“Social Fundraising.” “Crowdfunding.” “Peer-to-Peer Fundraising.” There are a lot of terms floating around, but they’re mostly talking about the same thing: an online fundraising effort that relies on leveraging the social networks of your supporters.
At CauseVox, we believe this is the future of fundraising. In today’s connected world there is more noise and distractions than ever, the cost to rent attention continues to rise, and your supporters have more influence on and access to others than brands.
People fundraising empowers your supporters to be your advocates, allowing you to get around the constant noise on a limited budget. Some of the most compelling include:
Whatever you call it, social fundraising holds great opportunities for organizations of all sizes and at all stages of growth.
If you were on the Internet in the summer of 2014, you probably encountered the “Ice Bucket Challenge.” If you’ve been in the fundraising sphere since then, you’ve definitely encountered at least one article about how the social fundraiser for ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neurodegenerative disease) research and awareness really shook up the crowdfunding game. If not, a brief catch-up:
The Ice Bucket Challenge works by one person challenging another to post a video of themselves dumping a bucket of ice water over their head to call attention to ALS. The Challenge grew virally, quickly becoming a social media phenomenon. Within a month of its start, The ALS Association received nearly $3M more in donations than it had during the same period in the previous year. Soon, donations reached more than $100M.
In addition to activating peer networks to spread the word, the Ice Bucket Challenge did several things right. The top three takeaways can be applied to any social campaign, ice water or no.
To start your social fundraising campaign, you will need:
Ready to get inspired? Take a look at these absolutely rocking social fundraising CauseVox campaigns.
What It Is: Participants fundraise and raise awareness of generational poverty by wearing the same outfit five days in a row, along with a pin that says, “Ask Me About My Dress” to prompt discussion.
Attention Grabbing? Even if you didn’t happen to notice a coworker or friend wearing the same dress five days in a row, the pin inviting questions attracts attention.
Potential For Fun? Generational poverty is not a lighthearted topic, but the campaign provides an easy introduction. By demonstrating how women born into generations of poverty lack access to things like a professional wardrobe, The Little Black Dress Initiative gives a good jumping off point for discussion.
Social? This initiative provides both online content (“Here I am, still wearing this dress!”) as well as real-life conversations.
Results? The Junior League of Atlanta raised $77,787 in one week with their CauseVox campaign.
What It Is: NeverThirst works for clean water access around the world. WOD (Workout of the Day) for Water is a Crossfit challenge, done in partnership with Iron Tribe Fitness. Participants raise funds and come together for workout events.
Attention Grabbing? WOD attaches itself to something people are already doing: Crossfit. It appeals to a specific audience by giving them an opportunity to use their interests for something new.
Potential For Fun? Have you ever met anyone who does Crossfit? They really, really, like it. It is definitely their idea of a good time.
Social? The fundraising is social, because it is peer-to-peer, and the events are a social gathering.
Results? Neverthirst’s very first WOD for Water campaign raised $217,889 to build 87 wells in India.
WOD for Water: Fitness Fundraising
Ready to empower your supporters, reach new donors, and build a community around your cause? CauseVox is here to help. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Peer-to-Peer Fundraising to get started.
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