Starting a fundraising campaign without experience can feel overwhelming. You may have a great cause in mind, but no idea how to turn it into a campaign that actually brings in donations. This guide is for beginners who are serious about getting started but feel stuck. If you’re asking yourself questions like “Where do I even begin?”, keep reading.
Whether you’re raising money for a charity, a local community group, or a personal project, there’s a clear and effective way to start, even with zero background in fundraising.
Define Your Purpose and Audience
Every successful fundraising campaign starts with clarity. You need to know exactly what you’re trying to achieve, and who is most likely to support you.
Be clear about your purpose:
Ask yourself:
- What is the specific problem or need?
- What difference will this campaign make?
- What result do you want to see?
Now, define who would most likely care about this issue. These are your target donors. For example:
- If you’re raising money for a youth sports club, your audience might be local parents and businesses.
- If it’s for medical research, it may be people affected by the condition or healthcare professionals.
This helps you speak to the right people using the right message.
Choose the Right Type of Fundraising
Not all fundraising looks the same. There are many ways to raise money, and the method you choose should fit your cause, your skills, and your network.
Here are a few common types of fundraising:
- Online fundraising pages (e.g., GoFundMe, JustGiving)
- Community events (e.g., raffles, fun runs, quiz nights)
- Corporate sponsorship (asking local businesses to contribute)
- Crowdfunding campaigns (raising many small donations from lots of people)
- Grant applications (if your project fits charity guidelines)
You don’t have to do all of them. Start with one that feels manageable and appropriate for your audience.
Set a Realistic Fundraising Target
Your fundraising goal should be achievable and specific. Don’t just choose a number at random.
Things to consider:
- How much do you actually need to deliver the result?
- Are there any costs involved in raising the money (e.g. event costs, platform fees)?
- Is your network big enough to reach the goal?
Break the total amount down into parts so people know what their donation will cover.
Example:
“We’re aiming to raise £2,000. £500 will go towards equipment, £1,000 for training sessions, and £500 for venue hire.”
This makes your campaign more transparent and trustworthy.
Build Your Story
People don’t give to causes—they give to stories. A strong story creates emotion and connection.
Your story should explain:
- What the problem is
- Why it matters
- What you’re doing to help
- What you need from others
- What impact their help will have
Use simple, honest language. Add photos or videos if possible. Keep your message human. Even a short, emotional video shot on your phone can be powerful.
Pro tip: Use real names (with permission), real faces, and real facts.
Set Up a Fundraising Page
A fundraising page helps you collect donations online and keep everything in one place. Many UK platforms are available, such as:
- JustGiving
- GoFundMe UK
- Localgiving
- Donorcloud – a great option if you’re looking for a simple yet intelligent donor management system that also tracks your supporters and makes future fundraising easier.
Your page should include:
- A strong headline
- Your story (as explained above)
- Your goal
- Regular updates
- Thank-you messages
Make it easy for people to donate in just a few clicks. The fewer steps, the better.
Create a Promotion Plan
Simply setting up a fundraising page isn’t enough. You need to promote it.
Start with:
- Friends and family – send a personal message or make a phone call
- Social media – post regularly, share your progress, and tag people
- Email – send updates to people you know, and ask them to forward it
- Local press – contact newspapers, radio stations or blogs
- Community boards – ask to post in local groups or libraries
Use short, clear messages with a strong link to your fundraising page.
Engage and Update Your Supporters
Don’t forget the people who already donated. Keep them involved.
- Post regular updates (weekly is great)
- Share how the campaign is going
- Thank your donors publicly (if they’re happy with that)
- Let them know how their money is being used
This builds trust and makes people more likely to donate again—or tell others.
Example:
“Thanks to your help, we’ve already raised £500 in 5 days! That means 50 families will receive food boxes next week. We still have a way to go, but your support means the world.”
Ask Again (But the Right Way)
Many people only ask for donations once, then stop. The truth is, most people need to be reminded.
It’s okay to ask more than once – just do it kindly and clearly.
Try these:
- “We’re halfway there – can you help us get to the finish line?”
- “Every little helps – even £3 makes a difference.”
- “If you can’t donate, please share.”
Always thank people—even if they only shared your link.
Celebrate and Share the Outcome
When the campaign ends,whether you hit your target or not,let people know what happened.
Share photos, final totals, stories, and outcomes. This shows appreciation and closes the loop.
Example:
“Thanks to your support, we raised £1,800. This funded new laptops for children who were learning from home. We’re so grateful to each one of you who donated and helped make it possible.”
People are more likely to help again in the future if they see their support made a real difference.
Learn for Next Time
After your first campaign, take a moment to review:
- What worked well?
- What didn’t go as planned?
- Who helped the most?
- What would you do differently?
This reflection helps you grow as a fundraiser. You’ll feel more confident, make fewer mistakes next time, and build a stronger network.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a fundraising expert to make a difference. All you need is a clear goal, a powerful story, and the courage to ask.
The first step is always the hardest,but once you take it, things begin to move.
If you’re still unsure, start small. Tell your story to one person. Share one post. Send one email. From there, it will grow.
We’re here to help you every step of the way. Get started today with our donor management software and make your first campaign easier, smarter, and more successful.
