For a crowdfunding campaign to succeed in the digital age, campaign creators need to connect with their audience through positive storytelling and visual content.
In this guide, we will be discussing how video content can empower your campaign and allow you to raise more funds and awareness for your cause.
If you missed our guide on campaign story writing, please click here.
Why create a campaign video?
Crowdfunding campaigns supported with relevant and campaign-specific video content tend to raise 4 times more funds on average.
When sharing on social media, video content also increases your engagement up to 7 times – this means that your post is more likely to be shared and reach more people than a static image or written post.
Shoot a video on your phone
For the purpose of a crowdfunding campaign, you don’t need professional lighting, equipment or editing skills to convey a powerful message.
We recommend shooting a short, personal and informal message on your cellphone that can be posted on social media as well as your crowdfunding campaign.
Make sure you are presentable and wearing comfortable clothes (try to avoid clothes with busy designs or alot of text).
Choose a clearbackdrop or tidy background to shoot your video.
Try to eliminate as much background noise as possible.
Lastly, just be yourself.
Telling your story
Keeping in mind that your video should be between 1-3 minutes long, try to answer these questions in a friendly, positive manner:
Who are you fundraising for?
What are you fundraising for and how will funds be used?
What will the positive impact of donations be?
What lead you to crowdfund? (Turning point)
What is your time-frame?
How will funds be administered? (paid into a personal account or directly to a supplier/institution?)
Let viewers know where they can make a donation
Ask viewers to support your campaign by donating on BackaBuddy and ask them to help share your campaign with their friends and family.
*Remember to include your campaign link in the post you create, to make donations easy.
Include text and images in your video
Did you know? Videos are commonly watched without sound? Using simple video editing software, make your video more engaging by adding images, text, captions or animations to expand on your campaign message.
Video Editing software to use
For simple video editing, we recommend using apps like Vue or InShot – free apps available on both IOS and Android devices. Watch these tutorials below to help you make your decision.
If you would like to include music in your video, avoid copyrighted material as this is often muted on social media and could have legal implications.
Luckily, YouTube has put together an Audio Library of free, copyrighted music anyone can use.
Take a look at these inspiring videos on BackaBuddy
From living as a homeless man on the streets of Pretoria, Llewellyn Barnes defeated all odds to participate amongst professional players in major golf tournament. With his crowdfunding campaign, set up by non-profit organization, Fearless Love, Llewellyn shared his life story and where his love of golf began. Read more.
American intern, Joseph Payne, made an inspiring and informative video for his Backabuddy campaign to support the DOCKDA Rural Development Agency. Using a combination of images, text and snippets of video, he perfectly described his crowdfunding project.
When Amahle Zenzile was unable to attend the South African Junior Chess Champions Closed in Johannesburg, her best friend and fellow competitor, Trinity Van Beeck set up a crowdfunding campaign on her behalf. In their campaign video, Trinity and Amahle challenged each other to a friendly game of chess and shared details of their close friendship. Read more.
The Owen’s family, put together an emotive video with their crowdfunding campaign for IVF treatment. With enough background information we got a sense of what they were going through.
20 years ago, Marlene Spies went into kidney failure and was in a coma for a long time. The medication she was given affected her the ability to hear and see.
To restore her hearing with a Cochlear Implant her granddaughter set up a campaign on BackaBuddy. The positive impact donations would have on Marlene’s life and wellbeing is undeniable in this short video.
Blankets for Baby Rhinos put together a short yet effective ‘thank you’ message onto their campaign to show how donations had already been put to use.
When Kerryn and Michelle Hugo shared the news with their beloved domestic worker, Antonia Mtambo that the campaign to build her a new home had exceeded their initial fundraising target, her response was so heartfelt that donations kept coming in and the video even made national news! Read more.
Did you know that on Facebook video content results in 7 times more engagement? (likes/comments/shares). Learn more about posting your campaign video on Facebook here.
Create a crowdfunding campaign
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R390 Million.
The implementation of the national 35 day lockdown to flatten the curve of the COVID19 pandemic has interrupted the lives of all South Africans. While our economy has come to a halt and many things seem uncertain, the South African spirit remains intact.
