THE APOTHECARY PROJECT

Choose Your Platform: Facebook or Instagram

Facebook & Instagram are two of the easiest platforms for creating fundraisers. Both allow you to collect donations directly through their systems or link to external fundraising sites like GoFundMe.

Facebook Fundraising:
Offers built-in fundraising tools that are easy to use & well-suited for nonprofit projects like ours.

Instagram Fundraising:
Also allows fundraisers through stories & posts, using stickers to link to donations.

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Set Up a Facebook Fundraiser

Step 1: Log in to Facebook

• Make sure you’re logged into your Facebook account on a computer or mobile device.

Step 2: Navigate to the Fundraisers Section

• On your News Feed, click "Fundraisers" from the left-hand menu. If you don’t see it, click "See More".

• Alternatively, visit the Fundraisers Page directly by typing "Fundraisers" in the search bar or navigating to:
  https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers/.

Step 3: Click “Raise Money”

• Choose “Raise Money for a Nonprofit”.

• Select “Personal Fundraiser” & explain in your description how the funds will support The Apothecary Project.

Step 4: Set Your Goal + Deadline

• Goal Amount: Be realistic yet ambitious (we suggest $500-$3000 depending on your network).

• Deadline: Set a reasonable end date, such as 2-4 weeks from the start date.

Step 5: Write a Compelling Description

• Include details about why you’re fundraising for The Apothecary Project & how the funds will be used. You can pull from this page to provide these details.

• Mention the need for healing support for the community through herbal medicine.

Step 6: Add a Cover Photo

• Choose a meaningful image. Use a photo from Hurricane Helene recovery efforts or a picture of botanical medicine to help draw attention.

Step 7: Publish + Share

• Click “Create” to publish your fundraiser.

• Share it with your network by clicking “Share Now” or copy the link to share in messages, groups & on other social platforms.

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Setting Up an Instagram Fundraiser

Step 1: Log in to Instagram

• Make sure you’re logged into the Instagram mobile app.

Step 2: Create a Post or Story

• For posts, click the + icon at the top right. For stories, swipe right to access the story camera.

Step 3: Add a Donation Sticker (For Stories)

• In a story, tap on the Sticker icon at the top, select “Donation” & search for The Apothecary Project.

• If it’s not listed, you can link to an external fundraiser (like GoFundMe) by using the “Link” Sticker.

Step 4: Add Engaging Text

• For both posts & stories, write compelling captions that highlight the importance of supporting the herbal medicine for our community volunteers.

Step 5: Share Your Fundraiser

• Share your story or post 1x a day. Don’t forget to encourage others to share it too! You can also create highlights for ongoing fundraising efforts.

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Promote Your Fundraiser

Step 1: Share on Multiple Platforms

• Don’t limit yourself to Facebook & Instagram. Share the fundraiser on other social media like Twitter, LinkedIn & community forums.

Step 2: Update Regularly

• Post updates to show progress & thank donors. Keep them engaged with stories, videos & more. Be creative!

Step 3: Encourage Friends to Share

• The more shares, the better! Ask your friends to repost & spread the word in their networks.

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Tools to Boost Your Fundraiser

• Facebook Ads Manager: If you have a small budget, boost your post to reach more people.

• Instagram Stories Polls + Questions: Engage your followers by asking them why they support the cause.

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Track Your Progress

On Facebook:

• Facebook provides tools to track donations & see how close you are to your goal. Check the "Fundraiser Details" to monitor progress & engagement.

Instagram:

• For stories, swipe up to view who has donated or interacted with your posts.

Choose a Crowdfunding Platform

Several platforms are available, each offering unique features. Here are some suggestions:

• GoFundMe: Popular for personal causes & nonprofit fundraising.

• Kickstarter: Ideal for creative projects, but less flexible for causes.

• Indiegogo: Supports both personal & nonprofit campaigns.

For this guide, we’ll focus on GoFundMe since it’s widely used for charitable causes & has a simple interface.

