The fundraising landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, presenting nonprofit organizations with both new opportunities and growing challenges. In this shifting environment, the ability to tap into diverse funding avenues is no longer a luxury but a necessity. One such avenue, crowdfunding, has emerged as a game-changer for nonprofits, offering a powerful way to engage supporters, amplify impact, and build financial resilience.
Recognizing this shift, two industry experts have joined forces to share their expertise in a groundbreaking new book, Crowdfunding for Nonprofits: A Guide to Activating Support Networks. Authored by Jill Ritchie, a seasoned fundraising consultant, and Erica Schofield, a crowdfunding specialist and CEO of Thundafund, this comprehensive guide provides nonprofits with the tools and insights needed to harness the power of the crowd effectively.
Crowdfunding: A Game-Changer for Non-Profits
Crowdfunding is far more than a passing trend, it is redefining the way nonprofits raise funds. With platforms like BackaBuddy and Thundafund offering direct access to potential supporters, organizations now have unprecedented opportunities to rally their networks and secure critical funding.
In Crowdfunding for Nonprofits, Jill and Erica delve into the mechanics of crowdfunding, offering a step-by-step roadmap for integrating it into existing fundraising strategies. Whether an organization is just beginning its crowdfunding journey or looking to refine its approach, this guide provides practical, evidence-based insights into launching successful campaigns. From the fundamentals of crafting compelling campaigns to leveraging behavioral science techniques, the book equips nonprofits with the knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive funding environment.
Backed by real-world case studies, up-to-date statistics from leading crowdfunding platforms, and easy-to-use checklists, the book serves as a hands-on resource. Its A4 format ensures easy reference, making it a valuable tool for organizations navigating the ever-changing fundraising landscape.
Building Resilience in a Challenging Landscape
As traditional funding sources become more competitive and unpredictable, nonprofits must find innovative ways to remain resilient. Crowdfunding offers more than just financial support, it fosters deeper community engagement and long-term sustainability.
Through the power of collective giving, organizations can mobilize grassroots support, strengthen donor relationships, and create a network of advocates who champion their mission well beyond a single campaign. Jill and Erica emphasize that successful crowdfunding is about more than raising funds; it’s about building an ecosystem of support that ensures long-term impact.
Meet the Experts Behind the Book
Jill Ritchie brings a wealth of experience to the field of fundraising. Having raised over R2 billion in her career, she is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most accomplished fundraising consultants. Her expertise spans multiple sectors, including education, faith-based initiatives, and heritage preservation. As the author of 30 fundraising books, including Fundraising from UK Donors, Jill’s influence extends across borders, particularly in securing support from UK donors for Southern African nonprofits.
Pictured above: Crowdfunding expert, Jill Ritchie
Beyond her consulting work, Jill serves on the boards of various organizations, leading initiatives such as the UK Fund for Charities and the SA-UK Trust Network. Her passion for empowering nonprofits is reflected in her unwavering commitment to developing innovative and sustainable fundraising strategies.
Erica Schofield is an authority on crowdfunding, with a proven track record of helping organizations across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Gambia, the US, and the UK harness its potential. As the CEO and co-founder of Thundafund, Africa’s largest rewards-based crowdfunding platform, she has played a pivotal role in transforming how nonprofits and entrepreneurs secure funding.
Pictured above: CEO and co-founder of Thundafund, Erica Schofield
Erica’s expertise stems from both personal experience and professional success. Her journey into crowdfunding began with launching her own business through a successful campaign, giving her firsthand insight into the intricacies of the process. With a background in theatre and cloud technology, she brings a unique blend of creativity and analytical expertise to the field, enabling nonprofits to craft compelling campaigns that captivate audiences and drive results. Through her consultancy, Circalyst, she continues to support social and environmental impact initiatives, demonstrating the power of crowdfunding as a catalyst for change.
The Book Launch and Special Offers
To celebrate the launch of Crowdfunding for Nonprofits, an exclusive pre-sale campaign is now live on Thundafund. This limited-time opportunity allows early supporters to purchase the book at a discounted rate while also accessing special rewards, including personalised, handwritten inscriptions from the authors.
