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Press Release: Cape Town Campaign Aims To Support 100 Teachers In 100 Days

by Tessa Van Rensberg | Jul 15, 2026 | Press Release

Cape Town, South Africa — In classrooms across South Africa, teachers are expected to do more than teach.

They are often asked to support learners facing trauma, poverty, violence, anxiety, barriers to learning and emotional distress, while also carrying the pressure of large classes, academic outcomes, administrative demands and their own wellbeing.

For many teachers, the weight has become too heavy.

The Difference Institute, a Cape Town-based organisation focused on teacher wellbeing and learner support, has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to help sponsor teachers to attend creative, play-based and experiential workshops designed to strengthen emotional regulation, trauma-informed teaching and inclusive classroom practice.

The campaign, The Difference Institute, has raised R14,000, reaching around 47% of its R30,000 goal, with support from 17 donors.

The campaign hopes to raise enough to support 100 teachers in 100 days, reaching at least 3,500 learners through the adults who spend their days guiding, teaching and caring for them.

Teachers Are Carrying More Than The Curriculum

In South Africa, many public school teachers interact with anywhere from 35 to more than 300 learners a day. Every interaction matters.

A teacher’s presence can inspire, motivate and create safety. But when teachers are overwhelmed, under-supported and emotionally exhausted, classrooms can become difficult spaces for both educators and learners.

“Our teachers are not okay,” founder Julia Daniels shares. “In many schools, they feel overwhelmed, stressed and ill-equipped to deal with the challenges confronting them in their classrooms every day, in addition to the enormous pressure to produce academic outcomes.”

Across the country, concerns about teacher burnout, overcrowding and retention continue to grow.

The Difference Institute believes that while one organisation cannot solve systemic inequality, it can help teachers feel more supported, better equipped and less alone.

Helping Teachers Hold Space For Learners

Learners are struggling too.

Many children arrive at school carrying experiences of violence, trauma, poverty, grief, anxiety and barriers to learning. In many communities, school needs to become more than a place of academic instruction. It needs to be a refuge.

The Difference Institute’s workshops are designed to help teachers navigate these realities with more confidence, empathy and practical tools.

The workshops use creative, play-based and experiential methods to support teachers with emotional regulation, connection, curiosity, imagination and classroom wellbeing.

They are grounded in research in critical pedagogy, psychology and neuroscience, and are professionally accredited so teachers can gain continuous professional development points.

The aim is to help educators facilitate learning in trauma-informed, inclusive and neurodiversity-affirming ways, while fostering empathy, kindness and a renewed enjoyment of learning.

The Goal: 100 Teachers In 100 Days

The campaign’s goal is clear: sponsor 100 teachers in 100 days.

Each 3-hour workshop costs R300 per teacher, meaning even a small donation can help place a teacher in a space of support, reflection and practical learning.

If 100 teachers attend, The Difference Institute estimates that at least 3,500 learners could be impacted.

For many learners, one teacher who feels more regulated, connected and equipped can change the tone of a classroom.

For teachers, the workshops offer more than training. They offer breathing room, community and practical strategies they can carry back into their schools.

As Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said: “The tidal wave of change begins with a million ripples.”

This campaign is about creating those ripples, one teacher at a time.

Real Impact In Classrooms

Teachers and school leaders who have attended The Difference Institute’s workshops have already shared how meaningful the experience has been.

“The workshop evoked a renewed sense of hope,” shared Tammy-Lee, a teacher from the Cape Flats. “Sometimes we as educators become despondent and see a learner as ‘naughty’ when in actual fact the child is communicating a need with us.”

Rodger, a principal from Stellenbosch, said the workshop helped teachers feel empowered and motivated to explore new approaches.

“Teachers left the workshop feeling empowered and motivated to explore innovative approaches in their classrooms,” he shared. “This newfound confidence and enthusiasm have translated into tangible improvements in our teaching practices, ultimately benefiting the academic and personal growth of our students.”

More Than A Workshop

The Difference Institute’s work extends beyond once-off sessions.

The organisation also hosts free community support and conversation spaces for teachers and support staff in the education ecosystem, facilitates communities of practice, develops targeted resources for teachers and schools, and supports leadership teams.

