11 Mistakes to Avoid for Fundraising Success
Crowdfunding is indeed one of the easiest, most accessible, and most potent tools available to raise funds. The worldwide market for crowdfunding will be $17.87 billion by 2024, as per the Crowdfunding Global Market Report. That growth is no accident. Considerable numbers of nonprofits and individuals achieve these goals using smart strategies (avoiding common fundraising mistakes) to reach their ideal donors.
So why are some fundraisers more successful than others? Smart fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and careful outreach are good toward that end. Below are some of the common pitfalls that most fundraisers find themselves in when soliciting for donations and how you can avoid these pitfalls to achieve successful fundraising.
1. Not using high-quality photos & video
Images and video are the first things people see. If your shots are blurry or devoid of feeling, you could lose attention in a hurry. One set of studies found that fundraisers featuring at least five photos raise significantly more than those having only one. And a brief, sincere video can also help build trust and deepen donor relationships.
You don’t need any fancy equipment. Your smartphone will do just fine. Include images that show what your fundraiser is for and who benefits from it. Such honesty is crucial for building confidence among donors; it is a “must-have’’ if you expect to meet your fundraising goals.
2. Fundraiser stories that lack enough detail
Successful fundraisers realize the value in their story, write no fewer than 400 words, and do not bury the lead by initially bogging down their story with too many details. Think about what specific event led you to take action and launch a fundraiser.
Avoid these common pitfalls and remember to add that detail to the beginning of your story, whether it was a diagnosis, loss of belongings, etc. You want to take a potential donor on a storytelling journey on your donation page.
3. Skipping the “how the money will be used” section
Donors want transparency. Failing to explain how funds will be used is one of the most pervasive fundraising mistakes. Hone in your fundraising goals and communicate how your fundraiser money will make an impact. This clarity tends to instill confidence in major donors and to stimulate major gifts.
4. Ignoring spelling and grammar
Your fundraiser doesn’t need to be perfect, but don’t be sloppy. The biggest mistake in writing appeals is failing to proofread. Typos can also make your message seem more confusing and prevent potential donors from clicking through.
Use Grammarly or get a friend to review it for you. It’s a little gesture, but it shows that your fundraiser is careful and professional.
5. Forgetting fundraiser updates
Frequent communication is one of the keys in donor retention. Frequent updates demonstrate progress, build momentum, and reinforce donor relationships. Share pictures, milestones, or even small wins; it makes people feel a part of your journey.
It also can help support repeat donations, linking your story closer to the people that are supporting it.
6. Not contacting customer support
If you reach a dead end, do not be shy about asking for help. GoFundMe’s Customer Happiness team is here to help, from building out donation forms to updating the design of your fundraising page. Behind every successful fundraising effort is great support and direction.
Our FAQs and Help Center also provide much-needed insight to first-time and seasoned organizers.
7. Skimming over available resources
A successful fundraising strategy doesn’t just roll in from nowhere. With thousands of fundraisers among our ranks and years of experience, we’ve put together blog posts, guides, and tutorials to help you brainstorm fundraising ideas, gain your donors’ trust, and master the most common mistakes people make.
So, whether you’re planning a gala or a grass-roots effort, don’t miss these valuable resources.
8. Forgetting about donor retention
New donors are great, but don’t forget the ones that have already given. One of the biggest mistakes is for nonprofits to focus too much on the outreach and leave behind their current support base. To keep them in the fold, thank yous and reporting are key, keeping retention high and eliciting more gifts.
Even a few personalized phone calls or in-person thank-yous can make a huge impact on your fundraising success.
9. Skipping thank-you messages
If someone handed you $50 in person, you’d say thank you. That same principle applies online. A generic or absent thank-you can erode these relationships over time.. A sincere, timely thank-you email or message strengthens trust and keeps supporters coming back.
Looking for inspiration? Try these 21 ways to thank your donors meaningfully.
10. Not sharing online regularly
The most effective fundraising tool is also the most underutilized: social media. Because when you post your story on Instagram or TikTok or Facebook or X, you are no longer contained within the bounds of your immediate circle. If you are not constantly updating and linking to those updates, then you are not tapping into a massive treasure trove of potential donors.
When it comes to online fundraising, visibility is everything, so get loud, get clear, repeat your messaging.
11. Trying to do it all alone
It requires hard work to raise money, and no one should do it by themselves. Successful fundraisers have team members who assist with outreach, donor management, and communications. It could be friends who are sharing your donation page, or a nonprofit fundraising board that is hosting an in-person event.
Doing things with other people can generate energy, ease your workload, and help build community.
It’s not a weakness to delegate. It’s a time-tested technique in effective fundraising.
Avoid these mistakes and boost your fundraising efforts
Good fundraisers can turn into great ones with careful planning, clear communication, and savvy use of digital tools. Let’s say you’re supporting a nonprofit organization or managing a personal emergency; avoiding these common mistakes helps you connect with the right demographic and increase your impact.
If you’re ready to take the next step, GoFundMe is here with tools, guidance, and real-time support to help you launch a successful fundraising initiative.