How to Share a Fundraiser on Instagram Story

Ready to rally your Instagram followers for a cause you care about? Stories are one of the most effective tools for sharing a fundraiser and inspiring action. This guide breaks down exactly how to share both native Instagram fundraisers and external links on your Story, step-by-step, and gives you actionable strategies to actually get people to donate.

Two Ways to Share a Fundraiser on Your Instagram Story

Before you start, it’s important to know there are two distinct ways to share a fundraiser on your Instagram Story. The method you choose depends on where the fundraiser is hosted.

1. For Fundraisers on Instagram: You’ll use the native "Donation" sticker. This is for fundraisers set up directly through Instagram or Facebook, and it allows users to donate without ever leaving the Instagram app. This works only for registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are eligible for Facebook Charitable Giving Tools.
2. For External Fundraisers: You’ll use the "Link" sticker. This is for campaigns hosted on platforms like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, or a personal donation page. The sticker directs your followers to an external website to make their contribution.

Knowing which one to use is the first step. Let’s walk through the exact process for each.

How to Use Instagram's "Donation" Sticker for Nonprofits

If the cause you’re supporting is a registered nonprofit available on Instagram, using the "Donation" sticker is a seamless way to collect contributions. The process is smooth for donors because they never have to leave the app, which often leads to more completed donations.

Here’s how to set it up in your Story:

1. Open the Instagram Story Creator. Swipe right from your home feed or tap the plus (+) icon at the top of your screen and select "Story."
2. Create Your Story Content. Take a photo, record a video, or upload one from your camera roll. This visual is your backdrop, so make it compelling and relevant to the fundraiser if possible.
3. Open the Sticker Menu. Tap the sticker icon (it looks like a square smiley face) at the top of your screen.
4. Select the "Donation" Sticker. Find and tap the sticker that says "Donation." This will bring up a new menu.
5. Choose a Nonprofit. Instagram will prompt you to "Select a nonprofit." You can search for the organization by name. Once you find it, select it from the list.
6. Customize Your Sticker (Optional). By default, the sticker will be titled "Fundraiser for [Nonprofit Name]." You can tap the "Edit Fundraiser Title" option to change this to something more specific, like "Help us support The Humane Society!" or "Julie's Birthday Fundraiser for Charity: Water."
7. Place and Share. Drag the sticker to position it on your Story. You can resize it by pinching and zooming. Once you're happy with the placement, share your Story for your followers to see.

Once your Story is live, followers can tap the sticker to donate the amount of their choice directly to the nonprofit. Instagram and Meta cover the processing fees, so 100% of the money donated goes to the charity.

How to Share an External Fundraiser Link (GoFundMe, Kickstarter, etc.)

If you need to share a GoFundMe page, a Kickstarter project, or any other link to a fundraising site outside of Instagram, the "Link" sticker is your best friend. This has become the standard way to drive traffic from Stories to an external site.

Follow these steps to share any custom link:

1. Copy the Fundraiser URL. First, go to the fundraising page in your web browser and copy the full URL to your clipboard.
2. Open the Instagram Story Creator. Just like before, create a new Story.
3. Add Your Visual Content. Record or upload the video or photo that will serve as the background for your appeal.
4. Open the Sticker Menu. Tap the square smiley face icon to pull up all the sticker options.
5. Select the "Link" Sticker. Find and tap the "Link" sticker.
6. Paste the Fundraiser URL. In the URL field, paste the link you copied earlier.
7. IMPORTANT: Customize the Sticker Text. This is the most important step for getting clicks. By default, the sticker shows the domain name, which isn't very engaging. Tap "Customize sticker text" and change it to a clear call to action. Good examples: "Donate to Save the Animal Shelter," "Support Sarah's Recovery Fund," or "Click Here to Help Them Rebuild."
8. Position and Share. Place your newly customized Link sticker somewhere prominent on your Story so it’s easy to see and tap. Now, you’re ready to share.

