25 Proven Strategies to Boost Your GoFundMe Donations

Breaking Down the Barriers to Successful GoFundMe Fundraising

Raising funds through GoFundMe might seem daunting right now. I understand, as fundraising involves much more than simply asking for help.

You’re inviting people to show that they care.

It’s not something you ever planned for, nor did you expect to find yourself in a position of vulnerability.

To assist you, I’ve created a video that outlines a straightforward GoFundMe Fundraising Plan.

Every step of your GoFundMe campaign demands both courage and strategy, along with community support and creative efforts.

Read through this article, and I’ll also share my free GoFundMe videos to help you expedite the fundraising process.

1. Break through your unease.

Launching a fundraising campaign can be intimidating because it often involves exposing a personal need to the public.

It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous about how others will perceive your request for help. Yet, overcoming this unease is crucial for gaining donations on GoFundMe. Hang in there!

Believe in your cause and recognize that every change begins with courage. Embracing this mindset can open the door to potential support and help you raise more funds.

2. Study different campaigns and learn what to emulate and avoid.

Before starting your campaign, research successful fundraising efforts, especially those similar to yours. This preparation is crucial for attracting donations on GoFundMe and achieving your desired results.

Understand which elements made these campaigns successful. Pay attention to their narrative style, visual content, engagement strategies, timing, and donor behavior and preferences.

Use these insights to craft a more targeted approach, leveraging the fact that many people are inclined to give charitably. Analyzing successful campaigns will help you raise more funds effectively.

Additionally, study failed campaigns. Identify common pitfalls such as vague goals, infrequent updates, or inadequate engagement with donors. Understanding what to avoid can help you steer clear of critical errors in your campaign.

For further guidance, check out my book, “The Secret GoFundMe Bible: Your Ultimate Guide to Crowdfunding Success.” I interviewed over 150 successful GoFundMe organizers to compile this comprehensive guide. With this book, you’ll learn how to:

1. Prepare for your campaign launch.
2. Secure donations on GoFundMe.
3. Gain media coverage for your campaign.

Note: Categorize where the funds will go and determine your starting goal amount. Reflect on which description best fits your goal.

1. Medical Expenses: Covering medical bills, treatments, and therapies.
2. Education: Funding tuition, school supplies, and educational programs.
3. Emergencies: Assisting with urgent needs like disaster relief or unexpected financial crises.
4. Charity: Supporting nonprofit organizations or community projects.
5. Memorials: Funding funerals, memorial services, and related expenses.
6. Volunteer: Supporting volunteer trips and activities.
7. Business: Raising capital for new business ventures or expansions.
8. Creative Projects: Funding artistic projects, such as films, books, or music.
9. Events: Hosting community events, celebrations, or personal milestones.

Determine Your Starting Goal Amount

Reflect on the total amount needed to achieve your goal. Break down the costs into specific categories to provide transparency to potential donors. Set an initial goal that is realistic and attainable, allowing room for adjustments as your campaign progresses.

By categorizing your needs and setting a clear financial target, you can create a focused and compelling GoFundMe campaign that effectively communicates your purpose and goals to potential supporters.

3. Know your audience.

Identifying your potential supporters is essential for maximizing donations on GoFundMe. Your audience may include friends, family, community members, or interest-based groups.

Tailor your campaign’s message to resonate with their interests and values. Understanding your audience enhances the relevance and impact of your message, increasing your chances of success on GoFundMe.

Consider your potential donors’ demographics, cultural backgrounds, and economic situations. Determine if they are inclined towards online giving, as this can significantly boost your GoFundMe success.

To further ensure your campaign’s success, consider enrolling in the GoFundMe course I’ve created. This course offers valuable fundraising tips and provides access to useful resources, increasing your fundraising effectiveness and helping you achieve your goals on GoFundMe.

4. Focus on the reasons.

Crafting a compelling narrative is key to attracting donations on GoFundMe. Share your story authentically to connect with potential supporters and increase donations.

Clearly explain why you’re raising money and provide context for your need. Highlight the significance of your cause and its impact on your life or others’.

Describe the effects of your campaign and why they matter. By effectively communicating the importance of your cause, you’ll increase your chances of raising funds on GoFundMe.

