Fundraising can be difficult without the right tools. One of the most important tools of crowdfunding is learning how to maintain good donor relationships. By communicating with your donors you not only get better results but also make your supporters feel valued. Here are the best tools for learning how to write a fundraiser update.
Show your gratitude
The first step to writing an update is to recognize how your donors have helped so far. It’s critical to be grateful and sincere. Often times we don’t realize how important a simple “Thank You” is to many people. After you have thanked everyone, let them know how close you are to your goal. When you write your updates, remember to include your custom hashtag. Link to your social media pages and any blog posts you may be writing about your crowdfunding journey. Once you have given a brief update on your fundraising goals, it is time to really connect with your supporters.
Key information to share:
Why you are hopeful about your fundraiser and what you are doing to reach your goal.
Any new advancements. Did someone donate a large amount? Did a local business offer matching donation? If it excites you, then it will excite them.
If you are hosting a fundraising event, you can add an update to get people excited and to remind them of the details.
Once you begin using the funds for your cause, update your donors on what the funds are being used for and how they’re helping.
If you are organizing a fundraiser for someone else, ask the beneficiary or a close family member to write a short message to those who have helped.
If your fundraiser was featured in the local media, then add links to those articles in your updates.
Examples of fundraising updates
1. Aeric’s Fund
Kaitlyn used her GoFundMe to tell an amazing story: a homeless addict named Aeric returned her purse when she thought it was gone forever; he told her he wanted to get clean, and she vowed to help. But it was through her updates that the real story took place. She let her donors know every step of Aeric’s recovery, and she sent out links to her Facebook page for the fundraiser. Her supporters have followed developments for nearly a year through photos, links, and inspirational content.
2. Get Kamden Rollin’ again
With his parents’ help, 8-year-old Paul started a GoFundMe so his friend Kamden could get a new wheelchair. In 10 months, Paul has posted 25 updates with photos, videos, important developments, and links. He’s shared good news and bad, but every update is filled with gratitude and optimism. His from-the-heart updates keep donors emotionally involved in the story and lets them know where their money is going.