Take a look at these crowdfunding initiatives launched on BackaBuddy, to support South Africans in need.
Supporting doctors, nurses and healthcare facilities
The Solidarity Fund
As mentioned in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation on Monday the 23rd of March, The Solidarity Fundhas been set up to contain the spread of the Covid19 virus, detect and monitor infections, ensure that all those infected get proper treatment and support those disrupted by the crisis this pandemic has created. The campaign has raised over R1.3 Million thus far.
Support this cause on BackaBuddy.By donating to this campaign, all donors qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by The Solidarity Fund.
The Gift of the Givers
The Gift of the Givers have been working tirelessly to fight the spread of the Coronavirus epidemic, by assisting medical practitioners and facilities on the frontline with necessary supplies such as manual and automated ventilation equipment, intubation equipment, medical supplies and safety equipment. The campaign has raised over R1.7 Million thus far. Read more
Support this cause on BackaBuddy.By donating to this campaign, all donors qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by The Gift of The Givers.
1st for Women Insurance
1st for Women Insurance has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support nurses with protective gear and psychosocial support, partnering with Gift of the Givers and Vula Mobile to care for our nurses on the frontline of covid19. To kickstart their campaign the company donated R500 000 to their cause. Read more
Support this cause on BackaBuddy.By donating to this campaign, all donors qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by The Gift of The Givers.
Anaesthesiologist, Dr Niall Evans
Dr Niall Evans, a specialist anaesthesiologist in Cape Town affiliated to the private and public hospital doctor groups, has launched a campaign to support the Gift of The Givers, in providing health workers with N95 masks, as both public and private hospitals are currently unable to provide them. The campaign has raised almost R400 000 thus far.
Support this cause on BackaBuddy. By donating to this campaign, all donors qualify for a Section 18A tax certificate issued by The Gift of The Givers.
N95 masks needed by health workers
The Witkoppen Clinic
The Witkoppen Clinic have created a campaign to prepare for an increase in Covid19 cases should the coronavirus strike Region A and hit the rest of Johannesburg even harder.
“The healthcare system in South Africa is only as strong as its weakest link and sadly Region A of the City of Johannesburg is a weak link.” says campaign creator Dagmar Kahn, “There is no general hospital in the north of Johannesburg, but rather this gap has been filled over the last 70 years by Witkoppen Clinic (Witkoppen). But with COVID-19, the bridge over this gap is slowly crumbling and reaching its breaking point!”
Support this campaign on BackaBuddy. As a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), any contributions to Witkoppen would enjoy Section 18A tax-exempt status.
Hlayisekani Frontline Support Fund
The Hlayisekani Frontline Support Fund has been set up by doctors, Jacques Du Toit and Bianca Moffett to support frontline healthcare workers in rural Mpumalanga.The Tinstwalo/Wits COVID Response Team urgently need help to prepare their rural hospital and clinics for the inevitable spread of COVID19.
Kirsty Richardson launched a campaign to support the False Bay Hospital in Cape Town with funds to purchase supplies and support their staff during the covid19 outbreak.
Non-profit organisation, A Plea For PPE have created a campaign to provide masks, face shields and other personal protective equipment to health-care workers, doctors, nurses, EMTs and support staff across South Africa.
Sibongile Mongadi from Gauteng launched a campaign to assist healthcare workers on the frontline of the Covid19 outbreak. Teaming up with designers with 3D printing capabilities, Sibongile hopes to raise funds to purchase material filaments, 2 more 3D printers and laser cutter to produce masks.
Heatherbank School in the Walmer Township in Port Elizabeth, have created a campaign to support their 207 students who rely on their school feeding scheme. They hope to provide the students and their families with R200 food vouchers during the lockdown.
Focusing on Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas, Porky’s People, has created a campaign on donations based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, to support as many families as possible with food and other essential items during the lockdown. READ MORE
Honoring social distancing guidelines, funds raised by Porky’s campaign will be converted into digital food vouchers that can be redeemed at any local Shoprite supermarket.
Facebook group, #ShutSADown, have created a campaign to raise funds to purchase digital food vouchers for families across South Africa who are unable to work during the lockdown and are struggling financially as a result.
