Over time, runners have recognized the potential of sports events as more than just a race—they’re also a powerful opportunity to rally support and raise funds through crowdfunding. Harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of participants, these events become a vibrant hub for both athletic achievement and philanthropy, showcasing the transformative impact of collective action.
If you have not yet pledged to support your favourite charity or bought your tickets for the event, have a read through our article below.
Here to guide you in raising funds at your local event, the BackaBuddy team has put together our best advice on how to run a successful crowdfunding campaign!
How to enter your choose event
Before you begin your crowdfunding journey on BackaBuddy, make sure you have entered for the event on their website.
Launch your crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
Once you have registered, it’s time to create your crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for your chosen charity.
A key thread in all successful crowdfunding campaigns is a well-written, emotive, and informative story that connects with potential supporters of your campaign.
For inspiration on how to tell your story, Meet Zanele.
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 honour of her late father.
When writing your campaign story, be sure to answer the following questions:
Who are you and where are you from?
Which organisation are you fundraising for and what do they do? Do you have a personal connection to the charity you have chosen?
Your campaign message should highlight the importance of your cause and why others should support it. If the charity you have chosen has success stories or interesting facts to share with you, this will also help you tell your story. Connect with your charity and find out as much information about them as you can.
How much would you like to raise and how will these funds be used in a tangible way to benefit your charity and the work they do?
Take a look at these examples on how to write a tangible campaign ‘ask’.
For example, I am taking part in the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2024 to…
Raise R10 000 to purchase 100 school shoes for children in need at Afrika Tikkun’
Raise R100 000 to help Hillwood Primary school in refurbishing 1 classroom.
Reach my crowdfunding target of R20 000 to support Dignity Dreams in purchasing sanitary items for young girls so that they don’t miss out on an education.
Focus on the positive impact of donations
Presenting your campaign in a positive way can make a big difference. Focus on the positive impact the funds raised will have and the impact of your awareness campaign.
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.
For those who don’t like reading, put together a short campaign video!
Campaigns with video content tend to raise 4 times more funds, and are shared 7 times more on social media, as they are more personal and emotive!
Shoot a video on your phone
For 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 on your crowdfunding campaign.
Make sure you are presentable and wearing comfortable clothes (try to avoid clothes with busy designs or a lot of text).
Choose a clearbackdrop or tidy background to shoot your video.
Try to eliminate as much background noise as possible.
Let viewers know where they can make a donation to your campaign and include your crowdfunding campaign link in every post you share.
When choosing your crowdfunding image, choose an inviting and friendly image of yourself. If you have a photo of yourself in running gear, this will show your potential donors that you mean business and are already training to make them proud!
Set your target based on your network and available time
When setting your fundraising target, it’s important to consider:
Just like no one likes to be the first person on the dance floor, donors typically support crowdfunding campaigns once it has a few initial donations.
Through data research, we found that campaigns with initial support from family and friends specifically, tend to raise 220% more funds .
How to share your campaign with close family and friends:
When looking for your first donations, we recommend sending a personal, instant message on Whatsapp, Facebook message, email or SMS to close family and friends, extended family, neighbours, co-workers.
An example of a message you could send:
“Hi Monique, I hope you are well!
I am taking part in the Totalsports Two Oceans Marathon 2024 to raise funds to support FoodForwardSA and the wonderful work they do.
With my crowdfunding campaign launched on BackaBuddy I hope, to raise R10 000 to provide 100 meals to disadvantaged children living in Edenvale, Johannesburg.
If you can, please be so kind as to donate to my campaign and cheer me on during the event.
If you’re unable to contribute, please share my campaign with your friends and loved ones: Here is my campaign link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/
Once you have your first donations in, we recommend sharing your campaign to a wider audience on Facebook, Whatsapp and Instagram.
Depending on your chosen social network, read through our guidelines on how to make the most of social sharing!
Find out if the organisation you are raising funds for is a Section 18A certified as a tax break is a great incentive to encourage donations in larger amounts.
At BackaBuddy, we understand that reaching out for assistance, regardless of the cause, can be a vulnerable process. Whether you’re facing medical challenges, educational expenses, a community project, or any other personal goal, we’re here to support you.
To make your fundraising journey easier, we’ve created easy-to-use templates for campaign creators like you to help you share your campaign and encourage donations.
Starting Your Campaign and Seeking Initial Donations
EASY-TO-USE TEMPLATE
Hi [Insert name],
I have something important to share with you.
