What do I do if nobody donates to my fundraiser?

No donations yet? Make the first gift yourself, ask people personally, improve your story and photo, and post an update.

If nobody donates to your fundraiser, the problem is usually reach and trust, not your cause: too few people have seen your page, or they are not sure what you are asking. The good news is you can fix it. Make the first gift yourself, ask people one by one, improve your story and photo, and post an update. Here is how.

1. Check your page like a visitor first

Open your page on your phone as if it were your first visit. Is it obvious what you are doing, for whom and why? Is there a concrete amount? Can you give in a few taps? An unclear story or a payment step that does not work costs you gifts without you noticing. Ask a friend to test it.

2. Make the first gift yourself

A page showing zero does not invite anyone in. Give the first gift yourself or ask someone close to you. JustGiving recommends this in its fundraiser tips. A first gift shows others that it is real.

3. Ask people personally, one by one

A single message in a group chat or one social post is rarely enough. Send a personal message to ten people who know you and your cause, with a concrete ask and the link. Fundraising platforms recommend personal messages because they feel like an invitation rather than an announcement. Do not ask for too much at once: a clear amount helps.

4. Share again, and share differently

Most people need more than one reminder. Plan regular moments to share, but give each one a new reason: a photo from training, a progress figure, a story about the charity. Use the channels where your people already are: WhatsApp, email, a local Facebook group, your club's newsletter.

5. Post an update

An update reaches everyone who has already given and gives new visitors a reason to come back. Thank donors, say what has happened and what is still missing. Then ask them briefly and kindly to pass the fundraiser on.

6. Make the story more personal

JustGiving advises explaining why the cause matters to you, what you will do and what gifts mean in practice, with a photo in which you are recognisable. Add milestones to your story, for example 20%, 50% and 100% of your goal, so people know when they make a difference.

7. Rethink your goal and timing

Is your amount too high for your network? Lower it or split it into smaller goals. Does your fundraiser fall in a busy period, such as a holiday? Extend the end date and run a new push when everyone is back.

In WeGlow

On WeGlow a checklist helps you start well: put your page live, make the first gift and share it. You can share with a copy link, WhatsApp, Facebook, LinkedIn or email, and post updates on your page. If you are stuck on your text, Glowie can rewrite your story in a personal, professional or urgent tone; your original stays until you pick a version.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I wait before changing something?

There is no fixed period. After a few days without response, it is worth checking your page as a visitor would and approaching people personally. Do not wait until the end date is close.

Is it awkward to give to my own fundraiser?

Not at all. It shows you stand behind your fundraiser and makes it easier for others to follow. JustGiving recommends making the first gift yourself, because a page with an empty counter does not invite anyone in.

Do I really have to thank donors?

Yes. A thank-you brings people back and makes them willing to share your fundraiser. Post an update, thank donors, say what has happened and what is still missing, and ask them briefly and kindly to pass the fundraiser on.

What if my target is too high for my network?

Lower it or split it into smaller goals. Milestones at 20%, 50% and 100% of your goal show people when they make a difference. If your fundraiser falls in a busy period, extend the end date.

Sources

Checked on 2 October 2026.

JustGiving: story, photos, milestones and making the first gift yourself
GoFundMe Pro: personal messages and updates in peer-to-peer fundraising
GiveSendGo: what to do when a fundraiser stalls: share again, ask personally, send updates