10 Elements for Writing a Great Backabuddy Crowdfunding Story

10 Elements for Writing a Great Backabuddy Crowdfunding Story

Creating a fundraising campaign that successfully raises funds for someone in need starts with crafting a compelling crowdfunding story. Your story is the foundation upon which you can build an emotional connection with potential supporters and inspire them to donate to your cause.

In this guide, we have compiled a list of 10 essential elements to consider when writing a powerful online appeal.

Get inspiration from skilled storytellers

Before penning your story, take some time to explore successful fundraisers and their stories. Look for examples of courageous storytelling that moved you to tears, touched your heart, or left you feeling inspired. Reflect on the specific aspects of these stories that resonate with you and consider how you can incorporate similar elements into your own narrative.

For inspiration take a lot at these campaigns: Naledi’s SurgerySean’s ChallengeRomario’s Birthday CampaignNellie’s Education FundNontuthuko’s Challenge.

Give your fundraiser a title

The title of your fundraiser is the first introduction to your campaign. It holds immense power as it draws attention to your plight and can encourage potential donors to visit your campaign page. Will you choose a lighthearted approach to grab attention or an emotive one to tug at heartstrings? Whatever you choose, make sure to include the name of your beneficiary and highlight their specific need for fundraising.

Introduce your beneficiary 

Begin your crowdfunding story by introducing the person or people you are fundraising for. Who are they? What is their name, age, and where do they come from? It’s important to provide some meaningful background information about the focal point of your campaign and why they are in need of help. Are they battling a medical condition, facing financial hardship, or have they been presented with an exciting opportunity?

As the storyteller, what is your personal relationship to the beneficiary or the cause? Sharing your personal connection can help build trust and credibility with potential supporters, and allow them to better empathize with your cause.

Nickey Seger launched her ‘Power of a Promise’ campaign to cover Nellie Khuzwayo’s final year of private school, which she paid out of her pocket for 9 years. Introducing Nellie, and the wonderful young lady she had grown up to become, Nickey reached her target, and had funds left over to send Nellie to Nursing school.

What lead you to crowdfunding?

Capture the defining moment that motivated you to start your crowdfunding campaign. What specific event or circumstance sparked your decision to seek support from others? Whether it was a personal experience, financial hardship, or sudden crisis, express it in a clear and captivating sentence or two. This will give your story context and provide potential donors with a deeper understanding of the situation, and how the needs, which your crowdfunding campaign hopes to address, came to be.

Your funding needs

It’s crucial to clearly define the need or challenge that you’re raising funds for. Provide specific details about how the issue is affecting the person in need, so potential supporters can understand the gravity and urgency of the situation. To help donors relate to your cause communicate the needs in a tangible way, providing a breakdown of costs where possible.

The Impact of your campaign

It’s important to clearly communicate the positive impact donations will have if the campaign is successful. This could include specific goals you hope to achieve or the positive changes that will occur in the beneficiary’s life. Donors contribute to causes because they are hopeful and empathetic individuals that want to be a part of the solution and know in their hearts that have made a meaningful difference.

Naledi Thahanyane, who lives in a children’s home in Johannesburg, was only 4-years-old when doctors discovered she needed Life-saving heart surgery to save her life. With donors understanding the clear impact of their donations, little Naledi was able to have her surgery and celebrates full-health today.

Call to action

Encourage potential supporters to donate to your cause and share your campaign with their networks to help reach a wider audience. Reiterate your gratitude and remind donors of the impact they will help to create for your beneficiary. Additionally include links to your social media channels where donors can receive regular updates on the progress of the campaign.

Editing

It’s important to take the time to edit and refine your message before sharing it with potential supporters. Keep your message short and concise, no longer than 200-500 words, and use paragraphs and comfortable spacing to separate your ideas. To highlight important information, consider bolding, underlining, or italicizing key phrases or words.

It’s also important to maintain a friendly and conversational tone throughout your campaign message. Don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your story, as it will put donors at ease and encourage them to support you on your fundraising journey.

Before sharing your campaign, be sure to do a quick spelling and grammar check. Consider asking someone you trust to proofread your story for you, as they may be able to catch errors or provide valuable feedback.

Visual Storytelling

Incorporating visual elements such as images, infographics and videos into your crowdfunding story can make your appeal more compelling to donors, as it brings the cause to life and adds a sense of reliability to your cause.