In addition, backers can secure discounted tickets to the highly anticipated Annual Papillon Press Conference in May 2025, a premier event for nonprofit professionals looking to stay ahead in the evolving fundraising space.
Why This Book Matters
As financial uncertainty looms over the nonprofit sector, the need for adaptive and forward-thinking fundraising strategies has never been greater. Crowdfunding for Nonprofits is more than just a book, it is a strategic guide to future-proofing organizations in a rapidly changing world.
With its expert-driven insights, practical tools, and compelling success stories, this book empowers nonprofits to leverage crowdfunding as a sustainable funding mechanism. By integrating these strategies, organizations can unlock new opportunities, expand their reach, and build a dedicated community of supporters.
Now is the time for nonprofits to embrace crowdfunding as a core component of their fundraising efforts. With Crowdfunding for Nonprofits, Jill and Erica provide the ultimate playbook for making the crowd work for organizations in need.
Get your copy today and take the first step toward crowdfunding success. The crowd is waiting to support you.
Crowdfunding with BackaBuddy empowers you to raise funds for any cause by harnessing the power of community support. Whether it’s medical expenses, memorials, adventures, or more, our platform helps you create impactful campaigns. Donations are purely out of generosity, allowing everyone to be part of the solution and drive positive change.
How It Works
Creating a fundraiser on BackaBuddy is simple and free. Set up your campaign, share it with your network, and start receiving donations. There are no time limits or penalties, and you can continue receiving funds even after reaching your target. We vet every campaign to ensure integrity, and for added security to our donors, funds can be paid directly to vendors. Payouts are processed within 10 business days.
Why BackaBuddy?
BackaBuddy offers a fast, legitimate way to raise funds without upfront fees. It’s an alternative to traditional funding, reaching beyond your immediate network. With no repayment clauses, donations go directly to those in need. Donors love the sense of community and belonging.
Watch the video below for more information:
Contact us if you need further assistance:BackaBuddy
Getting your crowdfunding campaign noticed by the media can boost visibility and bring in more donations. By connecting with various outlets, you can expand your audience and improve your campaign’s chances of success.
Here’s a simple guide to help you effectively share your campaign with the media.
Tips for Sharing Your Campaign with the Media
Tell an Interesting Story: Highlight what makes your campaign unique. Media outlets prefer stories that are impactful and relatable. Keep it brief—no longer than a page.
Create a Press Kit: Include a press release, good-quality photos with captions, and a link to your campaign page to make it easy for journalists.
Choose the Right Media Outlets: Focus on local outlets first—they’re more likely to cover community stories. If your campaign has broader appeal, reach out to national or international media. Tailor your approach to what their audience would be interested in.
Reach Out to Local Media: Once your campaign has 10-20 donations and is gaining momentum, contact local blogs, newspapers, radio, and TV stations. A third-person press release with quotes and visuals works best.
Find Media Contacts: Use resources like The South African Government Media Directory (linked below), check the “Contact Us” section of publications, or reach out to journalists on social media.
Personalize Your Pitch: Customize your email for each media contact, explaining why their audience would be interested in your campaign. Avoid bulk emails.
Use Free Tools: Platforms like MyPR and PressPortal are great for free press release distribution and can help you reach a wider audience.
Follow Up: If you don’t hear back, send a polite follow-up email. Persistence can make a difference.
Media Contact List
The government has put together a list of key South African media outlets, categorised for your convenience. Use this list to reach out to the right platforms that can help amplify your campaign:
Pictured above: Madswimmer Founder Jean Craven waves the SA flag high
CAPE TOWN – “The Sky is the Limit” Madswimmer Team triumphantly returned to a camp in Kagkot in the Himalayas on Sunday afternoon, the 12 of May, marking their reconnection with civilization and their first steps on solid ground after a grueling fifteen-day ascent on the icy slopes of Mt. Putha Hiunchuli in the Himalayas. Their mission was to complete the highest-altitude swim ever recorded.
