Crowdfunding has recently become a $16 billion industry. Businesses and nonprofits all over the world have been successfully raising funds from crowdfunding campaigns, which are still a very new practice of funding. Crowdfunding is a fundraising model to collect small donations from a large number of people.

How it works

There are many crowdfunding sites which can help you launch your campaigns (top successful ones are mentioned further in this article).

You will create a profile where you can upload the pictures and describe your story or product that needs funding. Then your social network will be activated and all friends and followers notified of the campaign. Collected funds will be deposited into your account.

The crowdfunding sites are generally free of charge, but you should keep in mind that the donation processor will charge minimum a 2.9% processing fee and possibly an additional fee per transaction. International wires generally cost extra.

There are a few tips for a successful campaign that we would like to share with you.

• Personal touch

Your story should be unique and personal, show passion about your cause. Show your potential backers how the campaign will impact people’s lives. Tell them how your cause will solve the problem. Include a video, a graphic, or a picture to stand out.

 

• Set realistic goals

Remember that “what you wish” versus “what you need” for the project are often times two different things. Many crowdfunding sites highlight not only the dollar amount raised, but also the percentage relative to your initial goal. It doesn’t make the campaign look successful to your backers when they see low numbers. On the other hand, it is always rewarding to contribute to a winner and beat the stats.

 

• Be prepared and pre-prepared

Once the campaign is launched, make sure to respond to all inquiries and emails regarding your cause/product. You must demonstrate knowledge and clearly explain what the funding will be spent on.

 

• Hard work

Start working on your surveys and reach out emails long before launching the campaign. Make them personalized stressing the importance of the cause. Engage with your backers.

 

• Appreciate the feedback

Money is not the most valuable item that you will receive during your campaigns. You will receive feedback from your potential donors and backers. Take notes of their ideas, recommendations, wishes, preferences. All are equally important for your growth.

 

Top 5 crowdfunding sites are:

GoFundMe

Kickstarter

Indiegogo

YouCaring

Patreon

The ASPCA is the 2nd largest animal welfare grant maker in the nation. It supports nonprofit animal welfare organizations in all 50 states. In 2013, the ASPCA donated over $17 million to over 1,100 animal shelters, rescue groups, sanctuaries, municipal and governmental agencies, and other animal welfare organizations throughout the country.

There are several grants available to animal welfare organizations: animal shelter grants, animal rescue grants, anti-animal cruelty grants, equine grants, and emergency & disaster response grants.

Applicants must have current 501c3 status. Applicants must submit grant applications only online.

Grant amounts range between $500 and $10,000.

Please note that the ASPCA will not fund wildlife or marine life projects, individual animals, or religious organizations (see a full list on the organization’s website).

Applications are accepted year round.

More detail on ASPCA grants can be found on their website.

As one of the world’s largest independent exploration and production companies, ConocoPhillips is proud to be involved in the communities where they operate. They contribute to the well-being of these communities through charitable giving, volunteerism and civic leadership. Their global giving is focused primarily on education, health and safety and natural resources. The company also support arts, community infrastructure, social services and disaster relief.

Contributions Guidelines

When to Apply: Applications submitted from May 1 until 11:59 p.m. July 31 will be considered for inclusion in the next calendar year’s budget.

What is required: Information required in the proposal will include an executive summary outlining the purpose of the program or project, details on how it will be accomplished, expected results, a budget (noting administrative expenses such as salaries and fees, program expenses and total income).

In order to be eligible for a grant, the criteria outlined below must be met.

• The applying body is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, political subdivision or international equivalent.
• This proposal is from an area where ConocoPhillips has a strong business presence as measured by facilities, assets or employee base. Strong preference is given to charitable organizations in such areas. Requests for grants outside the U.S., should be made directly to the ConocoPhillips international office doing business in that part of the world.
• The request is not for one of the following: an individual, sectarian or religious organization, promotional sponsorship and advertising (marketing related) or an endowment.
• Measurable objectives for the proposed program are included.
• A breakdown of costs relevant to this funding request is provided.

More information can be found on ConocoPhillips website.