Why should my organisation crowdfund?
Crowdfunding can support your organisation to raise funds to make it happen. If you are a community group, charity, social enterprise, sports club or members group with the spark of an idea that you want to happen, then we can help you fund it.
How does crowdfunding work?
- Take your great idea and create a page on a crowdfunding platform
- Spread the word. Let everyone know about your project and how it can benefit the local community
- People pledge money to make your project happen, you receive funds and your project happens.
Benefits of crowdfunding
- Validation - Crowdfunding is a great way to test your idea. Your local community can get behind your plans and give confidence to your project
- New support - People that donate may become your customers, volunteers, members and be great ambassadors for you in the future
- Raises your profile - The campaign will give your group a marketing boost and reach out to new people
- Future funding - A successful Crowdfunding campaign gives you a good track record for future funding opportunities, it shows you know what you are doing
- Extra funding - There may be extra funding available from a number of partners, such as the Council, on crowdfunding platforms. It all goes towards your target just like money from the crowd.
Make a plan
It’s your crowdfunding project so make sure you are prepared before you launch. A simple checklist may work for you or you may want a more detailed plan. Here is a list of the essentials:
- Assign roles
- Decide on time scales
- Bullet point key messages
- Choose your project name
- Add visual content
- Research match funding
- Write a project description
- Set targets
- Identify key supporters
- Build social media presence
- Line up first pledges
- Plan launch.
Skills you will need
Crowdfunding can be a daunting task if you try to do it on your own. Look at your skill set and identify others in your network to fill any gaps and share the load so that you can all drive the project forward together.
Gather your team and start to tell your story and what you want to achieve. The following skills will be useful:
- Project leader - Someone with an overall vision for the project
- Creative content - Will lead on the page design, photos and video content
- Media whizz - Can take control of raising your social media presence
- Networking - Someone to link you in with other groups and local initiatives
- Descriptive writing - Share your story and your plans in a way that interests and engages.
Identify your crowd
Draw a map of your networks to help you identify your potential crowd.
Keep simple records of your potential crowd, identifying your influencers or your super backers, high profile people or organisations you really want to get on board with your idea who will be able to spread the word for you and really raise your profile.
Nuture your crowd
Keep your channels of communication open and active, below are some examples:
- Personal contacts - Speak to your family and friends to let them know of the upcoming launch
- Social media - If you don’t have a Facebook page then create one for your project. Use Twitter, Instagram and start to build your audience before going live
- Existing supporters - People who already support the work of your group. They are a ready-made audience and can spread the word for your project
- Local people - If your project is in a specific area then spend time raising awareness at local events and with local groups
- Local businesses - They may offer support that isn’t just financial. They could advertise and promote your project with their customers.
Recap
By now you should be able to:
- Create your checklist for your crowdfunding project
- Plot your key activities onto a calendar
- Assign roles and responsibilities for your project
- Begin to identify your potential crowd
- Create a Facebook page / social media coverage for your project
- Have a plan to nurture your crowd.
Next steps
You are now ready to start designing your project and identifying your crowdfunding platform.
See our creating your project guide for some tips on writing your crowdfunding page and making the most of your campaign.