For your association, an online fundraising campaign can be a powerful lever for raising funds. However, its success depends on the application of appropriate advice and strategies, and a mastery of current regulations.
Strategies for successful online fundraising
The growth of online fundraising is undeniable. According to the Baromètre 2020 de la générosité en France - France Générosité, online donations accounted for over 72% of total contributions in 2020, compared with just 12% in 2019, illustrating a growing adoption of this method, even outside of health emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
One of the main advantages of online fundraising is its ability to reach a wider audience, especially the younger generations, who are used to digital transactions. This method is particularly effective in emergency situations, where speed of action is crucial.
Building a solid online presence
A lasting online presence, through a website, social networks or blog, is essential to capture the attention of potential donors. These platforms enable your association to introduce itself, clarify its objectives, share explanatory videos, and integrate a secure donation system. Transparency about the use of funds builds donor confidence and motivates generosity.
The aim is tomaintain constant visibility with your audience, regularly informing them of your association's progress and successes. Such an approach helps build a solid reputation and effectively mobilize support for donation campaigns.
Maximizing online accessibility
To be visible online, it's vital to optimize SEO, increase traffic to your site and master the use of social networks. These elements help build awareness of your association and convince the public of the relevance of your cause.
A hybrid strategy, intelligently combining digital tools and print media, can offer broader and more effective coverage. It is advisable to develop these platforms well in advance of the launch of an appeal for donations to strengthen your presence and establish a lasting relationship with your donors.
Integration of an online donation module and legal compliance
Implementing an online donation module means digitizing the traditional support bulletin. The system needs to be simple, provide clear information on tax benefits, detail the projects funded and guarantee the security of donors' bank details.
However, the integration of such a module must be carried out in compliance with legal obligations, in particular by declaring the appeal to public generosity to the prefecture and keeping an employment-resources account for total transparency.
It is essential to reassure donors about the reliability of online transactions by using secure payment solutions. Trust is the key to success for any fund-raising campaign.
Participatory financing: an alternative to traditional donations
Crowdfunding, or participatory financing, is a modern approach that mobilizes the community to support a variety of projects. Thanks to the power of the Internet and the evolution of the economy, many associations are turning to dedicated platforms to raise funds.
This method offers several financing options:
- loans with or without consideration (crowdlending),
- crowdgiving, which is very popular with associations,
- equity investment in companies (crowdequity).
The projects supported via crowdfunding cover a wide range of sectors, including humanitarian, cultural, environmental and entrepreneurial.
Crowdfunding procedures and best practices
Fundraising rules vary from platform to platform: some use the "all or nothing" method, while others allow you to keep the funds, regardless of the amount raised. The success of a campaign depends on careful preparation and effective mobilization of your association's networks.
Choosing the right platform for your project is essential, as it is the main point of contact with donors. It's also important to take into account platform fees and terms of use.
To maximize the chances of success, the project presentation must be clear and convincing, with well thought-out communication, both visual and informative.
Practical advice before launching a crowdfunding campaign
Prepare thoroughly before embarking on a crowdfunding campaign. Use tools such as checklists, guides and case studies to refine your strategy and maximize your chances of success.
A successful campaign requires careful planning and an active presence throughout. Every phase, from conception to communication, must be well thought out and coordinated to achieve your fundraising objectives.