I’ve just launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to raise funds for [insert reason why you’re fundraising], and I hope you will consider being one of my very first donors.
I have set my fundraising target at [insert fundraising target], which will allow me to [insert how funds will be used/the positive impact of donations].
Your contribution, no matter the amount, would mean the world to me.
If you’re able and willing to lend your support to my fundraiser, kindly click on my BackaBuddy link: [Insert link to your BackaBuddy campaign].
You can also support me by sharing my story on your social media or with your contacts, to help me reach more people who may be able to help.
Thank you,
[Insert your name]
Reach Out to Your Immediate Circle First
To kickstart your crowdfunding journey and secure vital initial support, begin by connecting with your inner circle of close friends and family. They are more likely to stand by your side, regardless of the cause, due to their trust and personal connection to you. Through their supportive donation messages, they can give your campaign momentum and provide social proof, making it more appealing to potential donors who may hesitate to be the first to contribute.
Remember to keep your message personal, concise, and let your unique personality shine through. Kindly ask your friends, family, and social media followers to support your cause and share it on your behalf to help you reach your fundraising target.
Picture above: Portrait drawn by 11-year-old Earth-shaker, Romario Valentine
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.
On this day, we come together to honor our diverse nation and respond to a global call for action, harnessing our collective power to positively shape the world around us.
What can I do on Mandela Day?
Mandela Day encourages individuals to take action and make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
Here are some things you can do on Mandela Day:
Raise funds to support your local community
Set up a campaign on South Africa’s largest crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy to raise funds and assist a person or community in need. Click here to register your cause.
Here are some ideas of things you can fundraise for on Mandela Day.
Raise funds to purchase digital food vouchers for families affected by the lockdown.
Raise funds to help restaurant staff support their families.
Raise funds to make ‘care kits’ (including a comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, face cloth, etc.) for patients at a nearby government hospital.
Raise funds to feed and clothe the homeless.
Raise funds to keep the light on for a non-profit organisation.
Raise funds to help non-governmental schools pay their teachers salaries.
Raise funds to purchase children’s books for an under-resourced school.
Raise funds to support a charity on BackaBuddy
On BackaBuddy, members of the public are invited to raise funds for various charities across South Africa by setting up their own fundraising campaigns.
You can initiate or contribute to fundraising campaigns supporting medical fees, education, environmental conservation, and more.
Here are a few Mandela day crowdfunding campaigns in need of support.
Support Matthew Sledge this Mandela Day
Matthew Sledge, a 51-year-old individual residing in Kensington, Johannesburg, undertook a remarkable endeavor in support of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. He participated in the Mandela Day Houghton 10km run wearing nothing but a speedo, all with the aim of raising funds for the foundation. Sledge’s ultimate goal was to assist the foundation’s ongoing initiatives in education and empowerment. His unconventional approach to fundraising garnered the attention of onlookers and served as an inspiration for them to contribute to the cause. In total, Sledge managed to raise over R32,000, a significant stride towards his R50,000 target.
Support Matthew by donating to his BackaBuddy campaign.
Support Amoya this Mandela Day
Amoyo’s Mandela Day campaign aims to raise awareness about their mission of empowering children to build a better South Africa. This year, their fundraising efforts focus on purchasing solar lights for 10 matric students affected by load-shedding, and organizing a live show for their 150 beneficiaries to showcase their talents. The funds will also cover rehearsal expenses, facilitators, costumes, sound and lighting freelancers, and a nutritional feeding program.
Support Amoya by donating to their BackaBuddy campaign.
Support Staffordshire Terrier Rescue this Mandela Day
Estrela Studio aims to support Staffordshire Terrier Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to rehabilitating and finding loving homes for Staffordshire Terriers. Join them this Mandela Day in raising funds and spreading awareness to make a significant difference in the lives of these deserving animals. Your donation will enable Staffordshire Terrier Rescue to provide necessary care, medical attention, and rehabilitation services, transforming the lives of these dogs and contributing to a brighter future for them.
Support Staffordshire Terrier Rescue by donating to their BackaBuddy campaign.
Learn more about setting up a crowdfunding campaign here or email [email protected].
Donate to a charity or cause you’re passionate about
Looking for a crowdfunding cause to donate to on Mandela day? Visit our Featured Campaigns article for a few campaigns that have been highlighted on the Backabuddy Impact Village as well as in media publications across South Africa this week.
Volunteer your time
Visit BackaBuddy’s Facebook page, and share a crowdfunding campaign that inspires you and encourage your family and friends to make a donation.
