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Spring is finally here! The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and it’s the perfect time to start fundraising. Got a cause you’re passionate about? Maybe you’re going on a mission trip, your community is planning a project, your aunt has medical expenses, or you and your friends are gearing up for a fun trip. Or maybe you’re not sure what to fundraise for yet—but you know you want to make a difference.

Here are some fundraising ideas to help get you started!

1. Host a Spring 5K or Fun Run

A spring 5K or fun run is a fresh, energizing way to rally support—whether you’re raising funds to host the event itself (think sponsorships, t-shirts, signage, and permits) or using the race to support a bigger cause like a mission trip, medical need, or community project. Either way, GiveSendGo is the perfect place to collect donations, rally supporters, and share your story. It turns every step into an opportunity to give hope.

2. Raise Support for Spring Mission Trips

Many churches and ministries send teams abroad during spring and early summer. If you or someone you know is going on a mission trip, start a campaign to cover travel costs, lodging, and ministry supplies. GiveSendGo isn’t just about funding trips—it’s about sharing the hope of Jesus wherever you go.

3. Help with Spring Tuition or School Fees

Spring semester costs can sneak up on students and families. Whether it’s college tuition, private school fees, or homeschooling resources, starting a campaign can ease the burden and rally community support during a season when finances are often tight.

4. Fund a Family Vacation or Special Getaway

Not every trip is a luxury—some are much-needed moments of rest and connection, especially for families recovering from loss, health issues, or financial strain. A GiveSendGo campaign can help fund a meaningful vacation that restores hearts and builds memories. 

5. Celebrate Mother’s Day in a Meaningful Way

This year, consider starting a campaign to honor your mom or mother-figure in your life. Whether she’s in need of help, facing a tough season, or simply deserves something special, your campaign could fund a spa day, a new car seat, a home project—or even surprise her with a weekend away. Don’t just give flowers. Give hope.

6. Provide Relief After Spring Storms and Tornadoes

Spring often brings severe weather and natural disasters. If someone in your community is recovering from a storm, house fire, flood, or other emergency, you can quickly set up a campaign to help with cleanup, food and supplies, temporary housing, or rebuilding costs. These are the moments when hope shines brightest.

7. Support Graduation-Related Needs

From senior trips and cap-and-gown fees to college deposits and dorm supplies, springtime can stretch families with graduating seniors. A GiveSendGo campaign can help them celebrate this milestone without the stress.

8. Raise Funds for a Spring Service Project

Planning a park cleanup, garden project, or local outreach event this spring? Start a campaign to help cover the costs—like supplies, food, or transportation—so your team can focus on making an impact. These types of campaigns are a great way to bring people together and do something meaningful right in your own community.

9. Help with Adoption, Foster Care, or New Baby Costs

Spring is a season of life and new beginnings—making it a perfect time to support families navigating adoption, foster care, or the arrival of a new baby. From agency fees and home studies to diapers and hospital bills, these journeys come with real costs. Starting a GiveSendGo campaign lets friends, family, and communities rally around families with love and generosity.

10. Fund Home Repairs or Spring Projects

Has someone you know been putting off a necessary home repair? Maybe it’s a single parent trying to fix a roof or an elderly neighbor needing accessibility updates. A GiveSendGo campaign can mobilize friends and family to pitch in.

11. Send Kids to Summer Camp

Now’s the time to start raising funds for summer camps, especially faith-based or special needs camps with higher costs. Don’t wait until the last minute—use this spring season to give kids the experience of a lifetime.

At GiveSendGo, we believe fundraising is more than meeting needs—it’s about sharing hope. This spring, don’t just let a good idea bloom and fade. Start your campaign, share your story, and invite others to be a part of something meaningful.

Ready to get started? Start your campaign today.

When most people hear the word "crowdfunding," they probably think of modern websites and online platforms like GiveSendGo, where people can raise money for the people and causes that matter most to them. But what if we told you that crowdfunding isn't a new phenomenon? In fact, it's been around for centuries — long before the internet even existed!

Here’s a look at the surprising history of crowdfunding and how it’s evolved into the powerful tool for generosity and sharing hope that we know today.

1. The Statue of Liberty Was Funded Through Crowdfunding
That’s right — one of the most iconic symbols of freedom in the world was crowdfunded! In 1885, the Statue of Liberty was ready to be shipped from France to New York City, but there was a problem: the U.S. government didn’t have enough money to build the pedestal for it.

Enter Joseph Pulitzer, a newspaper publisher who used his newspaper, The New York World, to call on everyday Americans to contribute funds. Over 120,000 people donated small amounts of money (many under $1) to help build the pedestal. Thanks to this grassroots effort, Lady Liberty found her home in New York Harbor, and the world witnessed one of the earliest examples of successful crowdfunding.

2. Artists Have Been "Crowdfunding" Patrons for Centuries
Long before platforms like GiveSendGo, artists, writers, and musicians relied on "patronage" — a fancy term for crowdfunding in the olden days. Wealthy patrons, like kings, queens, and noble families, would fund artists in exchange for works of art, music, or literature.

But it wasn’t always just the wealthy who provided support. In 17th- and 18th-century Europe, writers and composers would often pre-sell their works to "subscribers." Essentially, people would pay upfront for a book, opera, or piece of music, and their names would be listed as "subscribers" in the final work. Sound familiar? It’s not all that different from modern crowdfunding, where some givers support a project in exchange for perks, early access, or recognition.

