Facebook Birthday Fundraiser: What is it, How it Works & How to Create it?
In today’s digital age, social media platforms like Facebook have become powerful tools for nonprofits to raise funds and awareness for their causes.
One of the most effective ways to leverage Facebook’s vast user base is through birthday fundraisers. At Social Think, we provide actionable insights and strategies to help nonprofits maximize their impact on social media.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of Facebook birthday fundraisers, exploring how they work, best practices for setting them up, and proven strategies to encourage your supporters to donate their special day to your cause.
What is a Facebook Birthday Fundraiser?
A Facebook birthday fundraiser is a feature that allows users to dedicate their birthday to a charitable cause by creating a fundraiser on their Facebook profile.
Instead of receiving traditional gifts, users ask their Facebook friends and family members to donate to their chosen nonprofit organization.
This innovative approach to fundraising has gained immense popularity, with Facebook users raising over $300 million for nonprofits through birthday fundraisers in a single year.
How Do Facebook Birthday Fundraisers Work?
When a user decides to create a birthday fundraiser, they select a nonprofit organization from a list of over 750,000 eligible charities.
The user then sets a fundraising goal, chooses a cover photo, and writes a personal message explaining why they are passionate about the cause.
On their birthday, the user’s Facebook friends receive a notification inviting them to donate to the fundraiser.
Are Facebook Birthday Fundraisers Legit?
Yes, Facebook birthday fundraisers are legitimate. Facebook has partnered with reputable fundraising platforms like Network for Good and PayPal Giving Fund to process donations securely. Moreover, Facebook covers all processing fees, ensuring that 100% of the donations go directly to the chosen nonprofit.
How to Create a Birthday Fundraiser on Facebook?
Creating a birthday fundraiser on Facebook is a simple and straightforward process:
- Click on the “Create Fundraiser” button on your Facebook profile, either when prompted by a notification or by navigating to the “Fundraisers” tab.
- Search for your desired nonprofit organization and select it as the recipient of the donated funds.
- Fill in basic information about the fundraiser, such as a cover photo, your personal connection to the cause, and the fundraising goal.
- Click “Create” and share the fundraiser with your Facebook friends, encouraging them to make a donation in honor of your birthday.
Best Practices For Starting a Birthday Fundraiser
To ensure the success of your Facebook birthday fundraiser, consider the following best practices:
- Select a Crowdfunding Platform: While Facebook is an excellent platform for birthday fundraisers, it’s essential to choose a crowdfunding platform that aligns with your nonprofit’s needs. Look for platforms that offer robust features, low fees, and seamless integration with your existing fundraising efforts.
- Choose a Charity: When selecting a nonprofit organization for your birthday fundraiser, choose one that resonates with your values and has a proven track record of making a positive impact. Research the organization’s mission, programs, and financial transparency to ensure your donations will be used effectively.
- Set a Goal and Deadline: Set a realistic fundraising goal that aligns with your network’s capacity to give. A clear goal helps motivate your supporters and gives them a tangible target to work towards. Additionally, set a deadline for your fundraiser to create a sense of urgency and encourage prompt donations.
How to Encourage Supporters to Donate Their Birthdays to Your Nonprofit?
As a nonprofit organization, you can play a proactive role in encouraging your supporters to create Facebook birthday fundraisers on your behalf. Here are some proven strategies:
- Keep it Topical: Align your birthday fundraiser appeals with relevant holidays, events, or awareness months. For example, if your nonprofit focuses on breast cancer research, promote birthday fundraisers during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
- Share Stories: Showcase the impact of past birthday fundraisers by sharing stories of how the donated funds made a difference. These stories help humanize your cause and inspire others to follow suit.
- Make it a Challenge: Create a sense of community and friendly competition by launching a birthday fundraiser challenge. Encourage your supporters to set up fundraisers and reward those who raise the most funds with special recognition or prizes.
- Don’t Over-Post: While promoting birthday fundraisers is essential, avoid overwhelming your followers with constant appeals. Strike a balance by interspersing fundraising posts with other engaging content that delivers value to your audience.
- Add Facebook Birthday Fundraisers to Your Website: Prominently feature information about Facebook birthday fundraisers on your nonprofit’s website. This helps inform potential donors about the opportunity and provides them with easy-to-follow instructions on how to set up a fundraiser.
- Include Facebook Birthday Fundraisers in Your Email Newsletter: Use your email list to promote birthday fundraisers to your supporters. Include a clear call to action in your newsletters, encouraging readers to dedicate their upcoming birthdays to your cause.
- Post Your Birthday Fundraisers on Facebook: Regularly share and celebrate the birthday fundraisers created by your supporters on your nonprofit’s Facebook page. This not only shows appreciation for their efforts but also inspires others to join the movement.
