Facebook has recently started harnessing its power for charitable giving with its new Facebook Fundraiser feature. This simple tool allows users to raise money for a cause important to them and a nonprofit organization of their choice.
The Meso Foundation is elated that our community members have chosen to support the Foundation through these fundraisers. As a nonprofit organization working to eradicate mesothelioma through research, education, support and advocacy, we rely on the financial support of individual donors, from whom we receive nearly 70% of our funding.
We interviewed three of our top Facebook fundraisers to learn more about why they choose to support the Foundation through Facebook and to share advice for others who may be interested in doing the same.
Monica O.
“I was turning 50 last year after my father passed away from mesothelioma and wanted to use that as a way to raise money in honor of his dying instead of receiving any gifts from people.”
“I think my Facebook Fundraiser was successful because it was personal and people could relate. Some even knew my dad and the great man that he was. So, my advice is to make the fundraiser personal and not just post a quick note and send it. The more personal it is, the more people might be willing to donate.”
Sharon G.
“Straightforward Facebook fundraisers eliminate [the] extra costs and time-consuming logistics. And, because people have very few hours for free time, it is a cost-effective way to raise funds for the person who fundraises as well as the donors.”
“It is also important that you don’t have too many fundraisers in one calendar year. Your donors may be financially unable to give more than one time, or possibly feel that they are being overburdened with the obligation to donate. You don’t want to create guilt.”
Rich D.
“Many of my friends, family members and colleagues are on the social network and actively support fundraisers, so I decided to ‘fish where the fish are.’”
“One of the keys to success is to invite others to your fundraiser. That direct invitation from you ensures they see it and you generally will get a positive response. Good luck!”
If you’re interested in creating your own Facebook Fundraiser for the Meso Foundation, go to https://www.facebook.com/fund/curemeso/, and follow these simple steps to create your fundraiser:
- Set how much you want to raise. Note: you can change this amount if you reach your goal before the fundraiser ends.
- Decide how long you want your fundraiser to run.
- Title your fundraiser.
- Tell your story – feel free to edit the language provided and tell others why you support the Meso Foundation.
- Share with your family and friends.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or 703-879-3917.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to eradicate mesothelioma and end this national tragedy. Its programs include the funding of promising and peer-reviewed research, education, support and advocacy. The organization strives to bring together thought-leaders in the field to identify the most direct path to a cure.
