Crowdfunding to help a friend

When Callum started a mycause fundraising page, his mind was on helping his friend’s newly widowed wife and two young children. 

Casey’s husband had died unexpectedly at the weekend. He was a well-loved footy coach, PE teacher, husband, and father to two daughters, aged three and one. 

Callum immediately began a crowdfunding campaign to assist his mate's young family. 

“Any help to this wonderful mother and her beautiful children during this difficult time would be greatly appreciated,” he wrote.

“Your donations will help cover the cost of funeral expenses and help pick up the pieces for Casey and the two girls. Thank you for your love, thoughts and prayers.”

Within two days, Callum had collected almost 500 donations from devastated family, friends, and former colleagues.

Why is crowdfunding to help a friend often more successful?

Data from mycause shows crowdfunding for a friend is often among the more successful campaigns. Wider evidence suggests people are more likely to donate when a fundraisier is created for someone else. 

Perhaps it is the loyalty of friendship that is imbued in the request for help. Many talks about Social Proof theory when discussing what makes fundraising for friends successful.

Social Proof theory says that we "assume the actions of others" when we believe they are behaving positively, especially when it is from a source we trust. Personally reaching out increases your chances of a donation 125 per cent. 

Sharing Friends stories on Social Media

Perhaps it is the fact that talking about friends enables us to really open up in a way that talking about ourselves does not. Data shows that sharing quotes from friends and supporters on social media increases a fundrasier's success by three times. Callum's family and friends continued to share his fundraising page on social media to garner support. It allowed the crowdfunding campaign to reach the friends of friends, and their families and co-workers, with little effort from Callum himself.

The campaign exploded as it was shared across Social Media. Callum was able to raise over $140,000 for his friend's family in just a few weeks.

Being sensitive to your friend's plight

Crowdfunding to help a friend does require you to be sensitive to your friend's plight. Have a gentle discussion with your friend or their family about your plans to fundraise for them. What part of their story would they like to keep private? What photos could you share with friends and the wider community? Oftentimes, you can help them be a part of the crowdfunding by agreeing to the type of event you'll hold or the goal amount. 

As Callum's story shows us, crowdfunding to help a friend does not need to be complicated. It is also a practical way to empower friends and the community to help a friend in need. If you have a friend in need, start a mycause fundraising page today by clicking the button below.