Summary
After establishing a fund with the Defiance Area Foundation, your next step is to grow its visibility and support. Whether you’ve created a donor-advised fund, scholarship, or designated fund, knowing how to promote a charitable fund can significantly boost its impact. This guide offers practical tips to help you raise awareness, engage your community, and inspire giving.
Starting a fund is a powerful step toward creating lasting impact, but how do you make sure people know about it and are inspired to give? This guide is designed to help fundholders like you promote your charitable fund with confidence. From building your online presence to connecting with your community, you’ll find practical tips and creative ideas to raise awareness, grow support, and maximize your fund’s reach.
1. Build an Online Presence That Reflects Your Mission
One of the most effective ways to promote a charitable fund is by being active online:
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- Create a dedicated Facebook or Instagram page to share your fund’s story.
For example, check out what the Hicksville Community Fund is doing on Facebook.
- Create a dedicated Facebook or Instagram page to share your fund’s story.
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- Post updates, photos, and videos that highlight your mission and the people impacted.
Tip: Photos of real people and community events get more engagement than generic graphics.
2. Harness the Power of Word of Mouth
Nothing is more powerful than a personal story. Talk about your fund in everyday conversations:
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- Share what inspired you to start the fund and what it supports.
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- Ask friends, family, and colleagues to help spread the word.
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- Keep it personal, people are more likely to give when they feel connected to the cause.
3. Be Present in the Community
Showing up where your community gathers helps to build trust and visibility:
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- Set up a booth or table at community events, school functions, or local festivals.
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- Volunteer at organizations aligned with your fund’s mission.
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- Host or attend events where you can speak about your fund.
4. Partner with Local Businesses
Many businesses love to support local causes. Try:
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- Hosting a “Give-Back Night” at a restaurant where a portion of sales goes to your fund.
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- Asking local businesses to share your fund’s story in their newsletters or on social media.
Reach out to Defiance County Economic Development to learn more about businesses in our area.
- Asking local businesses to share your fund’s story in their newsletters or on social media.
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- Collaborating with groups or nonprofits that share your goals.
5. Get Creative with Fundraising
Fundraising doesn’t have to be traditional. Here are a few fun and impactful ideas:
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- Organize a trivia night, raffle, or community challenge.
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- Encourage birthday donations in lieu of gifts.
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- Sell merchandise that shares your fund’s message.
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- Offer the option to donate in honor or memory of someone special.
6. Tap Into Your Existing Networks
Your connections are a great starting point for growing your fund’s support:
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- Ask your employer, church, or civic groups to promote your fund.
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- Submit updates to newsletters, bulletins, or community email lists. Share an update with us to feature during Featured Fund Fridays.
- Submit your story to us, to include in our Annual Report or monthly newsletter.
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- Speak at meetings or networking events.
- Send us your photos to submit to the Crescent Newspaper.
7. Keep Donors Engaged and Appreciated
Keeping supporters informed and thanked leads to long-term success:
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- Send personalized thank-you notes and updates.
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- Highlight donor stories and showcase the impact of their gifts.
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- Build an email list or private group to keep donors connected to your mission.
8. Share Your Story in Local Media
Get your fund’s message in front of a wider audience by:
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Submitting a press release or feature story our local newspapers or radio stations.
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Pitching a feel-good story about why you started the fund and who it helps.
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Offering to speak on local podcasts or with our community TV station.
9. Create a Fundraising Challenge
Encourage friendly competition or participation with themed campaigns:
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Start a “$10 for 10 Days” challenge encouraging small daily gifts.
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Use milestones (“Help us reach $5,000 by [date]”) to spark urgency.
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Launch a matching gift campaign by finding a donor willing to match contributions.
10. Use Visual Storytelling
Bring your fund’s mission to life through compelling visuals:
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Share before-and-after photos of grant-funded projects.
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Post short video testimonials from those impacted by the fund.
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Use Canva or other tools to create graphics highlighting key stats and goals. People remember what they see, so make your story visual and shareable.
- Read our annual report for more stories from our fundholders to get ideas.
Conclusion:
Promoting a charitable fund takes time, creativity, and heart, but the results are powerful. With the tools above, you can raise awareness, build meaningful connections, and create a lasting legacy through your fund. The Defiance Area Foundation is here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to get started?
Visit www.defianceareafoundation.org or contact our office with questions at connect@defianceareafoundation.org.
