GoFundMe Help Page

Creating a personalized GoFundMe page involves crafting a compelling story, adding visuals, and tailoring the page to your specific cause. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide: 

Step 1: Sign Up or Log In

1. Visit GoFundMe.

2. Create an account or log in using your email, Facebook, or Google account.

Step 2: Start Your Campaign

1. Click on “Start a GoFundMe”: On the homepage, click the button to start your fundraiser.

2. Choose a Fundraising Goal: Set a realistic goal based on your needs. For example, for the 8th Grade East Coast Trip, you might calculate your personal need as it applies to the total cost for your student.

Step 3: Write a Compelling Title

• Make it engaging and descriptive.

• Example: “Help CPMA 8th Graders Explore U.S. History on the East Coast!”

Step 4: Create a Detailed Description

Write a heartfelt and clear explanation of your cause. Include:

1. What the funds are for: Be specific about how donations will be used.

   • Example: “To help CPMA 8th-grade students afford a 7-day educational history tour of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.”

2. Why it matters: Explain the importance of the trip for student growth, learning, and community.

3. How donors can help: Encourage donations, sharing the page, or sponsoring students.

4. Share stories: Personalize with a story about the program, a specific student, or past trip successes.

Step 5: Add Visuals

1. Photos: Upload high-quality pictures of students and/or destinations.

2. Videos: Create a short, engaging video explaining the trip and why it’s important. Videos are more likely to inspire donations.

Step 6: Customize Your Page

1. Use Personal Language: Write in a conversational tone that resonates with your audience.

2. Add Milestones: Break the goal into smaller amounts to show progress and encourage donors.

Step 7: Share Your Fundraiser

1. Social Media: Share your page on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

2. Email: Send personalized emails to friends, family, and community members with a direct link to the fundraiser (use this customizable Letter Head).

3. Local Outreach: Reach out to local businesses, organizations, and schools for support.

Step 8: Keep Donors Updated

1. Post updates regularly to show progress and share stories about the campaign.

2. Thank donors publicly to show appreciation and encourage more support.

Step 9: Withdraw Funds

Set up withdrawals to your bank account or the account of the organizer. Ensure all information is accurate and verified.

Tips for Success:

• Be Transparent: Clearly explain where every dollar will go.

• Show Impact: Share how the donations directly affect students.

• Engage Your Community: Ask for help in sharing the campaign widely.