Its broader mission is to help build classrooms where teachers feel supported and learners feel seen, understood and able to learn.

The campaign also invites people to nominate a teacher, school or themselves for sponsorship.

Community Support Needed

The BackaBuddy campaign has already raised nearly half of its target, but continued support is needed to reach more teachers before the campaign closes.

Every R300 can sponsor one teacher to attend a workshop.

Every donation helps strengthen the adults who are holding classrooms together under difficult conditions.

Every share helps the campaign reach someone who believes teachers deserve support too.

To support The Difference Institute’s campaign, visit their BackaBuddy campaign page.

For more information about The Difference Institute, visit their website or contact them at [email protected].

How to Raise Funds for Animal Shelters: A Step-by-Step Crowdfunding Guide

by Tessa Van Rensberg | Jul 2, 2026 | Animal Welfare Tips

South Africa has hundreds of registered animal welfare organisations, SPCAs, and independent rescue groups caring for abandoned, neglected, and injured animals every day. While many rely on donations to keep their doors open, veterinary costs, food prices, and operational expenses continue to rise.

Crowdfunding has become one of the ways organisations are closing that gap, allowing communities to directly support rescue work as it happens.

Every Rescue Story Starts With One Animal

People don’t donate to shelters because they like statistics. They donate because they met Paul. Or Clementine. Or the abandoned puppy needing emergency surgery.

Here are some inspiring examples of organisations that have turned powerful rescue stories into meaningful community support through BackaBuddy.

Recycling for Animal Welfare (RAW)

Recycling for Animal Welfare (RAW) began with the rescue of a tiny puppy named Paul. Inspired by his survival, Judy Knox and John Ancill built a grassroots rescue organisation, funding much of their work by collecting and recycling glass and cardboard.

As veterinary costs continued to grow, recycling alone could no longer cover the demand. Their BackaBuddy campaign gave supporters another way to help, bridging the gap so they could continue rescuing and caring for animals in need.

Rather than replacing their recycling model, BackaBuddy allowed supporters to bridge the gap when veterinary costs exceeded what recycling alone could cover.

Transparency Builds Trust

Pekingese Haven, which cares for more than 60 rescued and abandoned Pekingese dogs, is a great example. As veterinary costs continued to rise, the organisation launched a BackaBuddy campaign explaining that funds would go directly towards settling growing vet bills and ensuring every dog received the treatment and care it needed. Regular updates keep supporters informed, and the campaign is still exceeding its fundraising goal.

When donors can clearly see where their money is going and the difference it will make, they’re more likely to support a campaign with confidence.

Be transparent about your needs. Explaining how donations will be used and staying engaged with your tribe helps build trust and encourages ongoing support.

Building a Tribe, Not Just Raising Funds

While emergency appeals are important, many animal welfare organisations also need a reliable monthly income to cover everyday expenses like food, veterinary care, medication, and shelter.

Building a community of recurring donors can provide greater financial stability and reduce the need for constant crisis fundraising. Through BackaBuddy’s Donors for Life initiative, organisations can learn how to grow a sustainable giving community using tools such as recurring donations, supporter engagement, and regular campaign updates.

Monthly giving helps create a more predictable source of income, allowing organisations to focus on caring for animals rather than continually raising funds.

Organisations interested in building a recurring giving community can contact [email protected] to learn more about the Donors for Life programme.

Champion Fundraising Helps Supporters Become Advocates

While recurring donors provide long-term stability, some supporters choose to make an impact differently, by fundraising on behalf of an organisation.

A great example was Purpose In Every Stroke, where Alon Sarembock took on the challenge of swimming from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand to raise funds for SANCCOB and its vital seabird rescue and rehabilitation work. Although he wasn’t part of the organisation, his passion for ocean conservation inspired him to rally his own community, raising more than R20,000 through his BackaBuddy campaign.

BackaBuddy’s Champion Fundraising feature allows anyone to do the same, whether it’s taking on a sporting challenge, celebrating a birthday, or hosting an event in support of a cause they care about.

