Crafting an engaging campaign story, creating attention-grabbing social media posts, and reaching out to potential donors effectively via WhatsApp or email are key to the success of your BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign. If you’re new to using ChatGPT, don’t worry—this powerful tool can help you generate the content you need, provided you guide it with the right information.
ChatGPT is a versatile assistant that can help you write compelling campaign messages, craft social media posts, and even offer advice on promoting your campaign.
Here’s how to get started:
Visit the Platform: Head over to https://chat.openai.com to access ChatGPT. You can also download it from app stores on mobile devices.
Create an Account: If you don’t have an account yet, sign up for free. If you already have one, just log in.
Pick Your Plan ChatGPT offers a free version, but if you need advanced features or more power (like using GPT-4), you can upgrade to ChatGPT Plus
Start a Conversation: Click on the “Message ChatGPT” bar and type in your request or question. Here are a few examples of what you can ask:
“Write a clear and persuasive campaign message.”
“Create engaging social media posts to promote my campaign.”
“Give me advice or strategies for reaching more donors.”
You can use ChatGPT as your brainstorming partner, idea generator, and content helper to maximize your campaign’s success on BackaBuddy.
What is a Prompt?
A prompt is the message or question you give to ChatGPT to help it understand what you need. The clearer and more specific your prompt, the better the response will be. Think of ChatGPT as a friendly assistant—it needs you to explain what you want, and it will generate the text based on your request.
How Does ChatGPT Work?
ChatGPT works by generating responses based on the information you provide. Think of it as having a conversation with a helpful assistant that offers suggestions based on your requests. If the initial response doesn’t fit your needs, you can ask ChatGPT to regenerate a new response or refine it further by asking follow-up questions.
A helpful tip: talk to ChatGPT as you would to an assistant. Be clear and direct about what you need, and it will respond with useful ideas. The more specific you are, the more tailored and accurate the responses will be!
How to Prompt ChatGPT to Write Your Crowdfunding Story
Your campaign story is essential for inspiring people to support your cause. Here’s how you can prompt ChatGPT to write a great story for your BackaBuddy campaign.
Step 1: Gather Your Key Details
Before you start prompting ChatGPT, make sure you have the following details ready:
What are you raising funds for? (e.g., medical expenses, education, sports, community projects)
How much money do you need? (Be specific about the amount and how it will be used)
Who is the beneficiary? (Name, age, and why they need the funds)
Why does this person/cause need help? (Explain the situation that led to the crowdfunding)
What impact will donations have? (How will it change the beneficiary’s life?)
Is there a deadline? (Any time-sensitive events or dates, such as surgeries or school enrolments)
Step 2: Create Your Prompt for ChatGPT
Once you have your details, use them to create a clear and specific prompt. Here’s an example:
Example Prompt:
“Help me write a crowdfunding story to raise R50,000 for Sarah, a 6-year-old girl who needs heart surgery. Her family can’t afford the surgery, and the funds will cover her medical expenses and recovery. Make the tone emotional and heartfelt, and include a call to action asking people to donate and share the campaign.”
Step 3: Review, Regenerate, and Refine
Once ChatGPT provides a draft, read it over and see if it matches your needs. If you don’t like the response, you can ask ChatGPT to regenerate the response to get another version. This is a handy way to explore different writing styles or tones.
You can also ask ChatGPT to make specific changes by typing follow-up prompts, such as:
Next, you’ll need social media posts to promote your campaign. ChatGPT can help with that too—just prompt it with the details and format you need.
Step 1: Gather the Details
Make sure you have the following info ready for social media posts:
What’s the campaign for? (Medical bills, education, community project)
Who is it for? (Brief description of the beneficiary)
Fundraising goal (The amount you’re trying to raise)
(Encourage people to donate or share the post)
Step 2: Create a Prompt for ChatGPT
Here’s how to structure your prompt for different platforms:
– Facebook Prompt:
“Write a heartfelt Facebook post for a crowdfunding campaign to raise R30,000 for a local football team’s trip to a national tournament. Include a call to action asking people to donate and share.”
– Twitter Prompt:
“Write a short and engaging Twitter post asking people to donate R20,000 for Jake’s school fees. Include a call to action and a campaign link.”
Step 3: Review, Regenerate, and Adjust
If ChatGPT’s first response doesn’t feel quite right, ask it to regenerate the response to get a fresh take. You can also provide feedback to adjust the tone or format, like:
How to Prompt ChatGPT to Write WhatsApp and Email Messages
WhatsApp and email are great ways to ask for support directly from friends and family. Here’s how you can prompt ChatGPT to help you write these messages.
Step 1: Gather Your Key Details
Just like for the story and social media posts, you’ll need:
Reason for fundraising (Medical bills, education, etc.)
Fundraising target (The total amount you need)
How donations will help (What the funds will be used for)
Link to your campaign (Your BackaBuddy campaign link)
Step 2: Create a Prompt for ChatGPT
Use this example to prompt ChatGPT for WhatsApp or email messages:
Example Prompt:
“Help me write a WhatsApp message to ask my friends and family to donate to my BackaBuddy campaign to raise R40,000 for Sarah’s heart surgery. Include a call to action asking for donations and shares, and mention how their support will make a difference.”
Step 3: Review, Regenerate, and Customise
After ChatGPT provides the message, you can regenerate it or tweak it by asking ChatGPT to make it shorter, more direct, or more personal. You could say:
“Make this message shorter and more direct.”
“Can you make the call to action stronger?”
“Can you make the message more personal?”
Need Advice? Ask ChatGPT for Campaign Promotion Ideas, Strategies, and More
Aside from helping you write campaign messages and posts, ChatGPT can also give you advice and strategies to promote your crowdfunding campaign more effectively. You can ask ChatGPT a wide range of questions to support you through your campaign journey. Here are some examples of how you can use it:
Example Prompts for Campaign Advice:
“What are some creative ways to promote my crowdfunding campaign on social media?”
“Give me a strategy for reaching more donors for my medical crowdfunding campaign.”
“Can you suggest ideas for engaging videos to promote my crowdfunding campaign?”
“What are the best practices for writing an email to potential donors?”
ChatGPT can generate suggestions for social media strategies, video ideas, donor engagement, or even tips on how to improve your campaign’s visibility. You can ask for ideas, regenerate responses if you want more options, or follow up with additional questions to dive deeper.
Final Tips for Prompts:
Be Specific: Always include details like the fundraising goal, the reason for the campaign, and who the beneficiary is when creating your prompt.
Ask for Tone: If you want a specific tone (e.g., emotional, urgent, professional), be sure to mention that when prompting ChatGPT.
Regenerate Responses: If you don’t like the first response, you can regenerate it for a new version, or ask for specific tweaks to get exactly what you need.
By guiding ChatGPT with clear, detailed prompts, you can create strong crowdfunding stories, social media posts, direct outreach messages, and even get helpful advice and strategies to maximise your campaign’s success. Remember, you can always regenerate responses, refine them, and keep adjusting until you’re happy. Happy fundraising.
Belinde Schreuder, crowned Miss International South Africa 2024, is seeking the support of her fellow South Africans to represent the country on the global stage at the prestigious Miss International 2024 pageant in Tokyo, Japan. To cover the costs involved in this incredible journey, Belinde has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, with a goal of raising R150,000. The funds will cover travel, license fees, and a wardrobe for the 17-day competition, which includes evening gowns and a national costume.
Belinde’s mission goes far beyond the beauty pageant. She is a passionate advocate for youth development, wildlife conservation, and mental health awareness. Growing up in rural Limpopo, her connection with nature was nurtured from an early age, and protecting South Africa’s Big Five animals, particularly rhinos and elephants, is a key part of her platform. Belinde’s conservation work extends beyond wildlife, encompassing environmental initiatives such as tree planting and climate action.
In addition to her conservation efforts, Belinde is dedicated to empowering the next generation of South Africans. As the founder of B-Agency SA, she mentors young women, helping them build self-confidence and resilience. Through her work, she encourages girls to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams, emphasizing that their ambitions can create real change in the world.
Her advocacy for mental health is another central theme of her journey. With a degree in Psychology from the University of Johannesburg, Belinde uses her platform to raise awareness around mental health issues, believing that mental well-being is crucial to personal growth and success. Her goal is to show that true beauty lies in compassion, purpose, and the positive impact one can make.
Miss International, one of the “Big Four” beauty pageants, promotes cultural exchange and global goodwill, and Belinde is eager to represent South Africa in this prestigious competition. With over 70 countries competing, the pageant, taking place from 29 October to 12 November 2024, offers a unique opportunity for Belinde to showcase South Africa’s diversity, resilience, and vibrant culture.
Belinde’s journey is also about giving back. A portion of the funds raised through her BackaBuddy campaign will be donated to the Jacaranda Children’s Home in Pretoria, underscoring her commitment to supporting her community alongside her international endeavors.
With a career that includes walking the runway at the Macau Sky Tower 233 meters above ground, Belinde’s adventurous spirit and determination are qualities she hopes to inspire in others. She also created a youth-focused book series, *Eco-Heroes of Savannah Land*, to educate children about wildlife conservation and environmental challenges. Her advocacy extends to the #WasteStopsWithME campaign, where she encourages others to take responsibility for the environment.
As she prepares for the Miss International pageant, Belinde continues to train and work on her platform to bring about positive change. Her journey to Tokyo is about more than just winning a title—it’s about making a meaningful impact on a global scale.
To support Belinde Schreuder’s journey to Tokyo, make a donation via BackaBuddy here:
At just 18 years old, Beandri Booysen has faced more challenges than most people do in a lifetime. She is one of only 150 children and young adults worldwide diagnosed with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes children to age four to eight times faster than their peers.
Without treatment, children with Progeria die of heart disease at an average age of 14.5 years. Despite these odds, Beandri continues to inspire thousands with her vibrant personality and courage.
Now, however, she faces her biggest challenge yet: a severe heart condition that requires urgent open-heart surgery.
Pictured above: Beandri Booysen
Beandri, who lives in Doornpoort, Pretoria, is beloved by her 269.2K TikTok followers and whose videos have garnered over 372K likes. She has been diagnosed with aortic stenosis – a condition where her aortic valve is dangerously obstructed, limiting blood flow from her heart. To make matters worse, calcification in her aorta is adding further complications. Without immediate surgery, Beandri’s health is at serious risk.
Through all of this, Beandri remains steadfast and hopeful. “I’ve been living with Progeria since birth, and I am used to it. I’ve learned through the years to deal with the challenges that come over my path, from my shoulders dislocating to surgeries on my hips and eyes. I face everything God brings into my life,” she shares.
Her family, whom she credits with shaping her strength, has been a vital source of support. “My family supported me by raising me as a ‘normal’ child, not one that is different. This made me stronger and the person I am today,” Beandri explains. “I now understand why they did that—to help me face the haters and obstacles in my daily life.”
Pictured above: Beandri with her brothers. (From left is Herman 34, Ruben 26, and Jaco 35)
While the family’s medical aid covers part of the surgery, it is not enough to cover the full cost of the procedure, hospitalisation, or the essential aftercare Beandri will need. Her parents, Pieter and Bea, set up a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise an estimated additional R150,000 to cover Beandri’s medical needs. To date, 48 generous donors have contributed to the BackaBuddy campaign. In addition, Caring Daisies, a Pretoria-based charity, has been incredible in helping the family, offering vital support and resources during this challenging time.
Beandri’s positivity shines brightly in her TikTok presence, where she continues to inspire and motivate her audience. “I post to motivate people and keep them positive,” she says. “My goal is to raise awareness about other special needs individuals and show that everyone is different and unique in their own way.”
As Beandri prepares for her heart surgery, scheduled for 10 October, with the procedure expected to start at 8am, she remains realistic yet hopeful. She will be admitted to the hospital on the afternoon of 9 October to prepare for the operation.
Pictured above: Beandri and her mother, Bea.
“Please don’t feel sorry for me, because I don’t feel sorry for myself,” Beandri says with her characteristic resilience. “I am very positive, but I can have my down moments too. I’m afraid of any surgery, but I know the Lord is always with me. Every surgery carries risks, but I have an amazing support team—God has placed incredible doctors in my life. All my other doctors have a real passion for their work.”
Despite her challenges, Beandri remains active and full of life. Her zest for life is evident in every video she shares, and her online community continues to rally around her with unwavering support.
Her gratitude toward those supporting her on this journey is clear: “My family, friends, and supporters from all over social media and the world—I appreciate every one of you.”
Her parents also express their deep gratitude: “Beandri’s courage and strength have always amazed us, but now we are calling on the kindness of others to help her during this critical time. We are deeply appreciative of every donation, no matter the size, as it brings us closer to getting her the care she desperately needs.”
Picture above: Beandri and her father, Pieter.
Any funds raised will go toward Beandri’s ongoing medical expenses, covering medical aid shortfalls, aftercare, medications, specialist visits, and everything necessary to ensure her comfort and well-being.
October is Mental Health Awareness Month globally, and for the past 30 years, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has played a pivotal role in helping people speak openly about their mental health without fear of stigma. As the flagship event of Cape Mental Health since 1994, the Kite Festival creates a space for artists, ambassadors, mental health care users, volunteers, and the public to share their stories of pain, healing, and recovery. Each conversation chips away at the stigma, fostering an environment of non-judgmental and supportive dialogue around mental health.
Photo by: Sulize Terreblanche
As Glenn Close once said, “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” The Cape Town International Kite Festival is exactly that – a celebration of openness and a call for everyone to engage in meaningful discussions around mental health.
The Need for Mental Health Support
Mental health issues are more common than many realize, and as the world faces ongoing economic, social, and personal challenges, mental well-being becomes increasingly important. Cape Mental Health aims to provide interventions that restore hope, build resilience, and empower individuals and communities.
This year’s theme, #HopeOnAString, is a powerful metaphor for resilience. Just as a kite rises higher despite the fragility of the string that holds it, so do individuals rise above life’s challenges. Each pull of the string reminds us of the inner strength and resilience within us all. The festival is more than a celebration of kites; it shines a light on those facing mental health challenges, underscoring the importance of early intervention and support.
Growing Awareness Over 30 Years
Since its inception, the Cape Town International Kite Festival has grown from a small one-day event to a global kite-flying phenomenon. The festival now hosts local, national, and international kiters, pop-up kite displays, community flies, EduKite Competitions, entertainment, kite-making workshops, and much more. The event has become a platform for mental health awareness, encouraging the inclusion of children, youth, and adults with mental disabilities.
With more young people speaking openly about their mental health challenges, the festival has shifted the narrative, empowering attendees to voice their needs and concerns while advocating for the protection of mental well-being.
Photo by: Sulize Terreblanche
Event Highlights
Pop-Up Fly Event: Held at Melkbosstrand Beach on Sunday, 27 October 2024, featuring professional kiters such as Mari and Bradley Ware-Lane, Bobby Gathoo, Brian Skinner, and others. Expect a few surprises from international kiters as well!
Community Fly: On 23 October, the annual Community Fly at Heideveld Sports Field on the Cape Flats will welcome children with intellectual disabilities from CMH’s Special Education & Care Centres, along with Grade R learners and preschools from the Heideveld community.
EduKite Competition: A kite-making and kite-decorating competition for primary schools, including children with special educational needs, offering monetary prizes for the winning teams. The prize-giving will be hosted at Curro Century City on 26 October, supporting mental health awareness.
Help Make a Difference: Support the Cape Mental Health BackaBuddy Campaign
Cape Mental Health has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, aiming to raise R250,000 in anticipation of the Cape Town International Kite Festival. So far, the campaign has raised R2,250, and with your help, they can reach their target.
Your donations will enable Cape Mental Health to continue its vital work, expanding mental health services to vulnerable children and adults in disadvantaged communities. Every contribution, whether R100 or R10,000, will make a significant impact in providing mental health support and building resilience in those who need it most.
As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to place strain on non-profit organisations, Cape Mental Health remains resilient but depends on public and corporate donations to sustain its community-based mental health programmes.
By donating to the BackaBuddy campaign, you are helping to provide critical mental health interventions, offering hope and support to those in need. Every donation, no matter the size, is a step toward creating a brighter, healthier future for vulnerable individuals and families. All proceeds will go directly toward Cape Mental Health’s mission of providing free, accessible mental healthcare services.
Celebrities Rally Behind the Cause
Cape Mental Health has gained the support of several notable South African celebrities who are passionate about mental health advocacy:
These celebrities are lending their voices to raise awareness and encourage donations, helping Cape Mental Health reach its fundraising goal and continue the important work of breaking the stigma around mental health.
