The fundraising landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, presenting nonprofit organizations with both new opportunities and growing challenges. In this shifting environment, the ability to tap into diverse funding avenues is no longer a luxury but a necessity. One such avenue, crowdfunding, has emerged as a game-changer for nonprofits, offering a powerful way to engage supporters, amplify impact, and build financial resilience.
Recognizing this shift, two industry experts have joined forces to share their expertise in a groundbreaking new book, Crowdfunding for Nonprofits: A Guide to Activating Support Networks. Authored by Jill Ritchie, a seasoned fundraising consultant, and Erica Schofield, a crowdfunding specialist and CEO of Thundafund, this comprehensive guide provides nonprofits with the tools and insights needed to harness the power of the crowd effectively.
Crowdfunding: A Game-Changer for Non-Profits
Crowdfunding is far more than a passing trend, it is redefining the way nonprofits raise funds. With platforms like BackaBuddy and Thundafund offering direct access to potential supporters, organizations now have unprecedented opportunities to rally their networks and secure critical funding.
In Crowdfunding for Nonprofits, Jill and Erica delve into the mechanics of crowdfunding, offering a step-by-step roadmap for integrating it into existing fundraising strategies. Whether an organization is just beginning its crowdfunding journey or looking to refine its approach, this guide provides practical, evidence-based insights into launching successful campaigns. From the fundamentals of crafting compelling campaigns to leveraging behavioral science techniques, the book equips nonprofits with the knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive funding environment.
Backed by real-world case studies, up-to-date statistics from leading crowdfunding platforms, and easy-to-use checklists, the book serves as a hands-on resource. Its A4 format ensures easy reference, making it a valuable tool for organizations navigating the ever-changing fundraising landscape.
Building Resilience in a Challenging Landscape
As traditional funding sources become more competitive and unpredictable, nonprofits must find innovative ways to remain resilient. Crowdfunding offers more than just financial support, it fosters deeper community engagement and long-term sustainability.
Through the power of collective giving, organizations can mobilize grassroots support, strengthen donor relationships, and create a network of advocates who champion their mission well beyond a single campaign. Jill and Erica emphasize that successful crowdfunding is about more than raising funds; it’s about building an ecosystem of support that ensures long-term impact.
Meet the Experts Behind the Book
Jill Ritchie brings a wealth of experience to the field of fundraising. Having raised over R2 billion in her career, she is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most accomplished fundraising consultants. Her expertise spans multiple sectors, including education, faith-based initiatives, and heritage preservation. As the author of 30 fundraising books, including Fundraising from UK Donors, Jill’s influence extends across borders, particularly in securing support from UK donors for Southern African nonprofits.
Pictured above: Crowdfunding expert, Jill Ritchie
Beyond her consulting work, Jill serves on the boards of various organizations, leading initiatives such as the UK Fund for Charities and the SA-UK Trust Network. Her passion for empowering nonprofits is reflected in her unwavering commitment to developing innovative and sustainable fundraising strategies.
Erica Schofield is an authority on crowdfunding, with a proven track record of helping organizations across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Gambia, the US, and the UK harness its potential. As the CEO and co-founder of Thundafund, Africa’s largest rewards-based crowdfunding platform, she has played a pivotal role in transforming how nonprofits and entrepreneurs secure funding.
Pictured above: CEO and co-founder of Thundafund, Erica Schofield
Erica’s expertise stems from both personal experience and professional success. Her journey into crowdfunding began with launching her own business through a successful campaign, giving her firsthand insight into the intricacies of the process. With a background in theatre and cloud technology, she brings a unique blend of creativity and analytical expertise to the field, enabling nonprofits to craft compelling campaigns that captivate audiences and drive results. Through her consultancy, Circalyst, she continues to support social and environmental impact initiatives, demonstrating the power of crowdfunding as a catalyst for change.
The Book Launch and Special Offers
To celebrate the launch of Crowdfunding for Nonprofits, an exclusive pre-sale campaign is now live on Thundafund. This limited-time opportunity allows early supporters to purchase the book at a discounted rate while also accessing special rewards, including personalised, handwritten inscriptions from the authors.
In addition, backers can secure discounted tickets to the highly anticipated Annual Papillon Press Conference in May 2025, a premier event for nonprofit professionals looking to stay ahead in the evolving fundraising space.
Why This Book Matters
As financial uncertainty looms over the nonprofit sector, the need for adaptive and forward-thinking fundraising strategies has never been greater. Crowdfunding for Nonprofits is more than just a book, it is a strategic guide to future-proofing organizations in a rapidly changing world.
With its expert-driven insights, practical tools, and compelling success stories, this book empowers nonprofits to leverage crowdfunding as a sustainable funding mechanism. By integrating these strategies, organizations can unlock new opportunities, expand their reach, and build a dedicated community of supporters.