#SanitizeSouthAfrica is a movement created by a group of young South African women, to raise funds to provide sanitization materials to communities who do not have the luxury of self-isolating and are unable to wash their hands constantly.
Cape Town Together is a rapidly developing community-based response to COVID-19. To support the Kirstenhof, Tokai, Westlake and Mitchells Plain communities in Cape Town, a campaign has been launched to assist vulnerable families with food, sanitation items, baby products and other essential items during the lockdown.
Brandon Lee Hunt, a full-time musician from Cape Town, has created a campaign to help support his family as he is unable to perform shows with the implementation of the lockdown. Brandon has promised donors that he will also be hosting live concerts from home to keep everyone entertained and inspired during this period.
Storm Febb (25) a chef from Plettenberg Bay, has launched a campaign to help provide for himself and his 4-year-old daughter during the lockdown. Before the Covid19 outbreak, Strom secured a position at Hamanya Beach in Israel but his plans were sadly interrupted.
Blind entertainer, Gary G, from Cape Town has created a campaign to make up for the loss of income he is experiencing after having to cancel his upcoming gigs due to the lockdown.
Clynton Clarke, AKA DJ Bizzy B. has created a campaign to make up for the loss of income he is experiencing due to being unable to work during the lockdown. Funds raised will help him provide for his family.
Sport paramedics, Yolanda and Henry Pearson from Pretoria, have been unable to work as schools have closed for the lockdown and all sporting tours have been canceled. To cover their bills, the couple have set up a campaign to raise funds.
Malusu Mpateni has launched a campaign to support his siblings who need help covering their bank repayments as their daycare center in Cosmo City, Johannesburg, is unable to operate during the lockdown.
Annorien Geyer, owner and founder of Bloemfontein Authentic Barbershop, has created a campaign to help her employees get through the lockdown as they rely on their commission to support their families.
Lending his support, Singer Francois van Coke posted this message on his social media to encourage donations.
Jurgen Fourie who runs a small garden services company in Port Elizabeth, has set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for his 6 employees as they are unable to work during the extended lockdown. The campaign has raised over R25 000 thus far.
With the implementation of the national lockdown, Beerhouse has had to temporarily lay off over 80 staff members. To support its employees with funds to support their families, the company set up a campaign on BackaBuddy that has thus far raised over R40 000.
CNR Cafe in Randburg, Johannesburg, have launched a campaign to raise funds for their 18 staff members who have lost their main source of income due to the COVID19 lockdown. With the support of generous donors, the campaign has raised over R60 000 thus far.
The Royale restaurant in Randburg, Johannesburg have created a campaign to support their waiters and bar staff during the lockdown period. With the support of generous donors, the campaign has raised over R40 000 thus far.
Founders Restaurant and Grill in Sandton, Johannesburg, have launched a campaign to support their 9 waiters during the lockdown period. The campaign has raised over R20 000 thus far.
Caroline Strydom, the Owner of Perfectly Polished, a Boutique Salon in Craighall has launched a campaign to support their talented beauty therapists that rely on tips and commission to get by. The campaign has raised over R30 000 thus far.
Jeff Livingston from Durban has launched a campaign to save his business, Zulumoon Gondolas and support his 7 workers during the lockdown period.
“Since the onset of the coronavirus, our business has been forced to close over what is one of our peak seasons which carries us through the year. We need help now so that when it is over we can continue with the business and keep the jobs of our team which represent not only the individuals but their families as well. “ says Jeff
Farro restaurant in Johannesburg has launched a campaign to support their staff members who are unable to work and provide for their families during the lockdown.
Espresso Caffé and Bistro in Gauteng have launched a campaign to support their waiters and bartenders during the lockdown. Many of the waiters started as kitchen staff and some have been working for the company for over 20 years.
Sergio Caon, owner of Bistro Dolce Vita Restaurant, in Morningside, Johannesburg, has launched a campaign to help cover the salaries of his 14 staff members for the duration of the lockdown.
Netsai Washaya, the managing director of TimeOut Nails & Beauty, has launched a campaign to support their 5 technicians as they are unable to work during the lockdown.
Quote This Woman, a non-profit organization and database of woman experts, have launched a campaign to keep their website running and cover the salaries of their staff during lockdown.
