Crowdfunding is a great way to utilize your online social networks to help fund your project. Playground Ideas offers users a free crowdfunding platform where anyone can set up a page for their playground project, receive donations, and update donors along the way.
Crowdfunding is a great tool, but you’ll have to put in some work to make your crowdfunding campaign a success! Here are a few tips:
1. Optimize your project page. Make a good first impression with your page. project details, plenty of photos, and make sure your writing is clear, concise, and compelling. Communicate your timeline and plan for the project – What have you done so far? When do you plan to build
2. Build trust. Consider adding a breakdown of your budget to let donors know exactly how you’ll be using their money.
3. Tell a good story. Good stories drive action. What is your playground story? What has motivated you to do this project? What would a playground mean for this community? Engage people’s hearts and emotions in your project.
4. Add a video. Crowdfunding projects that include videos are proven to be more effective! Your video can be as simple as you sitting in front of your computer telling potential donors about your project and showing a few photos of the site.
5. Add rewards. Consider incentivizing donations by offering prizes for different contribution levels. For example, “if you donate $50 we’ll mail you a picture of the playground drawn by one of the kids at the school” or “if you donate $100 your name will be painted on the playground sign.”
6. Remember, donors are not looking for you. Don’t expect to just start a page, sit back, and let the donations roll in. YOU have got to get the word out about your project, so make a communication strategy before you start.
7. Utilize social media. The people most likely to donate to your project are your friends and family. After that, friends of friends. Utilizing your social media networks is a great way to reach these people. Post regularly about your project and ask them to share as well!
8. Share your victories and thank your donors along the way. Keep the momentum going with social media posts like
“Wow, we’ve reached over 50% of our fundraising goal in just one week! Let’s keep going and give these kids the playground of their dreams!”
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“We’re only $100 away from reaching our fundraising goal! Will you share our page to help us get there?”
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“Mary Cooper, thank you so much for your generous donation! We couldn’t build this playground without you! Join Mary and donate today to help us reach our fundraising goal.”
9. Email family and friends. Send out a few emails throughout your campaign updating your networks about your project and asking them to get involved by donating and sharing on social media.
10. Update your donors. Don’t forget your donors when you reach your goal! Show your gratitude for their contribution by continuing to update your page and sharing photos of what their money made possible.
Let us know if you are running a crowdfunding campaign for your playground.
Click here to contact us. We’d love to give you feedback, cheer you on along the way, and share your page to help you drum up donations!
