How do I start a fundraiser for a charity?

Start a charity fundraiser in 5 steps: pick a cause, set a goal, write a personal story, set up a page to give online, and share it.

To start a fundraiser for a charity, pick a cause you genuinely care about, set a clear goal, write a short personal story, set up a page where people can give online, and then share it one-to-one with people you know. Below is what each step involves, so you can be ready to launch in an evening.

Step 1: pick a charity you actually care about

A fundraiser runs on your credibility. Choose an organisation you have a real link with: you volunteer there, it helped someone you know, or the cause moves you. Tell the charity before you start. Many have a standard way of supporting fundraisers, and they can often give you facts and figures that make your story stronger.

Step 2: decide what you will do and how much you want to raise

People give more easily to an action with a clear idea behind it: a walk, a bake sale, a birthday without presents, a personal challenge. Add a target. A concrete goal gives your fundraiser focus and shows donors their gift counts. Say what the money does, for example what a given amount makes possible. JustGiving gives the same advice in its guide to telling your story.

That guide gives the example that £50 feeds a cat for a month, and mentions milestones at 20%, 50% and 100% of your target.

Step 3: write a short, personal story

The story is what convinces people. Keep it short and broken into small sections. Explain why the cause matters to you, what you are going to do, and what the gifts mean in practice. Use a photo that shows you or your challenge, not a logo. Finish by promising to keep people updated. For more, read our guide on how to write a story for your fundraiser.

Step 4: choose a place where people can give online

Giving should take a few taps, including on a phone: according to GoFundMe Pro, mobile users made up 52% of all visits to nonprofit websites in 2025. Give the page a short, recognisable title, make sure the payment methods are familiar to your audience (in Belgium, for instance, Bancontact and Payconiq), and test the page yourself before sharing it.

Also check whether the charity can record donations and issue tax certificates where that applies. That is normally the charity's job, not yours.

Step 5: make the first gift yourself, then share

An empty counter puts people off. Make the first donation yourself or ask someone close to you to do it. Then send personal messages to the people you know instead of one general post. Use WhatsApp, email and social media, and put a reminder in your calendar to post an update after a week. Thank every donor, even for small amounts.

In WeGlow

For organisations that use WeGlow, supporters can start their own fundraiser page for one of that organisation's campaigns or events. You give your page a title, story and photos, and optionally a target.

For the story, Glowie can rewrite your text in a personal, professional or urgent tone; your original stays until you pick a version. A checklist walks you through the first three steps: put your page live (the organisation may still need to approve it), make the first gift, and share it. You can share with a link, WhatsApp, Facebook, LinkedIn or email, and post updates on your page.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need permission from the charity?

It is strongly advisable to ask. That way the charity knows your fundraiser exists, can help you, and you avoid confusion about how the money reaches it. The charity can also give you material and figures for your story.

How long does it take to start?

A simple page with a title, story, photo and target takes an evening. Sharing and following up take most of the time. Put a reminder in your calendar to post an update after a week and to thank every donor.

What if I do not reach my target?

That is fine. Charities are glad of every gift. Keep donors informed about how the fundraiser is going and thank everyone, even for a small amount. That way they keep following your fundraiser and the organisation.

How do I set my target?

Choose an amount that fits your action and say what it makes possible. JustGiving gives the example that £50 feeds a cat for a month, and mentions milestones at 20%, 50% and 100% of your target.

Sources

Checked on 2 October 2026.

JustGiving: tips on structure, targets, photos, concrete impact and keeping donors updated
GoFundMe Pro: peer-to-peer fundraising tips: personal outreach and updates
JustGiving Help: an example of how a personal fundraising page for a charity works