Cattle Baron in Tyger Waterfront in Cape Town, have launched a campaign to support their staff, most who are the breadwinners of their family, with funds to get them through the lockdown as they are unable to work.
LLoyd Newton, the owner of Satori Restaurant in Johannesburg, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover the salaries of his staff as they are unable to work and receive tips during the lockdown.
Owner of SIX restaurant in Johannesburg, Ebrahim Asmal, has launched a campaign to cover the salaries of his Waiters and Bartenders as they are unable to work during the lockdown.
BlackJack Events have launched a campaign to support their 200+ waiters, barmen, chefs and porters from Gauteng, who rely on hourly wages and tips to get by. Most of the individuals have been with the company for over 15 years and are also the primary breadwinners in their families.
Owner of Resilience Gymnastics Club in Robertsham, Johannesburg South, Roxanne van Herwaarde, has launched a campaign to help cover their rent costs and employee wages as they are unable to operate during the lockdown period.
Faaiza Omar from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, celebrated her 40th birthday by launching a campaign to support the Al-Imdaad Foundation and their Covid19 initiatives for families left without income, food and access to healthcare. Her campaign has thus far raised over R100 000.
TooMuchWifi has launched a campaign to distribute critical information and much-needed internet access in some of the most high-risk communities in South Africa for COVID19 infections and mortality.
The project will specifically benefit the following areas in Cape Town: Dunoon, Langa, Joe Slovo, Manenberg, Gugulethu, Philippi, Nyanga, Bonteheuwel, Vrygrond, Phoenix, Hangberg, Imizamo Yethu, Khayelitsha, Mfuleni and Mitchells Plain
Shelley Finch and a group of friends from Cape Town, have launched a campaign to give at least 200 families across South Africa the gift of food security during the COVID19 lockdown period by purchasing Nutritional Packs. With their project, they aim to support the following organisations: Philisa Abefazi Bethu, Ukama Community Foundation, Community Action Networks (CAN). This campaign has already raised over R140 000 with support from generous donors.
To support the reclaimers that play a crucial role in our society, African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) have launched a campaign as to support the activists who are unable to work during the lockdown. With their campaign they hope to support more than 6000 families with food and essential items.
Founder of Bambelela Wildlife Care NPC, Silke von Eynern, has launched a campaign to help keep their doors open as the lockdown has directly affected their fundraising efforts and the organization’s sustainability.
The Dlala Nje Foundation has created a campaign to raise funds to cover their fixed and running costs, as they are unable to generate funds through their Johannesburg inner-city tours with the implementation of the national lockdown.
Facebook group and NPC, #Imstaying have launched a campaign to prevent a potential outbreak of COVID19 in Mfuleni, an informal settlement in Cape Town, by providing residents with hygiene packs.
Massimo’s restaurant in Hout Bay have created a campaign to prepare meals to be distributed to the needy, in collaboration with ‘Gracie love in a bowl’ and ‘Community Cookup IY’.
The Township Yogi Project has created a campaign to curb the spread of the coronavirus in our township and slum communities by purchasing hand sanitizer for those in need.
Phronesis Students Development Trust NPC is a Non-Governmental Organisation, dedicated to breaking the cycle of Poverty. They have launched a campaign to raise funds to pack 1000 food and hygiene parcels for underprivileged, informal and rural communities during the Covid-19 Lockdown.
Karl Hildebrandt, Founder of The PWR Project, based in Cape Town, has launched a campaign to raise funds to provide 300 meals a day to the homeless, elderly and vulnerable during the lockdown. Funds raised will go directly towards preparing the meals, which cost around R10 each.
Debbie Sykes has launched a campaign called #CircusKidsConnect, to raise funds to cover data costs for the Zip Zap Social Circus beneficiaries. Data will allow these students to gain online access to their training, inspirational messages, zapercises and ‘how to’ series through Zip Zap’s Virtual Circus.They are aiming to connect 250 students with 2G data during the lockdown period.
The CreditSmart team have launched a campaign to support consumers who are unable to earn money during the lockdown period and are unable to pay their debit. With this fund, the company aims to help as many consumers as possible pay at least one account that has no alternative but to be paid and help individuals in need purchase food and other essentials
A campaign has been created to support over 60 young girls who attend the BRAVE workshops in the Cape Flats with food, hygiene and cleaning supplies to make it through the lockdown period. Over R20 000 has thus far been raised.
