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5?Ways to Build Interest in Your Campaign
Posted by GiveSendGo on Jan 1, 2018
If you're about to begin a Christian crowdfunding campaign, the last thing you want is a campaign no one notices. You may fear invisibility and that the amount given to your cause may not meet your need. Although there are some things that are out of your control, there are many that you can influence. Here are 5 things you can do to build interest. Include Video Facebook faithfuls know there is power in a video. Even with the ease of access to making videos, there are still a surprising amount of campaign owners who don't take advantage of this technology. If you include a quality video, you'll set yourself apart from many others who don't. You'll reach more people since some won't stop to read about your campaign but will watch a video. Also, videos tend to be shared more on social platforms, especially if they are compelling and well put together. Be Sincere Sincerity is tough to stage. In most cases, potential givers will be quick to notice if you have it or not. And although sincerity matters in all forms of crowdfunding, it could be argued that it's most important in donation crowdfunding which is what Give Send Go is all about.A great way for people to see you are sincere is through video. But if you're not careful, it could have the opposite effect. Eye-contact is huge when it comes to photos and video. If you struggle with eye contact, you're not alone. After all, videography likely isn't something you do for a living. There are several ways you can be sure to make eye-contact during your video. You can use a teleprompter but you don't necessarily need a high-tech gadget. You can have someone hold up the written words you wish to say so they're easily visible to you. Another option is to memorize your lines. Along with this, do your best to smile and keep potential donors interested by using an enthusiastic tone of voice. Use Emotion The use of emotion is an aspect of sincerity but is worthy of extra attention. Most people don't give just because of spreadsheets and facts. They give because a cause grabs at their heart. It's true that if emotion is taken too far it can be overdone and appear to lack authenticity. Yet, many are afraid to show emotion in video and their writing. In the writing world, people quickly lose interest if what they're reading doesn't show emotion. Readers need to feel something. Be open about how you've felt through your triumphs and challenges. It's ok to share about anger, bewilderment, elation, anticipation, fear and anything else you're feeling. Every person you reach out to will understand that range of emotions. They'll connect with you on a deeper level because you were open with them. Along with this, be sure to be as transparent as appropriate. Blogger, Jeff Goins, once shared that if bloggers don't feel at least a little uncomfortable after posting an article, then they probably weren't as transparent as they should've been. The same could be said for campaign owners. Utilize the Power of "You" The power of "you" is essential to draw potential givers in. It's also called the second person. Yes, share about yourself and your campaign but use the word "you" in your writing and video as well. Essentially, what you're doing is including potential donors in your mission. If you want an example of second person usage, read over this article with new eyes. It wouldn't be as interesting and motivating to read without the second person. There's an inviting quality to the second person. Be conversational and remember to draw others in using this approach. Include others like you're talking right to each of them individually. If you get them interested, they'll be more likely to get involved with your cause. If you remember that crowdfunding is always a team effort, second-person usage will come easily. Keep Sharing Your Christian Crowdfunding Campaign This one has been mentioned in previous posts but is worth repeating. Provide consistent exposure to potential donors. One-time sharing will not get you the results you need. Provide updates on social media through writing, photos and video. Consistently use email to your advantage. Often, it's not that people aren't interested in your cause. It's just that they have hundreds of other things clamoring for attention in their crazy lives. Provide as much visibility for your campaign as you can without being obnoxious. Are you in the process of a Christian crowdfunding campaign on givesendgo.com or have you had one in the past? If so, what are some ways you found to build interest in a campaign that you would add to this list?
GiveSendGo FeaturesIs GiveSendGo only for Christians?