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Set Up Your GoFundMe Fundraiser

Step 1: Create an Account

• Visit GoFundMe: Go to GoFundMe.

• Sign Up/Log In: If you already have an account, log in. If not, create one using your email, Facebook, or Google account.

Step 2: Click “Start a Fundraiser”

• Click the “Start a GoFundMe” button on the homepage.

Step 3: Choose the Category

• Category: Select Nonprofit or Personal Causes as the campaign type.

Step 4: Enter the Campaign Title

Step 5: Set a Fundraising Goal

• Choose a realistic target for your network. Consider The Apothecary Project’s overhead costs, materials needed & volunteers. A goal between $2,000-$10,000 is reasonable depending on your reach.

Step 6: Select Your Location

• Enter the location as Asheville, NC.

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Craft a Compelling Campaign Description

Step 1: Write the Story

Your description is the heart of the campaign. For all of these, you can pull from our website. Here's how to structure it:

• Opening: Start with a powerful introduction that describes The Apothecary Project’s impact & it’s essential work.

• Problem: Explain the challenges The Apothecary Project faces, like high overhead costs & the need for supplies.

• Solution: Show how the funds will be used to provide free herbal medicine to the community.

• Call to Action: Encourage people to donate & share the campaign.

Step 2: Add Visuals

• Photos/Videos: We recommend uploading any images you can have of The Apothecary Project’s impact, people at work on the ground & healing arts images. GoFundMe allows you to add a video for extra impact.

Step 3: Set Donation Tiers (Optional)

Some platforms like Indiegogo allow you to set different giving tiers with associated rewards (e.g., $50 donation = personalized thank-you). For GoFundMe, mention suggested donation amounts in the description.

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Set Up Donation Details

Step 1: Payment Information

• Link a bank account for withdrawals. Make sure it is an account linked to your nonprofit or one you can monitor easily.

• GoFundMe Fees: There’s a transaction fee (~2.9% + $0.30 per donation). Keep this in mind when setting your goal.

Step 2: Enable Updates

Enable automatic notifications for donors to receive updates on the campaign’s progress.

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Promote Your Fundraiser

Step 1: Share on Social Media

• Post your fundraiser link on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & other platforms. Use engaging visuals & text to encourage donations.

Step 2: Create Email Campaigns

• Send personalized emails to friends, family & colleagues with the GoFundMe link.

  • Tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact can help you reach larger groups.

Step 3: Use Hashtags

• Include relevant hashtags like #communityhealing, #herbalmedicine, or #hurricanehelene

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Engage with Your Donors

Step 1: Post Updates

• Regularly update donors on your fundraising progress. Use the update tool in GoFundMe to share milestones such as reaching 25% or 50% of your goal.

Step 2: Respond to Comments

• Engage with people who leave comments on your GoFundMe page. Thank them publicly to show appreciation & keep the conversation going.

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Withdraw Funds

Step 1: Withdrawals

• Once your fundraiser gains traction, you can withdraw funds. GoFundMe allows you to transfer funds to your account every few days.

Step 2: Share Success Stories

• As funds are used, continue sharing the impact.

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Evaluate + Celebrate Your Success

Step 1: Analyze the Results

• Use GoFundMe’s analytics tool to review donations, see where traffic came from & understand what promotional efforts worked best.

Step 2: Celebrate Milestones

• Celebrate when you hit your goal! Send heartfelt thank-you messages to all donors & continue to update them on the long-term impact of their contributions.

Set Your Fundraising Goal

• Fundraising Target: Decide on a clear amount of money to raise to support the overhead of The Apothecary Project.

• Purpose: Highlight that the money will cover operational costs & ensure that our community has access to necessary herbal medicine.

Step 2: Choose Your Email Platform

To send mass emails effectively, use an email marketing service that allows for personalization & tracking:

• Mailchimp: Offers free or paid plans. You can create visually appealing emails & track who opens, clicks & donates.

• Constant Contact: Easy to use with templates designed for nonprofits & fundraising campaigns.

