How to Do Fundraising on Facebook

Facebook has become a powerful platform for raising money for the causes, people, and organizations you care about, moving beyond just connecting with friends. Whether you're supporting a non-profit, helping a friend in need, or rallying for your own project, the platform simplifies the process of collecting donations. This guide walks you through exactly how to set up, promote, and successfully run a fundraiser, from crafting your story to thanking your donors.

Types of Facebook Fundraisers: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Cause

Before you get started, it’s good to know the different tools Facebook offers so you can pick the one that fits your needs. Each one is designed for a slightly different purpose.

Fundraisers for Non-profits

This is the most common option for official charities. If you're raising money for a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit (or your country's equivalent), this is the tool to use. Facebook waives all processing fees for donations made to non-profits, meaning 100% of the money goes directly to the organization. People can create fundraisers on behalf of their favorite charities (like a birthday fundraiser), or the non-profit's official Page can create its own campaigns and add a 'Donate' button directly to its profile and posts.

Fundraisers for Personal Causes

Sometimes you need to raise money for yourself, a friend, or someone you know who isn't part of a registered non-profit. This category is for personal emergencies, medical bills, tuition fees, creative projects, or community initiatives. Donations made to personal fundraisers are subject to payment processing fees, which are used to cover security and fraud prevention. The person who creates the fundraiser is responsible for withdrawing and distributing the funds.

Facebook Birthday Fundraisers

A few weeks before your birthday, Facebook will prompt you to dedicate it to a cause by creating a fundraiser for a non-profit of your choice. This is a simple, effective way to get your friends and family involved in supporting an organization you love. Since these fundraisers benefit non-profits, there are no processing fees involved. It’s a feel-good way to celebrate and has become a massive source of income for many charities.

How to Set Up a Fundraiser on Facebook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating a fundraiser is straightforward, but taking the time to fill out each section thoughtfully will make a huge difference in your success. Here’s how to do it for both personal causes and non-profits.

For a Personal Cause or a Friend

If you're raising money for yourself or someone else, follow these steps:

• Find the Fundraisers Hub: On the left-hand menu of your Facebook news feed, click "Fundraisers." You can also get there directly by visiting facebook.com/fundraisers.
• Start Your Fundraiser: Click the "Raise money" button. You’ll be asked who you’re raising money for: "Yourself," "A friend," or a "Charity." Select the appropriate option.
• Set Your Goal: Enter the amount of money you want to raise and the currency. Be realistic, but don't sell your cause short. It’s often better to set a smaller, achievable goal you can extend later. People are more motivated to donate when they see progress toward a specific target.
• Choose a Title and Story: This is the most important part. Your title should be clear and concise (e.g., "Help the Johnson Family Rebuild After Fire"). Your story should explain why you are raising money, who will benefit, and exactly how the funds will be used. Get personal and be transparent.
• Pick a Cover Photo or Video: Choose a high-quality, emotionally compelling visual. A clear photo of the person or pet you're helping, or a short video explaining the situation, is far more effective than a generic graphic. This is the first thing people will see, so make it count.
• Review and Publish: Double-check everything for typos and clarity, then hit publish. Your fundraiser is now live!

For a Verified Non-profit Organization

If you work for a non-profit, your organization first needs to be registered with Facebook to accept donations. After that, you can run fundraisers directly from your Page.

• Get Verified: Your organization needs to apply and be approved for Facebook's Charitable Giving Tools. This involves providing official documentation like your non-profit registration number (like your EIN in the U.S.) and bank account details for payouts. Once approved, you gain access to all of Facebook's fundraising features.
• Add a 'Donate' Button to Your Page: Once verified, you can add a permanent "Donate" button to your Page's header. This allows followers to give directly at any time, even when you're not running an active campaign.
• Create a Fundraiser Post: To start a specific campaign, navigate to your Page and create a new post. Select the option to "Raise Money." You'll be able to link the fundraiser directly to your verified organization, set a goal, write a story about your specific campaign (e.g., "Winter Coat Drive"), and add a cover photo. This creates a sharable fundraiser that your supporters can contribute to and even create their own versions of.

The Heart of Your Fundraiser: How to Tell a Story That Connects

People don't give to fundraisers, they give to people and stories. Simply setting up the page isn't enough. Your "why" is what will convince someone to stop scrolling and click the donate button.