3. War Bonds: Community Funding on a National Scale
During both World Wars, countries like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. issued "war bonds" to their citizens. Citizens would "invest" their money to help fund the war effort, with the promise of repayment with interest. While technically an investment, the emotional appeal of supporting a cause bigger than oneself drew millions of everyday people to participate.

Governments marketed war bonds as an act of patriotism and solidarity — a way for people to feel like they were part of something bigger. This is similar to the emotional connection we feel when supporting someone’s GiveSendGo campaign. Back then, they had posters and rallies; today, we have emails, events, and social media posts. But the heart behind it is the same.

4. Community Chests and "Whip-Rounds"
If you’ve ever seen the Community Chest cards in Monopoly, you’ve stumbled upon another historical reference to crowdfunding. Community chests were literal collections of money used to support local community needs. These chests, managed by towns or local organizations, would distribute funds to help people facing financial hardship.

A similar idea was found in "whip-rounds" (a British term) where coworkers or community members would "whip around" a collection for someone in need. Whether it was gathering money for a coworker’s retirement gift or supporting a family that had suffered a loss, these small acts of collective giving have always been part of our human story.

5. Early "Subscriptions" for Print Media and Books
Before printing presses became efficient enough to mass-produce books, authors would "crowdfund" their work by getting subscribers to pay for the book before it was even written. The author would use the funds to cover the cost of printing and paper. As a thank-you, subscribers’ names would often be printed at the front of the book.

This is eerily similar to modern crowdfunding, where donors of a project get early access or special credit. In fact, if you’ve ever seen a GiveSendGo campaign where givers’ names are publicly listed as supporters, you’re witnessing a modern take on an age-old practice.

Crowdfunding Today: A New Era of Generosity
While the methods and platforms have changed, the spirit of crowdfunding remains the same: people coming together to support something bigger than themselves. Today, platforms like GiveSendGo make it easier than ever for anyone to raise money for emergencies, projects, dreams, and any other causes that matter. No longer limited to artists, writers, and governments, crowdfunding has become a way for everyday people to make a difference.

With modern technology, anyone with a dream, a cause, or a crisis can now create a campaign and invite friends, family, and even strangers to join them. It's never been more accessible, and the impact is bigger than ever.

What Will You Crowdfund for in 2025?
The power of crowdfunding is older than you think, but its potential is bigger than ever. If people in the 1800s could fund a giant statue or help a writer publish their book, imagine what you can do on GiveSendGo today. 

Whether it’s supporting a family in crisis, funding a community project, or helping someone fulfill a dream, crowdfunding in 2025 could be the year you make a lasting impact. So, what’s your big idea? What story will you tell? And most importantly, what will you fundraise for in 2025?

As the winter chill sets in, there's no better time to warm hearts with the gift of generosity. This Christmas season, you have the opportunity to be a source of light and hope for others — both on and off GiveSendGo. Here are five impactful ways to warm up your generosity and be a difference maker! 

1. Give to a GiveSendGo Campaign: GiveSendGo is home to thousands of campaigns started by people from all walks of life. From medical needs to community initiatives, your generosity can be a lifeline for someone in need. This Christmas, consider browsing our site for a cause that matters to you. Whether it’s helping a family rebuild after a disaster or supporting a church’s mission trip, every donation is a reminder to someone that they’re not alone.

Be a Difference Maker: Find a campaign you care about, give, and leave an encouraging message or prayer for the recipient. Your words of kindness are just as powerful as your gift.

2. Bless a Neighbor in Need: Generosity can even take you right next door. This season, look around your community. Is there an elderly neighbor who could use help with groceries? A single parent who might appreciate a surprise gift for their child? Small, thoughtful gestures can have a profound impact.

Be a Difference Maker: Deliver a holiday meal, offer to shovel snow, or surprise a neighbor with a gift card for essentials. Simple acts of kindness remind people they are seen and valued.

3. Start Your Own GiveSendGo Campaign: If you've ever felt a tug on your heart to start something bigger, now is the perfect time. Maybe it’s raising funds for a local shelter, supporting a family facing unexpected hardship, or helping a friend with medical expenses. Starting a campaign gives others the opportunity to join you in generosity.

Be a Difference Maker: Start a GiveSendGo and invite friends and family to give. When people come together for a common cause, hope spreads far and wide.

4. Volunteer Your Time and Talents: Time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. Volunteering at local shelters, food banks, or community centers allows you to directly connect with people in need. Churches also see a surge in attendance during Christmas, creating a need for extra help with parking teams, nursery care, greeters, and more. Offering your time in these spaces is a beautiful reminder that generosity isn’t just about money — it’s about presence and compassion. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to share the hope of Jesus!

Be a Difference Maker: Look for opportunities to volunteer in your community. Serve meals, organize a clothing drive, or spend time with individuals who might be feeling lonely during the holidays.

5. Practice Intentional Generosity with Loved Ones: Generosity can be practiced right within your own circle of family and friends. Write heartfelt letters to loved ones, offer to babysit for a stressed-out parent, or give thoughtful, personalized gifts that go beyond material value. Your time, attention, and thoughtfulness are powerful ways to warm hearts.

Be a Difference Maker: Focus on presence over presents. Create meaningful experiences, offer acts of service, and express gratitude for the people in your life.

This Christmas, Let Your Generosity SHINE! Generosity isn’t confined to a single act — it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re giving through a GiveSendGo campaign, blessing a neighbor, volunteering, or simply being present for loved ones, you’re making the world a warmer place. This Christmas, we invite you to "Warm Up Your Generosity" and watch how it brings light and hope to the hearts of others.