Launch a fundraising campaign in an afternoon

Start by choosing the campaign type that best matches what you want supporters to do:

• Use a donation form when you need a quick, focused giving experience.
• Choose a fundraising page when your story, updates, and community participation are central to the campaign.
• Create an event when you need to sell tickets or manage registration.

If this is your first Givebutter campaign, the campaign creator will use your organization’s website to build a complete starting draft campaign. Treat it as your head start rather than your finished fundraiser. Your goal for this step is simply to establish a solid foundation.

Edit anything that feels too broad or generic, but don’t pressure yourself to rewrite every word.

Use this quick checklist to strengthen your campaign:

• Title: Make it clear, specific, and easy to understand at a glance.
• Subtitle: Add urgency, helpful context, or a direct invitation to give.
• Goal: Let Givebutter recommend a goal for you, or choose an amount that is meaningful and achievable. When possible, connect it to a tangible outcome so supporters understand what they’re working toward.
• Visuals: Lead with an authentic, high-quality photo or video that reflects the people, place, or work behind your mission.
• Story: Explain who will benefit, what donations will make possible, and why support matters right now.

Before moving on, read the story aloud. If it sounds like your organization and makes the next step obvious, you’re ready. 

Your announcement email has one job: give supporters a compelling reason to visit your campaign.

Start with the campaign launch template in the email editor, then make the message your own:

• Write a clear subject line that explains what the campaign is about.
• Lead with your strongest reason to give.
• Include one prominent button linking to your campaign.
• Share enough of the story to spark interest without repeating the full page.
• Use short paragraphs that are easy to scan.
• Match your campaign’s title, message, and visuals.
• Add a personal signature from someone on your team that supporters recognize.

Begin with the people closest to your work, such as existing donors, volunteers, board members, and longtime supporters.

Take one final pass through the campaign and email as if you were seeing them for the first time.

Before you launch, confirm that:

• The campaign and email tell the same story.
• The fundraising goal, deadline, and call to action are consistent.
• Supporters can quickly understand who their gift will help and what it will make possible.
• Every button and link leads to the right place.
• The email looks good on both desktop and mobile.
• You’ve sent yourself a test email and checked it for typos.

When everything feels ready, publish your Givebutter campaign and send or schedule your announcement email.