Now is the time for nonprofits to embrace crowdfunding as a core component of their fundraising efforts. With Crowdfunding for Nonprofits, Jill and Erica provide the ultimate playbook for making the crowd work for organizations in need.
Get your copy today and take the first step toward crowdfunding success. The crowd is waiting to support you.
In the remote village of Gazini, KwaZulu-Natal, 13-year-old Sikholelwe Zikhali, a bright and motivated Grade 7 student at Mankunzi Primary School, has spent years overcoming immense challenges in pursuit of attending school. But now, as she prepares to transition to high school, the greatest obstacle yet threatens to stand in her way.
Pictured above: 13-year-old Sikholelwe Zikhali
Sikholelwe, who developed paraplegia at the age of five, faces a daily struggle to get to school. Each morning, she wakes up, washes, dresses, and is helped into her home wheelchair. From there, she is swung onto her mother, Khululiwe Sibiya (51), back and is carried three kilometers through thick beach sand before being transferred into her school wheelchair. The journey is grueling, but it is the only way she can access an education. At school, her friends assist her up a broken patio into a cramped prefab classroom, where she transfers out of her wheelchair onto a standard desk-and-bench setup. Despite these challenges, she remains dedicated to her studies, performing well according to her teachers and principal.
Her academic achievements are remarkable, she consistently scores a Level 7 in English, and even in her most challenging subject, Mathematics, she maintains a solid Level 5. “She is very smart,” her family shares proudly. “Being able to continue in school will definitely give her the opportunities she needs to make the most of her life!”
Pictured above: Sikholelwe with her mother Khululiwe Sibiya and her brother
During breaks, Sikholelwe enjoys throwing a ball or sitting under a tree with her friends. Even the simplest of tasks, like using the toilet, require assistance. Two of her closest friends accompany her to the pit toilets, helping her navigate the uneven and elevated platform. Each day, this routine is repeated, a testament to her resilience and the unwavering support of her mother and friends.
However, as Sikholelwe grows, so does the strain on her mother, who carries her to and from school. With no public transport options available and no wheelchair capable of handling the deep sand, the family has tirelessly advocated for a solution. For three years, they have brought their concerns before local and district government officials, department of education representatives, and disability office representatives. Yet, nothing has changed.
Pictured above: Sikholelwe being carried to school by her mother
The biggest fear is that without an alternative means of getting to school, Sikholelwe may be forced to drop out, an unthinkable outcome for a young girl with such promise. The local rehabilitation department, known for its extensive wheelchair services, has provided various models, but none are designed to handle the challenging terrain. Even power chairs, often considered a viable mobility solution, fail within meters of use due to the thick sand. The available options simply do not meet the demands of Sikholelwe’s daily journey.
Hope, however, has emerged in the form of an adapted Segway, a revolutionary mobility device capable of tackling the rugged landscape of Gazini. Unlike conventional wheelchairs, this Segway features fat tires and a self-balancing gyro mechanism, allowing it to navigate deep sand, bush paths, and inclines with ease. Sikholelwe, her parents Khululiwe and Nkosinathi Zikhali (51), and the local wheelchair services manager have tested the chair, and the results were undeniable, it outperforms anything currently available. Additionally, its long-term maintenance costs are lower than those of a traditional power chair, making it a sustainable solution for the years ahead.
For Sikholelwe, the Segway represents more than just mobility, it’s a gateway to a fuller, more independent life. “I’m so excited to finally have independence, to play, visit my friends, go to church, and even watch a soccer game,” Sikholelwe shares. “It will make such a difference for me and help take some of the burden off my mother. I know having it will make me more confident and independent.”
Her mother expresses her unwavering love and devotion. “Children are a gift from God, and this one is so special,” she says with a smile. “I will do anything to help her, it’s not a chore for me. Sikholelwe is an exceptional child.“
With this Segway, Sikholelwe will not only be able to continue her education but will also gain access to her community in ways she never has before. No longer reliant on friends to visit her at home, she will be able to attend community meetings, watch sports games, and participate fully in village life. It is a chance to break free from isolation and embrace independence.
To turn this life-changing opportunity into reality, a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign has been launched. Thanks to the generosity of 43 donors, the family has already raised over R65,000 toward their R150,000 goal. These funds are urgently needed to secure the adapted Segway, with all donations going directly to the supplier to ensure Sikholelwe receives the mobility device she needs. Depending on the total funds raised, the Segway base and chair will be purchased together or separately.
“We probably can’t put this into words properly, but thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless each one of you for your donations and care. Sikholelwe has already shown extraordinary resilience, refusing to let circumstances dictate her future. Now, she needs a community to rally behind her and help remove the barriers that stand in her way. Every contribution brings her closer to the independence she deserves, ensuring that she can continue her education and one day pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.” the family shares.
