
- Relevant: Ensure each goal will help you further your cause.
- Time-Bound: Set deadlines, like weekly benchmarks or end dates.
2. Start Simple
With a strategy in place, most teams research how to start a fundraiser — particularly which tactics to use. There are a million different ways to fundraise, but one of our most essential tips for first-time fundraisers is to start simple.
Online platforms help you fundraise effectively without the costs and coordination of in-person events. Go Raise Dough simplifies the process even further with just three raffle fundraisers to choose from:
3. Get Emotional
First-time fundraisers tend to focus on the what, such as the program or the goal number. They explain every element of their plan, but fail to emphasize the true impact fundraising will have.
As part of our fundraising tips, we recommend leveraging stories to connect with your audience. Messaging with emotional context helps audiences understand that their actions will ultimately touch lives and solve problems.
For instance, imagine a raffle fundraiser for a high school baseball team. “Equipment upgrades” will sound bland to the average person. But adding emotional context, like a star pitcher dreaming of going to the MLB, can motivate them to take action.
Teams researching how to start a fundraiser can prioritize storytelling by sharing:
- High-quality photos and videos
- Quotes from community members
- Past success stories
4. Promote Across Platforms
When it comes to fundraising online, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket. We recommend sharing your campaign across multiple platforms — social media, email, community forums and even messaging apps — to maximize your reach.
To make messaging feel even easier, Go Raise Dough offers personalized fundraising tips and ready-to-use templates for posts, emails and updates. These resources help you maintain communication without having to start from scratch.
5. Track Progress
Fundraising teams should never fly blind. Instead, they should keep an eye on what channels convert, when donations spike and which messages motivate action. We recommend tracking progress over time to see what’s working and what’s falling flat.
Go Raise Dough takes away the need for manual tracking. Our built-in reporting tools automatically track sales, contributors, drawings and revenue for your raffle fundraiser. Through reports, you save time and unlock opportunities to adapt before deadlines.
6. Show Appreciation
Though you may still be learning how to start a fundraiser, remember that appreciation shouldn’t be put on the back burner. We recommend thanking the people who make your fundraiser possible through:
- Personal thank you messages
- Social media shout-outs
- Exclusive updates
- Winner spotlights
- Small participation rewards
- Follow-up messages
Small acts of gratitude ultimately build goodwill, encourage repeat participation and spread positive word of mouth — helping your raffle fundraiser grow with time.
Go All in with Go Raise Dough
Learning how to start a fundraiser online is only the beginning. By following Go Raise Dough’s essential tips for first-time fundraisers, you can establish a foundation for future fundraising campaigns. And, over time, you’ll build unprecedented momentum for the cause closest to your heart.
Ready to go all in? Contact Go Raise Dough today to start your campaign.