How to Use Crowdfunding to Start a Movement
You’ve probably seen projects and businesses get a helping hand through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Fundly. You may even have contributed to a crowdfunded project yourself. But did you know that crowdfunding is the newest way to fund your movement for social change?
Crowdfunding is increasingly used to fund emergency relief, environmental projects, medical research, and housing projects. There’s no mystique about it. Crowdfunding social change is like crowdfunding any other project, except that your funders have an invested interest in social change. So, rather than donating to your medical fund or getting your project off the ground, they support you and social change. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way in no time.
Do your homework
Not all crowdfunding sites are the same. Kickstarter, for example, is better suited to object- or product-based projects. Indiegogo is focused on tech and design. But there is an increasing number of sites dedicated to social entrepreneurs.
Look at as many sites as possible to find the one that is the right fit for your cause.
Create your Page
When you set up your page, there are some things you should keep in mind.
- Tell your potential funders how this project will help people and its impact on the world. Be clear about the need for your movement. Why is your cause important?
- Explicitly define your goals.
- Make your page enjoyable by putting effort into the design and including photos, graphics, and videos. Include interviews with some of the key players and influencers, giving their perspectives on why the project or cause is essential. It’s probably worth investing in some professional expertise, and you might be able to get it pro bono.
- Regularly update your page to report on how your project is going.
- Thank your investors! Have an acknowledgment section on your page to say how much you appreciate the support. Some sites include a running list of donors.
Promote your page
Take every opportunity to publicize your social movement page. Please put it on the front page of your website, make it a pinned post on your Twitter and Facebook feeds, include it on your email signature, and send updates to your email list. If you have a Facebook group, do a Facebook Live on your crowdfunding.
Write articles on your project and submit them to local news outlets and websites. Offer to speak to local community groups like Rotary.
Make your crowdfunding page the best it can be so it’s engaging and encourages people to support your cause.
