Crowdfund in 2 weeks.
Category: Misc. 2-minute read. Some tips, and insights on how I raised 1,00,000/- in 2 weeks.
Hey, I'm finally writing this article for you, especially if you're a student like me.Â
If you’re not a student, and fundraising for a campaign, you’ll still be able to gather helpful tips. Read on.
I crowdfunded in 2019 for the first time in my life.
Why?
To make it to The Harvard College Conference 2019, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
I was one of 60 delegates around the world invited for the sustainability track, how could I not chase my dream?
Here's how I did it:
1. Before you start, explore all the optionsÂ
Yes! That's very important. If you're a student make sure you double-check with your parents and college if they can sponsor you or not. Most colleges partially or fully sponsor students for prestigious conferences. Or you can even ask them to reimburse some amount. Yes, it works. Frame a good application to your Dean and convince! That's what it takes.Â
2. Starting with fundraising (Selecting your platform)
You can go for platforms like gofundme.com, milaap.org, or ketto.org. I personally used Milaap. All the platforms charge 5% + taxes so it's all the same at the end.Â
3. Here comes the most important part, ‘The Content’
Make sure you include the following/Checklist for content :
Your introduction. My recipe for introduction is: A detailed background + achievements + your vision
Why are you crowdfunding?
The outcomes. How will you be benefited from the cause/event you're crowdfunding for?
What will the contributors get if they donate?
4. Post, post but hey stop
Now that you're all set, post about your campaign on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram - all sorts of social media platforms you're on.Â
Here's what I did :Â
Posted twice on Facebook & Linkedin. That’s it.Â
Why?Â
Because spamming is a big NO. Keep your content of the campaign real, follow the checklist I mentioned above and believe in it.Â
I focused more on sharing it with friends on WhatsApp. They’re more likely to support you, focus where it’s needed.
5. The second way outÂ
Apart from posting about it on social media, you could personally email about it to your Alumni, people you look up to on LinkedIn, your professors, etc.Â
Why?Â
Because they will always support you, so it's a win-win here. (Even if this doesn't go as planned, fret not. A follow back mail doesn't take a lot of time)
6. The third way out
Do reach out to your relatives about your fundraising campaign. They heavily contribute! So make sure you don't miss this.Â
7. The tabooÂ
This doesn't come under this but is important.
I remember someone asking me, "Won't crowdfunding affect your image?"
My answer: Why would it firstly? I'm a student who is trying to chase her dream and I'm not forcing people to contribute. It's totally one's wish.Â
So if anyone tries to set you back, make sure you answer them well.
And…you're all set to start with your first crowdfunding campaign because why should money be a barricade for your dreams?
Note: Crowdfunding once or twice is okay but it can’t be a permanent solution for every cause/event you're unable to attend or fulfill due to monetary reasons.
Creator/Builder Shoutout:
Pankhudi Kedia is a superwoman building content via Instagram, Blog, and a whole lot of other resources on career growth to help students land the best internships.
You can find all about it on InternAlly.
P.S. If you need a shoutout, just comment on this thread, and I got your back.
Surely did not think about all these possible ways. This is good!
These are great tips and personally can attest to not spamming people with campaigns. Showcasing your why and backing it up with proof is a great way to capture attention of donors