How to create a fundraising page in 9 simple steps

Fundraising can feel overwhelming. Between managing donor lists and running campaigns, nonprofit leaders have very little time to handle the technical side of fundraising—like building a page that works.

What if there was a way to simplify the process, save time, and actually enjoy connecting with potential supporters?

Good news: You're in the right place. Whether you're a small local charity or a growing nonprofit, we’ll walk you through how to create a fundraising page in just a few simple steps.

What is a fundraising page?

A fundraising page is an online platform that enables organizations to collect donations easily. 

When crafted well, a fundraising page can turn complex missions into shareable, actionable moments that inspire people to give. By combining storytelling with easy donation tools, these pages connect donors directly to the causes they care about, making giving simple and meaningful.

How to set up a how to set up a charity fundraising page in 9 easy steps

Whether you’re setting up a fundraising page as part of your event planning checklist or you’re looking to gather general donations, these nine steps will help you set up your page quickly and effectively.

1. Define your fundraising goal 🎯

Successful fundraising begins with crystal-clear intention. 

Not only does goal setting keep your team on track, but it also motivates your supporters. Without a well-defined objective, your fundraising efforts can feel scattered, and you risk losing the emotional connection that turns casual supporters into committed donors.

When defining your goal, remember to:

• Be specific about what you're raising money for 🤔 
• Quantify your goal with a clear dollar amount 💸 
• Tie your goal to a tangible outcome ⚡ 

For example, a strong fundraising goal could be: "Raise $5K to provide 100 homeless individuals with winter coats and emergency shelter for one month."

2. Choose your fundraising platform 💻

Selecting the right fundraising platform is like laying the foundation for a house—everything else you build depends on this crucial decision. While there are plenty of options available, not all platforms are created equal.

When choosing your fundraising platform, ask yourself:

• Does it allow full page customization?
• Are there built-in social sharing features?
• Can you track donations in real time?
• What kind of customer support is available?
• Are there any setup or monthly fees?

Psst! Want a platform that checks all these boxes? Givebutter lets you create custom fundraising pages—with multiple payment options, gift types, donation widgets, and more—for free. Start building your page today!

Givebutter is user-friendly on both ends. It is easy to set up a fundraising page and easy for donors to respond. You can set up a simple page, do peer-to-peer fundraising, or even do online events. We have used it several times for our international nonprofit organization and have always been pleased. I highly recommend this platform! — Givebutter review, Lisa S.

3. Craft a compelling story 📖

In the world of nonprofit fundraising, numbers might attract attention, but stories create genuine connections. Your fundraising page should invite supporters into your cause, turning a simple donation into a deeply personal act of change-making.

When crafting your story, be sure to include: 

• A hook that grabs attention from the start
• An explanation of the problem you're solving
• A demonstration of how donations create direct, measurable impact

Of course, be sure to use specific, vivid details whenever possible. Include quotes or testimonials to show the real people behind your mission.

4. Personalize your page 🎨

Your fundraising page is often the first impression potential donors will have of your organization. 

A well-designed page communicates professionalism, builds trust, and creates an emotional connection before a donor has even read a single word about your mission.

When creating your page, be sure to use:

• Consistent brand colors
• High-resolution logos
• A clean, uncluttered layout
• Easy-to-read fonts
• A compelling hero image

5. Add donation tiers and suggested amounts 💰

By breaking down your funding needs into clear, realistic amounts, you transform abstract monetary contributions into concrete acts of change, inspiring donors to give more generously than they might have initially planned.

For example, a nonprofit might list giving levels like:

• $25: Provides school supplies for one student
• $100: Funds two weeks of after-school tutoring
• $500: Covers a full semester of educational support
• $1K: Provides a scholarship for one student

Plus, be sure to give supporters the option of making recurring donations or custom donation amounts. 

6. Enable social sharing and peer-to-peer features 🤝

Your supporters—especially the digital natives—are your most powerful ambassadors. Enable social media sharing and peer-to-peer fundraising to expand your reach beyond traditional networks and multiply your impact.

When building your fundraising page, prominently display the social share button to encourage people to share in their social media posts. Ensure that it allows supporters to post your donate page wherever they are online, including Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

7. Test and preview your page 🕵️

Before launching your fundraising campaign, conduct a thorough technical review to catch potential issues before they happen. A single broken link or confusing design element could mean the difference between a completed donation and a lost opportunity.