Carin Lichtenstein from Midrand launched a campaign to support Ubuhle Bezwe, an orphanage in the informal settlement of Ivory Park. Funds raised will help the organisation feed the 40 children in their care for the next 3 months.
Pug Rescue SA , who home 189 orphaned Pugs and Honorary-Pugs have also launched a campaign to make up for their upcoming fundraisers that have been cancelled due to the nationwide lockdown.
Nation Builder, a Mergon initiative, that inspires and equips businesses to lead in social change have created a campaign to support non-profit organisations across South Africa. Funds raised will be used to stand in the gap for NPOs who have lost and will lose significant funding with the nationwide lockdown.
Running Wild Conservation, a Non-Profit Organization, that looks after lions and cheetah’s have launched a campaign to help cover their running costs, outstanding veterinary bills and to support their staff during the covid19 outbreak.
Non-profit organisation, CHOC, who look after children and teenagers suffering from cancer, have created a campaign to make up for the loss of income they will experience after having to cancel their upcoming fundraising events.
Cheetah Preservation Foundation which has been running for 35 years, have launched a campaign to keep their doors open, as they receive no government funding and their upcoming fundraising events have been canceled due to the lockdown.
The Manger Care Centre currently houses and feeds more than 230 individuals that are elderly, disabled or destitute. With their crowdfunding campaign, the organisation is raising funds to provide Masks, Gloves, hand sanitizer and other essential items to the people in their care. Unable to fundraise during this time, the organisation also needs funds to cover their rent, electricity and water and building maintenance.
Bet on better have created a crowdfunding campaign to provide families in need, as well as homeless individuals, that have been placed in temporary shelters around Johannesburg with food and essential supplies.
Foundation for the Advancement of Musicians Empowerment
The Foundation for the Advancement of Musicians Empowerment NPO have created a campaign to support local musicians who have had to cancel events, festivals, shows, performances, and gigs due to the lockdown.
The South Coast Hospice Association has created a campaign to make up for the loss of income they are experiencing due to having their in-house fundraising canceled due to the lockdown.
The Msunduzi Hospice Association in Kwa-zulu Natal has launched a campaign to cover their running costs after their fundraising events have been canceled due to the lockdown.
Create your own crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy:
BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up crowdfunding campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various other causes in South Africa.
The Gift of the Givers have been working tirelessly to fight the spread of the Coronavirus epidemic.
Through the launch of a campaign on BackaBuddy, the Gift of the Givers have raised a total of R 1 908 064.41 with contributions from 1380 donors, to provide medical practitioners across the country with much needed support.
Please see below, a brief update on this campaign by Dr Imtiaz Sooliman from Gift of the Givers.
With support from the public, The Gift of the Givers has intervened in the Covid-19 challenge in several decisive approaches:
1. Focused on front line health care workers by providing protective materials and essential equipment.
“In addition to the procurement of one million masks, we have ordered or already have in stock coveralls, Hazmat suits, reusable and disposable surgical gowns, scrub suits, latex gloves, head covers, shoe covers, goggles, visors, thermal scans and sanitiser. Thus far we have distributed protective supplies to 160 hospitals and clinics nationwide and the list is expanding. ” – says Dr Sooliman.
2. Set up 30 triage tents at key hospitals to limit virus contamination to the outside of the hospital.
3. Carried out Covid-19 testing. Over thirteen Covid-19 testing sites have been set up and over 5000 patients have been tested. The Gift of the Givers team members have been actively involved in the testing process. Gift of the Givers has partnered First Care Courier Pharmacy to provide a mobile Covid- 19 testing team that travels distances for mass testing. The testing team covers parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and Limpopo. Gift of the Givers has purchased six ILEX pcr test machines which will be set up in specially designated Covid-19 lab facilities to speed up the testing process.
4. Provided over 70 000 food parcels to vulnerable individuals and supported over 100 feeding centres nationwide.
“Food intervention is an absolute necessity. We envisage a much greater intervention in these areas in the coming days.” – says Dr Sooliman.
