Follow By Example
Learn tips from GoFundMe success stories.
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Need some inspiration before you get started? Take a look at a few of our crowdfunding success stories.
Successful fundraisers on GoFundMe
1. Chauncy’s Chance
Story: When grocery shopping, Matt White met a young man named Chauncy, who offered to carry Matt’s groceries in exchange for some donuts. Once they started talking, Matt learned that Chauncy and his mother were living in extreme poverty. Matt started the fundraiser to help Chauncy buy a lawnmower to make some money, but it exploded into a life-changing event for everyone involved.
Original Fundraising Goal: $500
Amount Raised: $342,036
Recipe for Success:
- Matt wrote a moving, honest, and compelling Facebook post that got a lot of attention before he even started the fundraiser.
- Matt’s description included both concrete details about what was needed for Chauncy and his mother and emotional storytelling that drew donors in.
- He included a casual, authentic video of Chauncy so donors knew who they were helping
- Matt posted regular, enthusiastic, and grateful updates every time he reached a milestone or there was progress to share.
- He posted photos, video, and even recordings of phone calls whenever possible to keep his audience connected.
- Local and then national media covered Matt and Chauncy’s remarkable story.
- Matt used Facebook extensively to share his message, thank supporters, and spread enthusiasm.
2. Send 100 Girls 2 See Hidden Figures
Story: Taylor Richardson is a teen who dreams of becoming an astronaut. She wanted other girls, especially girls of color, to be inspired to pursue STEM careers, so she started this fundraiser to send 100 girls to watch the movie Hidden Figures.
Fundraising Goal: $2,600
Amount Raised: $19,633
Recipe for Success:
- Taylor was very clear in her goal (sending 100 girls to see Hidden Figures) and how much it would cost to accomplish that
- Using photos and honest storytelling, she explained why this movie was important for girls like her and why she wanted to inspire others
- Taylor posted frequent updates (over 60 in all) to share her progress and results.
- Her story captured the attention of celebrities and influencers, who then donated to and shared her fundraiser.
- Taylor used social media to her advantage, regularly posting links to her fundraiser and tagging people who might be interested in it.
- Local and national media attention helped spread Taylor’s message and earned her donations from all over the country.