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Medical Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy: Everything You Need to Know

Medical Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy: Everything You Need to Know

by | May 22, 2026 | Medical Tips

Launching a medical crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy is not something most people plan for. But for thousands of South Africans, it’s become a much-needed safety net.

An unexpected medical crisis can change your life overnight, and even planned procedures often come with overwhelming and unexpected bills. A sudden diagnosis, accident, or unexpected complication can quickly turn a health concern into a financial one. Even with medical aid, families are usually left covering large shortfalls.

According to the South African Presidency, more than half of total healthcare spending goes to the private sector, even though only 16–20% of the population relies on it. This leaves many people navigating the gap between public and private care with little support.

Public healthcare serves the majority but faces capacity challenges. Private care offers faster access but at a high cost. Medical aid often only covers part of what’s needed.

For many families, this creates a gap that can’t be solved alone. This is where crowdfunding becomes a major help, not as a trend, but as a very real safety net, a way for people to show up for one another when it matters most.

It allows families to:

  • Raise funds quickly when treatment cannot wait
  • Share their story beyond immediate networks
  • Receive support from many people contributing what they can
  • Show progress openly through real-time updates
  • Accept multiple payment methods suited to South Africans

The Reality of Medical Fundraising

Every campaign tells a different story, but there’s a common thread: urgency, community, and momentum. These real BackaBuddy campaigns show how those moments come together in practice: 

Helping a Child Stay in Treatment: Nathan’s Story

Nathan’s campaign began after he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia. In just four months, Nathan’s campaign has:

  • Over R169 000 has been raised
  • Received support from 108 donors
  • Helped fund a minimum 3-year treatment journey

It started with immediate hospital costs, admissions, tests, and chemotherapy. But as support grew, it created space for something more: continuity of care.

Nathan was able to:

  • Transition into private hospital treatment
  • Continue chemotherapy without interruption
  • Reach a milestone of deep remission

His family shared:

“We truly believe every prayer has made a difference.”

Sustained fundraising, like Nathan’s offers campaign creators ongoing support that keeps treatment on track.

When Innovation Needs Backing: Project Unseen

Project Unseen started Declan, a child who was experiencing up to 50 seizures a day, despite normal scans.

Over four months:

  • The campaign raised R254 148
  • Reaching 145% of its goal
  • With support from 45 donors

But this campaign went beyond Declan’s treatment. Because of the support of Declan’s donor community, an AI system designed to detect brain abnormalities that standard scans miss was developed.

The impact of these donations enabled:

  • Funding a deep learning supercomputer
  • Creating capacity to assist future patients
  • Committing to support state patients and NPOs at no cost

In the case of Declan’s campaign, crowdfunding moved beyond individual care and began contributing to the entire approach of diagnosis.

When People Show Up: Backing “The Legend”

Mark Randall’s campaign started with his reputation as a firefighter who spent decades showing up for others and was suddenly facing cancer himself. Within a short period, Mark’s campaign raised over R163 000 thanks to the support of 158 donors. 

We don’t need a complex breakdown to understand why this worked. People gave because they knew Mark; he had shown up for them once, and now it was their chance to show up for him.  One donor said:

“Now it’s our turn to care.”

This kind of campaign shows the other side of crowdfunding, where impact is driven by relationships and lived connection, not just urgency.

How to Start Strong 

Starting a campaign isn’t about writing the perfect story. It’s about helping people understand how they can support you during a difficult time, and what that support really means.

Clarity builds trust

Explain your diagnosis in simple terms. What treatment do you need? What stage are you at? What happens next? People don’t donate to help you pay a bill; they donate because something about your story resonates with them, and they need to see you, not just your diagnosis.

👉Pro tip: We’ve got everything you need to write a great campaign story here.

Break down the costs

A large fundraising goal can overwhelm donors and often leave them feeling like their contribution won’t make a difference. Breaking down your costs not only provides transparency, but it helps potential donors see that no gift is too small.

Instead of: R100 000 needed, explain what lies behind that number, for example:

  • Your surgery shortfall
  • The cost of your medication
  • The cost of your hospital stays
  • What follow-up care entails and the financial impact this will have on you

This helps donors see the real impact of their contribution while also building trust. 