Support the South African National Blood Service by donating blood at a centre near you.
However you decide to celebrate your 67 minutes on Mandela Day, make an effort to inspire and care for your fellow South Africans. Together we can make a world of difference. It takes a village.
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 raised over R260 Million.
When faced with a challenging medical diagnosis families often aren’t prepared for the financial burden placed on them at the most vulnerable time in their lives.
For this reason, many South Africans are turning to crowdfunding to raise the funds for a loved one in need of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and the purchase of medication and medical equipment.
Crowdfunding is the practice of fundraising online by setting up a project to receive many small donations from a number of individuals through the use of social media and the press.
Through emotive storytelling, images and video content, campaign creators are able to present their cause to the public to help reach their specified fundraising target.
As long as you have an earnest medical need that can be validated by a doctor or health practitioner, you can raise funds on BackaBuddy.
What can you raise funds for?
Over 49800 individuals have successfully crowdfunded on BackaBuddy to cover the cost of their Cancer Treatment, Cystic Fibrosis treatment, Bone Marrow Transplants, Kidney Dialysis, Heart surgery, Liver transplant, Cochlear implants and Wheelchairs.
Friends seeking to support a family in distress often launch crowdfunding campaigns to assist with expenses such as living costs, transportation, and other necessities during a catastrophic medical diagnosis.
Getting started
Get started with your crowdfunding campaign by sending us your story, funding needs and references by completing this form.
If you aren’t sure how to go about your campaign, please contact [email protected] and our team will guide you and walk alongside you.
Once your campaign is set up, you will have a shareable link that you can share on your social media, the press and most importantly, with family and friends, who can help you spread the word and donate to your cause.
Medical campaigns that captured our hearts
Thus far BackaBuddy has raised over R385 Million to support worthy causes in South Africa.
Take a look at a few of the medical campaigns on BackaBuddy that touched the hearts of donors both locally and abroad.
A Bone Marrow Transplant for Aaron
Aaron Lipschitz (7) from Sea Point, Cape Town, is the first child in South Africa to be diagnosed with Interleukin-12 Receptor Defect, a rare genetic condition that affects the immune system.
The only way for Aaron to overcome his recurrent infections and survive this condition was to have a bone marrow transplant, which successfully took place in August 2018.
When Salon owner Mandy Lottering from Pietermaritzburg was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 2017, she set up a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy with the support of her friend, Angela.
Penning an emotional open letter to supporters, Mandy reminded herself that she is many things, a mother, a wife, a cheerleader, and a friend, but she is not her cancer.
Thankfully with the support of her community, Mandy is now in remission and still counts her blessings every day.
The Lottering Family. From Left to Right: Savannah, Jarrod, Juan & Mandy
Heart surgery for Naledi
When Naledi Thahanyane (4) from Johannesburg was 6 months old she was put in the care of Juno Aurora Haven, a home for abused and neglected children in Sandton.
When Naledi was taken to a paediatrician for a regular checkup three years ago, it was discovered that she had a heart defect, a growth just below the left aorta.
Without funds to cover the cost of Naledi’s operation, medication, medical supplies, sterilisation equipment as well as a home nurse, a campaign was launched on BackaBuddy.
Thankfully, Naledi’s surgery was funded and she remains in stellar health.
After failing her hearing test, doctors discovered that Neabe Barrett was born deaf. With the family’s medical aid covering a portion of the funds needed to fit Neave with a cochlear implant, a campaign was launched to cover the additional funds needed.
Thankfully, Neave raised the funds she needed and her cochlear implants were switched on in early 2017. It was such a special moment.
Aidan Maddocks from Pietermaritzburg was diagnosed with Biliary Atresia at birth, a childhood liver disease that only affects 1 in 10,000–15,000 live births.
After receiving a Kasai Operation at Albert Luthuli Hospital when he was only 3 years old, Doctors told Aiden that he would need a liver transplant in the next decade.
When the day arrived, Aiden’s family set up a BackaBuddy campaign to cover the costs of his treatment when his donor’s liver arrived.
Ubuko Mpotulo, from East London, was diagnosed with Meningococcal Septicaemia, a condition where bacteria enter the bloodstream and multiply, damaging the walls of the blood vessels. He was only 10 years old.
At the age of 3 years old, Ubuko underwent a Bi-Lateral Amputation and finger amputation, when the lining of his blood vessels became damaged and obstructed his narrow arteries and eventually cutting off his blood supply. He was soon fitted with prosthetics and adjusted to his ‘new normal’ very quickly.
