FAQ Fundraising Campaigns

1. How can I sell fixed-priced (sellable) items on my site without supporters having to log in?
2. How can I sell Signups Parties?
3. How should I set up a give site?
4. Can we set up a site that accepts Cash Donations?
5. How can I sell Mugs, T-shirts, and Hoodies online?
6. What's the Best Way to Sell Alumni Merchandise Online?
7. Can I accept recurring or one-time donations without requiring guests to register or log in?
8. Can we create separate fundraisers for classrooms or teams under one site?

A: When it comes to raising money for your cause, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you want to keep things simple or build excitement, choosing between Fundraising Campaigns and Online Auctions depends on your goals—and how you want supporters to engage.
 

I. Fundraising Campaigns: Perfect for Easy Giving & Fixed-Price Sales. 
If you're looking for a straightforward way to accept cash donations or sell fixed priced items like t-shirts, signup parties, raffle tickets, or event passes, Fundraising Campaigns are your best bet.

  When to choose a campaign:

• You’re selling fixed-price items (like merch, pre-orders, signup parties, or sponsorships).
• You have multiple groups (like classrooms or teams) each running their own fundraiser.
• You're planning an ongoing or long-term fundraising effort (recurring cash donations).

  Why they work:

• Easy for donors: No account or login required
• Built-in engagement: Campaign pages can include updates and moderated comments (crowdfund)
• Easy to promote: Personalized invitations and integrated tools for Facebook, Twitter, and email

II. Online Auctions: Great for Bidding Wars & Event Energy
Want to bring some excitement to your fundraising? Online Auctions are a great way to engage supporters with friendly competition and time-limited bidding.

  When to run an auction:

• You’ve got great donated items or experiences
• You want to create excitement and a sense of urgency
• You’re planning a special event with a defined start and end time

  Why auctions shine:

• Potential for higher revenue: Bidding can push prices above the item value
• Creates urgency: The ticking clock keeps participants engaged
• Wide accessibility: Supporters can bid from anywhere, anytime

The Bottom Line
Fundraising Campaigns are simple, flexible, and perfect for fixed-price items (stores) and direct cash donations.
While Online Auctions generate excitement and can bring in bigger bids—but they take a bit more planning and management.

You don’t have to choose just one—many organizations use both to reach more supporters in different ways.

1. How do I promote my fundraising campaign?
2. Can I invite supporters to participate in my campaign?
3. How do I enable and use Text-to-Give?
4. Where can I find the link to my fundraising campaign to share on social media?
5. What are the best ways to get more visibility for my campaign?

A: There are a few options when it comes to promoting your fundraising campaign:

1. Invite your supporters to give. See instructions here: Sending Invitations to Support Fundraising Campaign
2. Consider using Text-to-Give for your campaign. See more about that feature here: Setting Up Text-to-Give. If you'd like to use Text to Give, you can enable the feature by going to Site Settings > Events > Fundraising Campaigns > Text-to-Give.
3. And of course, you can post a link to your campaign on your Social Media. Find that URL on the first screen of your campaign setup. (Site Settings > Events > Fundraising Campaigns > Campaigns)

1. Is there a way to sell tickets without requiring guests to complete a registration form?
2. Can I make the purchase process faster for supporters who just want to buy tickets?
3. Should I use a Fundraising Campaign instead of the Catalog to sell tickets?
4. Can I offer items like drink tickets, childcare passes, or raffle entries for sale without asking guests to create user accounts?
5. How do I sell tickets for a fundraiser that doesn’t include bidding?
6. What’s the simplest way to sell admission tickets without needing bidder numbers or carts?

A: If your event requires admission but does not involve bidding or shopping carts, you might find it easier to offer tickets (as items) on a Fundraising Campaign page.

This setup simplifies both the back-end configuration and the guest experience—no bidder numbers, carts, or check-in required. It’s a great option for casual events or fundraisers where the focus is on entry rather than auction activity.