Birthdays are a time to celebrate, but they can also be an opportunity to give back. By setting up a birthday fundraiser on Facebook, you can turn your special day into a chance to make a difference for a cause you care about. In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a Facebook birthday fundraiser. We’ll also provide tips on how to promote your fundraiser and reach your goals.
To get started, go to the Facebook website and log in to your account. Then, click on the “Fundraisers” tab. On the Fundraisers page, click on the “Create Fundraiser” button. You’ll then be asked to select a nonprofit organization to support. You can search for a specific organization or browse through a list of featured nonprofits. Once you’ve selected a nonprofit, you’ll need to set a fundraising goal. Your goal can be anything from $100 to $10,000. Once you’ve set your goal, you’ll need to create a fundraiser title and description. Your title should be catchy and attention-grabbing, and your description should provide potential donors with more information about your cause.
Finally, you’ll need to choose a start and end date for your fundraiser. Once your fundraiser is created, you can share it with your friends and family. You can post about your fundraiser on your Facebook page, send out emails, or even create a custom banner to promote your fundraiser. The more people you reach, the more likely you are to reach your fundraising goal. On your birthday, Facebook will automatically send out a message to your friends and family, reminding them about your fundraiser. This is a great way to get a boost in donations on your special day.
Creating a Fundraiser Page
Step 1: Log in to Facebook
To create a fundraiser page, you will need to be logged in to your Facebook account. Once you are logged in, locate the “Fundraisers” tab on the left-hand sidebar. Click on the “Create Fundraiser” button.
Step 2: Select a Non-Profit Organization
Choose the non-profit organization that you would like to support with your fundraiser. Facebook has partnered with a variety of non-profits, including large organizations like the Red Cross and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as well as smaller, local organizations.
Step 3: Set a Fundraising Goal
Determine the amount of money that you want to raise for the non-profit organization. This goal can be adjusted later on, if necessary.
Step 4: Customize Your Fundraiser Page
Personalize your fundraiser page by adding a title, description, and photos. The title should be concise and attention-grabbing, while the description should provide more details about your fundraiser and why you are supporting the chosen non-profit organization. Include high-quality photos that are relevant to the cause.
Step 5: Share Your Fundraiser
Once your fundraiser page is created, you can start sharing it with your friends and family. Share the page on your personal Facebook timeline, as well as in relevant groups and communities. You can also use social media to promote your fundraiser and encourage donations.
Setting Your Fundraising Goal
Determining your fundraising goal is crucial for setting up a successful birthday fundraiser on Facebook. Consider the following factors when establishing your target:
1. Research similar fundraisers:
Examine similar birthday fundraisers on Facebook to understand the average amounts raised. This can provide you with a baseline for setting your own goal.
2. Consider your network and reach:**
Estimate how many potential donors you have in your Facebook network. A realistic goal is one that you can reasonably achieve with your available network connections. For example, if you have 500 Facebook friends, a goal of $500 ($1 per friend) might be appropriate.
3. Break your goal into smaller increments:
Divide your overall fundraising goal into smaller, manageable milestones. This will make it less daunting and encourage progress tracking. Consider using a goal-tracking bar on your Facebook fundraiser page to visualize your progress.
4. Set a deadline:**
Establish a clear end date for your fundraiser to create a sense of urgency. This will encourage donors to contribute before the deadline expires.
5. Consider matching donations:**
Offer to match a certain percentage of donations up to a specific amount. This can incentivize donors to contribute more and increase your total fundraising amount.
| Factors to Consider When Setting Your Fundraising Goal | ||
|---|---|---|
| Research similar fundraisers | ||
| Consider your network | ||
| Break your goal into smaller milestones | ||
| Set a deadline | ||
| Consider matching donations | ||
Customizing Your Fundraiser Story
Your fundraiser story is the heart of your campaign, it’s what will inspire people to donate. Here are some tips for creating a compelling story:
1. Be personal
Share why this cause is important to you. What motivates you to raise money? How will the funds be used to make a difference? The more personal your story, the more likely people are to connect with it and want to support you.
