Participation scaleIndividual contribution
Best used forGenerating resources
At a glance
Participants doDonate money for a clear initiative need or activity.
Organizers doExplain what the money is needed for, manage donations responsibly, and show how the money is used.
ProducesMoney available for planned initiative work.
What is Fundraising?
Fundraising collects donations for an initiative, activity, or specific need.Participants can choose how much they want to give. Many small donations can add up to useful funding.Fundraising works best when people understand why the money is needed and how it will be used.
insights
Key takeawayFundraising brings individual donations together to support initiative work.
Characteristics
Best used forGenerating resources
Participation scaleIndividual contribution
Target audienceSupporters
Time commitment~2–5 min
Effort requiredLow
Coordination requiredLow
Resource costLow
Participant journey
1. DiscoverFind the opportunity and understand what it is about.
2. LearnRead the background and understand what participation involves.
3. ReviewCheck the request, materials, or details before you act.
4. AcceptConfirm that you want to participate.
5. ConfirmConfirm your contribution, attendance, or commitment.
6. ShareHelp more people find the opportunity or learn about it.
7. Follow upCheck the outcome and respond if anything else is needed.
Organizer responsibilities
Define the goal
Prepare materials
Configure the platform
Publish
Promote
Support participants
Collect results
Evaluate
Communicate the outcome
Archive
Quality checklist
Clear objectiveThe purpose and intended result of the participation method are clearly defined.
Specific requestThe requested action or change is clear and easy to understand.
Clear instructionsParticipants can understand what to do, how to do it, and when their participation is complete.
Measurable successThe organizer has defined how progress, completion, or results will be assessed.
Privacy consideredOnly necessary personal information is collected, protected, and handled transparently.
Realistic scopeThe participation method can be run with the available time, people, skills, and resources.
Transparent processParticipants can understand how contributions are collected, reviewed, used, and communicated.
Follow-up plannedParticipants will receive relevant updates after they contribute.
Strategic strengths
Provides fundingMany individual donations can provide money for activities and other initiative work.
Allows different amountsPeople can donate an amount that fits their situation.
Shows practical supportDonating money can show that people are willing to support the initiative with their own resources.
Practical limitations
Requires fundingThe participation method may need money for materials, tools, venues, services, or delivery.
Requires documentationInformation, contributions, decisions, or results need to be recorded carefully.
Requires technologyParticipation depends on suitable devices, software, internet access, or technical support.
Depends on public interestThe participation method works better when enough people care about or notice the issue.
Risks & safeguards
Privacy concernsCollect only necessary participant information and explain clearly how it will be used.
Spam and abuseUse moderation and participation controls to limit irrelevant, automated, or intentionally disruptive contributions.
Legal complianceIdentify relevant legal requirements early and seek appropriate guidance when responsibilities are unclear.
Unrealistic expectationsExplain what participation can influence, what remains uncertain, and what will happen after contributions are collected.
Delivery failureDefine how contributions or results will be delivered, used, or acted on before asking people to participate.
security
InsightExplain clearly how donations will be used. Tell participants if that purpose changes.
Accessibility
Financial barriersConsider whether travel, materials, fees, lost work time, or other costs could prevent participation.
Alternative ways to participateConsider whether another way to contribute should be available for people who cannot use the main participation method.
Common mistakes
Unclear goalThe initiative has not clearly defined the result the strategy should support.
Poor communicationParticipants do not receive clear, timely, or consistent information about the work.
Underestimating resourcesThe initiative does not account for the time, people, funding, or expertise the work requires.
Weak follow-upThe initiative does not communicate results, maintain relationships, or act on what was learned.
Works well with
FAQ
Should fundraising have a specific target?Usually. A clear amount and purpose help participants understand what their donation will support.
What if the funding target is not reached?Organizers should explain in advance what will happen to the donations if the target is not reached.
What should happen after fundraising ends?Participants should be told how much was raised and, when relevant, how the money was used.