Additionally, consider articulating the injustices your campaign addresses. People are more inclined to donate when they know they’re contributing to higher-order needs like empowerment, making an impact, and effecting change. Incorporating these elements into your story can further motivate donors to support your cause.

5. Use correct wording.

Personalizing your appeal is crucial for generating more donations and making a significant impact.

Address potential donors directly using “you,” making them feel personally connected and integral to your campaign’s success.

Utilize active verbs to drive action and motivation. Words like “support,” “enable,” “achieve,” and “build” convey positive and impactful outcomes, inspiring people to contribute.

Remember, your choice of wording can either hinder or enhance your fundraising efforts. By crafting a personalized appeal with active language, you can significantly increase donations and advance your cause.

6. Detail your personal expenses.

Transparency is the cornerstone of trust-building in fundraising. When potential donors trust you, you’re more likely to raise funds successfully on GoFundMe. Be transparent by providing a clear breakdown of how you will utilize the funds.

Listing specific expenses allows donors to see exactly where their contributions will be allocated. This level of transparency increases their confidence in your campaign and motivates them to contribute generously.

For further insights on successful crowdfunding and fundraising strategies, consider checking out my book, “The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Successful Crowdfunding & Getting Funded.” It offers valuable tips and techniques to enhance your fundraising efforts and achieve your goals on platforms like GoFundMe.

7. Create a sense of urgency.

Highlighting specific deadlines or important dates related to your cause can be a powerful motivator for potential donors, especially when they sense urgency in making a meaningful impact.

Consider setting deadlines for reaching certain fundraising milestones or for achieving your overall goal. Communicate these deadlines clearly in your campaign materials to create a sense of urgency and encourage prompt action from supporters.

Additionally, leverage special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays to promote your campaign. Encourage people to donate in honor of these occasions, offering a meaningful alternative to traditional gifts. This approach can amplify your campaign’s reach and engagement, particularly during times of heightened celebration and generosity.

8. Create a compelling explainer video.

Utilizing a compelling video can significantly enhance your ability to communicate your message effectively and increase donations.

Videos have a unique power to forge emotional connections with viewers, allowing you to convey sincerity and highlight the importance of your campaign in a way that written content may not achieve.

By putting a face to your campaign and sharing your story visually, you can engage potential donors on a deeper level and inspire them to take action.

Remember to keep your video concise, engaging, and focused on your campaign’s core message and objectives. A well-crafted video can serve as a powerful tool to help you make more money and achieve success on platforms like GoFundMe.

9. Appeal to different types of donors.

Diversifying your outreach efforts is essential for attracting a wide range of donors, including small-time contributors and major philanthropists, and securing nonprofit donations.

Different types of donors may contribute in various ways, so tapping into multiple donor segments can maximize your fundraising potential and help you make more money.

Consider reaching out to:

1. Individual Donors: Engage with friends, family, and acquaintances who may be willing to support your cause with smaller donations.
2. Corporate Sponsors: Seek partnerships with businesses or corporations that align with your cause and may be interested in providing financial support or in-kind donations.
3. Major Donors: Identify potential major donors who have the capacity to make significant contributions and develop personalized cultivation strategies to secure their support.
4. Foundations and Grantmakers: Research and apply for grants from foundations or grantmaking organizations that fund projects similar to yours.
5. Online Communities: Utilize social media platforms and online communities to connect with like-minded individuals and raise awareness about your campaign.

By diversifying your outreach efforts and tapping into various types of donors, you can expand your fundraising reach and increase your chances of success.

To give you an idea, here’s what the donation page looks like:

10. Offer incentives.

Offering incentives can be a great way to encourage donations on GoFundMe and make donors feel appreciated for their contributions. Consider the following ideas:

1. Thank-You Notes: Personalized thank-you notes or messages sent to donors can show your appreciation and make them feel valued.
2. Merchandise: Offer merchandise related to your campaign as a token of appreciation for donations. This could include items like t-shirts, mugs, or stickers featuring your campaign logo or message.
3. Special Acknowledgments: Recognize donors publicly on your campaign page, social media channels, or other platforms. You could feature their names or photos as a special acknowledgment of their support.
4. Exclusive Updates: Provide donors with exclusive updates or behind-the-scenes content related to your campaign. This can make them feel like insiders and strengthen their connection to your cause.
5. Personalized Rewards: Offer personalized rewards or experiences to donors based on the amount of their donation. For example, you could offer a shout-out in a video or a private meet-and-greet for larger donations.