Beyond the Sticker: Strategies for a Successful Fundraiser Story

Just dropping a donation sticker or a link into your Story isn't enough. People are exposed to countless requests for money every day. Your job is to cut through the noise with a clear, honest, and compelling message. This is where good storytelling and marketing strategy come into play.

Step 1: Set the Scene with a Personal Story

Before you ask for anything, connect with your audience. The most effective fundraisers tell a story. Don't just show a generic photo of the charity's logo. Use your Story to explain the why behind the fundraiser.

• Use Video: Record a simple, face-to-camera video. Speak from the heart about why this cause matters to you. Is it for a friend in need? An organization that helped your family? A catastrophe that you feel connected to? A personal, unscripted message builds trust and empathy far more effectively than a graphic.
• Create a Narrative Arc: Use a few Story slides to build your case.
  • Slide 1 (The Hook): Start with a compelling question or image. For example, a picture of a beloved local coffee shop with text that reads, "My favorite spot is in trouble..."
  • Slide 2 (The Context): Explain what happened. "Last night, there was a fire. They’ve lost everything and need our help to rebuild." Use text overlays to make the story clear, even for people watching with the sound off.
  • Slide 3 (The Ask): This is where you place the Donation or Link sticker. Make the call to action direct: "If you can, please donate to their GoFundMe."

Step 2: Make Your "Ask" Crystal Clear

Vague requests get vague responses. Be direct about what you need people to do and what the goal is. Clarity removes friction and makes it easier for people to contribute.

• State a Specific Goal: Instead of "Let's raise some money," try "We're trying to raise $1,000 in the next 24 hours to help the Martinez family buy new school supplies for their kids." Specificity makes the goal feel achievable.
• Guide Them on How to Help: Don't assume people know what to do. Use text, arrows, or even Instagram's "GIF" stickers to point directly to the sticker. Write captions like "TAP HERE TO DONATE" right next to your Link or Donation sticker.

Step 3: Show Updates and Drive Momentum

A fundraiser isn't a "one and done" post. Momentum is built by showing people their contributions are making a difference and by renewing the call to action.

• Share Progress Reports: Post updates to your story throughout the day. "Wow! We're already halfway to our goal!" or "We just crossed the $500 mark! Thank you to everyone who has donated." Showing progress creates a sense of community and urgency.
• Celebrate Milestones: Use the "Countdown" sticker for timed fundraisers to create urgency. When an important milestone is hit, share a celebration post.
• Give Shout-Outs (With Permission): When people donate, thank them. A general "thank you" post is great, but a personalized shout-out can encourage others to give. Just be sure to ask for their permission before sharing usernames.

Step 4: Leverage All of Instagram's Creative Tools

Your Instagram Story has a full toolbox of features to make your fundraiser more engaging. Use them!

• Polls & Quizzes: Before your big ask, use a poll to gauge interest. "Are you with me in supporting our local shelter? (YES / OF COURSE)" This pre-engages your audience so they're warmer to the request when it comes.
• Question Sticker: Use the "Ask Me a Question" sticker to answer any questions people might have about the fundraiser. "Have questions about where the money goes? Ask me anything!" This transparency builds trust.
• Go Live: Host a short Instagram Live session to talk about the fundraiser in real-time. You can answer questions, share personal stories, and direct people to the link in your bio or Story afterward.
• Highlight Your Story: If the fundraiser is running for more than 24 hours, save your Story slides to a Highlight on your profile. Title it something clear like "Fundraiser" so new visitors to your profile can easily find it.

Final Thoughts

Sharing a fundraiser on your Instagram Story is simple with the right sticker, but turning that share into real donations requires a thoughtful narrative. By telling a powerful human story, making a clear ask, and keeping your followers in the loop, you can transform a simple click into a successful campaign that makes a real difference.

For fundraisers that last multiple days, keeping that momentum with fresh content can feel overwhelming. At Postbase, we designed our visual calendar to help you plan out all of your content in one place. By scheduling your progress updates, thank you posts, and reminders ahead of time, you can stay consistent across all of your social platforms and focus entirely on the success of your cause, not on what to post next.