Use visuals or a video to bring your story to life

People connect with people. A clear photo and a short video can make a big difference in how your story is understood and shared. 

Try to film a short video, less than a minute ideally, where you explain your situation in your own words. Be real, be you. Authenticity will help build trust and make your campaign feel like there’s a real person behind it.

When filming your video or choosing images for your campaign, remember to:

  • Use clear, relatable pictures (faces help people connect)
  • Avoid uploading documents or screenshots as visuals
  • Focus on showing the person behind the campaign

BackaBuddy allows you to embed videos directly on your campaign page once uploaded to YouTube.

🎥 If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. This guide breaks down every step of creating a solid campaign video.

Think beyond once-off donations

Medical journeys are seldom short-term. For ongoing treatment or chronic conditions, it can help to invite supporters to contribute monthly, rather than once-off. Smaller, recurring donations can create stability over time and reduce the pressure of constantly restarting fundraising efforts.

💡 Did you know: BackaBuddy offers recurring donation options on all campaigns, making it easier for supporters to stay involved throughout the journey.

Make it easy to give

One of the reasons why medical crowdfunding works well is accessibility. Donors can contribute via:

  • Card
  • EFT
  • Debit order
  • PayPal

That flexibility matters, especially when support comes from different regions or income levels.

Let others help carry the story

Some of the most impactful campaigns grow because other people step in, not just to donate, but to share, advocate, and rally support. On BackaBuddy, it’s easy for friends, family, and supporters to share your campaign across WhatsApp, Facebook, and other platforms, helping it reach far beyond your immediate circle.

In some cases, champions may even choose to create their own fundraising efforts, like running a race, hosting an event, or starting a separate campaign for the same cause, especially when supporting a charity or organisation with a BackaBuddy profile.

But just as important is something simple:

If someone can’t donate, sharing your campaign can still make a real difference. Every share increases visibility. And visibility is often what turns one act of support into many. Encourage your networks to share your campaign with others.

👉 Learn more about how to share your campaign effectively on BackaBuddy here.

Keep people updated

It’s really important to remember that support doesn’t stop after the first donation. Keeping your donors informed will help sustain your campaign's momentum. Try to schedule updates around specific milestones, for example: 

  • Special treatment moments
  • When progress is made
  • Even when things are uncertain

Campaign updates show donors that their support is part of something ongoing.

Here’s what that looks like in a real campaign:

Duncan launched his campaign after being told he needed urgent brain surgery. Within just a few weeks, supporters rallied around him, and he kept them updated as things progressed.

In one of his updates, he shared:

“I am going in on Wednesday morning for the procedure to stop the blood flow to the tumour… the surgery has now been moved to Saturday. Thank you for every donation and all the support. Your kindness means more than words can express and is making a real difference in my life.”

This kind of update does two things:

  • It keeps people informed during a critical moment
  • It reinforces that their support is actively helping

Even simple updates like this can help donors feel like they are part of your support team. They show that the campaign is real, the need is ongoing, and the support truly matters.

Keep everything transparent

Trust is one of the most important parts of any campaign. Sometimes support doesn’t only come through online donations, it often includes EFTs, church collections, community drives, or cash contributions. With BackaBuddy’s offline donation tracking, you can log these donations alongside your online ones so supporters can see just how far your campaign has progressed.

Is BackaBuddy the Best Choice for a Medical Fundraising Campaign?

Absolutely! BackaBuddy works because it reflects how people already support one another in real life. Support doesn’t happen in one way. It’s a mix of sharing, small contributions, messages of encouragement, and ongoing involvement. The platform is designed to make those moments easier, not more complicated.

From sharing a campaign with a friend to contributing what you can to following someone’s progress over time, BackaBuddy's features create a space where support feels natural and accessible.

  • Campaign pages that tell the full story
  • Real-time fundraising totals that show progress
  • Recurring donation options for ongoing care
  • The ability to track offline contributions alongside online ones

These aren’t features for the sake of features; they reduce friction at a time when families already have enough to manage. Donors can track how much has been raised, how many people have contributed, and how close the campaign is to its goal, all in one place.