By offering incentives, you can enhance the donor experience and encourage continued support for your campaign on GoFundMe. Just be sure to choose incentives that align with your campaign’s goals and budget.

11. Promote your GoFundMe campaign consistently.

Visibility is key to the success of your fundraising campaign. To ensure maximum exposure, share your campaign widely and consistently across multiple platforms.

Consider partnering with influencers, local celebrities, industry leaders, or businesses with established audiences. These partnerships can help expand your reach and attract more donors.

Your partners can also provide support by sponsoring your campaign, matching donations, or hosting events at their locations, further increasing your fundraising potential.

Consistently sharing your fundraiser link across social media, email, and other channels keeps your campaign in the public eye. Regular updates not only engage your audience but also serve as reminders to those who may have missed earlier posts and help sway undecided potential donors.

By leveraging partnerships and maintaining visibility through strategic sharing and updates, you can enhance the success of your fundraising campaign and reach your goals on platforms like GoFundMe.

12. Request assistance from your personal network. 

Your personal network is an invaluable asset for expanding the reach of your campaign. Don’t hesitate to ask your family and friends to share your GoFundMe link with their own networks.

Their endorsement not only lends credibility to your cause but also helps you reach individuals outside of your immediate circle.

Encourage your family and friends to share personal testimonials about why they support your campaign. Their heartfelt statements can strengthen the authenticity of your needs and resonate with potential donors, ultimately leading to increased donations on GoFundMe.

13. Leverage your unique talents.

Leveraging your specific skills and talents can be a powerful way to appeal to donors and attract attention to your campaign on GoFundMe.

If you’re musically inclined, consider composing a piece of music inspired by your cause or hosting a virtual concert as a fundraising event. Artistic individuals can create artwork that reflects the message or theme of your campaign, which can be offered as rewards for donations.

Similarly, if you have expertise in a particular area, such as hosting workshops or giving presentations, you could organize an educational event to explain the importance of your campaign and how donations will make a difference.

By showcasing your creativity and expertise, you can engage a wider audience and inspire them to support your cause through donations on GoFundMe.

14. Use email marketing.

Crafting targeted and personalized email campaigns is a strategic way to reach out to your contacts and effectively communicate the importance of your campaign on GoFundMe.

Start by segmenting your email list based on factors such as relationship to you, level of engagement, and potential interest in your cause. This allows you to tailor your messaging to each group, increasing the relevance and impact of your emails.

In your emails, convey the seriousness of your request by sharing personal stories, testimonials, and specific details about your campaign’s goals and objectives. Be transparent about how the funds will be used and provide detailed updates on your campaign’s progress, including milestones achieved and funds raised.

Make your emails personalized and engaging, addressing recipients by name and highlighting how their support can make a difference. Include a clear call-to-action prompting recipients to donate, share your campaign with their networks, or take other desired actions.

By crafting targeted and personalized email campaigns, you can effectively engage your contacts, convey the importance of your campaign, and inspire them to support your cause on GoFundMe.

15. Put your fundraiser link in other locations.

Thinking creatively about where to promote your fundraiser can help you reach a wider audience and increase donations on GoFundMe. Consider unconventional but strategic placements to capture attention:

1. Local Cafes and Libraries: Display flyers or posters in community spaces like cafes, libraries, or local businesses with permission. These locations attract diverse groups and offer opportunities for engagement.
2. Community Bulletin Boards: Utilize community bulletin boards in public spaces to share information about your fundraiser. Make sure to adhere to any posting guidelines and regulations.
3. Personal Property: Use your garden, vehicle, or other properties to increase exposure. Display signs or banners with information about your campaign. This can attract attention from neighbors and passersby.
4. QR Codes: Instead of sharing the direct link, generate a QR code that people can scan with their smartphones to access your GoFundMe page. This makes it easy for individuals to donate on the go.