• Substack: For a more newsletter-style appeal with a focus on storytelling.

• GiveButter: Specifically designed for fundraising, allowing you to embed donation buttons in your emails.

Step 3: Build Your Email List

Gather the contacts you’ll send your fundraiser to:

• Import Existing Contacts: Import contacts from personal email, social media & your community’s networks. Export CSV files from Gmail, Outlook, or similar.

• Gather New Subscribers: Use forms on your website, social media, or partner organizations to invite people to join your mailing list.

Step 4: Craft Your Fundraising Email

Your email should be personal, heartfelt & explain exactly how donations will make a difference. You can pull this info from our website. Here’s how to structure it:

• Subject Line: Make it clear & compelling.

• Opening Paragraph: Start with a personal connection to the community or the cause. Reference the devastation of Hurricane Helene & the need for herbal medicine.

• Mission & Purpose: Explain the goal of The Apothecary Project.

• Donation Impact: Clearly outline what the funds will be used for.

• Call to Action: Include a clear, bolded request for a donation: "Please donate $50 today to help us continue offering care & support to our community leaders."

• Donation Link: Use a direct link to your fundraising page (e.g., GoFundMe, PayPal, GiveButter). Add a prominent button with clear text like “Donate Now.”

• Personalized Follow-Up: Ask recipients to forward the email to their networks or share on social media.

Step 5: Personalize Your Emails

• Segment Your List: Use your email platform to segment contacts by connection level or previous giving history (e.g., high-value donors, grassroots supporters, first-time donors).

• Personalized Greetings: Use merge tags in platforms like Mailchimp to insert each recipient's name, making the email feel personal.

• Tailored Messaging: If possible, craft different email templates for different segments. For larger donors, focus on the larger impact they can make; for smaller donations, emphasize how even a small amount goes a long way.

Step 6: Optimize Email Design

• Mobile-Friendly: Use responsive design templates from platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact to ensure the email looks great on all devices.

• Visual Appeal: Use images of the community, The Apothecary Project, or local leaders to make an emotional connection. Canva can help you create professional visuals. You can use stock images in Canva as well.

• Donation Button: Add a prominent button linking to your fundraising page. Test the placement & ensure it’s working on desktop & mobile devices.

Step 7: Send & Schedule Follow-Up Emails

• Initial Email Blast: Send your first email when your fundraiser launches. Aim for early in the week (Tuesday/Wednesday) & during the mid-morning.

• Follow-Up Emails: Use your email platform’s automation tools to send follow-up emails:

  • After 3 days: Remind those who haven’t donated.

  • After 1 week: Give an update on how much you’ve raised & how much more is needed.

  • Before Deadline: As you near your fundraising goal, send a final push.

Step 8: Track & Analyze

Email platforms allow you to track performance:

• Open Rate: How many people opened your email? A rate of 20-25% is average.

• Click-Through Rate (CTR): How many people clicked on your donation link? Aim for 3-5% CTR.

• Conversion Rate: How many people donated after clicking? 1-2% conversion is a strong result.

Tools like Google Analytics can track if people visit your website from the email campaign & donate through your site.

Step 9: Send Thank-You Emails

After people donate, send automated thank-you messages:

• Immediate Gratitude: Acknowledge the donation with a warm, personal thank-you email. Use Mailchimp or Constant Contact to trigger an automatic reply.

• Donation Impact: Let them know how their donation is making a difference, with specific examples.

Step 10: Encourage Sharing

At the end of the email or in a follow-up, encourage donors to share the email with their networks:

• Forwarding Options: Add social sharing buttons or a call to forward the email to friends & family.

• Create a Social Post: Provide a sample post for them to copy & paste onto Facebook or Instagram to amplify your message.

Step 1: Define Your Fundraising Goals

• Clearly outline your goals for the event. Having clear goals helps structure the event & appeals to donors more effectively. You can pull info from our website.