Steve has always been full of life, a steadfast source of support for those around him. Now, as he faces the greatest challenge of his life, his community has rallied behind him in an extraordinary show of generosity and kindness.
In early February, Steve suffered a severe brain bleed, a life-threatening medical emergency that required immediate intervention. Thanks to swift action, his life was saved, but the road to recovery remains long and uncertain. Since then, he has undergone two critical procedures and has been relocated to Cape Town, where he remains in intensive care. His journey ahead will require extensive medical care and rehabilitation to regain his full physical and cognitive strength.
To help with Steve’s medical expenses, his family launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy. In an inspiring display of generosity, 140 donors came together surpassing the initial R200,000 goal, and raising over R219,000 in just 14 days.
This overwhelming generosity has eased the financial burden on his loved ones, allowing them to focus entirely on his recovery. His family, John, Christine, and Frances, have been by his side every step of the way, ensuring he receives the best possible care. Thanks to the kindness of donors, they can continue to support him without the added stress of financial strain.
While the fundraising goal has been met, Steve’s journey is far from over. As he remains in intensive care and unable to work, ongoing support will be crucial in covering rehabilitation, transport, and living expenses. His loved ones are committed to ensuring he has every opportunity to make a full recovery, and the generosity of donors has provided him with the best possible chance to do so.
Steve’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of community and the impact of collective kindness. In his time of greatest need, friends, family, and strangers came together to lift him up, proving that even in the most challenging moments, humanity prevails.
In the heart of Storms River Village in the Eastern Cape, a musical initiative is taking root, thanks to the passion and dedication of Michaela Gardner and her wife, Chanel. The Music Sprouts is a program that teaches local children the art of playing the violin, aiming to give them access to music education free of charge.
Pictured above: Students at The Music Sprouts
Michaela, a devoted violinist, is driven by the joy that the instrument brings her. “It brings me a great deal of joy,” she says, and with a deep desire to share that joy, she and Chanel founded The Music Sprouts Access Program in January 2024. The program began with the simple goal of making music education accessible to children in the village. Lessons take place at the church hall, providing a space for kids to learn and grow through the power of music.
“We started in January 2024, and we already have over 60 children attending our main community class on Wednesday afternoons. Through commitment, dedication and passion, children can work their way up through the program,” Michaela shares with pride. The program is designed to nurture young talent, with children progressing through various levels based on their dedication and attitude.
The first step, Level 1, is the Community Class, where children are encouraged to show up consistently and display respect and good behavior. Those who meet these criteria are invited to join Level 2. instrument group classes, which are currently focused on the violin. Eventually, students who show exceptional commitment can qualify for Level 3, where they are given their own instrument and weekly private lessons.
Pictured above: Lesson in session with teacher Michaela Gardner
“We had 12 candidates who qualified for sponsorship and managed to find sponsors for all of them, which has been incredible,” Michaela explains. With 11 violins and several percussion instruments, Michaela and Chanel bring the necessary tools to class each week, despite some challenges. After their bicycles were stolen in 2024, they now transport the instruments on foot to the church hall.
To further support The Music Sprouts initiative, Michaela and Chanel have set up a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy where they have raised over R6000 of their R400 000 goal with the help of 4 generous donors. This fundraiser is aimed at creating a dedicated space for the program, which they plan to call The Access Cube.
Michaela explains, “We really are in need of a dedicated space for the Music Sprouts. So we have begun a fundraiser for ‘The Access Cube’, which will be a small off-grid building on our property to hold all our music classes, for any of the children to come and practice their instruments, as well as just have a safe space to even do their homework in the afternoons.”
Pictured above: The Music Sprouts students honing their talents
Beyond music, The Access Cube will serve as a community hub, where children can also learn about growing food, attend skill-building workshops, and participate in concerts. Michaela envisions it as a space where the youth of the village can connect and thrive in various aspects of life. “Down the road, The Access Cube will include a lot more than just music. We will teach the children about growing food, host skill building workshops and organize concerts. The idea is that it becomes a hub of activity for all the youth in the village.”
To support the creation of The Access Cube, Michaela and Chanel have launched The Square by Square initiative. Michaela invites anyone interested to contribute, explaining that, “For R500, anyone can sponsor a square to help build the Access Cube. People can, of course, sponsor as many squares as they like. In doing so, they will receive a certificate of sponsorship, regular updates on the program and invitations to any events or concerts we host.”
While financial contributions are essential to the success of The Music Sprouts, Michaela and Chanel also welcome donations of instruments, especially violins, which are most needed for their classes. If you’re interested in helping, donations can be made via their BackaBuddy page, or you can reach out on Facebook for more details.