By exploring creative placement opportunities and utilizing various promotional tactics, you can expand the reach of your fundraiser and encourage more people to donate on GoFundMe.

16. Reach out to people with the same interests. 

Identifying online communities and forums that align with your cause is a strategic way to reach individuals who are more likely to have a vested interest in supporting your campaign on GoFundMe.

Start by researching online platforms, social media groups, forums, and communities that focus on topics related to your cause. Join these groups and engage with members by sharing information about your campaign, asking for support, and answering questions.

Members of these communities are more likely to resonate with your cause and may be willing to spread the word further within their networks, increasing your campaign’s visibility and potential for donations.

When engaging with online communities, be mindful of the group’s rules and guidelines, and focus on building genuine connections and relationships. By leveraging the support of like-minded individuals in online communities, you can expand your reach and make more money on GoFundMe.

17. Engage actively.

Participating in related events or organizing your own demonstrates your commitment to the cause and can significantly boost your fundraising efforts on GoFundMe.

Consider participating in local events, festivals, or community gatherings that align with your cause. This not only raises awareness but also allows you to engage with the community and showcase your dedication firsthand.

Alternatively, organize small-scale, local events such as a lemonade stand, bake sale, or charity run. These events provide a fun and interactive way for the community to support your cause and contribute financially.

Engaging in such activities not only raises funds but also fosters connections with supporters, strengthens community ties, and attracts media attention. This increased visibility can lead to more donations on GoFundMe as more people become aware of your campaign and its impact.

By actively participating in events and organizing initiatives that align with your cause, you can demonstrate your commitment and inspire others to support your fundraising efforts on GoFundMe.

18. Customize your outreach efforts.

Personalizing your outreach messages, especially when targeting potential major donors, can significantly increase your chances of receiving a positive response and securing donations for your campaign on GoFundMe.

When reaching out to potential major donors, reference any personal connections, mutual interests, or specific reasons why their contribution would be particularly impactful. This demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to research and tailor your message to them, making it more likely to resonate and elicit a favorable response.

Additionally, consider highlighting the unique aspects of your campaign that align with their interests or values, and emphasize how their support can make a tangible difference in achieving your goals.

To further enhance your fundraising efforts and learn new methods of outreach and marketing, consider enrolling in my free GoFundMe course. This resource can provide valuable insights and strategies to help you optimize your campaign and maximize your fundraising success.

19. Compose original and attention-grabbing shoutouts.

Keeping your campaign engaging is crucial for sustaining donors’ attention and maximizing your fundraising potential on GoFundMe. Craft creative updates using various media forms, such as videos, photos, graphics, and heartfelt messages.

Here are some tips to keep your updates compelling:

1. Videos: Share video updates to provide a personal touch and showcase the impact of donations. You can share stories from beneficiaries, progress reports, or behind-the-scenes footage of your campaign efforts.
2. Photos: Use high-quality photos to visually convey your message and evoke emotions. Show the real people and situations your campaign is benefiting, as well as the progress you’ve made.
3. Graphics: Create eye-catching graphics to highlight key milestones, goals, or statistics related to your campaign. Infographics can be particularly effective for presenting information in a visually appealing way.
4. Heartfelt Messages: Write heartfelt messages to express gratitude to donors, update them on your progress, and share personal stories that illustrate the impact of their contributions.

By diversifying your updates with different media forms, you can keep your campaign fresh, engaging, and shareable. This increases the likelihood of reaching a wider audience and inspiring more people to donate to your cause on GoFundMe.

20. Utilize social proof.

Absolutely, showcasing social proof is a powerful way to build trust and encourage more donations on GoFundMe.

Here are some effective ways to demonstrate that others are already supporting your campaign:

1. Testimonials: Share testimonials from donors, beneficiaries, or individuals who have been impacted by your cause. Hearing positive experiences from others can inspire confidence in potential donors.
2. Donor Counts: Highlight the number of donors who have already contributed to your campaign. A high donor count can demonstrate widespread support and encourage others to join in.
3. Social Media Interactions: Showcase social media interactions such as likes, shares, and comments on your campaign posts. This demonstrates engagement and interest in your cause.
4. Partner Campaigns: Consider partnering with another individual or organization to raise funds collaboratively. When reputable fundraisers vouch for your credibility and serve as the beneficiary of their campaign, it provides additional social proof and can attract more donors.

