Crowdfund - How to raise €1000 in 5 weeks

I am passionate about the Macardles Historical Society and we are in the the process of looking at a Phase 2 Digitisation Project. We need to raise about €1000 in a short space of time.

There is a formula to crowdfunding you may not know? My esteemed colleague Eve V. Earley helped me with my very first funding raising effort many years ago and taught me that there is a process to it. I have used ever since and I want to share it with anyone else who is passionate about a project and needs to raise funds to make it happen.

Gather The Crowd

Before you start you need to work on gathering like minded people who might support your project well before you launch. You need to reach out on Socials, Whats App or in person to start making connections before you ask for money. Most people try it the other way around and it doesn't work very well unless you have already have a community who are passionate about and issue but not connected to you.

Setup A Platform

People will need a lightning rod online to be drawn to. A website, GoFundMe, Revolut Donations or something that is easy to share and direct people to. I setup a landing page and a crowdfunding plugin which meant I did it all myself cos I am a techie. It meant I could spin it up pretty quickly, tweak the settings plus I didnt need to pay commission to a third party.

Kick Off Loudly

Dont be shy about asking for money. So have a launch plan in mind across loads of platforms and offline media too with press releases etc. You need to create a swarm of communications in a 360 approach to capture anyone who might want to support. You also should have an initial donor lined up to make the first donation ... even if that is you! No one likes to be first in the pool so dive in yourself with the first donation to get the ball rolling. Its a really important initiation step after all if you dont put your hand in your own pocket then you cant expect anyone else to.

Create a Video

Nothing and I mean nothing tells the story of a Crowdfunder better than a short video. Tell the story in a couple of mins... preferably 1 minute with a clear call to action at the end ie Make A Donation Now at ...

Create A Personal Connection

If your project can make a personal connection then make the most of it. "Save The Planet" type projects are difficult to tie into one person but the "Macardles Community" was something special we we created a Nuala White Collection so people who knew and respected her might want to support the overall project.

Give Progress Updates

Its very important to provide regular updates on donations progress which can happen hourly or daily. Let people know that money is coming in and let them know what it will be spent on eg Equipment, Services, Labour etc. There is always a lull about half way through so expect that. But push on with promotions and sharing of images or stories that are part of the project. As soon as you get over the half way mark you will feel the momentum build.

The Final Push

The last 25% is the most intensive where you want to achieve the goal but have to be careful not to over communicate to supporters - many of whom may have already donated. Use language of togetherness, gratitude and achieve to push on to the final goal. In my experience the goal is reached quicker in the last phase than all of the other 3 phase put together. People will find it easier to help you once you are over 75% to get you to the goal.

Celebrate Your Successes

Finally - celebrate reaching your goal by sharing your thanks with everyone - who donated or didn't. They are part of the Tribe now and a community that you can tap into again. You also need to remember to deliver the goods. People have donated so will expect you you to do what you said you will do. So dial down the pace of the communications but do let people know what you are planning to do ... and do it. Keep your Crowdfunder page open as in my experience you will get some extra donations even though you have reached 100%.

Alot Done More To Do

Which reminds me - if you like the sound of what we are doing then help support the digtisation of the Macardles Brewery heritage via www.macardles.ie

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