International Wheelchair Day, celebrated annually on March 1st, raises awareness about the challenges wheelchair users face, celebrates their achievements, and advocates for more accessible communities. It highlights the importance of inclusion, independence, and equal opportunities for all. In South Africa, various resources and organisations are available to help improve accessibility and support wheelchair users. Here are some places you can turn to for help and how they make a difference in the lives of wheelchair users in South Africa:
1. QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA)
The QuadPara Association of South Africa is one of the most prominent organisations supporting people with physical disabilities in the country. They focus on enhancing the quality of life for wheelchair users through advocacy, empowerment, and the provision of relevant resources.
Services offered by QASA include:
Advocacy and policy change: QASA actively campaigns for better accessibility, inclusivity, and rights for people with disabilities at both the national and provincial levels.
Support programs: They provide support for wheelchair users and their families, offering workshops, guidance on disability-related issues, and social networks.
Rehabilitation and empowerment: QASA helps wheelchair users transition to independent living and offers services such as physical rehabilitation and training in various life skills.
The South African Disability Alliance (SADA) is a national advocacy and service organisation that represents people with various disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. They work towards creating a more inclusive South African society by ensuring that people with disabilities have access to the rights and resources they deserve.
Services offered by SADA include:
Policy advocacy: SADA lobbies for improved disability policies and works with the government to ensure compliance with the Disability Rights Charter.
Awareness campaigns: SADA organizes campaigns and events to raise awareness about the rights and needs of people with disabilities.
Resource connection: They provide information on support systems, health services, and mobility aids for people in need.
Motivation South Africa is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with mobility challenges by providing accessible equipment, including wheelchairs, to those in need. They are part of the Motivation UK network and work to support people living with disabilities by offering mobility aids, health equipment, and rehabilitation services.
Services offered by Motivation South Africa include:
Wheelchair distribution and assessment: Motivation SA provides a wide range of wheelchairs, from basic models to customized, high-tech chairs, tailored to the individual’s needs.
Training: They provide training for caregivers and wheelchair users to maximize the use and care of mobility aids.
Community outreach: They work on projects to distribute mobility equipment and raise awareness about disability rights and needs in underprivileged areas.
4. The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)
The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) is one of South Africa’s key organisations focused on advocating for and supporting persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users. They aim to empower people with disabilities to live independently and access their rights as South African citizens.
Services offered by NCPD include:
Training and development: The NCPD provides training programs to equip people with disabilities with skills for employment and daily living.
Accessibility initiatives: They work to ensure that public spaces and buildings are accessible to all, including those who use wheelchairs.
Disability information center: NCPD runs information centers across the country to help individuals with disabilities access available resources, such as funding, healthcare, and mobility aids.
In South Africa, accessible transport is a significant challenge for many wheelchair users. However, some initiatives are working to make public transportation more inclusive. Paratransit services are available in certain regions, offering tailored transport solutions for those with mobility needs.
Services include:
Metrobus Johannesburg: Metrobus in Johannesburg operates some wheelchair-accessible buses.
Taxis and transport services: Some private companies and local government initiatives offer paratransit services for wheelchair users.
Uber Accessible Rides: Uber has started offering wheelchair-accessible rides in select locations in major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg.
6. Disability Equipment Suppliers
There are various suppliers of mobility aids and wheelchairs in South Africa that cater to the diverse needs of users. Some trusted names include:
City Mobility: They offer a wide range of products for mobility and healthcare, including wheelchairs, electric scooters, and other aids for independent living.
Riback: Specializing in supplying mobility equipment, Riback provides wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices to individuals across South Africa.
The South African government provides disability grants through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). These grants are designed to help individuals with disabilities meet their basic needs.
SASSA provides:
Disability Grants: Aimed at individuals who have been certified by a medical practitioner as being unable to work due to a disability.
Assistance in applying for disability benefits: The SASSA offices offer assistance in completing applications for grants and related services.
To ensure that people with disabilities, including wheelchair users, have access to education and employment opportunities, several programs are dedicated to inclusive education and skills development:
The Disability Unit at Universities: Most South African universities, including the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria, have disability units that assist students with mobility challenges by offering support services and adapting facilities.
Disability Employment Programs: The Employment Equity Act requires companies in South Africa to employ people with disabilities. Programs like the Disability Employment Network offer services to help people with disabilities find employment opportunities.
To raise funds for mobility aids or any related needs you can create a campaign on BackaBuddy. International Wheelchair Day highlights the challenges faced by wheelchair users and celebrates their strength and resilience. In South Africa, various organisations and services provide vital support to help wheelchair users live independently.
Pictured above: Crowdfunding expert, Jill Ritchie
Pictured above: CEO and co-founder of Thundafund, Erica Schofield
