How to Write a GoFundMe Fundraiser Story that Inspires Donations

1. The new enhanced story tool is here to help 

Not sure how to write for your fundraiser story? We’ll help along the way. When drafting your fundraiser story, type at least 50 words, and then click “Enhance”. We’ll automatically suggest word choice, grammar, tone, and formatting improvements to help you create an effective and compelling fundraiser story.

2. Get inspiration from great storytellers

Wondering how to write a GoFundMe? Before you tell your own story, it’s a good idea to explore successful GoFundMe fundraisers for inspiration of courageous storytelling. For examples of fundraisers, resources on how GoFundMe works, and answers to common fundraising questions, take a look at everything you need to know to start fundraising on GoFundMe.

As you experience these fundraiser examples, ask yourself these questions:

• How do these stories work to create understanding and empathy?
• What can you learn from their approaches to storytelling?
• For each story, are there any specific aspects that made you feel strongly?
• What emotions do you want your own story to convey?

3. Start with a personal introduction

When writing a GoFundMe, start with a sentence that introduces yourself and the “main characters” of your story. Give readers (potential donors) the most relevant information first. How do you define yourself in relation to your story, or to the beneficiary? Whether it’s your role as a parent, an entrepreneur, an environmentalist, or a cancer survivor, what was it that led you to start this fundraiser? For now, keep this introductory information brief. You can always add more context if it becomes relevant later. However, be sure to tell it from the heart while also being honest and direct with your supporters.

Example: My name is _____, and I’ve spent my life _____.

4. Define the essential pieces of your story

After you write your introduction, start identifying the elements you need to tell your fundraiser story fully. Note which details you have, and which you may need to find or develop. Make a list of photos and videos that exist, and ones you could create. What details will make your story come alive? If you don’t have all these details right away, don’t worry. You can always come back and make edits to your fundraiser story even after you’ve created your GoFundMe.

Your GoFundMe story needs to answer basic questions any reader would have: who, what, where, when, why, and how. Answer questions like:

1. What will the funds be used for?
2. How are you connected to the cause?
3. How will the donations help you or others?
4. When it comes to fundraising, why is it particularly important—why does the recipient need this donation?

Example: My life changed dramatically when _____.

5. Share any challenges you have faced

If you’ve tried other solutions before crowdfunding, it may be a good idea to share what you’ve done so far. Take this opportunity to also describe the effect of your struggle on your family, your local community, or society as a whole. Feel free to add more context now that readers have the basics.

Answer questions like:

1. How have you or your loved ones attempted to overcome the challenge presented to you?
2. What hurdles have you faced, and how have they changed you as a person?

Example: When _____ happened, we made a choice to ______. And then ______.

6. Form a connection with potential donors

It’s important to show potential donors why they should care about your story and cause. People often feel a connection to individuals who are doing their best under extreme circumstances. Telling one’s story requires courage and honesty. It can be scary to broadcast your most sensitive moments to the world, but your honesty and vulnerability allow people to form a human connection with you or the individuals your fundraiser is for.

7. Review the flow and tone of your story

Examine each part of your story to make sure it’s easy to understand and conveys the right tone. One option to consider is telling your story in sections with subheadings. This approach can make it easier for people to absorb information. Additionally, paragraphs and bullet points work wonders when trying to make something simpler to read and understand.

While reviewing, also ask yourself these questions:

• How does the tone of each sentence, and each image, deepen interest in donating to your fundraiser?
• Does the flow of the narrative keep readers curious enough about what happens next that they’ll read your entire story, and then want to lend support?

8. Read your story from a potential donor’s point of view

Take a few minutes to write down how you feel about your cause. What are the most accurate and heartfelt words you can use to describe the need for help? Then look at your fundraiser description—are those words that you wrote down clearly featured in your story? Look at your story from the perspective of potential donors to get a sense of how they would feel when they read your story.

9. Get others to proofread your story

Aside from reading your fundraiser story from a donor’s perspective, also read your story aloud to see how it sounds to yourself and to others you trust.

Ask friends or family questions for feedback like:

1. Does it sound like you’re telling the story to a friend?
2. Are there any moments where it feels awkward or there isn’t enough information?
3. Which parts inspire readers to care enough to make a donation?
4. Would you personally be inspired to share this story?

When you’re happy with the results, look through your story a few more times to remove any further errors.

10. Give your fundraiser a title that’s easy to remember and specific to your cause

Since the title of your fundraiser is the first thing people see, it’s an extremely important element of your fundraiser. Whether you’re drawn to a straightforward approach or a more humorous one, the title should include the name of the main character of your story and highlight the major challenge that person is facing. Consider including a call to action as well. For more help, read our fundraising tips for creating a fundraiser title.

Example: “Help _____ Knock Cancer Out!” or “Fund _____’s Heart Surgery”

11. Post frequent fundraising updates

As you post updates, you bring donors into an unfolding story. And when potential donors see this, it inspires them to become part of the story as it expands. It’s best to update your donors often. In your updates, share good news such as fundraising milestones as well as hardships, and do so as often as you might fill in a close friend. Fundraiser updates are also a good opportunity to continue asking for donations from your supporters. See our blog posts for tips on writing a fundraiser update and how to politely ask for help with money.

Example: “With your help, we’ve reached _____ [25%, 50%, etc.] of our fundraising goal so far.”

12. Add compelling photos and videos

Not only do images and videos make your story more personal, but they also help other people share and tell your story. Try including any new photos and videos you have in each update you post for donors. By adding these visual elements, your supporters will feel even more connected to your fundraiser. Additionally, you can also update the main fundraiser image on your GoFundMe at any time if you’d like to refresh it with a newer, high-quality photo or video.

Start writing your fundraiser story today

Now that you know how to write a GoFundMe story, remember to always be honest. Authenticity invites people to care enough to lend a hand. By telling your GoFundMe story with clarity and heart, you can inspire compassion. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable when you share details. While it can be daunting, doing so will help people understand how much their donations help. Before you begin, check out the mistakes successful fundraisers avoid and our fundraising ideas to help you reach your goals and tell your story today.