Be Specific and Authentic

Avoid vague language like "to help a family in need." Instead, tell the actual story. "Last Tuesday, my neighbor Sarah's house was struck by lightning, and her family lost everything. We're raising money to help them cover the immediate cost of temporary housing, clothes for their two young children, and basic necessities while they wait on insurance." The details are what make the situation real and relatable.

Show a Clear Problem and a Tangible Solution

Donors want to know their contribution is making a real difference. Break down how the money will be used. Instead of saying you need "$5,000 for the animal shelter," break it down into tangible impacts:

• "$15 covers a bag of high-quality puppy food."
• "$50 covers the cost of one spay/neuter surgery."
• "$100 provides a month's worth of essential medicine for a senior dog."

This approach shows people exactly what their dollars are accomplishing and makes even small donations feel meaningful.

Choose a Powerful Cover Photo or Video

Your visual is your hook. If you're fundraising for a person, use a warm, clear photo of them smiling. If it's for an animal shelter, use a photo that captures the personality of one of the animals. A short, heartfelt video message from you explaining the cause can be incredibly effective, as it adds a layer of genuine emotion that text alone cannot convey.

Beyond the 'Create' Button: How to Actively Promote Your Fundraiser

Don't fall into the "if you build it, they will come" trap. Launching your fundraiser is just the first step. Consistent promotion is what drives donations.

Launch with a Personal Message

Your first post about the fundraiser is critical. Don't just share the link. Write a separate, personal post on your own timeline explaining why you started this fundraiser and what it means to you. Tag any close friends or family who are helping you organize. This personal appeal will encourage your immediate network to become your first donors and advocates.

Post Consistent Updates to Build Momentum

Keep your audience engaged by posting regular updates on the fundraiser page. Did you hit a milestone, like 25% of your goal? Post about it! Did an anonymous donor make a large contribution? Thank them publicly. Share small stories related to the cause. This keeps the fundraiser top-of-mind and shows potential donors that the campaign is active and making progress.

Use Every Facebook Tool at Your Disposal

Don't just keep it on your main feed. Here’s how to use other Facebook features:

• Facebook Stories: Stories are perfect for quick, informal updates. Use the "Donation" sticker to make it easy for viewers to give directly from your story. Post short video clips of gratitude or share behind-the-scenes progress.
• Reels and Videos: Create a short, engaging Reel explaining the fundraiser. Video is the most shared content on Facebook, so a B-roll-style video set to trending audio can significantly expand your reach.
• Facebook Live: Go live to talk about your cause in real-time. You can answer questions, share compelling stories, and most importantly, directly ask for donations. During the live stream, Facebook will feature a prominent donation button at the bottom of the screen.

Mobilize Your Network for Added Reach

The power of social media is in the network effect. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

• Send personal messages via Facebook Messenger to a handful of close friends or supporters, asking them to consider donating and, just as importantly, sharing the fundraiser on their own profiles. A personal request is much harder to ignore than a general feed post.
• If it's relevant, share your fundraiser in local community Facebook Groups, but check the group rules first. A polite, well-written post that adds value to the community is often welcomed.

Closing the Loop: Thanking Supporters and Showing Your Impact

Your job isn't done once you hit your goal. Following up properly not only expresses gratitude but also builds trust, making supporters more likely to give to your future causes.

Post a Final Thank-You Message

When the fundraiser ends, post one final update expressing your profound thanks to everyone who donated and shared. Announce the final amount raised and reiterate what that money will make possible. Making people feel seen and appreciated is a key part of making them feel good about their contribution.

Follow Up with Proof of Impact

This is the step most people skip, but it is by far the most powerful. A few weeks or months later, post photos or a video showing what was achieved with the money raised. If you raised money for school supplies, show the kids with their new backpacks. If you helped a family with medical bills, share a positive update on their health journey (with their permission). Proving that the money did a good thing closes the story loop and establishes your credibility for any future fundraising efforts.

Final Thoughts

Running a successful Facebook fundraiser comes down to a few key things: having a clear goal, a compelling story that connects emotionally, and a plan for consistent promotion. When you combine an authentic narrative with smart social media engagement and genuine gratitude, you can turn your network into a powerful force for good.

When we designed Postbase, we knew how demanding it can be to keep the momentum going during an important campaign. Trying to remember to post updates, share Stories, and create engaging Reels can quickly become overwhelming. We built our visual content calendar so you can plan out all your promotion in one place. You can schedule your launch post, your progress updates, and your thank-you messages ahead of time, ensuring your fundraiser stays active and engaging without you having to live on social media 24/7.