The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Successful Medical Crowdfunding Campaign

Crowdfunding or fundraising, in general, can be a new concept for the majority who want to raise money for a specific cause - either a non-profit organization or an individual asking for help for a personal, medical, or social cause. Whether facing a specific fundraising challenge or experiencing overwhelming roadblocks in your campaign, understanding and addressing common fundraising issues is the key to creating a successful campaign. This blog post serves as a roadmap if you wish to make a successful campaign. India's leading Crowdfunding platform, ImpactGuru, is here to help you navigate these challenges. 

Let's tackle each fundraising challenge with some fundraising tips on how to overcome them:

Source - Freepik

Challenge #1 - Selecting the Right Platform

Choosing the ideal crowdfunding platform for your fundraiser can be daunting due to varying features and fee structures. Fortunately, there are crowdfunding platforms that offer extensive features on their platform, depending on what cause you are starting a campaign for. 

Solution #1 - Start by evaluating the key features of crowdfunding platforms

Platform fees and other charges 

You should choose a platform that offers financial support throughout your journey without breaking your wallet. A platform that provides extensive support at 0% cost* so you receive the most from your fundraising campaign.

Availability of resources such as guides, fundraiser ideas, and tips 

Let's be honest - Crowdfunding is a concept that is only familiar to a limited number of people. Everyone has concerns as to how an individual can approach their campaign without any knowledge about crowdfunding or fundraising in general. Hence, the ideal platform should have enough FAQs, video guides, and fundraiser ideas to help you with the campaign. 

Trust and safety features, including donor protection 

It is important to ensure that the crowdfunding platform you choose has the necessary security protocols in place to protect the donors' information and donations.

Credibility and track record through reviews and success testimonials

Reviews and testimonials from past campaigns can be a good indication of a platform's trustworthiness and success rate. This will help you gain a better understanding of how the platform operates and if its services are reliable

Customer service quality and 24/7 support availability

Let's consider, for instance, if the campaigner needs an urgent disbursement of funds or assistance with their campaign; a crowdfunding platform with 24/7 support will make sure you get timely support. 

Social media integration for easy sharing

Look for a community that ensures your voice is heard and supported. An extensive social media base will help amplify your message. This can bring attention to important causes and help spread awareness. It can also lead to real action and tangible results.

Mobile app accessibility - iOS and Android 

Having a mobile app that supports both iOS and Android makes it easier to manage your campaign on the go.

Source - ImpactGuru

Solution #2 - Tailor the platform to your needs

From selecting the cause for the fundraiser to choosing the payment methods, setting up custom donation options, or even adjusting the platform's design to match your brand, Crowdfunding platforms should be completely customizable to fit your needs. At ImpactGuru, we believe in creating a platform that is available to everyone. We create solutions that are tailored to your needs and goals. Our team of experts works diligently to provide a platform that is accessible and easy to use.

Which Is The Most Helpful Crowdfunding Platform To Raise Funds In India? Learn more here. 

Source - Freepik

Challenge #2: Setting Realistic Fundraising Goals

Determining the right fundraising target can be tricky, as setting it too high or too low can impact your campaign's success.

Solution #1: Research and Budget

• Conduct thorough research to understand the costs associated with your cause or project.
• Create a detailed budget that outlines how the funds will be used.
• Set a goal that covers your expenses and leaves room for unexpected costs.
• For example, if you wish to start a medical fundraising campaign for heart disease treatment on ImpactGuru, break down expenses like doctors' fees, treatments, and post-operative care. If you need a heart surgery that costs ₹5,00,000, set a goal slightly higher, say ₹6,00,000, to account for unforeseen expenses. ImpactGuru's experienced team can assist in setting achievable goals.

Solution #2: Milestone-Based Goals

• Break down your overall goal into smaller milestones or targets.
• Celebrate each milestone's achievement, which can boost donor motivation.
• Clearly communicate how each milestone contributes to your cause's success.

Source - Pexels

Challenge #3 - Your Story Is Not Compelling Enough

Picture this - You have created a medical fundraising campaign for an accident case. For the story, all you have posted is an old image of the patient, which doesn't showcase the patient's current condition, and the fundraising story lacks crucial details like what happened to the patient, what treatment they might require, etc. 

This paints a dire picture for the potential donor who may not empathize with your case, which results in a low-potential campaign. Here's how you can avoid this:

Solution #1: Honesty is the best policy

• Be transparent and honest in your fundraiser description.
• Include personal details like names, ages, locations, and connections to the cause.
• Explain why you're personally involved in the fundraiser, creating a deeper connection with donors.

Solution #2: Add Visuals

• Utilize the power of photos and videos to gain more empathy from the donors.
• Including multiple images in your campaign increases engagement.

Source - Unsplash

Challenge #4 - Overcoming Social Stigma

Overcoming personal embarrassment while seeking help can be a hurdle - whether related to the cause or asking for donations. And the stigma associated with it can prevent people from seeking help.

Solution #1 - Shift The Focus 

• Concentrate on the benefits for donors and recipients. Remember, donors appreciate feeling valued and knowing their contribution will make a difference. Similarly, recipients will be glad to receive help and feel supported. Ultimately, this will create a positive relationship, benefiting everyone involved.
• Enable donors to share their support on social media, letting them feel good about their contributions.

Read More - Is Crowdfunding The Key To Driving Social Change?

 Solution #2: Seek Support From Closed Ones

• Discuss your fundraising concerns with close friends and family.
• Their encouragement and reminders of the deserving nature of your cause can help you overcome any reluctance.

Source - Unsplash

Read This Blog to Learn How Social Media Can Transform Your Next Fundraising Campaign.

Challenge #5: Sustaining Donor Engagement and Building Trust 

Potential donors often may be cautious about online giving for fear that their contributions are being misused. This is especially true when giving money online to strangers, as many potential donors may be wary of the potential for misuse or lack of transparency. It is important to build trust with potential donors by providing clear and accessible information regarding how their contributions are being used. Transparency is the key. Here's how you can achieve that: 

Solution: 

• Before you share your campaign, ensure you have all the updated reports and receipts for the given cause.
• Ensure transparency through regular updates. 
• Indicate how donations are making a tangible difference in the patient's life, much like sharing heartfelt messages from the patient after a successful campaign.
• Send personalized thank-you messages to donors, acknowledging their support.

Source - Freepik

In Summary:

Fundraising, though challenging, can be highly rewarding. You can navigate your fundraising journey more effectively by addressing common issues with these solutions. Remember to stay transparent, engage with your donors personally, and set achievable goals. Your commitment to your cause and these strategies will lead to a successful campaign. 

For more in-depth guidance, explore our FAQs and other articles to understand crowdfunding and ImpactGuru. If you haven't started your crowdfunding campaign yet, consider launching it today with ImpactGuru. Get started on your journey to transform your life for the better today.