Ways2Raise

What is it?

A Crowdfunder is an online fundraising campaign where you share your story and ask friends, family, and even strangers to donate money towards your expedition or adventure trip. It works well for teen fundraisers because it allows you to reach a wide audience easily and keeps everything organised in one place.

Why does it work?

People love to support personal stories and adventures, especially from young people with clear goals. Crowdfunding platforms create a sense of community and urgency, encouraging donors to contribute because they see progress and feel part of your journey.

What you'll need

A computer or smartphone with internet access
A Crowdfunder account (on platforms like GoFundMe, JustGiving, or Crowdfunder.co.uk)
A compelling story describing your trip and why you’re fundraising
Photos or videos to personalise your campaign
A clear fundraising target and deadline
Bank account details for receiving donations

Step-by-step plan

1

Choose a crowdfunding platform that suits your needs and sign up for a free account.

2

Write a heartfelt and detailed story explaining your adventure, why it matters to you, and how the money will be used. Be honest and passionate.

3

Add engaging photos or a short video to help potential donors connect with your cause visually.

4

Set a realistic fundraising target between £1,000 and £5,000 and choose an achievable deadline.

5

Share your Crowdfunder link with family, friends, teachers, and on your social media channels. Personalise messages when you ask people to donate.

6

Post regular updates on your campaign page about your preparations, progress, and how close you are to your goal to keep supporters engaged.

7

Say thank you promptly to every donor, either through the platform or by messaging them personally to build goodwill.

8

Withdraw the funds according to the platform’s process once your campaign ends or as you reach milestones.

How to advertise it

Send personalised messages to close family and friends explaining your goal
Post your campaign link on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat with eye-catching images or videos
Ask your school or Scout group if they can share your campaign in newsletters or noticeboards
Use WhatsApp or Messenger groups to spread the word among peers and community members
Create a short video explaining your mission and share it widely

Realistic earnings

Most teenagers can expect to raise between £200 and £1,000 depending on how widely they promote their campaign and how engaged their network is.

Top tips

✅ Be authentic and tell your story from the heart to create an emotional connection.

✅ Keep your supporters updated regularly to maintain interest and encourage sharing.

✅ Use clear, high-quality images or videos to make your campaign more attractive.

✅ Set achievable goals and deadlines to create urgency.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Neglecting to say thank you, which can discourage repeat donors or sharing.

⚠️ Setting unrealistic targets that put off potential supporters.

⚠️ Not promoting the campaign enough or relying solely on one method of advertising.