How do I get my first donation on a fundraiser?
Ask the people who already know you, one by one, and don't start at zero: give first, or ask a close supporter to.
Your first donors are almost always the people who already know you. Here is where to start.
1. Ask people who already know you
Friends, family and volunteers. Reach out to your closest contacts before you share the page more widely on social media.
2. Ask them one by one
A personal message to one person works better than a general post to everyone. Say why the cause matters to you and share the link. Two peer-to-peer guides recommend this personal touch over a broad post.
3. Don't start at zero
A page with a gift already on it looks alive. Guides suggest making the first donation to your own page, because early gifts show others that the campaign is moving. If you can, ask a close supporter to donate first too. That second step is Glowie's addition to the same idea.
Send your first ask quickly
One guide notes that fundraisers who send their first ask within 2 days of signing up are more likely to follow through. Don't wait for the perfect moment. Givebutter also notes that successful time-bound peer-to-peer campaigns usually run 2 to 6 weeks, and recommends thanking fundraisers and donors within 7 days of the campaign ending.
In WeGlow
Supporters can start their own fundraiser page for a campaign or an event, so the personal asks come from many people at once.
How sure are we?
This is practice advice from fundraising platforms. We found no study that proves a particular order of asks. We use no percentages, because we could not trace them to an original source.
Who should I ask first to give?
People you already know: friends, family and volunteers. Ask them one by one with a personal message, say why the cause matters to you and share the link. Only after that share the page more widely on social media.
Should I make the first donation myself?
Guides recommend it: a page with a gift on it looks alive, and early gifts show others that the campaign is moving. It is not an obligation. If you can, you can also ask a close supporter to donate first.
How quickly should I send my first ask?
Ideally within two days of signing up. Givebutter notes that fundraisers who send their first ask that fast are more likely to follow through. So do not wait for the perfect moment: a personal message to one friend or relative is a good start.
How long should a fundraiser run?
According to Givebutter, successful time-bound peer-to-peer campaigns usually run 2 to 6 weeks: short enough to keep urgency high, long enough to build momentum. Thank fundraisers and donors within 7 days after it ends.
Read next
- What is peer-to-peer fundraising and how does it work?
- The complete end-of-year fundraising guide
- The complete guide to a fundraising event
Sources
- How peer-to-peer fundraising works (Good United): start with close friends and family; personal touch; making the first donation yourself
- Peer-to-peer fundraising: complete guide (Givebutter): first donation to your own page builds momentum; first ask within two days; campaign length of 2 to 6 weeks; thanking within 7 days