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So, you’ve launched a fundraiser, or perhaps you’re considering starting one. Whether this is an exciting new journey or the last thing you ever thought you’d have to do, taking that first step is a brave move. And now you’re likely wondering: What does it actually take to fundraise successfully? 

At GiveSendGo, we’ve found that the first 72 hours (that’s 3 days!) of your fundraiser are the most crucial to its success. This window is when you build the momentum that carries you all the way to your goal. That said, we’ve put together this simple guide to remove the guesswork from your plate, giving you a clear road map for those first few days to set your fundraiser up for success!
 

Optimize Your Fundraiser Before You Share 

Before you share your fundraiser with the world, take a moment to ensure it has all the right elements to communicate your story clearly and establish trust. A well-prepared fundraiser makes it much easier for people to say "yes" to supporting your cause. 

Your Fundraiser Should Have:
 

• A Clear, Specific Title: Clearly state who it is for, why there’s need, and it’s urgency. Use the HELPS method to write a title that captures attention and gets donations.
• A Personal Story: Aim for 300–500 words. Be real, be vulnerable, and be clear about the impact of the funds and how they will be used. 
• Photos and/or Video: Faces build trust and make your fundraiser feel more personal. A high-quality photo or quick selfie video helps tell your story in visual way that people can connect with. Fundraisers with video can raise up to 150% more than those without. 
• A Realistic Goal: You can always increase your goal later as people give! Starting with an attainable number helps people feel like their support is truly making a difference.
• A Custom URL: Make it short and easy to remember, relevant, and personal. Fundraisers with custom URLs receive 11% more donations on average. 

Once you’ve confirmed your fundraising page is complete, it’s time to start spreading the word. Here is exactly how to navigate those first three days to build maximum momentum and start seeing your community show up for you and your cause: 
 

Day 1: Build Early Momentum

Today is all about your "Inner Circle." Before you go public, you want to secure those first few donations to build credibility and momentum. 
 

• Connect Directly with Your Closest 5–10: Reach out to the people who know you best (family, best friends, church family, or mentors), and ask them to be early givers and sharers. These are the people who care most about you and will want to help you succeed. 
  • Ask in person, call them, or send a quick text/DM. Be personal and direct.
    • Expert Tip: Did you know that 85% of donations happen only after being asked? Don't be afraid to reach out!
    • What to Say: "Hey [Name], I just launched a fundraiser for [Cause]. I’m trying to get its first few donations today to build some momentum. It would mean the world if you’d take a look and consider being one of the first to support and share it! Here is the link: [Your URL]" 
  • Expert Tip: On average, one share raises $35. Getting your inner circle to be early sharers of your fundraiser can be a game-changer. 
• Make Your First Post on Social Media: Share your fundraiser on the social channels where you are most active (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.). 
  • Focus on the Story: This post should be all about the "why." Share the circumstances, the specific need, how the funds will be used, and any urgency or timelines. Let people know exactly how their support will make a tangible impact. 
  • What to Say: "As many of you know, our family has been walking through [Briefly describe situation]. It’s not always easy to ask for help, but we’ve realized we can't do this alone. We’ve started a fundraiser on GiveSendGo to help cover [Specific Need], and reaching our goal of $[Amount] would mean [Describe the impact, e.g., 'we can focus on healing instead of bills']. Even if you can’t give, a share or a prayer means the world to us! [Link]"
     

Day 2: Build Community

Today, you expand your reach beyond your inner circle to your broader community. 
 

• Share a morning/mid-day post on socials (focus on the need): Post your fundraiser link and share exactly how reaching your goal will make a difference. Be specific about how you plan to use the funds and emphasize that every gift—no matter the size—brings you closer to your goal and makes a tangible difference. To build engagement, try setting a "mini-goal" for the day and challenge your community to help you hit that milestone by tonight. 
  • What to say: "We’re officially 24 hours in! While our total goal is $[Total Amount], I’m challenging myself to reach $[Amount] by tonight. Can you help us get there by giving or sharing this post today?”
  • Expert Stat: 1 in 4 fundraiser visitors give. This means visibility is your best friend; the more you share, the more givers you are likely to get. 
• Reach Your Broader Circle: Reach out via text, DM, or email to acquaintances, extended family, co-workers, and professional networks.
  • What to say: "Hi [Name], I’m reaching out because our family is raising funds for [Cause]. We’ve seen some great support so far, and I wanted to share the link with you in case you’d like to support us and follow our journey! [Link]"
• Leverage Trusted Community Channels: Think about the groups you belong to. Share your story through church bulletins, small groups, church email lists, local community groups and boards, or Facebook groups. 
  • Whenever possible, include a direct link or a QR code for easy access.
  • What to say: "Hi community! Many of you know about [Situation]. We are currently fundraising to help cover [Need]. If you are able to give or simply pray for us and share our fundraiser, it would mean so much to our family. [Link]"
• Post on socials a second time: Share a second time today as a "evening catch-up" for those who missed your morning post or to remind people to give towards your mini fundraising goal of the day.
  • You might worry that you’re being annoying, but studies show people often need 7 or more interactions with a message before taking action. We live in a distracted world! Your persistence isn't a bother; it’s a necessary reminder for people who genuinely want to help but got busy. Consistent sharing builds the familiarity and visibility needed to succeed. 
  • Expert Tip: Check your fundraiser dashboard’s analytics tab to see your Average Donation. If your average is $45, you can share that with your community to gain more givers: 
    • What to say: “Our average donation so far is $45. If just 10 more people gave that amount, we would be halfway to our goal!” 
    • This makes giving feel attainable and gives people a clear target.
       