When People Understand, They Help

A medical crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy works best when it feels real. Not perfect. Not polished. Just honest. When people understand what’s happening and why it matters, they respond in ways that often surprise even the families asking for help.

And while crowdfunding doesn’t replace healthcare systems, it has become something just as important in many moments: A way for people to stand together when it matters most.

Start your own campaign or explore others

If you or someone you love is facing a medical challenge, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Start your campaign here.

Explore active campaigns on BackaBuddy here.

Learn how to run a successful crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy here.

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How to Source Champions to Support your Charity at Events

How to Source Champions to Support your Charity at Events

by | May 18, 2026 | Organisations Tips

Crowdfunding is growing rapidly in South Africa, giving non-profit organisations an incredible opportunity to raise more money by tapping into the power of events-based crowdfunding. While more than R880 million has been raised on BackaBuddy for various causes, our most successful organisations will tell you that fundraising is not always easy.

At BackaBuddy, we are deeply committed to making things easier for the organisations and charities that fundraise on our platform. With that in mind, our team has put together this article on how to diversify your fundraising income through event-based crowdfunding, exploring different ways to raise additional funds by using some of the most famous local sporting and community events.

What is a Charity Champion?

Before diving into your next campaign, it helps to understand the driving force behind modern champion fundraising: the charity champion.

A charity champion is a passionate supporter, volunteer, or everyday hero who steps up to raise funds on behalf of your cause. Instead of your organisation doing all the asking, these individuals create personal fundraising pages linked to your charity. They then rally their own networks, friends, family, and colleagues to donate. When tied to major sporting or community events, these champions become the ultimate advocates for your mission, expanding your reach far beyond your existing donor database.

Once you have registered your charity to raise funds on BackaBuddy, the next step is to find these passionate individuals and put together a winning champion fundraising team.

Where can you find champions?

Tip 1: The best place to find champions to raise funds for your organisation is to reach out to past fundraisers who have previously supported your cause.

Tip 2: If you have volunteers at your organisation, ask them if they would be interested in putting together a campaign to highlight a specific need, or if they can help to promote your new champions when they sign up.

Tip 3: Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, and social groups to see if the keen champions among your inner circle would like to spearhead a champion fundraising drive for your organisation.

Tip 4: Create a post on social media to see if any of your followers are taking part in upcoming events. If anyone on your social network is entering a challenge, message them privately to see if they will champion your cause! You can also share this post in various groups and forums to reach potential donors.

👉 Here's an example of how Rainbows and Smiles uses Instagram to source their champions.

Tip 5: Following the official social media hashtags for major races and challenges could also introduce you to potential champions. Click here to explore event-related hashtags via Ugenie.

Tip 6: Send out a call to action to your email list or database to see if any of your donors will be participating in an upcoming event and would like to raise funds for you.

Here is a template you could use: 

Dear [Name],

 

I hope you are well and staying safe.

We are reaching out to you because you have been a valued supporter of our organisation and the vital work we do.

This month, we are putting together a champion fundraising team for the [Name of Event], which will take place from [Date] to [Date].

We are harnessing the power of events-based crowdfunding to raise awareness for our cause and secure much-needed funds for [Project/Need].

 

If you are passionate about our organisation and our mission to [insert mission, e.g., feed vulnerable families], please consider entering the [Name of Event] to raise funds on our behalf.

 

How to enter:

1. Register for the [Name of Event] here: [Link to website].
2. Create your fundraising campaign on BackaBuddy by letting our team know who you are, how much you would like to raise, and why you are passionate about our organisation here: [Link].

 

If you have any questions, please contact Lakiwe, your dedicated BackaBuddy Head of Charities, via email at [email protected] to arrange a meeting.

How can you support your champions?

To maximise the success of your events-based crowdfunding efforts, you need to support your champions as much as possible and empower them to raise funds effectively.

Show your champions who you are

If you have an organisational video or emotive, inspiring images that showcase the valuable work you do, share them with your team. This will motivate your champions on their events-based crowdfunding journey and provide them with beautiful, ready-made content to share across social media.

Give your champions the latest statistics relating to your organisation and tell them about your recent success stories. This equips them to confidently engage their networks and encourage donations.

