Fundraising mistakes to avoid
When you fundraise for your favorite causes, like St. Jude, you have the power to make a real difference. Learn more about common fundraising mistakes and how to avoid them during your next campaign.
St. Jude patient Kenadie
Fundraising mistakes to avoid
Learn about four common mistakes that can cause fundraising issues for you and your cause.
Lacking purpose behind your campaign
One mistake that occurs with fundraising is jumping into the nitty-gritty of it all before having a clear understanding of what impact you’re looking to make. Be sure to set clear intentions and goals behind your campaign before getting started to connect more meaningfully with your intended audience.
Failing to communicate clearly
Another common fundraising mistake is to assume donors understand what you’re fundraising for, how to support you and why you’re fundraising in the first place. Be sure to incorporate clear and engaging messaging that tells potential donors exactly what you’re looking for and why.
Not planning your campaign thoroughly
While your fundraising campaign doesn’t need to be overly complicated, it's important to plan out the details of your fundraiser carefully. For physical fundraisers, don’t forget to factor in things like the weather, entertainment, food and beverage, or other specific needs for your event. For online fundraisers, consider how user-friendly the platform you’d like to use is, or any legal or compliance requirements. To help, we offer an online fundraising tool.
Underutilizing social media
Social media has the power to spread information at lightning speed. Using it effectively can make the difference between meeting your goals or falling short. Be sure to incorporate strong social media strategies to market your campaign, post regularly and use relevant hashtags to ensure your campaigns are top of mind and easily accessible.
Looking for more information on fundraising?
Our fundraising guide is full of helpful tips and ideas to help get you started!
St. Jude patient Aditya
Fundraising helps patients like Aditya
Adi was on vacation in India with his family when he began feeling sick. His parents took him to a doctor who prescribed medicine for Adi, but his fever persisted, which led to more tests at a local hospital. There, Adi received a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.
Adi, who was 4, got immediate care in India, and then returned home to Tennessee. Adi began chemotherapy at a hospital near his home in January 2024, then he was referred to St. Jude.
Adi's father, Bhargav said coming to St. Jude lifted much of the burden he had been feeling over his son’s diagnosis and treatment. Adi is described as a brave and happy boy who likes video games, Legos® and walking around the hospital. “He has given us strength to keep moving forward,” his dad said.
Make an impact on the children of St. Jude
Because of your support, we can provide children cutting-edge treatments not covered by insurance, at no cost to families. Unlike other hospitals, the majority of funding for St. Jude comes from generous donors. Join us, and be part of our lifesaving mission.
St. Jude patient Emma
You might also be interested in ...
-
Why support St. Jude?
Learn how supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital helps pediatric cancer patients worldwide.
-
50 Fundraising Ideas
Looking to fundraise for St. Jude or your own cause? Get inspired with our list of the best 50 fundraising ideas.
-
Get involved with St. Jude
Learn about all the ways you can get involved with St. Jude and help support our lifesaving mission