There Is No One-Size-Fits-All Campaign

Crowdfunding isn’t only for emergencies. The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary uses BackaBuddy to raise ongoing support for the care of more than 140 rescued donkeys, encouraging supporters to become monthly custodians through recurring donations. Other organisations use crowdfunding to fund emergency surgeries, sterilisation drives, wildfire relief, feeding programmes, or much-needed infrastructure upgrades.

The most successful organisations don’t just raise funds, they build a community around their mission. By sharing regular updates, celebrating rescue stories and adoptions, and showing the real impact of every donation, supporters become part of the journey. Over time, that community becomes a tribe of people who return, share the story, and continue making a difference.

The strongest campaigns combine a clear purpose with authentic storytelling, helping supporters feel connected to the organisation and the animals whose lives they’re changing.

Giving Your Community the Tools to Help

Every rescue organisation begins with people who refuse to walk past an animal in need. Crowdfunding gives those organisations another way to invite the public into that mission.

Whether you’re responding to an emergency veterinary bill, funding a sterilisation drive, keeping a sanctuary operating, or building long-term support, BackaBuddy helps make it easier for people to get involved. Dedicated campaign pages, secure donations, recurring giving, Champion Fundraising, and campaign updates all help organisations share their needs clearly and keep supporters connected to the story.

The easier it is for people to support your work and see the difference they are making, the easier it becomes to grow a community that stands beside you for the long haul.

Every donation becomes part of another animal’s story.

How South African Students Can Fund Their Dreams Online

by Tessa Van Rensberg | Jun 17, 2026 | Educational Tips, Fundraising Tips, Tips

Studying in South Africa is expensive. Even when you qualify academically, registration fees, historic debt, textbooks, laptops, transport, accommodation, and visas can stand between you and your dreams. Bursaries, NSFAS, and scholarships make a huge difference, but they don’t cover everyone. And even when they do, they don’t always cover everything.

That’s why more and more South African students are turning to online crowdfunding to close the gap, fund their studies, and stay on track to graduate. Platforms like BackaBuddy have helped thousands of students and education projects raise funds directly from friends, family, alumni, and even kind strangers who believe in the power of education.

If you’re facing financial stress as a student, here’s how you can fund your education through crowdfunding.

Setting Up Your Educational Crowdfunding Campaign on BackaBuddy

There’s no single formula for a successful educational crowdfunding campaign, but some approaches consistently help campaigns gain traction. A great example is the campaign launched by Andrea de Wet to help her daughters, Hannah and Alex, complete their university studies.

Over the course of a year, the campaign with a target of R285 000 raised more than R190 000 from 58 donors, helping both students reach graduation.

Here’s how they did it:

Tell a Clear, Honest Story

People support people, not just fees. Andrea’s campaign wasn’t simply about tuition. It told the story of a family navigating financial hardship after eight months of unemployment, while two hardworking students balanced multiple jobs alongside their studies.

Supporters could immediately understand who needed help, why the funding mattered, and what was at stake if the funds weren’t raised.

💡Get the Guide: In this guide we give some great pointers on how to frame a powerful campaign story. Check it out here.

Explained the Need

Instead of asking for support without context, Andrea clearly explained what the funds would cover and why the shortfall existed.

She also highlighted the efforts Hannah and Alex were already making to support themselves through coaching, pet sitting, consulting, and other part-time work. This helped donors see that the family was doing everything possible and simply needed help bridging the final gap.

Use Social Media to Build Momentum

Crowdfunding doesn’t happen in isolation. Throughout the campaign, Andrea regularly shared updates and personal reflections on her campaign as well as on social media, helping friends, family, and wider networks follow the journey and share it with others.

Those updates kept the campaign visible and gave supporters a reason to stay engaged.

Keep Supporters Updated

One of the most effective things the family did was continue communicating long after the campaign launched. When they entered the final stretch and needed corporate sponsorships to close the remaining funding gap, they posted an update explaining exactly where things stood and what was still needed.

Later, they shared the outcome everyone had been hoping for: “Yesterday, Hannah and Alex both graduated.” That update transformed donors from contributors into part of the success story.