Step 2: Choose the Virtual Event Type

Select the format of your event:

• Live Concert or Music Event: Musicians perform live & attendees donate.

• Webinar or Panel Discussion: Invite local experts or community leaders to discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene & the importance of herbal medicine.

• Virtual Auction: Auction off items donated by local businesses, such as art, gift certificates, or botanical remedies.

• Workshop or Class: Host virtual wellness or healing classes (yoga, meditation, herbal medicine making) led by practitioners.

• Fitness Challenge or Online Class: A community-led event where participants pay to join a virtual class or challenge (e.g., run, yoga).

Step 3: Select a Platform & Tools

Depending on your event type, choose platforms that will handle registration, live streaming & donations:

Live Streaming Platforms:

• Zoom: Ideal for webinars, panels, or small workshops. You can integrate Zoom with Facebook or YouTube Live for wider reach.

• Facebook Live: Good for free or donation-based events. Donations can be collected via Facebook’s in-app donation feature.

• YouTube Live: Use for larger events or concerts. It allows super chats & donation links during the live stream.

• Twitch: If you’re hosting live performances or gaming events, Twitch is ideal.

Ticketing & Registration Tools:

• Eventbrite: Allows you to sell tickets, offer free registration, or accept donations directly on the platform.

• GoFundMe or Fundly: Perfect for donation collection before & during your event. Embed links on your event page.

Crowdfunding Tools for Donations:

• Integrate GoFundMe, Fundly, or a direct donation link to your nonprofit/fundraiser.

• PayPal: Set up a direct donation button for instant contributions.

Step 4: Plan Your Event Details

Start mapping out your virtual event specifics:

• Date & Time: Choose a date & time that accommodates different time zones if you want a broader audience.

• Theme: Make it relevant to the cause.

• Agenda: Prepare a detailed schedule for speakers, performers, or activities.

• Donation Callouts: Regularly remind attendees during the event about the goal, & encourage donations via links provided.

Step 5: Promote the Event

Marketing is key to gathering a large virtual crowd:

• Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram & Twitter to spread the word. Create event pages, reels & share stories.

• Email Campaigns: Use platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact to send personalized emails to your mailing list, highlighting the event’s purpose & inviting donations.

• Partner with Influencers: Engage local influencers or businesses that resonate with your cause to help promote the event.

• Event Pages: Use Eventbrite or Facebook Events to provide details about your virtual fundraiser. Make sure the donation link is front & center.

Step 6: Host the Event

On the day of your event:

• Check Your Tech: Test all your streaming tools & donation links before the event begins. Make sure the live stream is functional across multiple platforms.

• Live Interactions: Engage with your audience during the event by responding to questions, thanking donors live & highlighting donation milestones.

• Highlight the Cause: Throughout the event, explain how donations will benefit The Apothecary Project, focusing on community leaders & healers.

Step 7: Follow-Up After the Event

After your virtual event:

• Thank Donors: Send a thank-you email or message to everyone who participated & donated. Personalize it when possible.

• Share Results: Post on social media about how much was raised & highlight some key moments from the event.

• Encourage Future Contributions: Let attendees know they can continue donating & sharing the campaign link with others.

Step 8: Track Donations & Impact

After the fundraiser, keep track of donations & make sure funds are distributed to the cause.

• Donation Platforms (like GoFundMe or PayPal) have built-in tools to track contributions.

• Transparency: Let donors know how their contributions are being used & continue updating them on the impact.

Step 1: Define Your Event Goals

Before planning, define clear objectives:

• Fundraising Target: How much money do you aim to raise for The Apothecary Project?

• Event Purpose: Focus on raising funds to provide herbal medicine for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

• Audience: Identify your audience (e.g., local community members, business owners, or supporters of grassroots efforts).

Step 2: Choose Your Fundraiser Event Type

Select an event format that suits your audience & community:

• Benefit Dinner: A catered event where attendees purchase tickets to enjoy food & support the cause.

• Charity Auction: Auction donated items like art, local products, or healing sessions. You could host both live & silent auctions.

