Harnessing the Power of Viral Fundraising on GoFundMe: A Comprehensive Guide for Irish Charities

At GoFundMe, we are the experts in viral fundraising. Here, we explain how you can use this to amplify your charity’s efforts and make a lasting difference.

Understanding the Basics of Viral Fundraising

Viral fundraising thrives on the power of sharing. The cornerstone of a successful viral fundraiser is giving people a reason to share - that includes compelling storytelling, emotional resonance, and a product designed for the social age.

Crafting a Compelling Story

Every impactful campaign begins with a story that resonates. Think about:

• Authenticity: Genuine stories about real individuals and situations tend to strike a chord more effectively. Authenticity builds trust and fosters a personal connection with potential donors.
• Emotional Engagement: Emotions are powerful motivators. Whether it's hope, compassion, or outrage, tapping into emotions can spur people to share your story and contribute to your cause.
• Clarity and Simplicity: Your message should be straightforward and easy to grasp. Within seconds, people should understand the cause, the urgency, and how they can help.

Utilising Social Media Effectively

Social media platforms are needed to spread your campaign. Here’s how to maximise their potential:

• Engaging Content Creation: Use a mix of videos, images, and text to keep your audience engaged. Videos, particularly short and impactful ones, are highly shareable and can convey your message powerfully.
• Hashtags and Challenges: Create a memorable hashtag for your campaign. Encourage supporters to use it when sharing content. Additionally, social media challenges can drive engagement and broaden your campaign's reach.

Engaging with Your Audience

Building and maintaining a connection with your audience is crucial for sustained support. Here’s how to keep the engagement alive:

• Interactive Communication: Respond to comments and messages promptly. Show appreciation for support and address any questions or concerns.
• Regular Updates: Keep your audience informed about the campaign’s progress and milestones. Regular updates can maintain interest and encourage continued support.
• Gratitude and Recognition: Publicly thank donors (with their permission) and share stories of how their contributions are making a difference. Highlighting individual and collective impact can foster a sense of community and ongoing commitment.

Planning for the Long Term

While the initial push of a viral campaign is crucial, sustaining interest over time is equally important. Consider these long-term strategies:

• Ongoing Storytelling: Keep the narrative alive with follow-up stories and updates on the impact of the funds raised. This not only maintains engagement but also builds trust and transparency.
• Community Building: Foster a sense of community among your supporters. Encourage ongoing interaction and involvement through newsletters, social media groups, and events.
• Future Fundraisers: Use the momentum from a successful fundraiser to launch future initiatives. The relationships and trust built during a viral fundraiser can serve as a strong foundation for future efforts.

Real Life Example

Recently, Ireland has seen a rise in attacks on people due to their perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. In response to these viral news stories, LGBT Ireland partnered with popular influencer PJ Kirby to launch a fundraiser, aiming to address this issue and support the LGBTQ+ community.

The fundraiser set a goal of €20,000 and quickly gained momentum through social media and community events. PJ Kirby's influence and personal stories resonated widely, inspiring almost 1,000 donations and spreading awareness.

The fundraiser exceeded its goal and the funds allowed LGBT Ireland to expand their support services, including counselling, legal aid, and emergency housing. Additionally, the campaign helped launch educational programs to promote acceptance and understanding in society.

Beyond financial support, the fundraiser significantly raised awareness about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland. PJ Kirby's involvement brought a personal touch, encouraging many to stand in solidarity and share their stories.

This successful collaboration between LGBT Ireland and PJ Kirby not only provided crucial resources but also united people in a common cause. It highlighted the power of community and the positive change that can be achieved through collective efforts and just goes to show the power of viral fundraising.

Conclusion

Viral fundraising holds immense potential for Irish charities to amplify their impact. By crafting compelling stories, leveraging social media, making it easy for people to share and donate, engaging with your audience, and monitoring your progress, you can create powerful campaigns that not only raise funds but also build a community of long-term supporters.

Start small, dream big, and remember that every share, like, and donation brings you one step closer to your goal. With the right approach, your charity can harness the power of viral fundraising on GoFundMe to make a significant and lasting impact.