To support Ubuko with his ongoing medical costs, as his prosthetic sockets will need to be refitted and changed at least 14 to 16 times until he stops growing, 7 Round Tablers from East London dedicated the 70.3 Ironman challenge to raise funds for the young man on BackaBuddy.
Ellané Burger from Wellington, Western Cape was diagnosed with an extremely rare condition called Disabling Pansclorotic Morphea, when she was only 8 years old. The condition affects the skin, nerves and muscles making it difficult to jump, run, walk short distances or even stand still.
To give Ellané a new lease on life, her parents set up a campaign on BackaBuddy to raise funds for a specialized wheelchair that has broadened her horizons,
If you have arrived on this page, you may need help finding your donors before setting up your first crowdfunding campaign.
Where can I find my donors?
1. Reach out to family and friends first.
The first people who donate to your campaign are very important.
The public tends to support campaigns if they can see that a number of people have already teamed up behind the cause.
Just as no one wants to be the first person on the dancefloor, a campaign with donors is more inviting, creates a sense of community, shows the campaign is active and is more likely to reach its target.
People who don’t know you personally, also trust campaigns more readily if they can see your loved ones have vouched for your cause, by means of donating or through affectionate comments.
Based on our research, if family or friends are the ones who contribute to a campaign first, we have found that they are likely to raise 220% more funds.
2. Reach out to your wider network
Once you have gotten support from loved ones, it’s time to reach out to more people you know.
Let your extended family, neighbours, co-workers, social groups, church, school or university friends and local community know about your campaign.
With the initial support you would have received, your wider network acts as an amplifier of sorts, spreading your campaign to more people and building on your first donations.
3. Social Media
Campaigns with initial support that are shared on social media, tend to raise 5 times more funds.
When introducing your campaign on social media, it is best to include a friendly photo, a video talking about your fundraiser, and a short description that lets readers know exactly what your need is and how funds could positively impact you or your beneficiary.
4. Reach out to your local radio station, newspaper or influencers
If your campaign has started raising funds, you have shared it on social media, then it is a great idea to reach out to your local media houses, to see if they would like to write about your story or share it on the airways.
Think about the media publications you are familiar with, visit the contact us section on their website, and send a message to introduce yourself and your cause.
Do you have any questions?
The BackaBuddy team is here to help guide you throughout your crowdfunding journey.
We understand that raising funds for a cause can be difficult and sometimes intimidating, which is why our team has put together our best advice for a successful crowdfunding campaign.
If you have any questions throughout your journey, please reach out to us, and we will be happy to guide you.
Your first donations and getting started:
Send your campaign to family and friends first with a short, personal message via WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or email.
Here’s why:
Campaigns with initial support from loved ones creates trust in your campaign, and can help you raise 220% more funds.
Instant messages are also typically read within the first 3 seconds, which increases your chances of getting support for your cause in the beginning phase.
For sharing templates and advice on getting started, click here.
Avoid sharing your campaign to a wide audience with no funds raised.
Here’s why:
Just like no one wants to be the first person on the dancefloor, donors in the wider community usually wait until a campaign has a few contributions before lending their support – especially if they don’t know you personally.
Raise more funds
Fine tune your campaign message: Your campaign message should be simple, short, but emotive. The person reading it should know exactly who you are, where you are from, what your funding needs are and the impact donations will have on your life. Read more.
Tell your story with a short video: Create a 1-2 minute video with your cell phone that introduces yourself and your cause. This video can be loaded to your campaign via a YouTube link, if you don’t have an account, send us the clip and we will upload it for you! Read more.
FACT: Campaigns with videos tend to raise about 4 times more funds.
Reach out to a wider audience on social media: Sharing your campaign on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagramand beyond will allow more people to see and share your campaign. We recommend waiting until you have at least 3 or 4 donations before sharing your campaign on social platforms.
FACT: Social Media can increase your campaign’s likelihood of success by 5 times
Haven’t received any funds yet? Try this:
Reach out to more people in your network: Have you contacted your extended family, neighbours, co-workers, social groups to support your cause? Have you shared your campaign on social media or contacted your local newspaper or radio station?
Interact with the online community: Depending on which social media platform you are most familiar with, share your campaign to different groups and forums in your area or that relate to your cause.
Share campaign updates: Post about your campaign more often on social media, through sharing updates, thanking your donors and sharing your fundraising milestones. You can also ask your BackaBuddy campaign manager to send an update to your donors.
