Setting Up Your Fundraiser

Launching your first donation-based crowdfunding campaign on UrgentMe is both a brave and empowering decision. It’s not easy to reach out for help, especially when you are going through a difficult or emotional time. But rest assured, UrgentMe is built to support you every step of the way, ensuring the process is simple, respectful, and focused on your needs.

This chapter will walk you through the steps to successfully set up your campaign, giving you the tools to create a compelling and clear request for support that will resonate with potential donors.

Sign Up and Create Your Account

Before you can launch your campaign, you need to create an account on UrgentMe. This process is quick and easy.

Creating Your Account

• Visit the UrgentMe website.
• Click the Sign Up button to create a new account.
• You will be asked for your name, email address, and a password. Make sure you use a valid email address, as this will be your primary point of contact during the campaign.
• After signing up, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Click the link in the email to verify your account.

Logging In

Once your account is verified, log in with your credentials. You’ll be taken to your dashboard, where you can start creating and managing your campaign.

Begin Your Campaign Setup

Once logged in, click on the Create a Campaign button. This will take you to a user-friendly step-by-step guide to set up your fundraiser.

Choose Your Campaign Category

UrgentMe has several categories to help potential donors understand your specific need. Here are the main options you can choose from:

• Medical Emergency: For health-related issues, including surgeries, hospitalizations, medical bills, or treatments.
• Natural Disaster: For those affected by environmental events like hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, etc.
• Funeral & Memorial: For funeral expenses, memorial services, or loss-related costs.
• Family Hardships: For financial struggles due to unemployment, domestic abuse, or other family emergencies.
• Accidents: For individuals impacted by accidents, including automobile accidents, house fires, and personal injury incidents.

Select the category that best aligns with your specific situation.

Set Your Fundraising Goal

Determine the amount of money you need to raise. Make sure this goal is realistic and based on your actual needs:

• Medical costs: Include hospital bills, travel expenses, and any additional treatments.
• Disaster recovery: Factor in home repairs, living expenses, and other losses.
• Funeral expenses: Include funeral services, memorials, and related costs.
• Family hardship: Consider daily living expenses, rent, or utilities that are needed to survive the crisis.

It’s important to be clear and transparent about how the funds will be used. This will help you build trust with your donors.

Craft Your Story

The story is the heart of your campaign. It’s your opportunity to connect emotionally with potential donors and help them understand why you need support. The more personal and authentic your story, the more likely it is that people will feel compelled to give.

Be Authentic and Honest

Donors are drawn to authentic, heartfelt stories. Share your real experience, and explain what’s happened and why it’s impacting you. This is not the time to sugarcoat or downplay your situation; vulnerability creates connection. Don’t be afraid to express your emotions—people respond to humanity, not perfection.

For example:

“Two weeks ago, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with cancer. I’ve always been healthy, and this diagnosis was unexpected. The medical bills are piling up, and I’m struggling to cover basic living expenses while I undergo treatment. I never thought I’d find myself in this position, but I need help.”

Keep It Clear and Concise

While it’s important to be authentic, your story should also be easy to follow. Use simple, straightforward language. Donors want to understand quickly what has happened and how their donation will help. Break down your situation into easy-to-read paragraphs or bullet points, and be sure to:

• Introduce yourself: Who are you? What’s your situation?
• Explain the problem: What caused this crisis? Be specific.
• Show the impact: How is this affecting you and your family? What has been the emotional toll?
• Describe your goal: How will the donations be used? Why is this money crucial for your recovery or survival?

Use a Compelling Title

Your campaign title is the first thing people will see, so make it count! Choose a title that’s direct and emotionally resonant. Examples might include:

• “Help Jane Beat Cancer: Medical Bills and Treatment Costs”
• “A Family in Need: Recovering from the Hurricane”
• “Funeral Expenses for My Beloved Father”

The title should clearly communicate the purpose of the campaign while drawing donors in emotionally.

Add Photos and Videos

Including images or videos of yourself or the situation you’re facing can significantly boost engagement. A well-placed photo or video gives your campaign a human face, making it more personal and relatable. Donors are far more likely to give if they can see the person they are helping.

• Photos: Upload a clear, high-quality photo of yourself, your family, or anything that illustrates the need.
• Videos: If you feel comfortable, consider recording a short video. You don’t need to be a professional—just speak from the heart about your situation.

Set Your Campaign Timeline

Set a realistic timeline for your campaign. It can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your needs. However, UrgentMe recommends a shorter timeline (30–45 days) for the initial burst of support. This sense of urgency often encourages people to donate sooner rather than later.

Urgency vs. Long-Term Need

• If your need is urgent—like medical treatment or disaster recovery—don’t be afraid to create a sense of urgency.
• If the crisis is ongoing or you anticipate extended recovery, feel free to extend your timeline, but keep momentum going by sharing regular updates.

Share Your Campaign

Once your campaign is live, it’s time to share it. Don’t be afraid to ask for support directly. You’ve already created your campaign, and now it’s time to let the people around you know about it.

Share on Social Media

• Post your campaign link on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any social media platforms you use.
• Encourage others to share your campaign with their networks. Social media has a powerful snowball effect that can help your campaign reach people far beyond your immediate circle.

Send Personal Messages

• Reach out to close friends, family, and coworkers directly. Personal messages often have a much greater impact than a broad social media post. Ask people to donate, and explain why their support matters to you.

Keep People Updated

• Regularly update your campaign with new milestones, progress reports, or changes in your situation. These updates keep your donors engaged and make them feel connected to your journey.
• Donors love to see that their contributions are making a difference.

Managing Your Campaign

Once your campaign is active, you’ll want to track its progress and manage donations efficiently.

Monitor Donations

• You’ll be able to track who donates, how much they give, and where donations are coming from. UrgentMe allows you to monitor all donations and provides real-time notifications when someone contributes.

Thank Your Donors

• Express your gratitude! Don’t forget to thank each donor personally, whether through a message or a public shout-out on your campaign page. Gratitude goes a long way in keeping your community engaged and motivated to help.

Withdraw Funds

• Once the donations start coming in, you’ll want to withdraw the funds to use as needed. UrgentMe has a simple withdrawal system, ensuring you get the money quickly, with minimal hassle.