Make your idea happen: Spring 2018

Make your idea happen with Crowdfunder

We know what it feels like… You’ve got this great idea and you know that it’s going to make life a little bit sweeter for those around you, or perhaps even for your whole community, but you’re just feeling completely stumped about where to start. Perhaps you’ve heard a little bit about ‘crowdfunding’ here and there, but you’re not really sure what it’s about and how it could work for you, and most importantly, how it could make this great idea that you’ve got turn into a reality.

Well we've got some great news. We've worked with hundreds of groups, businesses and individuals just like yourself, helping them to raise over £50million to transform their great ideas - and we've learnt a thing or two along the way.

In our brand new series of online workshops, our team of coaches will be talking all about how you can take advantage of the opportunities that crowdfunding presents - boosting your profile, connecting with your community and raising funds all at the same time.

In this three-part series, we will explore each of the key topics that you need to be clued up on to get going. The focus will be on crowdfunding for environmental community projects, but please don't be put off if you're running a different kind of project! These workshops will be relevant for anyone who is thinking about crowdfunding, so please do come along.

Schedule

1. Getting ready to crowdfund @ 5.30pm Tue 17th April
2. Creating your Crowdfunder page @ 5.30pm Tue 24th April
3. Launching your Crowdfunder project @ 5.30pm Tue 1st May

What's involved?

Each of the three online workshop is broadcast LIVE via YouTube from Crowdfunder HQ, hosted by Bertie Herrtage, our senior Crowdfunding Coach. Simply click one of links detailed below to join the session. You do not need a YouTube account to watch, but you will need to login if you'd like to contribute to the live chat (where you can get all of your questions answered in real-time!)

For the full lowdown we recommend joining all three sessions, but you can choose to watch just one or two of them if you'd prefer.

Can't join us live?

Don't worry if you miss one of the live sessions. We completely understand that people have busy schedules, so if you miss one of the live sessions, then you will be able to watch the recorded session back in your own time by clicking the same link.

Downloadable guides

There is a short PDF guide related to each of the three key topics. You can find these below.

It's a good idea to download and read through each guide before joining the online workshop. Using the guides and advice in the webinars, you'll be confident in planning, creating and running your own Crowdfunder project.

Online workshops

1. Getting ready to crowdfund (this webinar is now available to watch)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDqBrgks2yY

In this first session, we'll introduce how rewards based crowdfunding works and look at the other benefits, aside from the money. Our experts will show you how to start planning your Crowdfunder project and building a strong foundation for your campaign. We'll also look at...

• Creating your own unique project plan
• Mapping your network
• Growing your Crowd
• Getting the most out of your Crowd
• Understanding why people support Crowdfunder projects
• The skills you'll need to Crowdfund successfully
• Applying for extra funding from Crowdfunder's partners

You can download the first part of our crowdfunding guide to accompany the online workshop below. Inside you'll find a crowdfunding checklist, template network map and lots of other useful bits and pieces.

2. Creating your Crowdfunder page @ 5.30pm Tue 24th April

To join this live online workshop or to watch back later, simply click this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xArGSJkPsoU

Next we'll look at all the elements of a perfect Crowdfunder project, with insider tips on making your page shine. Our crowdfunding coaches will reveal their favourite rewards and highlight common mistakes. We'll also focus on...

• Choosing the right title
• Telling your story
• Using visual texture
• Creating a video
• Rewarding your Crowd
• Setting your target and deadline

Stay on track with the second part of our crowdfunding guide below. Inside you'll find example projects, a written description structure template, along with a formula for working out if your target is realistic.

3. Launching your Crowdfunder project @ 5.30pm Tue 1st May

To join this live online workshop or to watch back later, simply click this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8or0aVJviWI

In this final episode, we're getting ready to launch. Our crowdfunding pros will introduce the fundamental and proven strategies for success, with practical advice on promoting your project. The areas we'll focus on will include...

• Using different communication channels
• Warming up your Crowd
• Building your launch strategy
• Tailoring your messages
• Sending emails
• Using social media
• Keeping backers engaged

Complete your journey with the final part of our crowdfunding guide below. Inside there's a communication plan tempate, along with essential advice for spreading the word and reading the data on your live project dashboard.

Raising money for ideas

Crowdfunder is a community of people who are funding the change that they want to see.

Together we have funded business ideas, charities, community groups, sports clubs, political movements and much more.

We believe that people should be empowered to turn their ideas into reality, and by unlocking funding from the Crowd, we can unlock a beautiful future.

When the Crowd comes together, great things happen, so let's make your idea a reality today.

Start crowdfunding