5. Provided water in drought stricken areas.
“Our water tankers deliver 530 000L of water per week in the Eastern Cape. In addition we have 400 fully functional boreholes drilled over an 18 month period which provides clean drinking water daily.” says Dr Sooliman.
6. Produced and distributed material re-usable masks.
“Material masks have been donated to us as well as rolls of material. Various women sewing groups have participated in sewing masks for us. These are being provided to the health department Covid-19 contact tracing teams to hand out to high risk individuals.” – says Dr Sooliman.
7. Supplied over 40 000 maternity and baby packs to mothers on the verge of delivery.
8. Provided a toll free line to give feedback on testing and related Covid-19 information – 0800 786786
9. Provided a toll free counselling service to assist individuals with domestic and other counselling matters.
10. Placed medical volunteers on standby to intervene in a major crisis.
“Our core volunteer teams are ready to intervene in the face of a major crisis, are reviewing and studying Covid-19 information on a daily basis, and are playing a major role in testing.” – says Dr Sooliman.
11. Provided protective material for SAPS.
“Supporting SAPS has become an important consideration seeing that they are so vulnerable being exposed to those positive patients in various communities. Gift of the Givers has been supplying SAPS headquarters, various divisions of the police services and various regions with protective supplies as well as food and water at checkpoints.” – says Dr Sooliman.
12. Fifteen video laryngoscopes for ICU have been bought. The first five have been delivered to Steve Biko, Tshwane General, Charlotte Maxeke, Rahima Moosa and Sebokeng Hospitals.
13. Gift of the Givers will be supporting the eThekwini Municipality homeless shelter by paying for registered nurses to attend to 2700 individuals.
A key thread in all successful crowdfunding campaigns is a well-written, emotive, and informative story that connects with its audience.
Before setting up your campaign, take a look at BackaBuddy’s advice for good story writing.
Practical considerations
Keep your campaign message short (no longer than 200-500 words)
Use Paragraphs and comfortable spacing to separate your ideas.
Highlight important information by bolding, underlining, italicizing key phrases or words.
Keep your tone friendly and conversational.
Don’t forget to do a quick spelling and grammar check.
Add additional information to your campaign through hyperlinks.
Online media articles or blog posts relevant to your cause.
Additional photos or video content to support your campaign on YouTube, Facebook, Dropbox, Google Drive.
Link to a social media page or group that posts regular updates about your campaign.
Your campaign copy should answer the following questions:
Who are you fundraising for?
Tell us about the person you are raising funds for – what is their name, age, where are they from, what is their background, what are some of their achievements or struggles?
Keep in mind that when you write your story, your campaign will reach, friends of friends on social media as well as the public- at a glance, the person reading your campaign text should know exactly who you are raising funds for.
Tip: Donors typically support crowdfunding campaigns in their area – if you can, mention a local hospital, school or church you attend to make your campaign more localized.
What are you fundraising for and how will funds be used?
It’s important to articulate the extent of your various needs and how funds will be used to support the beneficiary of your crowdfunding campaign.
Depending on what you are fundraising for, try to find a clear, tangible way to communicate your needs:
For example, Porky’s People created a campaign to purchase 100 digital food vouchers to the value of R250, to feed vulnerable families in Pietermaritzburg affected by the lockdown.
You can also provide a brief breakdown of the costs involved in your campaign to provide transparency and a full picture of what your needs are.
Focus on the positive impact of donations
Mention how funds raised will be used to support the beneficiary and the positive impact it will have on their life or their current situation.
According to the 2018 Trends in Global Giving Report, by Non-Profit Tech For Good, 91% of donors are motivated to donate to causes when they feel positive emotions such as hope and empathy and only 9% respond to negative emotions such as fear and sadness.
What lead you to crowdfund?
Develop your story by proving background information about your life and how your needs arose.
Why have you decided to crowdfund now?
What was the turning point in your journey to crowdfunding?
What is your time frame?
If your campaign is time-sensitive, include that information in your campaign text to let donors know if you have a limited amount of time to the funds you need.
To save their children’s home from closure, Home of Hope, needed to raise funds to cover their operational costs for 3 months with their campaign.
How will funds be administered?