- Create Facebook Birthday Ads: Use Facebook’s advanced targeting options to create ads specifically aimed at users with upcoming birthdays. These ads can direct potential fundraisers to your Facebook fundraising page or provide instructions on how to set up a birthday fundraiser for your organization.
How Do I Thank People Who Donate to My Facebook Birthday Fundraiser?
Expressing gratitude to your birthday fundraiser donors is important for building lasting relationships.
Here are some ways to thank them:
- Post a heartfelt thank you message on your Facebook profile, tagging the donors and acknowledging their generosity.
- Send personalized thank you messages or emails to each donor, highlighting the impact of their contribution.
- Share updates on how the funds raised through your birthday fundraiser are being used to further your nonprofit’s mission.
How Long Do Facebook Birthday Fundraisers Last?
By default, Facebook birthday fundraisers last for two weeks, starting from the user’s birthday. However, users have the option to extend their fundraiser for an additional 14 days if they wish to continue raising funds.
Are There Fees Associated With Processing Facebook Fundraising Donations?
No, Facebook covers all processing fees for donations made through birthday fundraisers. This means that 100% of the funds raised go directly to the designated nonprofit organization, maximizing the impact of each donation.
Understanding Facebook Fundraiser Payout Channels
What Payout Channels Are Used?
Facebook partners with two main payout channels for processing fundraiser donations: Meta Pay and Network for Good. Meta Pay is Facebook’s own payment processing system, while Network for Good is a third-party platform that specializes in nonprofit fundraising.
How Are Payments Processed Through Meta Pay and Network For Good?
When a donation is made through a Facebook fundraiser, the funds are initially held by either Meta Pay or Network for Good, depending on the nonprofit’s chosen payout method. These platforms then disburse the funds to the nonprofit organization on a regular basis, typically every two weeks.
How to Withdraw Money From a Facebook Fundraiser?
As a nonprofit organization, you can withdraw the funds raised through Facebook fundraisers by following these steps:
- Ensure that your nonprofit is registered with Facebook Payments and has provided the necessary banking information.
- Once the fundraiser has ended and the funds have been processed by either Meta Pay or Network for Good, the donations will be automatically transferred to your nonprofit’s designated bank account.
- Keep track of your Facebook fundraiser payouts by regularly checking your account statements and reconciling them with the donation reports provided by Facebook.
How Can Your Nonprofit Increase Your Facebook Fundraiser Payout?
To maximize your Facebook fundraiser payout, consider implementing the following strategies:
- Encourage your supporters to create birthday fundraisers on your behalf by promoting the opportunity through various channels, such as your website, email newsletters, and social media posts.
- Provide your fundraisers with resources and templates to help them create compelling fundraising pages that effectively communicate your nonprofit’s mission and impact.
- Engage with your fundraisers and their donors by commenting on their posts, sharing updates, and expressing gratitude for their support.
FAQ’s:
How Do I Promote My Facebook Birthday Fundraiser?
To promote your Facebook birthday fundraiser, share it on your timeline, invite your friends to donate, and post regular updates about your progress and the impact of the donations. You can also share your fundraiser on other social media platforms and through email to reach a wider audience.
What Should I Do If My Fundraiser is Not Receiving Any Donations?
If your Facebook birthday fundraiser is not gaining traction, try the following:
- Ensure that your fundraising page clearly communicates your story and connection to the cause.
- Reach out to your close friends and family members directly, asking them to donate and share your fundraiser with their networks.
- Post updates and reminders about your fundraiser throughout the two-week period to keep it top of mind for your supporters.
How Should Your Nonprofit Handle a Facebook Fundraiser Refund?
In the rare case that a donor requests a refund for their Facebook fundraiser donation, your nonprofit should work with Facebook’s support team to process the refund promptly. Communicate with the donor to understand their concerns and see if there is an opportunity to resolve any issues before issuing the refund.
How Do Nonprofits Receive the Funds From Facebook Birthday Fundraisers?
Nonprofits receive the funds raised through Facebook birthday fundraisers via their chosen payout method, either Meta Pay or Network for Good. The donations are typically disbursed every two weeks, directly to the nonprofit’s designated bank account.
Can I Run a Facebook Birthday Fundraiser if I’m Outside the United States?
Yes, Facebook birthday fundraisers are available in many countries worldwide. However, the availability of specific nonprofit organizations may vary depending on the country and the organization’s registration status with Facebook Payments.
Conclusion
Facebook birthday fundraisers have emerged as a powerful tool for nonprofits to engage supporters and raise vital funds for their causes.
Using the strategies and best practices outlined in this guide can help your nonprofit maximize the impact of Facebook birthday fundraisers and create a sustainable source of support for your mission.
At Social Think, we are committed to helping nonprofits navigate the ever-evolving landscape of social media fundraising.
Contact us today to learn more about how our expertise in social media strategy and analytics can help your organization thrive in the digital age.
