How to Raise Money Fast Online in 3 Easy Steps

A guide to tech-savvy fundraisers for college groups.

Does the idea of planning another college bake sale send shivers of fear and horror down your spine? If so, you came to the right place. Your student organization needs to raise funds for a pressing cause, but traditional in-person school fundraisers have only caused frustration and awkward encounters in the past.

Instead of asking for donations, sell products using the internet. U.S. Consumers spent $601.75 billion online in 2019 alone. Everyone is looking for innovative ways to make raising money easier.

Successful college fundraisers can be held entirely online with the support of the right technology. Raise money fast without baking hundreds of lemon bars or investing in car wash supplies. The right platform can help school groups plan and host online fundraisers that appeal to today’s college students.

Use the power of the internet to fundraise by selling products, event tickets, gift cards, or discount cards for your group’s mission. Follow these three steps for a successful college student organization fundraiser:

1. Define Your Purpose and Goal

“People are more likely to give money to a clearly defined cause, so calculate your goal based on your total cost breakdown,” explains GoFundMe. Set a specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) campaign goal that you can share with donors.

For instance, aiming to raise $5,000 in one month to support the Office for Community Service’s volunteer trip next semester in Haiti communicates a clear message that sparks a sense of trust and passion in donors. In contrast, advertising that the Drama Department hopes to raise as much money as possible for no specific reason will not attract generous giving.

2. Select a Fundraising Activity

Decide on fundraising activities that connect with your cause for the most significant impact. Don’t forget, when you’re fundraising on a college campus, you’re dealing with adults. Make sure your cause makes sense, and your intent is genuine. All the snacks in the world can’t save you from a student who is already in a rush and feels you’re being too pushy. Check out how to fundraise for a cause for tips and tricks.

Our platforms allow your student organization to sell popcorn, cookie dough, candles, wrapping paper, customizable gifts, and more online! Learn about our ten best virtual fundraising ideas for schools and select the product fundraiser that best aligns with your mission and audience.

For non-product fundraisers, consider hosting a fundraising event (e.g., sell tickets to a Quidditch game, host a paid BBQ on the quad, organize a flea market) or raise money using scratch cards. Move these traditional in-person events online using live-streaming equipment or auction websites. The possibilities for online college fundraising ideas are endless!

3. Spread the Word

Most importantly, thoroughly market your fundraising campaign across campus. Use social media, email generators, and text to give for digital promotion. Find out about your university’s poster and sidewalk chalk policy before placing physical promotions.

To reach potential donors directly, ask your professors and student life offices to help spread the word to their students. Some colleges even provide student leaders with marketing and campaign resources. See our online fundraising ideas & tips section for more support.

If you choose one of our product fundraiser programs, we handle all the shipping and delivery logistics. So, limiting your marketing to one campus or area is unnecessary. You receive a profit when family and friends purchase from your virtual store.

Your work is not over even when the fundraising campaign ends and supporters have received their products. Recognizing your donors is the most critical step for future fundraising success. Show that you appreciate your donors and encourage involvement in other programs by sending a thank you card or email. Personalized, timely thank-you messages yield the best results. Raise money fast by starting your online fundraiser today!

Author Bio

Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.