Posted by GiveSendGo on Jan 1, 2018
We received this message under on one of our social media platforms recently, and know it is a question that runs through many peoples mind. We decided to share how we answered it Can we raise money for atheist causes on this platform? GiveSendGo response: Hi Matthew, great question. Not sure if you are asking to start a controversy or because you are really curious about our crowdfunding site , but either way we are glad you contacted us. We believe that there is a God that loves you more than you can even imagine and that is displayed all throughout our site, our emails, and all the contact we will have with you. We would love the chance to share God's love with you through our site and all your donors would get a little bit of who we are on their receipts etc. as long as your campaign is being used to share hope in our world then it would be allowed. We will be praying for you as you decided whether we are a good fit for your campaign and if you decide not then we can send over some suggestions on alternate sites available. Shine brightly!
Is GiveSendGo really free?
Posted by GiveSendGo on Jan 1, 2018
We have had people that think our marketing posts are dishonest regarding fees. We wanted to respond so that everyone would understand how crowdfunding works. The last thing we want people to feel like is that we are tricking or lying to anyone, so here is our response: We can assure you as a platform GiveSendGo does not take a fee. We are free. We have people who have not processed any money but still use our site and never have to pay to use our services. We have people that use GiveSendGo features to update followers on their mission, we have users that just use GSG to put donations they have received offline to show that they are raising money. They never have to pay to use GSG. They use our share buttons to share what they are doing , and never have to pay anything. It is like if I said I had a free book I wanted to give you and you asked me to ship it to you. I said you can have it but in order to get it to you, you wanted me to use the post office. The post office has no obligation to be free just because I want to give my book away for free. You can still get my book if you want to pick it up and it won't cost anything. But the service to ship the book is something added. Every processor out there charges for their service. There is nothing we can do about that. If you want to process money online or with a credit card - you will pay a processing fee- it's just how it works. It doesn't go to keep GSG running. We are free. We are upfront about our payment processing fees. Since our platform is offered for free to use, and if you know there are credit card charges for every time you accept a payment, do we need to cover those fees as well for you to be happy with us? We couldn't do it. It isn't feasibly possible to have a free site cover your processing fees. So we always hope instead of complaints that we would get "thank you" since we are trying to allow our campaign owners to keep as much money as possible... by offering our platform for free. If you have questions please email us here!
Givers30 Days of Giving Quotes, Bible verses and more
Posted by GiveSendGo on Dec 29, 2017
1. "It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving." -- Mother Teresa 2. "No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another." -- Charles Dickens 3. "It is possible to give without loving, but it is impossible to love without giving." -- Richard Braunstein 4."We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." -- Winston S. Churchill 5. "If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area in his life." -- Billy Graham 6. Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. -- Deuteronomy 15:10 7. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. -- Proverbs 3:27 8. "Remember this-you can't serve God and Money, but you can serve God with money." -- Selwyn Hughes 9. "I judge all things only by the price they shall gain in eternity." -- John Wesley (1703-91), English evangelist and founder of Methodism 10. "Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we give." -- Ben Carson 11. "As base a thing as money often is, yet it can be transmuted into everlasting treasure. It can be converted into food for the hungry and clothing for the poor. It can keep a missionary actively winning lost men to the light of the gospel and thus transmute itself into heavenly values. Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth. Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality." --A.W. Tozer (1897-1963), American pastor and writer 12. "It is more blessed to give than to receive." --Acts 20:35 13. "Always give without remembering and always receive without forgetting." -- Brian Tracy 14. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him wouldn't perish, but would have eternal life. -- John 3:16 15. "The more you give, the more comes back to you, because God is the greatest giver in the universe, and He won't let you outgive Him. Go ahead and try. See what happens" --Randy Alcorn 16. "The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation" --Corrie Ten Boom 17. Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you. --Luke 6:38 18. "The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving." -- Albert Einstein 19. A lack of generosity refuses to acknowledge that your assets are not really yours, but God's -- TIm Keller 20. I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. -- C.S. Lewis 21. The world asks, 'What does a man own?' Christ asks, 'How does he use it? -- Andrew Murray 22. "No person was ever honored for what he received. He was honored for what he gave." - Calvin Coolidge 23. And he would answer and say to them, "The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise." -- Luke 3:11 25. After giving something to God, you are no longer accountable for it. Your blessing is based on your giving, not on what others do with the gift. -- Ed Cole 26. Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. -- Deut 15:10 27. God has a way of giving by the cartloads to those who give away by shovelfuls. -- Charles Spurgeon 28. God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them. -- Augustine 29. God loves a cheerful giver. -- 2 Corinthians 9:7 30. There are three kinds of givers -- the flint, the sponge and the honeycomb. To get anything out of a flint you must hammer it. And then you get only chips and sparks. To get water out of a sponge you must squeeze it, and the more you use pressure, the more you will get. But the honeycomb just overflows with its own sweetness. Which kind of giver are you?
GoFundMe Alternative
Posted by Heather Wilson on Dec 14, 2017
It seems that now a days as soon as a financial need becomes known somebody immediately heads to Gofundme to start a campaign. Gofundme has done a wonderful job in making a name for themselves in the crowdfunding business. This would be great, but recently we have heard that Gofundme has taken a stance against Christians and has been taking down campaigns that they did not agree with. So what does that mean for the body of Christ? How can we as Christians stand by and support gfm with full knowledge that is what is happening? Especially now that there is Givesendgo.com, a crowdfunding site designed for Christians by Christians. Being a Christian platform is not the only thing that sets us apart from gofundme. Here are some frequently asked questions: Who has less fees? GiveSendGo has less fees. Actually GiveSendGo, as a platform, takes NO Fees. We operate on donation only. Why use a site that takes between 5%-10% out for themselves? We want you to raise the money you need to raise. So financially it is a no brainer. Give a way the money you earn or keep it .... hmmmm Is it easier to share campaigns on gofundme? No, GiveSendGo has all the same social media and email sharing options with just a click of a button. Also every campaign allows you to create a custom url link, to make it easy to share your campaign. How about setting up a campaign? GiveSendGo has created a simple process that takes you step by step creating the different pieces of your campaign. You can stop and save anytime during the whole campaign create process, so if you need to take some time gather information, or if you get interrupted, when you log back in your campaign will be ready to pick up where you left off. How secure is my bank information? Givesendgo uses the same payment processors as a multitude of other sites. It is completely secure with state of the art credit card processing security features. And no worries Givesendgo does not have access to your bank information as it is stored on your payment processing account with you having total control over your donations and deposits. A couple more facts you may not know. Each month, we give 10% of the donations given to GSG back to active campaigns on our site. We're the only crowdfunding site that believes so much in what you're doing that we put our money where our mouth is. We love being Givers! The most valuable currency is God's love. Only God can meet the deepest needs of each heart. That's why we're grateful to have individuals and organizations dedicated to praying over our campaigns. We pray for eternal results because those are ultimately the only outcomes that matter. The God we serve will ALWAYS be bigger than money. We are one of the only platforms that allow for recurring donations. If someone wants to give you a set donation amount for a set amount of months it just takes a couple clicks. Then the giver can also login and track their donations or end them if necessary. Do not just take our word for it, see what people are saying about GSG: "We used GiveSendGo to raise money for families in need. It was really important to us that every dollar that people donated went to the families and was not wasted on fees. Excellent platform with excellent customer service." Rachel Naomi Co-Founder Lift Me Up "Giving to a campaign under GiveSendGo feels great in part because I know all the funds are going right to the cause. And I love this concept so much that I always voluntarily donate a little more to GiveSendGo so they can keep it going." Tanya Zaleski Sylvester Generous GSG Donor So, the next time you need to raise money, or know someone who does, point them in the direction of GiveSendGo. You'll be glad you did.
GiveSendGo NewsLife Crisis and Christian Crowdfunding
Posted by HEATHER WILSON on Dec 4, 2017
Are you or someone you care about experiencing a life crisis? Perhaps a Christian crowdfunding campaign could ease some of your stress. Although every day brings new challenges, there are times in each of our lives that could better be described as a crisis. Oxford Dictionaries describes a crisis as "a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger..." Are you feeling down and out right now? Do you feel like you need help? Here are some things to consider as you navigate a stretch of troubled waters and are thinking about Christian crowdfunding. Should I Start a Christian Crowdfunding Campaign? Crowdfunding is still relatively new. There are people in your circles who won't be able to give you a solid answer to that question. Hopefully, you'll have a few friends, coworkers or neighbors who offer input. Some may suggest you start a campaign without ever asking them. This is a good sign that you should consider a campaign. You can also ask the opinion of others if they don't speak up. There's a wide range of things you may need financial help with. Grief counseling, funeral expenses, a major vehicle repair and medical bills are just a few possibilities. Beware of the "No-Help Philosophy" There is a philosophy floating around out there that doesn't reflect the heart of God. It goes something like this: "Never ask for help. You need to take care of your own problems yourself." The free gift of salvation God offers from our sin shouldn't be accepted if that philosophy is fully applied. After all, salvation is all about God helping us out of a crisis that we couldn't get out of alone. Should we all be careful not to scam a system? To ask for help when we really don't need it? Absolutely. But we must be equally careful not to reject a form of relief from intense trouble God provides. Not only are there spiritual lessons for the one receiving the gift. There are lessons forthe giver. Life has a way of reversing roles, too. It's quite possible that the roles of the helper and the helped will be reversed and it could be sooner than later. God grows us and tests us in both scenarios. Pray For Discernment God provides wisdom and answers through others around us. But to stop there would be shortsighted. Ask God for wisdom, peace and discernment about whether to start a campaign. God's answer for everyone is a little different. It may be that others are suggesting that you start a campaign but you don't have peace about that decision. Persistently pray for an answer. You may fear others won't care about your crisis because it seems petty next to the extreme examples in the news. Again, ask God for wisdom. No need that God's children have is petty in his sight. Remember, He cares for the sparrow. Certainly, your troubles are near to his heart. And He will provide a way out and relief at the proper time. Some of his help may come through Christian crowdfunding. It's worthy of consideration as you walk a difficult road for a season. A Final Thought Although financial giving can be a huge help during trouble, it doesn't heal grief. Nor does it provide the right perspective when things feel like they're unraveling. That's why GiveSendGo believes so strongly in prayer. May God bless you and your family during this hard time!
DevotionalsWow Isnt God Amazing
Posted by HEATHER WILSON on Dec 3, 2017
After being greeted by angels, getting pregnant while still a virgin, giving birth in a barn while shepherds visit saying they saw a choir of angels... I would think that nothing would surprise Mary and Joseph. They had witnessed so many miracles in such a short time, they head to the temple to perform the Jewish rituals. While they are there it just so happened that the Spirit ( here He is again ..) led Simeon to the temple that same day because of a promise God had made to him that he would see the Messiah before he died. So Simeon sees 8 days old Jesus and takes Him in his arms and praised God acknowledging Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior. The light to reveal God to the nations. And in Luke 2 vs 33 " Joseph and Mary were amazed by what was being said about Jesus." When was the last time you were AMAZED by Jesus? By what He is doing in your life ? I know in my life I get caught up in the routine of things . When I get amazed it is at Churches doing great things, and people that are doing great deeds. But when do I stop and say "wow God you are amazing at what you are doing in my life" I want to live a life where I see God doing amazing things not just around me but through me. But I think that takes stepping out of the comfortable, out of the routine, Keeping our eyes open and hearts willing for God to do AMAZING things through us. A CHALLENGE: Ask God to do something AMAZING in and through your life today. I think He is waiting for us to be willing to take that step, to talk to the person He puts in front of us, love the person that seems unloveable, forgive the person that doesn't deserve forgiveness... ASK GOD TO BE AMAZING IN YOUR LIFE TODAY..Then let us know what He did so we can all say "WOW isn't God AMAZING!! " GiveSendGo.com Where people are experiencing our Amazing God. Check it out!
GiversWho Gives
Posted by HEATHER WILSON on Dec 3, 2017
Who Gives at Give Send Go? Who gives? We're used to that expression in our culture. It's not usually meant in a positive light. We use it as a way of saying, "who cares?" But if we take that saying literally, what is it? An important question. And the answer to that question is even more vital. So, when it comes to giving, who gives? Here are some thoughts on that. Those With "Too Much" Give Though most don't fit into this category, some do. There's a certain point once basic needs are met, that people wonder, "now what?" Those with extra resources quickly learn that more wealth doesn't equal more happiness. Hanging on too much to money will eventually only lead to restlessness and disappointment. So, the challenge for the thoughtful person with more than enough resources is to do something positive. They, like their creator, are compelled to give out of an abundance of their resources. They're energized by the powerful difference they can make in the world. Like Joseph of Arimathea who, out of his wealth, provided a tomb for a homeless man named Jesus after his crucifixion, the wealthy want to do the same. They want to share hope, relieve suffering and honor their Lord. Having extra wealth doesn't mean giving to causes without thought, though. Quite the contrary! You know that extra wealth isn't easy to come by if this is you. You also realize you can't meet every need in the world even though others view you as rich. So, you're always searching for causes that grab at your heartstrings. You continually ask, "is this the best way I can impact God's world with the resources He's given me?" Those Without Abundance Give Some can't give as much to a cause because most expenses must go to living. The temptation, in this case, can be to say, "why bother?" That's a question worth answering. There are many things you can do if you live in a middle to low-income level even with limited resources. We've all heard of children who had virtually no resources start up a charity for a cause that mattered to them. And, occasionally, these stories make the news because a child's efforts really take off. First, you can provide the most valuable resource of all which is time. You can give yourself to others and worthwhile causes. You are uniquely made by God. There isn't another person in the world like you. Why not give yourself to a cause where you are exactly what the world needs? There's so much you can do. You can volunteer at a local prison ministry or food pantry. You can find someone to mentor or send encouraging letters to people who need the courage to keep going. That's not all, though. The essence of crowdfunding is to draw a crowd. To bring together a large group of people passionate about giving. You don't need much. Just a little faith and whatever money you have when it comes to crowdfunding. Jesus once fed thousands of people using a boy's lunch. Never give up on giving because you feel the amount you have won't make a difference. God can use you in a group to make a huge difference. What you contribute, no matter how small, matters. It matters to others and it matters to God. Christians SHOULD BE the Best Givers Those who've tasted the salvation Jesus gives possess the greatest reason of all to bless others. The gift we've received from God doesn't always seem that big. At least not yet. But on the day we leave this world of suffering to forever be with God, it sure will! None of us can come close to understanding how valuable the gift is that Jesus gave us. But we know that it's priceless. So, out of the abundance of the immense gift of God's love, we give. In the scheme of things, whether we're rich or poor, what we give isn't very much. That little fact doesn't worry God and it shouldn't worry you. God is pleased to see us give out of our limitations. He can more than carry out the rest of his plans while continually increasing the children in his kingdom. No, He doesn't need our money or resources. But He allows us to express gratitude for what He's done, benefiting others in the process. GiveSendGo.com feels fortunate to help facilitate God's work around the world through your generosity and that of others. We believe in Christian crowdfunding and think you will too after trying it out! Start a campaign today!
Guest BloggerTerrified
Posted by Hudson Taylor Wells on Sep 2, 2014
TERRIFIED. To be honest, I'm terrified. What can I say? It is simply the truth. Is it okay to feel this way? Is it okay to let the world know? How vulnerable can I be? The truth is I am terrified. Not just afraid, but terrified. I know what some of you are thinking...Overdramatic, but, I kid you not. Look at it through my lenses: For 6 years I have dedicated my life to a specific job that has required certain skills and special knowledge to complete.. The problem is, when it comes down to it, I have no control as to what will happen next. You see, I get "paid" - if you can even call it that - by individuals who have decided that they like me enough to fund me, or they see the work I am doing and want to help fund the job. This leaves me and everything I invest myself into and puts it at the hands of a group of individuals who have a lot of other things going on for them and a lot of other focuses. In a regular 9-5 job, growing in a skill set or working overtime would get you ahead in life. Not in this business. Doing what I do requires that I give up everything - a comfortable home, job security, health benefits, regular income, a normal routine, etc - for the sake of something else or someone else. Well then, why do I do it? I do it because I know the value of what I am doing. Sure, I get paid $1.50 an hour, but I don't do it for money. I do it for Him. I do it because I know that the reward in the end will be worth it. Here is my problem though. Not only am I terrified of what may come in my life, but I am terrified of letting people know I am terrified. In this line of "work" you need to be strong. You need to have all your ducks in a row, because if you don't, that $1.50 and hour becomes $.75 an hour, and now I can't pay rent. But, I post "Terrified..." on Facebook anyways, and immediately I will have a slew of messages from "concerned" people - some who really do care - and then about a dozen comments under my post, sharing inspirational scripture that they think will help me or some ridicule as to the content of my character. All of these things coming from hearts of gold, I'm sure, but all that ends up getting translated to me as "you're not doing your 'job' right." In a moment of weakness, I slip up and let the world know what is going on in my heart, and it takes that phrase and runs a mile with it. Well goodness, what am I to do? Take the hint and end it all? Keep pressing on with perseverance? Take it as a sign that He wants me to give it up? I have no idea. I didn't study for this part of the test apparently. So, I keep trucking along. Hoping it gets better. I start a new campaign that will hopefully get more support behind me. This takes away from other tasks at hand that I need to focus on and now some supporters are getting antsy. "What is he up to" they wonder. "I'm not supporting him so that he can just 'hang out' and ask for more!" they say. - - - I sit in silence. Not sure what to do. You see, I spent 6 years doing this. I don't "know" anything else. I didn't go to college because I thought this would be what I would do with the rest of my life. In fact, all of the learning I have done has been so specific to this ministry these past 6 years that, there are really no jobs out there for me to be beneficial to. I will need to start at the bottom no matter where I go, and the only entry level job out there is maybe some dishwasher or fry cook (both respectable jobs which I have both worked as). I can do it. I just feel as though I wasted 6 years preparing myself for nothing. Goodness, if people knew my mind went there I would get sermons galore in my email tomorrow. I know the "right" answers, I have taught them to people, but in a moment like this, many things are tested. Faith is a funny thing. It keeps the fire burning even when there seems to be no oil left. It will always take faith to press through the hard times. It will always take faith to move forward into an unknown area. It will always take faith to believe the Words that Jesus spoke so long ago. That if I seek His kingdom and righteousness all of these things will be added to me. That is a bold statement, but a true one. Sometimes fear mascaraed as wisdom, making us try to find our own solution to these problems, but true Wisdom is rooted not in fear itself, but the fear of the Lord. It is rooted in the places that put Him, the great God Almighty, into the equation. True wisdom would be involving Him into this situation and recognizing the answer. Wisdom isn't about getting rid of fear; it is about putting it in the right place. It's okay to be afraid. As long as you have allowed the Lord to take preeminence, you will step out of this okay. "Courage isn't the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." - Courage is about putting fear in its place and moving on from there. My relationship with the Lord looks very peculiar to people. I am very honest with Him. I figure that the God of the universe can handle my emotions and distress. I find that admitting I have a problem is the first step, and if I admit it to Him, it opens a door to Him that allows lasting healing to come in. To be honest, I am terrified. I don't know where I will end up or how long this season will last, but Jesus takes preeminence. Knowing how He loves me will casts out any inappropriate fear I have and replace it with confidence in who He is. I'd rather be confident in who He is than who I am. He is a much stronger person. I'd rather rely on His strength than my own, because my own would leave me here in a ditch of fear, unable to move. When it is on Him, I simply don't need to worry.