Will funds raised by paid into your personal account or be paid directly to a relevant supplier such as a medical practitioner, school, church, non-profit organization?
Donors tend to support causes more generously if they are certain funds will be used for their intended purpose and paid directly to the relevant institutions.
Take a look at these inspiring stories on BackaBuddy
Using her wonderful sense of humor, Mandy Lottering, a hairdresser from Pietermaritzburg, penned a personal message about her struggle with breast cancer and the treatment she needed.
Zanele Hlatshwayo from Soweto, told a very powerful story and personal story when raising funds for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) in honor of her late father.
Leilani Kuter (46) from Roodepoort, pledged to walk 27km per day, for 27 days, covering a distance of 729km, 27 years after her rape ordeal. Funds raised were used to purchase rape kits and comfort packs for young women affected by sexual assault and gender-based violence in South Africa.
Find a friend to tell your story
In the crowdfunding community, we often say, your friend’s megaphone is louder. If you can get a dedicated friend to set up your campaign on your behalf, this is often more emotive to donors, will increase your visibility on social media and your campaign is more likely to reach its target.
Take a look at these inspiring stories on BackaBuddy, set up by a friend.
Michael Dickerson (42) from Limpopo, took on a 161km endurance race to raise funds for Daniël Otto (6), a boy suffering from Congenital Muscular Dystrophy (CMD). In his campaign text, Michael wrote how he was inspired by Daniël’s courage despite his many challenges and that he would be carrying a photo of Daniël in his pocket on the day of the race.
When Tannie Poppie Van As, an elderly lady from Laingsburg who runs a roadside ‘roosterbrood’ stand in the Western Cape was invited to Italy to show off her cooking skills, her personality instantly captured the hearts of donors both locally and abroad. Her campaign was set up by a close friend by the name of Stan Engelbrecht who sang her praises.
From living as a homeless man on the streets of Pretoria, Llewellyn Barnes (59) defeated all odds to participate among professional players in major golf tournament. With his crowdfunding campaign, set up by non-profit organization, Fearless Love, Llewellyn shared his life story and how golf got him through the most difficult days of his life.
When Amahle Zenzile (11) was unable to attend the South African Junior Chess Champions Closed in Johannesburg, her best friend and fellow competitor, Trinity Van Beeck (12) set up a crowdfunding campaign on her behalf. In her story, Trinity wrote about their unique friendship and motivated why Amahle deserved the opportunity to show off her skills at the tournament.
More stories that inspired us:
Wave surfer and marine activist, Frank Solomon created a campaign to support two street surfers, Thabo and Mokete, who live on the streets of Johannesburg.
Monet van Deventer created a campaign to surprise petrol attendant Nkhosikho Mbele after he performed a kind deed to keep her safe.
Mother and daughter, Michelle and Kerryn Hugo created a campaign to build a home for their domestic worker, Antonia Mtambo.
Did you know? Campaigns with video content, tend to raise 4 times more funds and are 7 times more shareable on social media. Read more about creating a video to support your crowdfunding campaign here.
Create your own crowdfunding campaign
BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up crowdfunding campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various other causes in South Africa.
Crowdfunding campaigns centered around a creative concept tend to capture the attention of potential donors and typically raise more funds.
In this article, we will show you how to make use of various fundraising opportunities throughout the year and even how to raise funds to support a cause on your birthday!
Coming up with a creative concept
Whether you are raising funds for a person or to support a charity, crowdfunding allows individuals the freedom to come up with their own creative ideas to relay their message and promote their cause.
Take a look at these creative BackaBuddy campaigns that went the extra mile
In 2018, Andrew Patterson pledged to climb Table mountain every day for a year with his 365 Ubuntuclimbs campaign to raise funds forHabitat for Humanity, One Life for Kids and The Sunflower Fund. By sharing daily video updates on his social media and inviting members of the public to join him on his hikes, Andrew managed to raise over R380 000 on BackaBuddy.
Andrew Patterson
In 2018, founder of Rise18, Zanele Hlatshwayo from Soweto, participated in 18 marathons, totaling over 648km to continue The South African Depression and Anxiety Group’s national suicide toll-free hotline in honor of her late father who took his own life due to depression. Read more.