About the Cape Town International Kite Festival
Since 1994, Cape Mental Health has proudly hosted the Cape Town International Kite Festival, Africa’s oldest kiting event, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for mental health. This year’s festival marks the 30th anniversary of an event that brings together the joy of kiting with the importance of mental wellness.
For more information on the Cape Town International Kite Festival, visit www.capementalhealth.co.za/HopeOnAString and discover how you can participate, support, or donate to this remarkable cause.
On Friday, 6th September, a devastating power surge in Chasedene, Pietermaritzburg, reduced 80% of Theresa and Deon Pienaar’s family home to rubble in minutes. The remaining part of the house was submerged in water as firefighters battled the flames.
Now, their children—Zane Groenewald (31), Natasha Hodge (43), Kirsty Olwagen (35), and Nadine Du Plooy (24)—are rallying together to help their parents rebuild their lives.
From left to right: Zane, Kirsty, Theresa, Devan Marx (nephew), Natasha, Deon, Nadine
Theresa Pienaar, co-founder of Porky’s People—a Pietermaritzburg-based charity with a big heart and a grassroots mission to provide food, clothing, and other essentials to families in need—recalled the terrifying moments before the fire engulfed their home. She had been preparing snacks for two memorials scheduled for the next day when her foster son (7), who has who has special needs, alerted her to smoke coming down the passage. By that point, the cupboards in the main bedroom were already on fire.
Rushing out the front door to gather her two foster children, Theresa shouted for someone to call the fire department.
The fire, which started in the bedroom, quickly spread throughout the house. In a brave attempt to smother the flames with a blanket, Theresa’s hand was injured and she was later taken to the hospital for treatment.
Zane, who has been the Marketing and PR Manager at BackaBuddy for 7 years, where he has helped run crowdfunding campaigns for a wide range of causes—from medical emergencies to disaster relief and acts of kindness—reflected on the devastation: “My siblings and I received a call from our mother on Friday night, telling us that our family home was in flames. The relentless blaze had already claimed most of the house, reducing our belongings and cherished memories to ash and rubble. Realizing the extent of the damage and what it would take to rebuild, we launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, appealing to our incredible community for support to help get our parents back on their feet.”
With the siblings spread across different cities in South Africa, the crowdfunding campaign became a vital way for them to come together and support their parents during this difficult time.
“Zane is in Johannesburg, Natasha is in Cape Town, I’m in Kuruman, and Nadine is in Pietermaritzburg. We couldn’t physically be there to help, but this campaign gave us a way to unite and feel less helpless,” Kirsty shared. “I’ll never forget the pain in my mother’s voice when she realized that everything she and my stepfather had built over a lifetime was gone.”
The campaign has raised R67,825 so far, with support from 43 donors both locally and internationally.
“We’ve received donations ranging from R50 to R20,000, from friends, family, the generous Pietermaritzburg community, and even strangers. Every contribution and message of support has meant the world to our family,” Kirsty said.
In addition to the financial support, the family has also received donations of clothes, household items, and other essentials.
“Throughout our lives, our mom has always been there for others, helping in both big and small ways without ever expecting anything in return,” said Natasha Hodge, one of Theresa’s daughters. “It’s truly heartwarming to see the community stepping in to help her and my stepdad in their time of need.”
Currently, the family is in the process of clearing out their home, assessing the damage, and seeing what can be salvaged.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Zane shared:
“In the hours of unimaginable loss and anguish, the love and kindness from our family, friends, neighbors, and even perfect strangers have chipped away at our hurt, reminding us that we are not alone,” said Zane Groenewald. “We can dust ourselves off, let go, rebuild, and start again.”
“This ordeal has put us face to face with our greatest fears, but we have also laughed through tears and learned in losing everything, that ‘things’ didn’t make this house a home after all. Our memories in our home, and those to come, are fireproof and are always ours to keep.”
To support the Pienaar family’s rebuilding efforts, donations can be made via BackaBuddy:
“Thank you to everyone who has helped us through this incredibly difficult time. To those who shared our story, checked in on us, sent messages, and offered prayers: we are deeply grateful. You’ve reminded us that we have so much to be thankful for,” said Nadine, the youngest daughter of Theresa and Deon.
With the strength of their community behind them, the Pienaar family remains hopeful as they begin the journey of rebuilding their home.