Be sure to:

• Verify donation button functionality
• Check mobile and desktop responsiveness
• Test all external links
• Confirm payment processing works smoothly
• Review the page on multiple browsers
• Check loading speed

8. Spread the word 📢

Creating an amazing fundraising page is only half the battle—getting the word out is where the real work begins. Successful promotion requires a strategic, multi-channel approach that reaches potential donors where they already are. 

Your promotional strategy might include sharing your fundraising page through:

• Email marketing
• Social media 
• Board member and volunteer networks
• Community partnerships
• Targeted ads
• Press releases

9. Follow up and show impact 🌟

Thoughtful, transparent follow-up turns one-time donors into lifelong supporters who feel genuinely connected to your mission and excited about the change they're helping to create.

To simplify donor stewardship, be sure to: 

• Set up a supporter feed to engage with donors in real time 
• Enable automatic donation receipts for instant gratitude
• Use workflow automations so you never miss a chance to connect with supporters

Best practices for creating an engaging fundraising page

The most successful fundraising pages don't just ask for money—they create an immersive experience that turns potential donors into active participants in your cause.

When creating your fundraising page, remember to:

• Prioritize visual consistency 🎨 Design your page to reflect your organization's brand identity. Use consistent colors, logos, and imagery that create a professional, trustworthy appearance.
  
• Make giving simple 💻 Limit the number of clicks required to complete a donation, ensure mobile responsiveness, and provide multiple payment methods (credit card, ACH, etc.). The easier you make giving, the more likely supporters are to follow through.
  
• Create emotional urgency 🚨 Use time-sensitive language, highlight immediate needs, and create a sense of momentum. Show how their support can create an instant, meaningful impact.
  
• Leverage social proof 🤝 Display real-time donation updates, include testimonials, and show progress toward your fundraising goal. When potential donors see others contributing, they're more likely to join the movement to feel part of a collective effort.
  
• Personalize the experience 👥 Allow donors to see themselves in your mission. Use inclusive language, show diverse representation, and create multiple ways for supporters to engage beyond financial contributions. ‍
• Embrace storytelling multimedia 🎥 Don't rely on text alone. Incorporate powerful images, short videos, and interactive elements that bring your mission to life.

Create your donation page for free with Givebutter

Setting up a fundraising page is an important aspect of online fundraising, but it doesn’t have to be complicated—with Givebutter, it’s easier than ever. 

By following the steps in this guide, you can create a compelling page that tells your story, engages donors, and maximizes support for your cause. Whether you're raising funds for a specific project, an ongoing initiative, or a special campaign, a well-designed page will help you reach your goals faster.

Ready to get started? Givebutter’s all-in-one fundraising platform has everything you need—from customizable donation forms to built-in donation processing, automated receipts, and powerful marketing and engagement tools. 

Sign up for free today and start raising more with Givebutter!

How to set up a fundraising page FAQs

How do I set up a fundraising page?

Setting up a fundraising page on Givebutter is simple:

1. Register and log in: Create a free Givebutter account or log in if you already have one.
2. Create your campaign: Start a new campaign and add key details like your campaign title, description, and fundraising goal.
3. Design your page: Customize with visuals, text, widgets (like goal bars or a fundraising thermometer), and a compelling call-to-action.
4. Configure payment options: Enable secure payment processing to accept donations directly through your fundraising page.
5. Launch and promote: Share your page through social media, email, and other communication channels to maximize outreach and donations.

How long should my fundraising page be?

Keep your fundraising page as concise as possible. Most supporters don’t want to read long paragraphs, so get right to the point with urgency, essential details, and visuals that make your mission and goals easy to understand

Should I include a video on my fundraising page?

Absolutely! A video can significantly enhance your fundraising page and provide a dynamic way to showcase your cause, share personal stories, and build an emotional connection with donors.

What's the most important element on a fundraising page?

Compelling storytelling. Share a story that resonates with potential donors, using personal anecdotes, testimonials, or success stories to highlight the significance of their contributions. Creating an emotional connection can motivate them to give.