Studies indicate that fundraisers with a video tend to raise 4X more funds than those without, as it can build an emotional connection with potential supporters, increase credibility, and make it easier to convey complex information. When selecting visuals for your campaign, ensure that they are high-quality and relevant to the story you are sharing.

Sean Clarke, a Para-athlete from Johannesburg, provides a great example of an effective crowdfunding video. In his campaign to raise funds for James, a teenager in need of a prosthetic leg, Sean created a short yet impactful video introducing James and his life-long struggles.

Updates & Milestones

To keep your supporters engaged and invested in your crowdfunding campaign, it’s essential to provide regular updates. Let your donors know when you reach important milestones and express your appreciation for their continued support. Share the impact that contributions have made, so that donors may see the measurable difference they have created. Regular updates not only build trust but also motivate continued support.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting a crowdfunding story is more than a mere appeal for donation it’s about creating a heart-to-heart connection with potential donors.

Showcase the real people behind their struggles and their dreams. Demonstrate the impact funds will have on your beneficiary and be transparent about how funds will be used.

By bravely sharing your story with authenticity and vulnerability, you can inspire others to join your cause and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

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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 R400 Million.

The Ultimate BackaBuddy Campaign Launch Template: Share Your Fundraiser Easily

The Ultimate BackaBuddy Campaign Launch Template: Share Your Fundraiser Easily

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.

Now that you have your template, let’s explore ‘7 Effective Ways to Promote Your Crowdfunding Campaign and Get Donations.’

 

Watch Our Crowdfunding Top Tips Video: 

BackaBuddy Makes It Easy To Dedicate 67 Minutes

BackaBuddy Makes It Easy To Dedicate 67 Minutes

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.

 

Click here to raise funds for a charity on BackaBuddy.

If you’re a charity, register your organization on BackaBuddy to raise funds.

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.
  • Register to become an organ donor with the Organ Donor Foundation.
  • Register to become a bone marrow donor with the South African Bone Marrow Registry.
  • Support or start a petition on change.org.
  • Learn First Aid.
  • Volunteer your skills at a charitable organisation.
  • Share a positive South African story on Facebook group #IMSTAYING 
  • Donate old clothes to children’s home or homeless shelter.
  • Donate books or magazines to your local library.
  • Visit your local SPCA and adopt a pet that needs a loving home.
  • Pick up groceries or medicine for an elderly person who is unable to go to the shops.
  • Tutor someone who needs help learning your mother tongue.
  • Clean up your neighbourhood or city park by picking up rubbish and removing graffiti.
  • Set up a recycling system in your home.
  • Plant a tree in your local park.

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.

 

Fundraising for medical treatment in South Africa

Fundraising for medical treatment in South Africa

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.

 

Start a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy

If you or a loved one is in need of raising funds for medical costs, click here to register on BackaBuddy.

Have any questions?

BackaBuddy is here to help.

Email: [email protected] or send us a WhatsApp at +27 60 741 0255.

 

What is crowdfunding?

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.

Campaign link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/save-aaron

 

Mandy’s Breast Cancer Treatment

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.

Campaign link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/mandys-tatas

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.

Campaign link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/heart-surgery-for-naledi

 

A Cochlear implant for Neave

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. 

Campaign link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/neave-barretts-journey-to-sound

 

A liver transplant for Aiden

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.

Campaign link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/aidan-liver-transplant

 

Prosthetics for Ubuko

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.

Campaign link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/steps4ubuko

 

A Wheelchair for Ellané

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,

Campaign link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/ellane-burger

 

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Crowdfunding 101: The importance of your first donations and how to reach potential donors.

Crowdfunding 101: The importance of your first donations and how to reach potential donors.

Welcome to BackaBuddy – the home of crowdfunding.

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.

 

Need help setting up an individual campaign?

Email: [email protected] or WhatsApp +27 60 741 0255

 

Need help setting up a charity campaign?

Email: [email protected] or WhatsApp +27 60 741 0255

 

If you missed our introduction to crowdfunding, please click through to this guide.

 

Read more

BackaBuddy’s Top Tips for a successful crowdfunding campaign

BackaBuddy’s Top Tips for a successful crowdfunding campaign

Welcome to BackaBuddy, the home of crowdfunding.

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, Instagram and 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.

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