By leveraging social proof effectively, you can build trust with potential donors and increase your chances of success on GoFundMe.

21. Document your progress. 

Maintaining a blog or vlog is an excellent strategy for building a following and increasing engagement with your campaign on GoFundMe.

Regularly documenting your progress, activities, and the impact of donations through blog posts or video updates allows supporters to stay informed and invested in your cause over the long term.

For instance, if your campaign is raising funds for medical expenses, you can use your blog or vlog to provide detailed updates on how the donations have been utilized. This could include enumerating the medications, treatments, or hospital bills that have been covered, as well as sharing personal stories of individuals who have benefited from the support.

By consistently sharing updates and stories through your blog or vlog, you can build trust, foster a sense of community, and keep supporters engaged with your campaign. Over time, this can lead to increased donations and sustained fundraising success on GoFundMe.

22. Assess your campaign’s performance.

Monitoring and analyzing your campaign’s performance is essential for optimizing your strategy and maximizing donations on GoFundMe.

Here’s how you can leverage analytics tools to track your campaign’s reach and engagement:

1. Use GoFundMe Analytics: GoFundMe provides built-in analytics tools that allow you to track key metrics such as views, shares, and donations. Monitor these metrics regularly to gain insights into your campaign’s performance.
2. Track Website Traffic: If you’re driving traffic to your campaign page from external sources such as social media or your website, use tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic and user behavior. This can help you understand where your visitors are coming from and how they’re interacting with your campaign page.
3. Monitor Engagement Metrics: Pay attention to engagement metrics such as likes, comments, and shares on social media posts or blog/vlog updates related to your campaign. These metrics can indicate the level of interest and interaction from your audience.
4. Test Different Content Formats: Experiment with different content formats such as videos, photos, text updates, and graphics. Track the performance of each format to identify which types of content resonate best with your audience and drive more engagement and donations.

Based on the insights gathered from your analytics, adapt your strategy and content to focus on what’s working best. For example, if you find that video updates generate more engagement and donations on GoFundMe, prioritize creating and sharing more video content in your communications.

Continuously monitoring and optimizing your campaign based on analytics insights will help you increase your reach, engagement, and ultimately, donations on GoFundMe.

The following image shows the progress of an actual GoFundMe fundraising campaign:

Explainer videos can be incredibly helpful for providing comprehensive fundraising tips, tricks, and strategies in an easily digestible format.

By watching your free GoFundMe explainer videos, fundraisers can gain valuable insights and guidance on how to optimize their campaigns, attract more donors, and maximize their fundraising potential.

Explainer videos are especially effective for visual learners and those who prefer to consume information through multimedia formats. They can cover a wide range of topics, from setting up a compelling campaign page to leveraging social media for promotion and engagement.

Overall, offering free explainer videos is a fantastic way to support fundraisers and provide them with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed on platforms like GoFundMe.

23.  Stay in touch. 

Maintaining communication with your donors even after your campaign ends is crucial for fostering long-term relationships and continued support.

Here’s how you can stay in touch with your donors:

1. Provide Ongoing Updates: Keep donors informed about the ongoing impact of their contributions. Share updates on how their donations have been utilized and the progress made towards achieving your campaign goals.
2. Share Future Initiatives: Inform donors about any future initiatives or projects you plan to undertake. This keeps them engaged and involved in your cause beyond the initial campaign.
3. Express Gratitude: Continuously express gratitude to your donors for their support. Let them know how much their contributions mean to you and the difference they have made in the lives of others.
4. Personalize Communication: Whenever possible, personalize your communication with donors. Address them by name and tailor your messages to their interests and involvement with your campaign.

By maintaining a strong relationship with your donors, you not only ensure continued support for your current initiatives but also create a supportive network that can contribute to your future fundraising efforts on platforms like GoFundMe. Building and nurturing these relationships is key to long-term fundraising success.

