This blog explores how social media platforms not only sustained fundraising efforts during the pandemic but, in many cases, helped them thrive.
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Facebook Challenges have become one of the most popular fundraising strategies, and it’s no wonder given Facebook’s track record—raising over $7 billion through its Facebook and Instagram fundraising tools. There’s no denying that it helps organisations and charities raise money, spread awareness, or build a sense of being in a community.
But what are these Facebook challenges, and how can they be applied in social fundraising? Let's explore it further.
In general, an organisation sets up a goal, like walking or running a certain number of miles in a month, reading or a marathon a few books, or giving up sweets or alcohol for a certain period of time. Individuals who share the same interests or were encouraged by families or friends sign up — often through a Facebook group — commit to the challenge and motivate others to donate in support.
The feeling of community is one of the reasons why Facebook Challenges is so effective. By creating a Facebook group, charities can keep their participants informed, encouraged, and excited about the challenges. Having multiple people in this setting fosters a sense of unity — imagine having a handful of accountability partners to keep you motivated and going while celebrating the progress.
You can create a challenge that inspires participants and maximises impact with a clear plan and the right steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you launch a Facebook challenge that keeps people involved and achieves your goals.
The process of running a Facebook challenge from start to finish involves several key steps, from planning and setup to ongoing management and post-challenge follow-up. Here’s a breakdown of the main stages to guide you:
Also - check out the GivePanel blog for a complete step by step guide.
Facebook challenges succeed because they tap into the power of a platform almost everyone uses daily. With its massive reach, Facebook is an ideal space for fundraising, especially when paired with the fun and interactive nature of challenges. These campaigns are popular because they’re easy to join, enjoyable to participate in and foster a strong sense of purpose and community. Their versatility is another major strength—they can be tailored to raise funds, spread awareness, or encourage positive habits.
A well-organised Facebook challenge creates excitement and urgency. Participants invite friends, share updates, and celebrate milestones, which builds momentum and draws more people in. As participants post about their progress, your cause gains greater visibility, often leading to an increase in donations.
The success of Facebook challenges often comes down to understanding what motivates people to take part and actively fundraise. So, what exactly drives people to join in and contribute? Let’s explore the key factors that make participation so compelling.
Several factors contribute to why people are motivated to participate in and fundraise through Facebook challenges. These campaigns tap into a mix of personal, social, and emotional triggers that help bring people on board. Here’s what tends to drive participation:
By leveraging these motivational elements, Facebook challenges foster a sense of excitement, connection, and purpose, drawing people in and inspiring them to raise funds actively. When a challenge is accessible, meaningful, and enjoyable, it naturally encourages engagement and support.
With all these factors making Facebook challenges so impactful, it’s clear why they’ve become a mainstay in social fundraising. However, with Meta’s recent shutdown of its fundraising tools in the EU, many organisations are left wondering how to keep these successful campaigns going.
With Meta’s recent decision to close its fundraising tools in the EU, there is now a number of organisations that seek alternative methods to continue with Facebook's challenges. Luckily, several platforms can step in to fill the gap. BetterNow is one such alternative, enabling tools to facilitate social fundraising campaigns on a platform other than Facebook's inherent features.
If you’re interested in learning more about using platforms like BetterNow for social fundraising, stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll detail how to set up your challenges and keep the momentum going