Tell your champions what you need

Crowdfunding campaigns with a tangible, specific need always resonate better with the public. Give your champions a clear idea of how the funds raised will be used to benefit your organisation. This helps them determine a realistic fundraising target and encourages potential donors to give in specific increments.

For example:

  • “R100 will allow us to purchase 1 pair of shoes for a disadvantaged child living in Edenvale, Johannesburg.”
  • “Raising R10,000 will allow us to cover the internet data costs for 100 students struggling with online learning in their matric year.”
  • “If we raise R100,000 through our events-based crowdfunding campaign, we will be able to completely refurbish two classrooms.”

If a participant has a personal connection with your charity and wants to fundraise for a particular project that resonates with them, it makes for a highly emotional and successful crowdfunding appeal!

Highlight your donors and help them spread the word

Throughout their champion fundraising journey, your supporters will need your encouragement to achieve their targets.

Create dedicated posts on social media to introduce your champions to your followers, post regular updates about their campaign progress, and congratulate them publicly when they reach milestones. Encourage your champions to share their personal connection to your organisation on their own platforms alongside their crowdfunding campaign link.

Example of a social media post you could create:

Stefani from Cape Town is halfway towards reaching her fundraising target of R100,000 on BackaBuddy! With the incredible support she has received so far, we can cover the registration costs for 10 learners at UCT! Show her some love and support her champion fundraising campaign here: [Link]

Communicate with your champions

Create a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with your champions, monitor their campaign progress, and learn what is working or where they might need a bit of help. Host regular Zoom meetings to motivate them, say thank you, and offer encouragement. If you would like a BackaBuddy team member to be present in your virtual workshops to share expert tips, just let us know!

Encourage larger donations

If your organisation is Section 18A certified, make sure your champions know to share this information with potential donors. It is a fantastic incentive that encourages businesses and individuals to make larger contributions. If you have Section 18A status, let us know and we can add it directly to your campaign page for all potential donors to see!

If your organisation has any questions about launching an events-based crowdfunding campaign, please reach out to us. The BackaBuddy team is here to help.

We wish your organisation and all your champions the absolute best of luck on their fundraising journey!

Press Release: Community Rallies in Support of the Sejobe Family Following the Passing of David Sejobe

Press Release: Community Rallies in Support of the Sejobe Family Following the Passing of David Sejobe

by | Feb 20, 2026 | Press Release

Randburg, South Africa: An extraordinary wave of community support has emerged following the passing of David Sejobe, a long-serving front-of-house security officer at the MultiChoice Randburg office, whose warmth, kindness, and humanity left a lasting impression on all who encountered him.

In response to his passing, colleagues and community members launched a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to support the Sejobe family during this time of loss. Within just three days, the campaign raised over R400,000, surpassing its original R20,000 goal by more than 2,000%, through contributions from over 1,038 unique donors, reflecting the profound impact David had on those around him.

David had been a familiar and cherished presence at the MultiChoice Randburg office since 2015. Known for his welcoming smile and genuine care for others, he consistently created moments of connection that went far beyond his professional role. For many colleagues and visitors, David was a daily source of encouragement, someone who made people feel seen, valued, and uplifted.

Tributes shared by donors describe him as a “ray of sunshine”, a deeply selfless individual, and a man whose compassion and faith guided the way he treated others. Many contributors noted that even brief interactions with David left a lasting impression, underscoring how quietly and consistently he lived out his values.

The funds raised through the campaign will assist with any additional expenses, as well as provide immediate support to David’s family as they navigate the emotional and practical realities of their loss. Organisers emphasise that the campaign was created to ensure the family does not face this difficult period alone.

While the financial goal was modest, the response has been overwhelming, transforming the campaign into a collective act of remembrance and solidarity. The scale of support has offered comfort not only to the family, but also to colleagues and community members seeking a meaningful way to honour David’s life.

With 11 days remaining in the campaign, organisers continue to encourage those who are able to contribute or share the campaign, noting that every gesture of support helps sustain the family in the weeks ahead.