On the morning of May 10th, at an altitude of 6,405 meters, the team achieved their ambitious goal. They surpassed the previous record of 6,370 meters set by Australian Dan Bull in the Andes Mountains in South America, thus shifting the highest swim record to a new continent under challenging conditions- a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
Jean Craven, expedition leader and founder of Madswimmer, noted that the trek to the swim site was the most arduous part of the journey. Following three flights and a nerve-wracking 17-hour Jeep ride along steep cliffs, the team embarked on a 138km uphill trek that lasted 15 days. With the aid of eighteen sherpas and a caravan of 35 donkeys and yaks, they transported over a ton of equipment and supplies essential for their survival. They faced harsh icy conditions, battling wind and snow, and navigated treacherously near crevasses that threatened to collapse beneath them.
Pictured above: Madswimmers Vanes-Marie Du Toit, Neo Mokuene, Deniz Kayadelen, Chiara Baars (Team Doctor), Thufayl Ali (Cameraman), Sean Disney (Himalaya Tour leader) and Sean Jean Craven, Madswimmer Founder
Describing the swim, Jean recounted, “The last accessible liquid (swimmable) water was found at 4,900 meters. To achieve a world record, we needed to venture higher and create a suitable swimming environment at 6,405 meters. We carved out a swimming hole in the ice and melted ice in large drums that preserved the liquid water overnight. The swimming hole was covered under a tent canvas to prevent refreezing at night. The next morning, we removed the canvas, filled the ice hole with the liquid water we preserved, and took turns swimming in it for about three minutes each, wearing Speedos only. The water was chillingly cold at 3.7 degrees Celsius, with the outside temperature at minus six.”
Pictured above: Madswimmer Vanes-Marie Du Toit takes the plunge
The expedition was conducted with a commitment to environmental stewardship. After their historic swim, the water was carefully returned to the mountain, where it refroze.
Dr. Chiara Baars, the team doctor, diligently monitored the members’ vital signs and general health throughout. Oxygen levels were measured in the morning and again at night and it was interesting observing how sleep aided their acclimatisation overnight. Despite most team members lacking experience in high-altitude climbing, none suffered severe shortness of breath or other altitude symptoms. Three members took medication to facilitate acclimatisation, which was discontinued as they began their descent. Post-swim, everyone was warmed in heated tents, dressed in warm clothes covered with hot water bottles, ensuring their bodies recovered well from the extreme cold.
The team emphasised that their expedition aimed to witness and document the impacts of climate change. They encountered alarming signs, like running water appearing nearly 5,000 meters above sea level. The solid ice is crucial for binding the soil in these frigid zones. The melting of it threatens devastating land and mudslides that could obliterate communities. With global awareness campaigns initiated by Nepalese tourism and the vivid documentation by Madswimmer, the team hopes to spark meaningful discussions and highlight the urgent need to address climate change.
Pictured above: Madswimmer Neo Mokuene takes an icy dip.
Crowdfunding on BackaBuddy
‘The Sky is the Limit’ Madswimmer Team has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to support two children’s charities with their dedicated swim: the Universitas Academic Hospital Oncology Unit for Teens and Adolescents and the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.
Red Cross Children’s Hospital, Cape Town
The Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town provides critical paediatric care to children from across South Africa. Support for this hospital ensures the continuation and expansion of their life-saving work, offering a brighter future for children in need.
Adolescent Oncology Unit, Universitas Academic Annex Hospital, Bloemfontein
The Adolescent Oncology Unit at Universitas Academic Annex Hospital in Bloemfontein focuses on providing specialised care for teenagers battling cancer. Donations help fund renovations, create a lounge and entertainment area, and ensure that teenagers receive the best possible care during their fight.
So far, the BackaBuddy campaign has raised R24,200 of their R2,000,000 goal with the support of 17 donors.
Pictured above: Crowdfunding expert, Jill Ritchie
Pictured above: CEO and co-founder of Thundafund, Erica Schofield
