Getting started with Firstgiving

Our top three tips:

1. Lead by example. Set up your own fundraising page.

2. Get everybody on board. Email and call your supporters, volunteers and board members and ask them to visit your start page, make fundraising pages, and share them with everyone they know.

3. Spread the word. Add your start page link to everything you can: websites, newsletters, blogs, brochures, etc.

Extra tips to help launch your fundraising program:

1. Customize your start page and emails: Log in to your NPO account to edit your emails and manage user accounts.

2. Make sure your events are in our system at least 90 days in advance. Log in to your NPO account and fill in the event form so we can add them.

3. Encourage your supporters to set up fundraising pages. Email everyone you can and make personal calls to key supporters to get the ball rolling.

4. Add links to your start page to your website, newsletter, and everything else your organization distributes.

5. Email eveybody you know. People want to help but they're are busy and need encouragement to do their best.

6. Make the most of social media. Ask your supporters to promote your fundraising in their online communities: blogs, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.

7. Read our blog at www.onlinefundraisingblog.com for success stories, tips and tricks, promotions and news.