To support the Family, visit the BackaBuddy campaign link here:
https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/supporting-the-sejobe-family-in-memory-of-david

Ramadan Giving: How Crowdfunding Helps Share Blessings Beyond the Mosque

Ramadan Giving: How Crowdfunding Helps Share Blessings Beyond the Mosque

by | Feb 18, 2026 | Faith-based Tips

Ramadan in South Africa is a time of deep generosity. From feeding schemes at the masjid to zakat collections in local communities, giving becomes part of daily life. Plates are filled, hands are extended, and hearts are softened. But many urgent needs sit beyond the mosque walls. Families facing medical emergencies. Learners are unable to pay school fees. Community kitchens in informal settlements are running out of food. Small NGOs stretched beyond capacity. The spirit of Ramadan is strong — but traditional fundraising methods can sometimes limit how far that generosity reaches. Cash-based collections, geographic boundaries, and once-off giving often mean that incredible goodwill doesn’t always extend as widely or last as long as it could.

That’s where crowdfunding comes in.

Platforms like BackaBuddy allow South Africans to extend the spirit of Ramadan beyond physical spaces, enabling communities to give together, online, transparently, and at scale.

Why Crowdfunding Works Especially Well During Ramadan

🌙 Ease of Giving

Supporters can donate anytime, anywhere — after taraweeh, during sehri, or on Laylatul Qadr.

🤲 Collective Impact

Many small donations add up to powerful, life-changing outcomes.

🔍 Transparency & Trust

Donors can see live totals, campaign progress, and real-time updates — building confidence in where their contributions are going.

🌱 Sadaqah That Lasts

Recurring donations transform once-off generosity into sustained impact, supporting causes long after Ramadan ends. With BackaBuddy, crowdfunding becomes a digital extension of community giving — built for South African payment preferences and realities.

How to Run a Successful Ramadan Crowdfunding Campaign

If you’re considering launching a campaign this Ramadan, here are practical steps to help you succeed:

1. Start With a Clear, Heartfelt Story

Use your campaign page to explain:

  • Who you’re helping
  • Why this cause matters
  • How Ramadan connects to the need

BackaBuddy allows rich text, images, and videos to bring your story to life.

2. Make Giving Friction-Free

Enable multiple payment methods — card, EFT, debit order, and PayPal — so no one is excluded from giving. The easier it is to donate, the more likely people are to act.

3. Offer Recurring Ramadan Giving

Invite supporters to give weekly or monthly throughout Ramadan (and beyond). Recurring donations turn Ramadan generosity into ongoing sadaqah.

4. Turn Supporters Into Champions

With Champion Fundraising, community members can create their own mini-campaigns and share within their networks — multiplying reach and impact.

5. Share Progress Throughout the Month

Post updates:

  • After iftaars
  • On Fridays
  • During the last ten nights
  • On Laylatul Qadr

Momentum builds inspiration.

6. Track Every Rand Transparently

Log offline donations, including cash or mosque collections, alongside online donations to provide a complete, transparent total. Trust grows when supporters can see the full picture.

Ramadan-Specific Crowdfunding Ideas in South Africa

Ramadan campaigns can support a wide range of urgent and long-term needs, including:

  • Ramadan food parcel campaigns for township families
  • Iftaar-for-all drives supporting community kitchens
  • Zakat for medical emergencies (cancer care, surgery, chronic illness)
  • School fees and uniform funds before Term 2
  • Water relief for drought-affected communities
  • Orphan and foster care support
  • Eid gift campaigns for children in under-resourced areas
  • NGO sustainability funds covering operating costs
  • Wheelchairs and mobility aids
  • Baby care packs (nappies, formula, essentials)
  • Mental health counselling access
  • Refugee and migrant support
  • Sadaqah jariyah projects (water tanks, libraries, skills programmes)
  • Laylatul Qadr giving challenges using live totals

Each of these works powerfully through crowdfunding because donors can see momentum in real time, share links instantly, and participate collectively.

How BackaBuddy Supports Ramadan Giving

BackaBuddy offers features designed to strengthen trust and scale impact:

  • Organisation landing pages for housing multiple Ramadan campaigns
  • Campaign-based fundraising for specific nights or causes
  • Champion Fundraising for peer-to-peer reach
  • Recurring donation functionality
  • Donor dashboards promoting transparency
  • Live totals that motivate giving during key Ramadan moments

The goal is simple: reduce friction, increase trust, and make it easier for communities to give together.

