What distinguishes a fundraiser that’s moving quickly from one where the counter isn’t budging? Very often, it’s donors’ trust. And you need to build that trust right from the moment you create the fundraiser’s description and goal. How do you do that? Here are some tips what makes a fundraiser more effective and how to build relationships with potential donors.

Why do we donate to fundraisers? In other words, what motivates donors to help?

Helping others makes us feel better. However, this isn’t the only reason a donor supports a specific fundraiser. Very often, the impulse to donate comes from what’s known as social proof. If we see that someone else has already supported the fundraiser, we’re more likely to do the same and feel like part of the community. This effect is even stronger when a well-known figure endorses the fundraiser. Public support for a patient by a movie star, influencer, or athlete not only increases the credibility of the fundraiser in the eyes of potential donors but also expands the reach of the fundraiser itself.

If you want to gain donors’ trust, build a relationship with them. Although most people say they give selflessly, almost everyone likes to get something in return. In the case of a charity fundraiser, this is primarily a thank-you for their donation. It’s a small gesture, but one that has a huge impact on how the donor perceives you.

Check out: how to raise money for cancer treatment.

What discourages donors?

Sometimes the decision to support or skip a particular fundraiser is made in just a matter of seconds. Why? That’s all it takes to see the fundraiser’s photo, read its title, and skim a few sentences of the description. Donors may be put off by a photo that’s too graphic or one generated by artificial intelligence. A title that doesn’t specify the treatment goal, or a hastily written description that only mentions general support for therapy without providing medical details. You won’t build trust with donors if you don’t share your story. Donors need to know that there’s a real person on the other side and a genuine purpose behind the fundraiser. Authenticity is what increases the credibility of your fundraiser and will help you collect donations for treatment.

Check out: how to write a fundraising description that works.

What makes a fundraiser credible?

A credible fundraiser is one that’s “alive” and hasn’t stalled. And we’re not just talking about the donation counter. How can you build donor trust from the very start of the fundraiser? The foundation of building donor trust is the transparency of the fundraiser. Above all, focus on authentic communication and keeping the fundraiser up to date. Share not only the goals but also updates on the treatment (these can be posts, videos, or photos) and progress in the fundraising itself. If the fundraiser hits a lull, don’t be afraid to mention it. Pay attention to the tone of your messages. Avoid generic, official-sounding phrases in favor of direct and sincere communication. Sometimes, the fact that a person can relate to the patient influences their decision to support a specific fundraiser.

How can you make a charity fundraiser more effective?

What makes a fundraiser more credible? The simplest way to build trust with donors and improve the effectiveness of a fundraiser is to partner with a reputable cancer foundation—one that is listed in the National Court Register (KRS), publishes its financial reports, and has experience organizing fundraisers for cancer treatment.

Working with the foundation increases the transparency of the fundraiser in the eyes of potential donors—they know that the foundation verifies the fundraiser’s purpose, ensures the security of transactions, and accounts for the donations collected for medical treatment.

The foundation provides comprehensive assistance for cancer patients — assistance in creating a fundraising campaign description and promoting it in the media. A quick response to potential negative comments under the campaign, which could influence the decisions of potential donors. The ability to organize fundraising events that will further boost the campaign’s funds, and finally, collecting donations through the 1.5% tax donation program.

Check: private fundraiser or through a foundation?

How to Gain Donors' Trust? Support for Cancer Fighters

Organizing a fundraiser is often the only way to access modern treatment, cover the cost of travel to the hospital, or purchase a prosthesis. However, simply setting up a fundraiser isn’t enough. You need to know how to do it and how to promote the fundraiser among potential donors. At Cancer Fighters, we’ve been working for years with brave fighters battling cancer. As a foundation, we provide them with organizational support and more. Our volunteers include people from the worlds of sports and media, thanks to whom we’re able to effectively promote fundraisers and accelerate the collection of the funds needed for treatment. If you need support in building donor trust and improving the effectiveness of your fundraising campaign, please contact us.