Whether it is a big business or a small business crowdfunding is always a powerful way to raise finance, with the people behind you, everything becomes infinitely more possible.

Many charity organisations are concentrating on social media campaigns in order to reach large audience. There are number of successful campaigns or creative use of social media that hugely helped charities to increase donations or raise awareness. We can review some of the most productive social media campaigns and their steps to the success.

Let’s start with Ice bucket challenge. The campaign went viral on social media during July-August 2014. In the US, Many people participate for the ALS Association and in the UK, many people participate for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Ice bucket challenge achieved brilliant results by raising $100 million for ALS and $7 million for MND.

No makeup selfie raised £2 million in just a few days for Cancer Research UK.  But how did it happen? The #nomakeupselfie started as women posted pictures of themselves without make-up on Twitter and Facebook, and urged their friends to do the same. Cancer awareness became the theme, selfie posters pledged donations to cancer charities and CRUK set up a text number to make a donating easier.

Image source: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/

#dogselfies campaign raised £1 million pounds after Manchester Dogs’ Home fire. At least 53 dogs were killed in the blaze, with about 150 others rescued. People have been quick to donate to the charity – with the hashtag #dogselfie raising awareness and encouraging donations.

The Movember community has raised £346 million to date and funded over 800 programmes in 21 countries. This work is saving and improving the lives of men affected by prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health problems.

The steps that above mentioned fruitful charity campaigns followed are:

• Letting supporters run campaigns
• Innovation
• Fundraising
• Getting leaders on social media
• Dealing with sensitive media
• Keeping it local

The early adopters are always people who already know and support your brand. Make sure you identify this fans and target them with your early e-mail marketing. Once celebrities or famous gurus start promoting your event it becomes trendy in public eyes easily. Being human is very important, don’t hide behind a brand when you’re crowdfunding. You’ll connect with more people if you connect as the founder of the business. Talk about your ethos, your dreams and ambitions. And of course always keep calm and communicate with people, by telling the stories about individuals the charity is supporting.

Hopefully you’ve found some inspiration in these successful charity campaigns and are ready to implement some of these ideas to maximise donations for your cause.

Information source: Seminar by Zoer Amar Communications on 27th October 2014