Show the Impact of Support

People want to know that their contribution made a difference. In this case, supporters could see a direct outcome. Alex graduated with her BA in Film Art (3D Animation & Screenwriting), while Hannah completed her postgraduate qualification in Visual Communication and graduated as the top postgraduate student.

The campaign didn’t just help cover fees. It helped two young women complete their studies and step into the next chapter of their careers.

Make It Easy for Others to Help

Not everyone can donate, but almost everyone can share.

The campaign consistently encouraged supporters to spread the story within their own networks, helping the appeal reach beyond immediate friends and family. On BackaBuddy, every share creates another opportunity for someone new to discover a campaign and contribute towards its goal.

As Hannah and Alex’s journey shows, educational crowdfunding is often most successful when communities come together around a story, sharing it, supporting it, and celebrating the outcome together.

Real Examples of Educational Crowdfunding in Action

The best way to understand what makes an educational crowdfunding campaign successful is to look at real examples. While every journey is different, these campaigns show how communities can come together to unlock opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

1. Investing in a Future Doctor

When third-year medical student Mpho Mashego faced outstanding university fees, she turned to BackaBuddy to share her story.

Growing up in rural Bushbuckridge, Mpho’s dream was always to return home as a doctor and serve communities where healthcare resources are limited. She openly shared the sacrifices she had already made, including leaving a stable career as a medical scientist to pursue medicine full-time.

Her campaign raised R93 100 from just 15 donors, proving that educational crowdfunding doesn’t always require hundreds of supporters. Sometimes, a small group of people who believe deeply in your vision can make all the difference.

Lesson: Don’t underestimate the power of your close network. A clear purpose and authentic story often inspire meaningful support.

Check out her campaign here.

2. Funding Opportunity Beyond the Classroom

Educational crowdfunding isn’t only about tuition fees.

When Raul Muzokura secured a 50% scholarship to study Optometry in India, the remaining costs still placed significant pressure on his family. Family friend Lindy Borchers stepped in to launch a campaign on his behalf, helping raise the additional funds needed to make the opportunity possible.

The campaign exceeded its goal, raising R51 100 from 26 donors.

This is a great example of how BackaBuddy’s Champion model can be used for educational causes. Sometimes the person benefiting from the campaign isn’t the one doing the fundraising. Friends, family members, mentors, or community supporters can step forward to help carry the story and rally support.

Lesson: If someone believes in your potential, they can become one of your greatest advocates.

Check out Rual’s campaign here.

3. Creating Educational Impact for an Entire Community

Some educational campaigns extend far beyond helping a single student.

Fifteen-year-old Mia Braun launched Stroke For Hope after learning that dozens of children drown in the Western Cape every year. Instead of fundraising for herself, she set out to raise money for Glide Along Aquatics, helping children from Atlantis access swimming lessons and water safety education.

Her campaign raised R127 946 from 88 donors, exceeding its target and helping fund opportunities that could ultimately save lives. This is another powerful example of champion fundraising in action. Mia chose a cause she cared deeply about, set a goal, and mobilised her community around it.

Lesson: Educational crowdfunding can support schools, programmes, community initiatives, and skills development projects, not just individual students.

Check out her campaign here.

What These Campaigns Have in Common

Whether it’s a future doctor clearing fees, a student pursuing international study opportunities, or a young champion raising funds for community education, the common thread is simple: people support stories they believe in.

The most successful educational crowdfunding campaigns aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest networks. They’re the ones that clearly communicate the opportunity, explain the impact, and make it easy for others to get involved.

You Don’t Have to Walk This Alone

If you’re a student in South Africa facing funding challenges, whether it’s registration fees, historic debt, books, laptops, bursaries, or study material, you don’t have to carry it alone. Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy can give you the opportunity to:

Share your story
Invite community support
Turn belief into action

Thousands of students have already done it. You can start your own verified crowdfunding campaign in just a few simple steps. Because education shouldn’t stop at affordability, and your dream deserves a chance.

Medical Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy: Everything You Need to Know

by Tessa Van Rensberg | 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.

Start a Campaign Support a Campaign

How to Source Champions to Support your Charity at Events

by Simbulele Jezile | May 18, 2026 | Organisation & Charity Fundraising 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!

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