A well-crafted campaign can make the difference between reaching your goal and falling short. This guide covers everything you need to know about creating campaigns that inspire giving.
Campaign Types Explained
| Type | Who It's For | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Missionary | Missionaries connected to a sending organization — provides accountability and tax-deductible giving. See Becoming a Verified Missionary | Monthly support raising, special project funding, emergency needs, equipment and supplies |
| Church | Registered churches — donations are tax-deductible | Short-term mission trips, missions support (BGMC, STL, etc.), building and renovation, community outreach, staff and ministry support |
| Nonprofit | Verified 501(c)(3) organizations — full tax-deductibility with automatic receipts | Disaster relief, ongoing support, program funding, capital campaigns, annual giving drives |
Step 1: Writing Your Campaign Story
Your story is the heart of your campaign. Here's how to write one that connects:
| Start with Why | Open with the problem or need. What situation are you addressing? Make it personal and emotional |
| Introduce Yourself | Who are you? Why are you the right person or organization for this cause? |
| Explain the Impact | Be specific about how donations will be used — break down costs if possible |
| Create Urgency | Why now? Is there a deadline or matching gift opportunity? |
| End with a Clear Ask | Tell people exactly what you want them to do — "donate today," "share with your network" |
Step 2: Choosing Your Goal
| Too Low | You might leave money on the table and seem less ambitious |
| Too High | Low percentage completion can discourage new donors |
| Just Right | Achievable but stretching, creating momentum as you approach success |
Tip: Consider launching with a lower goal you're confident you can hit, then publicly raising it when you succeed. "We hit $5,000! Can you help us reach $10,000?" creates excitement.
Step 3: Selecting the Perfect Image
Your featured image is often the first thing donors see:
- Show People — Faces connect emotionally; show beneficiaries or yourself
- High Quality — At least 1200x630 pixels, well-lit, in focus
- Tell a Story — The image should hint at your mission
- Be Authentic — Real photos outperform stock images
Adding Video (Optional)
Campaigns with video can raise significantly more. Keep videos under 2 minutes, personal and authentic, focused on your story and impact, and ending with a clear call to action.
Review Checklist
Before launching, confirm you have:
- ✓ A compelling, error-free title
- ✓ A story that explains who, what, why, and how
- ✓ A realistic but inspiring goal
- ✓ A high-quality featured image
- ✓ Connected payment processing — see Setting up your payment details
- ✓ Correct category and tags