24. Professionally written press release and national news media distribution.

Utilizing a professionally written press release and distributing it to national news media outlets can significantly increase the visibility and credibility of your campaign on GoFundMe. Here’s how to effectively execute this strategy:

1. Crafting the Press Release: Ensure your press release is professionally written, with attention-grabbing headlines and concise, compelling content. Highlight the key elements of your campaign, including the purpose, impact, and urgency. Include quotes from key stakeholders, such as yourself or beneficiaries, to add credibility and emotional appeal.
2. Identify Target Media Outlets: Research national news media outlets that align with your campaign’s focus and target audience. CrowdFundingExposure has partnered with major news media. This could include newspapers, magazines, online publications, TV networks, and radio stations. Compile a list of contacts or media outlets that may be interested in covering your story.
3. Distribution Strategy: Choose a reputable press release distribution service like EMWNews.com or work with a public relations professional to distribute your press release to the identified media outlets. Tailor your distribution list based on the preferences and interests of each outlet, ensuring your press release reaches the right audience.
4. Follow-Up and Engagement: After distributing your press release, follow up with journalists or editors to gauge their interest and answer any questions they may have. Be prepared to provide additional information, interviews, or visuals to support your story. Engage with journalists in a professional and courteous manner to build relationships for potential future coverage.
5. Monitor Coverage and Metrics: Monitor coverage of your campaign in the media and track key metrics such as website traffic, donations, and social media engagement. Use analytics tools to measure the impact of your press release distribution and identify areas for improvement.

By leveraging a professionally written press release and national news media distribution, you can amplify awareness of your campaign, reach a broader audience, and attract more support and donations on GoFundMe.

25. Trigger emotions.

Creating an emotional connection with your audience is a powerful way to inspire generosity and raise more on GoFundMe. Here’s how you can do it effectively:

1. Share Personal Stories: Start by sharing personal stories that highlight the challenges or struggles you’re facing. Elaborate on how a particular misfortune or lack affects you and those around you. This helps your audience empathize with your situation and understand the urgency of your cause.
2. Highlight Impact: Throughout your campaign, regularly share updates and stories that demonstrate the impact of donations. Describe how the support you’ve received has changed your life and the lives of others involved. By showcasing tangible results, you reinforce the importance of continued support and encourage donors to contribute further.
3. Express Gratitude: Always express heartfelt gratitude to your donors for their generosity. Let them know how much their help means to you and how it has made a significant difference in your life. When donors feel appreciated and valued, they are more likely to continue supporting your cause and share your campaign with others.
4. Appeal to Empathy: Appeal to the empathy of your audience by authentically sharing your distress and struggles. When people feel a personal connection to your story and understand the impact of their donations, they are motivated to step up and be your hero.
5. Highlight Donors’ Self-Worth: Remind donors that their charitable contributions not only help you but also improve their own sense of self-worth. Knowing that their generosity has made a positive impact on someone else’s life can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding.

By incorporating these elements into your campaign strategy, you can effectively create an emotional connection with your audience, inspire generosity, and raise more funds on GoFundMe.

For Your Reference: GoFundMe Pricing

Key Takeaways

It sounds like you’ve compiled a comprehensive array of resources to help fundraisers succeed on GoFundMe! From specialized free videos to insightful books and guides, you’re providing valuable tools and strategies to empower individuals to meet their financial goals and make a positive impact on their world.

By offering a variety of resources, including specialized videos, educational books, and practical guides, you’re ensuring that fundraisers have access to the knowledge and support they need to navigate the crowdfunding landscape successfully.

I created the video “How to Promote a GoFundMe Campaign and Get Funded: The Ultimate Guide in 2024.” In this video, you will learn valuable expert tricks to promote your GoFundMe campaign.

Your commitment to providing valuable resources and support to fundraisers is commendable, and it’s clear that you’re dedicated to helping individuals achieve their fundraising goals and make a meaningful difference in their communities.

To boost your learning curve, my book “The Secret GoFundMe Bible: Your Ultimate Guide to Crowdfunding Success” has your back. Be inspired by the stories based on more than 150 successful fundraisers and become one of them someday!

Thank you for your dedication to education and empowerment, and best of luck to all fundraisers who utilize your resources on their journey to success!