• Concert or Performance: Feature local musicians, poets, or artists, with proceeds from ticket sales going to The Apothecary Project.

• Workshops: Organize wellness, herbal medicine, or yoga classes led by local practitioners, with participants paying to attend.

• Community Fair: Set up booths for local vendors, healers & artists, who donate a portion of their sales to the cause.

Step 3: Set a Date & Location

• Date: Choose a date that works well for the local community, avoiding holidays or conflicting events.

• Venue: Choose a venue that aligns with the nature of your event. Consider community centers, parks, local businesses, or donated spaces like cafes or art galleries.

• Permits: Depending on the size of your event, you may need permits for hosting in public spaces. Contact your local government or venue managers for details.

Step 4: Set Up Registration & Ticketing

You’ll need a system to track attendees & collect donations:

• Ticketing:

  • Use Eventbrite or TicketTailor to sell tickets in advance & track RSVPs.

  • Offer tiered tickets (e.g., general admission, VIP access) to incentivize larger donations.

  • Square or PayPal Here: Set up mobile payment systems for ticket sales or donations at the door.

• Event Management Tools:

  • SignUpGenius: For volunteer coordination & task assignments.

  • Google Sheets or Airtable: Track donations, attendees & event logistics in real time.

Step 5: Promote the Event

Effective promotion is crucial to get attendees & donors on board:

• Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram & Twitter to create event pages, post updates & promote ticket sales.

• Email Marketing: Send newsletters via Mailchimp or Constant Contact to your mailing list with event details & donation information.

• Partner with Local Businesses: Ask local businesses to sponsor the event in exchange for advertising or donate auction items. They can also promote the event through their networks.

• Flyers & Posters: Create simple flyers & distribute them in popular local spots (coffee shops, libraries, yoga studios).

Step 6: Plan the Event Details

Consider all aspects of the event to ensure everything runs smoothly:

• Event Agenda: Plan a clear timeline for the day, including speakers, performances, auction timings, or meal services.

• Technology:

  • Microphones & Speakers: Ensure the venue has the proper audio-visual setup, especially if you’ll have speeches or performances.

  • Live Streaming: If you want to reach a broader audience, live stream the event using Facebook Live or YouTube Live. Set up cameras & test the audio & video quality beforehand.

  • Donation Technology: For onsite donations, use mobile payment systems like Venmo, Square, or PayPal Here to collect donations via credit card.

• Volunteers: Recruit volunteers to help with registration, setup & managing the flow of the event.

Step 7: Engage Attendees & Drive Donations

During the event, keep the energy high & remind attendees why they are there:

• Speakers: Invite a key speaker or community leader to discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene & how donations support The Apothecary Project.

• Donation Stations: Set up clear donation stations with QR codes that direct attendees to your online fundraising page or have volunteers with mobile payment options.

• Live Fundraising Updates: Use a screen or whiteboard to display live updates of donation totals to encourage giving.

• Auction or Raffle: For auctions, make it easy for attendees to bid on items using a system like Handbid or OneCause for live or silent auctions.

• Signage: Have clear signs showing your mission, fundraising goals & how contributions will support healing & recovery.

Step 8: Follow-Up After the Event

After your event, it’s essential to keep momentum going:

• Thank You Emails: Send personalized thank-you notes to donors, attendees, & volunteers. Use platforms like Mailchimp or a CRM tool to track & send automated follow-ups.

• Social Media Posts: Post photos & videos from the event on social media, tagging participants & sponsors to show appreciation.

• Donation Update: Let donors know how much money was raised & how it’s being used to support The Apothecary Project.

Step 9: Evaluate the Event

Assess the success of your event:

• Track Funds Raised: Use your ticketing platform or donation software to track the total funds raised.

• Post-Event Survey: Send a survey to attendees to gather feedback on what worked well & what could be improved for future events.

• Debrief: Meet with your team to evaluate how the event went & discuss improvements for next time.