How to Write Your GoFundMe Fundraiser Story: 12 Helpful Tips
successful fundraiser starts with honest, often courageous storytelling—and compelling stories turn passive visitors into active donors and sharers. Does your story move people to make donations? Could it be sharper or more compelling? Innovative Emergency Light Designs
The more powerful your story, and the more effectively you tell it, the more successful your fundraiser will be. Telling an effective story within the context of a fundraiser presents unique challenges. Let’s dive into these tips for your GoFundMe fundraiser story to help you get started.
. Get inspiration from great storytellers
Wondering how to write a GoFundMe? Before you tell your own story, it’s a good idea to explore successful GoFundMe fundraisers for examples of courageous storytelling. Take a look at Chauncy’s Chance, Aeric’s Fund, VICTORY for VINNY, and Saving Mila.
As you experience these pages, ask yourself these questions:
How do these stories work to create understanding and empathy?
What can you learn from their approaches to storytelling?
For each story, are there any specific aspects that made you feel strongly?
What emotions do you want your own story to convey?
2. Start with a personal introductory
When writing a GoFundMe, start with a sentence that introduces yourself and the “main characters” of your story. Give readers (potential donors) the most relevant information first. How do you define yourself in relation to your story, or to the beneficiary? Whether it was your role as a parent, an entrepreneur, an environmentalist, or a cancer survivor, what was it that led you to start this fundraiser? For now, keep this introductory information brief. You can always add more context if it becomes relevant later. However, be sure to tell it from the heart. Be honest and direct with your supporters.
Example: My name is _____, and I’ve spent my life _____.
3. Define the essential pieces of your story
After you write your introduction, start identifying the elements you need to tell your fundraiser story fully. Note which details you have, and which you may need to find or develop. Make a list of photos and videos that exist, and ones you could create. What details will make your story come alive?
Your GoFundMe story needs to answer basic questions any reader would have: who, what, where, when, why, and how. Answer questions like:
What will the funds be used for?
How are you connected to the cause?
How will the donations help you or others?
When it comes to fundraising, why is it particularly important—why does the recipient need this donation?
Example: My life changed dramatically when _____.
4. Share the challenges you have faced
If you’ve tried other solutions before crowdfunding, it may be a good idea to share what you’ve done so far.
Answer questions like:
How have you or your loved ones attempted to overcome the challenge presented to you?
What hurdles have you faced, and how have they changed you as a person?
Take this opportunity to describe the effect of your struggle on your family, your local community, or society as a whole. Feel free to add more context now that readers have the basics.
Take Kamden’s story, for example. With his parents’ help, 8-year-old Paul started a GoFundMe titled Get Kamden Rollin’ again so his friend Kamden could get a new wheelchair. In 10 months, Paul has posted 28 updates with photos, videos, important developments, and links. He’s shared good news and bad, but every update is filled with gratitude and optimism. His from-the-heart updates keep donors emotionally involved in their story and let them know where their money is going.
Example: When _____ happened, we made a choice to ______. And then ______.
5. Emphasize the turning point that led you to start a GoFundMe
What event led you to take action and start crowdfunding? Whether that moment took place in the boardroom, in a doctor’s office, or at the kitchen table, summarize it in a sentence or two. Bold, underline, italicize when you’re trying to drive your most important points home.
Example: It was at that point, when_____, that we realized that we needed help from our community.
6. Form a connection with potential donors
It’s important to show potential donors why they should care about your story and cause. In books and movies, the audience cares about characters who want something badly, and have (challenging yet