Zanele Hlatshwayo
In 2017, American intern, Joseph Payne, supporting the DOCKDA Rural Development Agency, climbed Devil’s Peak, Table Mountain, and Lion’s Head with his campaign to purchase bicycles for disadvantaged students in the Northern Cape who walk the same distance to school every day.
In 2019, Leilani Kuter from Roodepoort, pledged to walk 27km per day, for 27 days, covering a distance of 729km, 27 years after the rape ordeal that changed her life.
Wearing yellow, the colour her attacker wore, Leilani broke her silence to empower sexual assault and gender-based violence survivors and free them from the stigma it carries. In sharing her very personal story, Leilani was able to crowdfund over R250 000 to purchase rape kits and comfort packs for those in need.
Her bravery also caught the attention of the national media and opened up a dialogue around the ‘taboo topic’. Read more.
To raise funds for Emil Erasmus’ cancer treatment, Zane Groenewald from Pietermaritzburg, pledged to shave his hair live on Facebook when he reached his crowdfunding campaign target of R5000. Through many small donations from close family and friends, Zane exceeded his initial target.
In 2020, Ross Hindle took on the Iron Man 70.3 with his campaign to raise funds for his friend, Prince Chikezie, to complete his medical degree
Prince Chikezie
Byron Leggett and 5 of his closest friends took on the Comrades Marathon to raise funds to purchase a highly specialized eye tracker to allow Isabella Beck, a young girl diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy to access her communication system through her eye movements. Read more
Byron Leggett, Bryan Hellon, Teran Peyper, JP van Zittert, Greg Kilfoil and Craig Pike with Isabella Beck before the Comrades.
Supporting a cause on your Birthday
In lieu of gifts, it’s becoming a popular trend for individuals to crowdfund for various causes on their birthday.
Founder of Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Org Trust (ARRO), Juanita Aitkenhead created a crowdfunding campaign to raise R4800 for her organisation on her 48th birthday. Highlighting the importance and positive impact of donations in a short, emotive video, Juanita came very close to reaching her fundraising goal.
Upon learning that the Umgeni River Bird Park, was under strain due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Romario Valentine (8) nobly asked his mum, Delsha Moodley, if she could help him set up a fundraiser on his 9th birthday to support the sanctuary’s “Inspire to Conserve” program. Read more.
Important fundraising days to remember
Mandela Day – 18th July
Every year on International Mandela Day (18th of July), we celebrate not only the birth of Tata Madiba but his 67-year commitment to social justice and servant leadership.
By volunteering 67 minutes of our time, we are encouraged to act in kindness, amplify the voices of those that often go unheard, serve our local communities, churches, and charitable organizations or offer kind donations to support causes in need of support.
Taking on the mammoth task of rescuing and maintaining the Shongweni Resource Reserve, Greg Vogt and Sara Agostini paddled 67 km on Mandela day with their crowdfunding campaign which raised over R63 000. Read more.
Greg Vogt and Sara Agostini
Giving Tuesday – 1st December
On 1 December 2019, following the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday & Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season when many individuals focus on their holiday & end-of-year giving.
Harnessing the power of social media & collaboration, #GivingTuesdaySA encourages individuals and non-profits alike to reach out to their communities, with the aim of creating meaningful social changeand spreading goodwill.
During the festive season, there is a noticeable increase in giving as individuals and non-profits look to spread Christmas joy. Whether you would like to raise funds to purchase gifts for disadvantaged children or host Christmas parties for the elderly, consider creating a crowdfunding campaign during the holidays.
In December 2019, Porky’s People, created a campaign to purchase gifts to the value of R200 to give the children of Thandi House, a registered non-profit children’s home a warm and memorable Christmas. Read more.
Instagram: Porky’s People
Choosing your crowdfunding campaign name
An important part of establishing your crowdfunding concept is what you decided to call your campaign.
Your campaign name should be no longer than 5 words – think of it as a title of a book. Consider the most important elements of your story, the beneficiary, and the positive impact you will create.
A catchy title could be the difference between individuals scrolling past your post or clicking through to make a donation. Remember, your campaign name is your first impression, avoid generic statements and make it memorable!
Take a look at these BackaBuddy campaign names that caught our attention:
