Blog

The true warmth of Christmas isn’t just found in twinkling lights or the crackle of a fire — it’s in the kindness shared between people. This season, you’re invited to be a Difference Maker by giving to a campaign that brings hope and joy to those in need. All around the world, people are answering the call to generosity, will you? Here are 10 incredible campaigns on GiveSendGo where you can make an impact this Christmas!

1. Christmas Once Again 2024
For 18 years, Christmas Once Again has been bringing joy to the homeless. Each year, volunteers pack and distribute gift bags filled with essentials and treats for those living on the streets. The initiative also includes a shelter tour where participants learn about the daily realities of the homeless and how they can support them. This year, hundreds of volunteers are preparing to distribute gifts and share hope with those who often feel forgotten. Will you join them in sharing hope this Christmas? Support Christmas Once Again and be a Difference Maker.

2. A Merry Christmas for 4 Sweet Children
Four children are facing a Christmas unlike any they’ve known. Their single mother, battling cervical cancer, is doing everything she can to keep their spirits bright. After escaping a domestic violence situation, she’s now fighting for her health and their happiness. With no family nearby, she’s relying on the generosity of strangers to make this Christmas special for her kids. This is your chance to bring smiles and joy to a family that’s been through so much. Help this family and be a Difference Maker.

3. Support The Miracles of Christmas Concert
One man’s recovery journey from severe brain injury has become a mission to help others. This Christmas, he’s organizing a concert featuring a world-famous band to raise funds for hurricane survivors in Asheville, NC, where people are still living in makeshift shelters. Proceeds will provide critical relief and shelter for those left vulnerable by Hurricane Helene. He’s stepping up, and you can, too. Support this concert and be a Difference Maker.

4. Christmas Dinners for Helene Survivors
In Swannanoa, NC, families affected by Hurricane Helene are still living in tents. Without kitchens to prepare holiday meals, they’re facing a cold and challenging Christmas. But there’s hope. One volunteer’s mission is to raise funds to provide Christmas dinners for these families. A simple dinner can restore dignity, warmth, and hope. This Christmas, help these families experience the love of community. Give to Helene survivors and be a Difference Maker.

5. Hope for Christmas Outreach 2024
Every year, the Hope for Christmas Outreach invites families to serve others while also receiving the blessing of love and generosity themselves. Guests arrive ready to help others, but they’re surprised to discover that they, too, are being cared for. Each family receives a new Bible, gift cards, and a message of hope titled “Why Did God Choose You?” It’s a powerful reminder that love works both ways. Support Hope for Christmas and be a Difference Maker.

6. Dad’s Last Christmas
A family’s urgent plea for help comes from the heart. This may be their father’s final Christmas due to his critical heart condition, and they’re desperate to be together as a family. Financial hardship has made travel impossible, and time is running out. This Christmas, you can help them create lasting memories with their father. Your generosity will ensure that love and family are present in his final moments. Help make Christmas special for this family and be a Difference Maker.

7. Supporting CWS VFD Christmas for Kids
For many children, Santa’s Toy Shop is a magical place where dreams come true. Each year, CWS VFD’s Christmas for Kids gives children a chance to pick out presents, meet Santa, and sip hot cocoa. Over 200 children experience the joy of Christmas through this initiative. Your support helps fill Santa’s toy shop with the gifts that create cherished childhood memories. Support this community event and be a Difference Maker.

8. Christmas Gift for Widow, Brickmaker & Orphan Kids
In some parts of the world, widows, orphaned children, and brickmaker families face unimaginable hardship. King Jesus Life Ministries is on a mission to bring love, joy, and hope to these vulnerable communities. Their goal is to provide Christmas gifts, food, clothing, and medical care. This year, you can be part of a movement that reminds these families they’re not forgotten. Support this ministry and be a Difference Maker.

9. Christmas Project 2024: Warm Hearts in Cold Houses
In Lebanon, where war and displacement have left many families struggling, one man’s vision has become a movement of love. The Christmas Project has been delivering Christmas bags filled with toys, candy, and messages of love to refugee children since 2021. Last year’s efforts led to life-changing moments of faith and hope. This year, they’re expanding to reach displaced children in new areas. With your help, they’ll deliver 500 Christmas bags and bring joy to children in desperate need of hope. Give to the Christmas Project and be a Difference Maker.

10. Please Help Us Save Our Home and Have a Christmas
A single mom and her 6-year-old daughter are on the brink of losing their home. After escaping an abusive relationship, they’ve been fighting to stay afloat. Now, unpaid rent, daycare fees, and overdue utility bills threaten to push them into homelessness. Your support can keep a roof over their heads and bring Christmas joy to a little girl who’s already seen too much hardship in her young life. Support this family and be a Difference Maker.

This Christmas, Warm Up Your Generosity for Someone in Need

Generosity has the power to transform lives. This Christmas, as you gather with loved ones, remember those who are facing hardship. Each of these stories is a chance to make a difference. Whether it’s a warm dinner, a roof over someone’s head, Christmas presents, or the gift of being together with family, you can be the reason someone’s heart is filled with hope this season.

Don’t miss your chance to warm up your generosity. Visit GiveSendGo, choose a campaign that matters to you, and be a Difference Maker! 
 

So, you’ve launched your GiveSendGo, set your goal, (hopefully!) uploaded some amazing pictures, and are ready to start sharing your campaign. Now comes the big question: How DO you get people to notice it?

Sharing your campaign is all about reaching the right people in creative ways that spark their interest and inspire their generosity. Whether you're fundraising for a mission trip, medical expenses, or a dream project, these helpful tips will help you shine a spotlight on your campaign.

1. Get Social with It!

Social media is your best friend when it comes to spreading the word. Post your campaign link on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even LinkedIn. But don’t stop there—add some creativity!

• Share behind-the-scenes photos or videos.
• Use Instagram Stories to give updates.
• Try a Facebook Live to explain your cause and thank donors in real time.

  Pro Tip: Use hashtags like #GiveSendGo, #Crowdfunding, or ones specific to your campaign for wider reach.

2. Create a Countdown Challenge

Build excitement with a countdown. For example:

• “We’re 10 days away from hitting our goal—can you help us close the gap?”
• “Just $500 left to go! Can 10 friends give $50 today?”
• Add some visuals, like a progress bar or thermometer graphic, to make your updates pop!

3. Tell Your Story (Again and Again)

Your story is what connects people to your cause. Don’t JUST share your campaign link—share why your cause matters this much to you. Use personal anecdotes, emotional appeals, or even humor to make your posts memorable.

 Pro Tip: Use video to make your story even more engaging. A 60-second video explaining your campaign can go a long way in grabbing attention.

4. Reach Out Directly

Sometimes the best way to gain support is to ask personally. Send texts, emails, or DMs to friends, family, and colleagues. You’d be surprised how many people want to help—they just need that nudge!

 Example Text:
“Hi [Name]! I started a campaign on GiveSendGo, and I’d love your support! Here’s the link: [insert link]. Even if you can’t give, sharing it would mean the world to me!”

5. Leverage the Power of Groups

Are you part of a church, community group, or organization? Ask them to help share your campaign. Many groups are happy to rally around a good cause!

 Pro Tip: Use church bulletins, newsletters, or group chats to spread the word.

6. Host a Fun Event

Turn your campaign into a celebration! Host a bake sale, trivia night, or garage sale where all proceeds go toward your goal. These events are great for raising funds and spreading awareness.

 Bonus Idea: Livestream the event and share your GiveSendGo link so people can give from anywhere.

7. Get Creative with Thank Yous

People love to feel appreciated. When someone donates, thank them publicly (if they’re okay with it) or send a personal note. Better yet, make it fun:

• Post a shoutout video.
• Write their name on a board or banner and share a picture.
• Create a social media post like “We’re 10% closer thanks to [Name]!”

8. Tap Into Your Local Media

Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, or bloggers who might be interested in sharing your story. People love feel-good stories, and your campaign could inspire even more support!

 Pro Tip: Write a brief email explaining your campaign, why it matters, and include your GiveSendGo link to make it easy for them to learn more.

9. Involve Your Supporters

Your early givers can become your biggest advocates. Ask them to share your campaign with their friends and family. Provide them with sample posts or images to make it easy.

 Sample Share Text:
“My friend [Your Name] is raising funds for [cause], and it’s such an important mission. If you’re able to help, here’s the link: [insert link]!”

10. Keep It Fresh

Sharing your campaign once isn’t enough. Keep updating people with progress, milestones, and how the funds are making a difference. Add fun twists like:

• Weekly themes (e.g., “Mission Monday” or “Thankful Thursday”).
• Polls or Q&A sessions on social media.
• Special milestones (e.g., “We’re halfway there!” or “Only $1,000 to go!”).

Wrapping It Up

Whether you’re using social media, hosting an event, or just asking a friend, every effort brings you one step closer to your goal. And don’t forget: generosity inspires generosity. The more people see your passion for the hope you’re sharing, the more likely they are to join you in making a difference.

So, get out there, have fun, and start sharing your cause—you’ve got this! 

With Giving Tuesday just around the corner, it’s time to get your campaign ready for success! This is a great time to polish up your campaign description, add some eye-catching visuals, and use some great features on your campaign page to help bring in more support for your cause. Whether you’ve just launched your campaign or are about to, we’re here to help you create a standout Giving Tuesday campaign. 

1. Write a Compelling Campaign Description

Your campaign description is where potential givers connect with your story, so it’s essential to make it clear, engaging, and compelling enough to draw others into the cause you care about (and hopefully get them to care just as much!). Here are some best practices to help you tell your story effectively:

• Keep It Short and Sweet but Meaningful: Aim for 500-800 words—enough to provide detail without overwhelming the reader.
• Share the “Why,” Not Just the “What”: Don’t just list what you need; focus on the reasons behind your cause. Describe the motivation and the personal or community impact, so supporters understand why your campaign matters.
• Tell a Story: People connect to stories. Explain what inspired your campaign, the challenges faced, and the positive outcomes you’re striving toward. Show potential supporters how they can be part of this journey!
• Be Detailed: Let supporters know exactly how you’ll use the funds. Transparency builds trust, so consider breaking down specific costs or listing where donations will go.
• Encourage Sharing: Remind supporters they can help by spreading the word. Shares on social media help bring your campaign to a wider audience, and every share is a step closer to your goal.

2. Add Engaging Visuals to Bring Your Story to Life

Visuals create an emotional connection with your audience, making it easier for them to relate to your cause. Here are ways to make your campaign visually appealing:

Add Images to Your Campaign Header: High-quality, relevant images make a big difference. Choose images that evoke emotion, show the people impacted by your cause, or illustrate the situation you’re working to improve. A few examples include:

• Example 1: For a medical fundraiser, include a photo of the person who is receiving care or a supportive family photo.
• Example 2: For a community project, show the place or people the project will benefit.
• Example 3: If you’re raising funds for a nonprofit, include pictures from past events that illustrate the work your campaign supports.

Add a Video to Your Header: Videos add a personal touch that can be even more compelling than photos. Share a brief video, anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes will do, explaining your campaign, introducing yourself, or telling the story that inspired your fundraising efforts. Even a simple, heartfelt message recorded on your phone can help people feel connected to your cause.

3. Use Giving Tuesday Hashtags to Give Your Campaign a Boost!

Make sure to include relevant Giving Tuesday hashtags like #GivingTuesday or #GivingTuesday2024 in your campaign header. When you do, your campaign will automatically appear on our GiveSendGo Giving Tuesday page, which we’ll be promoting on our social media platforms all month long. This is a fantastic way to boost your campaign’s visibility and inspire even more people to get involved.

4. Use Campaign Page Features to Boost Your Impact!

Once your description and visuals are looking great, take advantage of a few extra features on your campaign page to make your campaign even stronger:

• Prayer Requests: Did you know you can add prayer requests directly to your campaign page?! Let people know specific things they can pray about, like your mom’s upcoming surgery and recovery or the mission trip you’re about to embark on. It’s a wonderful way to build connection with supporters and remind people they can support you beyond just meeting financial needs. 
• Updates: Keep your supporters in the loop with regular updates on your campaign’s journey! Celebrating a milestone or have a new development in your story to share? Post it right on your campaign page! For example, if your mom’s surgery went well, let everyone know how their support made a difference—whether it helped cover medical bills, physical therapy, or anything in between. People love seeing the impact of their support, and keeping them updated helps them feel even more connected to your cause.
• Custom URL: Make your campaign’s link simple, memorable, and easy to share! A custom URL helps supporters find your page quickly. For example, you could use something like www.GiveSendGo.com/MomsSurgery or www.GiveSendGo.com/HelpKathy.
• Track Your Fundraising with Referral Codes: Want to know where your donations are coming from? Try out the Referral Code Generator! This awesome (and free) tool lets you create unique campaign URLs for different platforms, so you can see exactly which posts are bringing in the most support. Check it out here!

With a clear story, eye-catching visuals, and these handy extras, you’ll be ready to make a positive impact this Giving Tuesday!