2. Be specific
Don’t just say you’re raising money for a good cause. Be specific about what you’re trying to achieve. What are your goals? How much money do you need to raise? The more specific you are, the more likely people are to understand your mission and want to help you reach your goals.
3. Be creative
There are many different ways to tell your story. You can write a blog post, create a video, or even host a live event. Get creative and find a way to tell your story that will capture people’s attention and inspire them to donate. Here are some ideas for customizing your fundraiser story:
- Use humor: A little bit of humor can go a long way in making your story more engaging.
- Tell a story: People are more likely to connect with your story if it’s personal and relatable.
- Use visuals: A picture is worth a thousand words. Use photos and videos to help people visualize the impact of your fundraiser.
- Make it personal: Share why this cause is important to you and how the funds will be used.
- Set a goal: Let people know how much money you’re hoping to raise.
- Make it easy to donate: Provide a clear and easy way for people to donate to your fundraiser.
- Facebook Pay: This option allows donors to pay using their Facebook account. It’s the most convenient option for donors and doesn’t require them to leave the Facebook platform.
- PayPal: This option allows donors to pay using their PayPal account. It’s a popular option for donors who don’t have a Facebook account or who prefer to use PayPal.
- Offline: This option allows donors to pay by check or money order. It’s a good option for donors who prefer to make a physical donation.
- Click on the “Edit” button on your fundraiser page.
- Scroll down to the “Payment Options” section.
- Select the payment options you want to enable.
- Click on the “Save” button.
- Click on the “Edit” button on your fundraiser page.
- Scroll down to the “Payment Options” section.
- Click on the “Custom Donation Amounts” link.
- Enter the donation amounts you want to offer.
- Click on the “Save” button.
- Log in to Facebook: Access your Facebook account on a web browser or mobile app.
- Go to Fundraisers Page: Visit the Fundraisers section under your profile.
- Select Your Fundraiser: Click on the "View Fundraiser" button for your birthday fundraiser.
- Click the "Withdraw Money" Button: You’ll find this button on the fundraiser’s main page.
- Enter Payment Details: Specify the payment method you wish to use for withdrawing the funds, either your bank account or PayPal.
- Verify Your Identity: Enter your Social Security number or other relevant information to verify your identity and ensure funds are released securely.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review the withdrawal details and click "Withdraw" to complete the process.
- Log in to your Facebook account.
- Click on the “Fundraisers” tab in the left-hand menu.
- Select the fundraiser you want to close.
- Click on the “Edit” button.
- Scroll down to the “Fundraiser Status” section.
- Select “Closed” from the dropdown menu.
- Click on the “Save” button.
- Create a fundraiser: Go to Facebook and click on the “Fundraisers” tab on the left-hand side of the page. Then, click on the “Create Fundraiser” button.
- Choose a charity: Select the charity you want to support from the list of organizations on Facebook. You can also search for a specific charity by name.
- Set a fundraising goal: Decide how much money you want to raise for your charity. You can set a goal for any amount, but it’s important to be realistic about what you can achieve.
- Add a cover photo and description: Choose a photo that will represent your fundraiser and write a brief description of your goals. This is a great place to share why you’re passionate about the charity you’ve chosen.
- Set a start and end date: Choose the dates when your fundraiser will be active. You can set it to run for a few days, a week, or even longer.
- Share your fundraiser: Once you’re happy with your fundraiser, share it with your friends and family on Facebook. You can also share it on other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
| SEO tip | Example |
|---|---|
| Use keywords in your story | “I’m raising money for cancer research because my grandmother is a cancer survivor.” |
| Write a clear and concise story | “I’m raising money to help my local animal shelter. They’re a no-kill shelter that takes in abandoned and abused animals and gives them a second chance at life.” |
| Use strong visuals | “I’m raising money to buy a new wheelchair for my friend who has cerebral palsy. He’s a great guy who loves to play basketball, but he needs a new wheelchair to be able to continue playing.” |
Adding a Cover Photo and Description
Once you’ve created your fundraiser, you’ll want to add a cover photo and description to make it more visually appealing and informative. Here’s how:
Cover Photo
The cover photo is the first thing people will see when they visit your fundraiser, so it’s important to choose a compelling image that represents the person you’re fundraising for and the purpose of your campaign.
