Spencer Lanoue
Crafting a compelling GoFundMe description might seem challenging at first, but it's a crucial step in rallying support for your cause. Whether you're raising funds for a personal goal, a community project, or a charitable cause, a well-written description can make all the difference. Let's break down how you can create a description that not only tells your story but also connects with potential donors.
Start With Your Story
Your story is the heart of your GoFundMe campaign. It's the part where you connect with people on a personal level, so don't shy away from being open and sincere. Start by explaining why you're raising funds. What inspired this campaign? What personal experiences have led you to this point? By sharing your journey, you allow others to walk in your shoes, even if just for a moment.
Here's an example to illustrate this point:
"Ever since my childhood, I've dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Animals have always been my passion, and I've spent countless hours volunteering at local shelters. Unfortunately, due to unexpected medical bills, I'm struggling to cover the last year of my veterinary school tuition. With your help, I can fulfill my lifelong dream and continue helping animals in need."
Notice how the narrative is personal and evokes empathy. It provides context and makes the need for support clear. While it's tempting to embellish, authenticity is key. Your readers can tell when a story is genuine. That said, a tool like Spell can help you refine your story, ensuring it's both compelling and clear.
Define the Purpose Clearly
Once you've shared your story, it's time to clearly outline what the funds will be used for. This section should be straightforward and transparent. Donors want to know how their contributions will make a difference.
One effective way to do this is by breaking down the expenses:
"Here's how the funds will be used:
- $5,000 for tuition fees
- $2,000 for textbooks and materials
- $1,000 for living expenses while I complete my internship"
By presenting a detailed breakdown, you're not just asking for money. You're showing exactly where each dollar will go. This transparency builds trust and encourages people to contribute. Remember, clarity in your goals makes it easier for others to understand and support your mission.
Set a Realistic Goal
Setting a target amount is a balancing act. Go too high, and you might discourage potential donors. Too low, and you risk not covering your expenses. Consider the total cost of your needs, but also reflect on what feels achievable. People are more likely to contribute if they feel their donation will help reach a feasible goal.
If you're unsure about how to approach this, consider running your draft through Spell. It can help you brainstorm different approaches and refine your description until it feels just right.
Use a Conversational Tone
While writing your description, remember that you're talking to people, not just writing a formal essay. A conversational tone can make your story more relatable and engaging. Use simple language and avoid jargon or overly complex sentences.
Think of it as having a chat with a friend over coffee. Here’s a quick example:
"Hey there! Thanks for stopping by my page. I really appreciate you taking the time to read my story. It means the world to me that you're considering supporting my journey to become a vet. I can’t wait to give back to the community by helping animals in need."
This tone is inviting and friendly, making it easier for potential donors to connect with you and your cause. If you're having trouble finding the right words, a tool like Spell can guide you in maintaining a conversational style throughout your description.
Include a Call to Action
Don't forget to tell your readers what action you'd like them to take. A clear call to action (CTA) can motivate people to donate or share your campaign. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest requests are the most effective.
Here are a few examples:
"Please consider donating to help me reach my goal."
"Your support through donation and sharing this page would mean so much."
"Help make a difference by contributing or sharing my story with others."
Notice how each CTA encourages not just donations, but also sharing the campaign. The more people who see your story, the greater chance you have of reaching your goal. And remember, expressing gratitude in your CTA can leave a positive impression.
Share Updates and Progress
Once your campaign is live, keeping your audience informed with updates is crucial. It shows donors that their contributions are making an impact and keeps them engaged with your journey.
Consider posting updates like these:
"Thanks to your generous donations, I've reached 50% of my goal! I’m one step closer to covering my tuition fees."
"I’ve just completed my first week of classes, and I couldn’t have done it without your support. Thank you!"
Updates don't just show progress. They also offer yet another opportunity to express gratitude. And if your campaign isn't seeing much traction, updates can renew interest and encourage more donations.
Add Visuals for Emotional Connection
A picture is worth a thousand words. Adding photos or videos to your GoFundMe page can significantly enhance your description. Visuals can convey emotions and details that words alone might not fully capture.
For instance, if you’re raising funds for a medical procedure, a photo of you during treatment or with your medical team can make your story more personal and real. Or, if it’s a community project, a video tour of the area needing improvement can provide context and urgency.
Just make sure your visuals are high quality and relevant to your story. They should support your narrative, not distract from it. And, as always, authenticity is important. Choose images and videos that genuinely reflect your campaign.
Proofread for Clarity and Errors
Before you hit the publish button, take some time to proofread your description. Spelling and grammar mistakes can distract from your message and undermine your credibility. It's always a good idea to have a friend or family member read through your text to catch anything you might have missed.
Alternatively, platforms like Spell can be incredibly helpful for this task. Spell can not only help correct typos but also suggest improvements to make your writing more powerful and polished.
Express Gratitude Throughout
Gratitude goes a long way in building a connection with your supporters. While it's important to thank donors in your call to action and updates, expressing appreciation throughout your description can make your message even more heartfelt.
Here’s a quick example:
"I am truly grateful for any support you can provide, whether it's through donations or sharing my story. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to me and are helping me achieve my dreams."
By weaving gratitude into your narrative, you create a positive and inviting atmosphere, encouraging more people to get involved. After all, people like to be appreciated, and acknowledging their support can inspire them to help even more.
Final Thoughts
Writing a GoFundMe description that resonates with readers involves sharing your story authentically, outlining your goals clearly, and maintaining a conversational tone. Remember to include visuals, keep your audience updated, and always express gratitude. And when you're ready to put it all together, platforms like Spell can help you craft a polished, engaging description in no time.
