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If you’re interested in raising money for a charity or for your own business venture, starting a fundraiser is easier with the use of the internet. However, there are still some common steps you must take to get started. The first steps in organizing any type of fundraiser are provided here.

Set Up Your Organization

To get started, you’ll have to determine your goals in starting the fundraiser. This is much like developing a business plan in that you’ll need to define your goals and establish a strategy for achieving them. This is also a time to choose a name for the fundraising organization since you will need a name for future steps.

Register as a Business

Regardless of the type of fundraiser, you’re starting, you’ll have to register as some type of business. This involves reaching out to the secretary of state in your state and the county clerk in your county to find out what steps you’ll need to take. Additionally, the IRS has specific rules for registering as a nonprofit organization, so you’ll need to research those laws. Failing to comply with local, state, or federal laws can lead to multiple legal problems, so it’s best to comply from the start.

Choose a Fundraising Platform

Once your organization is set up, you’re ready to begin your fundraising efforts. There are dozens of crowdfunding platforms online that can help you raise money for your organization, but each one has different terms. By taking the time to read their terms, you can discover how they differ in the fees they charge and what restrictions are in place for accessing your funds. You should also explore the sites for ease of use and your ability to share campaigns on social media sites.

Share Your Charity

After you have set up your fundraiser, you’ll have to raise awareness. The best way to do this is to make posts on social media that share your story. You should use hashtags to help reach a broader number of people and always link to your fundraising page.

As you start your fundraising campaign, try to be as honest and transparent as possible. People are more receptive when a fundraiser is honest about their story and their goals. They’re also more willing to give when they can read your story and learn about your progress through regular updates. The more they know about you, the more willing they are to give to your cause.