To add a cover photo, click on the “Edit Fundraiser” button and scroll down to the “Cover Photo” section. You can choose an image from your computer, your photo library, or Facebook’s suggested images.
Description
The description is your chance to tell people more about your fundraiser, including the person you’re fundraising for, the reason you’re fundraising, and how the money will be used.
Keep your description concise and informative. You can also use bullet points or subheadings to make it easy to read.
| Description Element | Tips |
|---|---|
| Title | Keep it brief and attention-grabbing. |
| Body | Provide clear and concise details about your fundraiser. |
| Call to action | Encourage people to donate and share your fundraiser. |
| Hashtags | Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility. |
| Personalize it | Share a personal story or anecdote to connect with potential donors. |
Setting Up Payment Options
Once you’ve created your fundraiser, you’ll need to set up your payment options. This will allow donors to easily contribute to your cause.
There are three payment options to choose from:
To set up your payment options, follow these steps:
Once you’ve set up your payment options, donors will be able to easily contribute to your cause.
You can also set up a custom donation amount for each payment option. This allows you to encourage donors to give a specific amount.
To set up a custom donation amount, follow these steps:
Once you’ve set up your custom donation amounts, donors will be able to choose the amount they want to give.
**Here is a table summarizing the payment options and their corresponding fees:**
| Payment Option | Fee |
|---|---|
| Facebook Pay | 0% |
| PayPal | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction |
| Offline | 0% |
Promoting Your Fundraiser
Share on Social Media
Post about your fundraiser on your Facebook page, Twitter account, and other social media platforms. Ask your friends and family to share it as well. The more people who see your fundraiser, the more support you will get.
Send Emails
Send emails to your friends, family, and contacts. Include a link to your fundraiser page and ask them to donate. You can also include a personal message explaining why you are fundraising.
Use Influencers
If you know any influencers or bloggers, reach out to them and ask them if they would be willing to promote your fundraiser. They may be willing to share it with their followers.
Create a Fundraising Page
Create a dedicated fundraising page on your website or a crowdfunding platform. This will give people a central place to donate.
Run a Contest
Run a contest or giveaway to encourage people to donate. Offer a prize to the person who donates the most money or who gets the most people to donate.
Set Up a Donation Station
If you are hosting a birthday party, set up a donation station where guests can make donations. You can also provide donation envelopes or online donation links.
Post Regular Updates
Keep your supporters updated on the progress of your fundraiser. Post regular updates on your social media pages and email list. Thank your donors for their support and let them know how their donations are being used.
Tracking Your Progress
Monitor Your Results in Real-Time
Once you’ve launched your birthday fundraiser, you can track its progress directly on Facebook. By visiting the fundraiser page, you’ll have access to a dedicated dashboard that displays key metrics.
Visualize Key Data with Progress Charts
The dashboard provides insightful progress charts that illustrate the cumulative donations received over time. This visual representation allows you to easily evaluate the momentum and effectiveness of your campaign.
Stay Informed with Notification Updates
Facebook sends you regular email and push notifications to keep you updated on the fundraiser’s status. These notifications provide details about new donations, messages of support, and milestones achieved.
Track Individual Donor Contributions
The dashboard includes a list of all contributors, allowing you to track individual donations and see who has generously supported your cause.
Receive Personalized Fundraising Suggestions
Based on your fundraiser’s performance and engagement levels, Facebook may offer personalized suggestions to enhance its reach and increase donations.
Access Detailed Contribution Data
For more granular insights, you can export a spreadsheet that contains a complete breakdown of all contributions, including donor names, amounts, and transaction details.
Utilize Facebook’s Reporting Tools
Facebook provides comprehensive reporting tools that allow you to analyze your fundraiser’s overall performance and identify areas for improvement. This data-driven approach helps you optimize your fundraising efforts.
| Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Raised | The cumulative amount of donations received |
| Average Donation | The average amount donated per individual |
| Conversion Rate | The percentage of individuals who donate after viewing your fundraiser |
| Reach | The number of people who have seen your fundraiser |
| Engagement | The level of interaction, such as comments, shares, and donations, received |
Withdrawing Donations
Once you’ve successfully set up your birthday fundraiser and donations start pouring in, you may need to withdraw the funds for your desired cause.