Take the Spirit of Ramadan Further

This Ramadan, don’t let generosity stop at the mosque door. Whether you’re a registered organisation, a community group, or an individual with a cause close to your heart, crowdfunding on BackaBuddy allows you to share blessings wider, faster, and more sustainably. Start your Ramadan crowdfunding campaign today. Because when giving is easy, transparent, and collective, barakah multiplies.

The Quiet Driver of Repeat Giving

The Quiet Driver of Repeat Giving

by | Feb 13, 2026 | BackaBuddy News, Impact Updates

When generosity moves across categories, visibility matters more than ever.

When someone donates on BackaBuddy, it can feel like a single act.

One campaign.
One story.
One moment.

But generosity on our platform is never isolated. At any given time, thousands of campaigns across multiple categories are being supported, different communities, different needs, different seasons of urgency. What donors don’t always see, unless we show them – is the broader ecosystem their contribution strengthens. And that visibility matters. Because trust is not built through a single update. It is built through consistent, category-wide transparency.

The Bigger Picture: Category-Level Momentum

Behind every individual campaign sits a wider network of care. Since the beginning of the year, donations have flowed across health, education, sport, memorial campaigns, animal welfare, and disaster response, each one reinforcing platform-wide trust.

Here’s a snapshot of what that momentum looks like:

Top Health & Medical Campaigns – January ’26

Medical campaigns consistently see some of the highest engagement and repeat giving across the platform.

When health is urgent, communities respond quickly.

But urgency also demands clarity. Donors deserve consistent updates showing how support translates into treatment, recovery, and dignity.

Top Education & Training Campaigns – January ’26

Education giving doesn’t always trend loudly, but it compounds powerfully.

These donors are investing in long-term outcomes. Which makes milestone updates, academic progress, and follow-through essential.

Top Sport Campaigns – January ’26

Sport campaigns back potential. Early mornings. Training sessions. Opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Updates here are not just confirmations, they sustain belief.

Top In Loving Memory Campaigns – January ’26

Memorial campaigns represent deeply personal, time-sensitive giving.

Here, transparency is about dignity and respect. It’s not transactional, it’s relational.

Top Animal Welfare Campaigns – January ’26

Animal welfare campaigns consistently show that donors step up for lives that cannot ask for help themselves.

Milestone-based updates, rescues completed, relocations finalised, rehabilitation underway – matter because outcomes are tangible.

Why Updates Strengthen Trust

When donors can see:

  • How support is flowing across categories
  • Which causes are gaining momentum
  • Where urgency is concentrated
  • How stories evolve after the initial donation

They understand something important: They are part of something larger than a single transaction.

Category-level transparency helps:

  • Reinforce trust in the platform
  • Reduce uncertainty
  • Encourage repeat giving
  • Normalise asking for help
  • Demonstrate measurable scale

Visibility reduces hesitation. It turns first-time donors into long-term supporters.

Moving Beyond Individual Updates

Individual campaign updates remain essential. But we are strengthening something alongside them: ecosystem visibility. Because when a donor supports a medical campaign, they are also:

  • Strengthening category credibility
  • Contributing to platform-wide trust signals
  • Encouraging other families to seek help
  • Increasing the likelihood of repeat giving

Every donation strengthens more than one story. And donors deserve to see that.

What This Means Going Forward

We are committed to ensuring that:

  • Donors are never left in silence
  • Updates reflect both individual and broader impact
  • Category trends are visible
  • Nationally amplified stories are shared
  • Impact is contextualised, not isolated

Trust is not built through one update. It is built through consistency.

A Final Reflection

Across medical support, education, sport, memorial campaigns, animal welfare, and the many others, thousands of acts of generosity have already moved through BackaBuddy this year.

Each one mattered.

But what matters just as much is that donors understand the scale of what they are part of.

Transparency is not about volume.

It is about clarity, consistency, and showing donors exactly how their generosity fits into something bigger.

Thank you for helping us build a culture of transparent, people-powered giving.

The BackaBuddy Team