Day 3: Reinforce Urgency

By the third day, your goal is to show "social proof." When people see that others are giving and that their contributions are making a real difference, they are much more likely to join in. 
 

• Post on socials again to thank supporters and share a progress report: Use this post to clearly state how much you’ve raised so far and how much more you need to reach your goal. Even if you’ve already thanked someone privately, publicly celebrating your givers shows potential supporters that their contribution will be genuinely appreciated and impactful. 
  • What to say: “We are so incredibly grateful! A huge thank you to everyone who has prayed, shared, and given—you’ve made us realize just how loved we are and helped us reach a third of our goal! We need $[Amount] left to raise to reach our goal. Please consider supporting us today.”
• Share an update on your fundraiser: Use your GiveSendGo dashboard (click “Updates” in the dashboard menu) to post an official update. This is the place to share recent news, celebrate progress milestones, give public thank-yous, and ask for continued support through giving, praying, or sharing.
  • Doing so will send a notification to your fundraiser’s followers, putting your cause back at the top of their mind. 
  • Consider recording a quick thank-you video to upload to your header media or the update section. Seeing your face and hearing your voice makes the need feel even more real. 
• Explore Unique Local Opportunities: Look for ways to share that are specific to your area or situation. 
  • Local Media: Do you have a local newspaper or news station? Getting your story in the news can reach a whole new audience who may be interested in supporting your cause.
  • Community Partners: Many local businesses—like ice cream shops, hairdressers, restaurants, or even sports teams—are often willing to host "give-back" events where a portion of proceeds goes directly to fundraisers they care about. It never hurts to ask!
  • Rotary, Lions, or Kiwanis Clubs: These groups often look for guest speakers. Ask for 5 minutes at their next breakfast meeting to share your story. They often have "sunshine funds" or members looking for a cause to support.
  • Chamber of Commerce: If you are a business owner or well-connected locally, ask if they can include a link to your fundraiser in their weekly member newsletter.
     

After the First 3 Days

While the first three days are the most critical, the work doesn't stop there. Fundraising is a marathon, not a sprint. 
 

• Don’t Stop Sharing: Consistency is key. Continue to share on social media and post updates to your fundraising page when you have news or reach a milestone. 
• The Power of Direct Asking: While social media is a great tool, remember that a direct ask (whether in person, over the phone, or via a personal text/DM) is always more effective than a public post.
• Turn Supporters into Sharers: Every time someone supports you through a donation or a prayer, reach out with a personal thank you. To streamline the process, set up an automatic, custom thank you message from your GiveSendGo dashboard that sends the moment someone gives. This is the perfect moment to ask them to share your fundraiser with their circle to help broaden its reach. 
  • The Reach of a Share: The average Facebook user has between 300-350 friends, and the average Instagram user has around 150 followers. If just five people share your fundraiser on Facebook, that’s potentially 1,600+ new eyes on your cause, and that’s just from one platform!
     

More Tips for Success

 

• Build Your Fundraising Team: You don't have to carry the load alone. Rally a small group of dedicated friends to help you spread the word. Check out our guide here on how to build a powerful fundraising team.
• Monitor Your Momentum in Real-Time: GiveSendGo’s new dashboard analytics are your fundraising compass. If you notice a dip in your Weekly Donations chart (found by clicking “Analytics” in your dashboard menu), it’s a helpful signal that it’s time for a fresh social media post or a new update to re-engage your followers.
• Ask for Prayers & Shares: If someone can't give, remind them they can still support you through sharing and praying for your fundraiser. Shares get your fundraiser in front of people you may never otherwise reach, and prayers in this season of need can be just as, if not more, impactful for you than money. 
• QR Code: Download your fundraiser’s QR code from the sharing pop-up (click "Share" on your public fundraising page and then "Download QR Code") and set it as your phone’s lock screen for at least the first 72 hours. When you’re out and happen to share your story with someone, they can easily scan the QR code to read your story and support your fundraiser. 
   

You’ve Got This!

Successful fundraising isn’t about luck, it’ s about inviting your community into your story and giving them an opportunity to help. Through boldness, diligence, and consistency in those first 72 hours, you can help build the momentum and foundation your fundraiser needs to reach your goal. Happy fundraising!