To withdraw your donations:
Please note that it may take up to several business days for the withdrawn funds to reflect in your specified payment method. You can track the progress of the withdrawal in the “Withdrawals” tab of your fundraiser dashboard.
Remember, Facebook charges no fees for withdrawing donations, but your payment provider may charge a small transaction fee.
| Payment Method | Withdrawal Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | $25 |
| PayPal | $20 |
Expressing Gratitude to Donors
Acknowledge Their Support
Begin your message by expressing heartfelt thanks to each donor for their generous contribution. Use specific language to acknowledge their support, such as, “I am deeply moved by your kindness and support in celebrating my birthday with me.”
Share Your Impact
Share how their donation will impact the cause you’re supporting. Explain how their contribution will make a tangible difference, whether it’s providing meals to children in need or funding research for a disease. This helps donors feel connected to their contribution and understand its significance.
Show Your Appreciation
Go beyond a simple thank you by offering a small token of appreciation. This could be a personalized message, a digital gift certificate, or a handwritten note. Showing appreciation demonstrates that you value their support and makes them feel special.
Keep Them Updated
Update donors periodically on the progress of the fundraiser and how their contributions are being used. This transparency builds trust and shows that their investment is making a difference. Consider sharing impact stories or photos that demonstrate the tangible impact of their support.
Invite Them to Future Events
If appropriate, invite donors to future events related to the cause you’re supporting. This shows them that you value their ongoing support and gives them an opportunity to witness the impact of their contributions firsthand.
Respond Quickly
Respond promptly to all donations, both large and small. Even a brief message of thanks can make a significant impact on donors and show that you care about their support.
Use Different Communication Channels
Use various communication channels to express gratitude, such as email, social media, and personalized videos. This ensures that donors receive their appreciation in a way that resonates with them.
Collaborate with the Organization
If you’re raising funds for an organization, collaborate with them to develop a thank-you strategy. This ensures a coordinated approach and allows you to leverage their resources and expertise.
Personalize Your Messages
Personalize your thank-you messages whenever possible. Include the donor’s name, the amount they donated, and a specific details of their contribution. This demonstrates that you appreciate their unique support.
Closing Your Fundraiser
Once you’ve reached your fundraising goal or the end of your campaign, you can close your fundraiser to prevent further donations. Here’s how:
10. Withdrawing the Funds
After closing your fundraiser, you can withdraw the funds to your preferred payment method. Here’s how:
Withdraw to a bank account:
You’ll need to provide your bank account details and routing number.
Withdraw to a PayPal account:
You’ll need to be connected to a PayPal account to withdraw funds.
Withdraw to a Facebook Pay account:
You can withdraw funds to your Facebook Pay account if you’ve opted in for it.
Note that there may be a processing time of several days before the funds appear in your account.
The following table summarizes the withdrawal options and processing times:
| Withdrawal Option | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Bank account | 2-3 business days |
| PayPal account | Instant if PayPal account is connected |
| Facebook Pay account | 2-3 business days |
Once you’ve selected your preferred withdrawal method, click on the “Withdraw Funds” button and follow the on-screen instructions.
How to Set Up a Birthday Fundraiser on Facebook
Setting up a birthday fundraiser on Facebook is a great way to celebrate your special day while giving back to a cause you care about. Here’s how to do it:
Once your fundraiser is live, you can track your progress and see how much money you’ve raised. You can also send updates to your supporters to keep them informed about your progress.
People Also Ask
How much money can I raise with a Facebook birthday fundraiser?
There is no set limit to how much money you can raise with a Facebook birthday fundraiser. However, the amount you raise will depend on a number of factors, such as the size of your social network, the popularity of your charity, and the length of your fundraiser.
How long does a Facebook birthday fundraiser last?
You can set a Facebook birthday fundraiser to last for any amount of time. However, most fundraisers last for a few days or a week.
Can I share my Facebook birthday fundraiser on other social media platforms?
Yes, you can share your Facebook birthday fundraiser on other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
