1. The new enhanced story tool is here to help

Not sure how to write for your fundraiser story? We’ll help along the way. When drafting your fundraiser story, type at least 50 words, and then click “Enhance”. We’ll automatically suggest word choice, grammar, tone, and formatting improvements to help you create an effective and compelling fundraiser story.

2. Get inspiration from great storytellers

Wondering how to write a GoFundMe? Before you tell your own story, it’s a good idea to explore successful GoFundMe fundraisers for inspiration of courageous storytelling. For examples of fundraisers, resources on how GoFundMe works, and answers to common fundraising questions, take a look at everything you need to know to start fundraising on GoFundMe.

As you experience these fundraiser examples, ask yourself these questions:

How do these stories work to create understanding and empathy?
What can you learn from their approaches to storytelling?
For each story, are there any specific aspects that made you feel strongly?
What emotions do you want your own story to convey?

3. Start with a personal introduction

When writing a GoFundMe, start with a sentence that introduces yourself and the “main characters” of your story. Give readers (potential donors) the most relevant information first. How do you define yourself in relation to your story, or to the beneficiary? Whether it’s your role as a parent, an entrepreneur, an environmentalist, or a cancer survivor, what was it that led you to start this fundraiser? For now, keep this introductory information brief. You can always add more context if it becomes relevant later. However, be sure to tell it from the heart while also being honest and direct with your supporters.

4. Define the essential pieces of your story

After you write your introduction, start identifying the elements you need to tell your fundraiser story fully. Note which details you have, and which you may need to find or develop. Make a list of photos and videos that exist, and ones you could create. What details will make your story come alive? If you don’t have all these details right away, don’t worry. You can always come back and make edits to your fundraiser story even after you’ve created your GoFundMe.

5. Share any challenges you have faced

If you’ve tried other solutions before crowdfunding, it may be a good idea to share what you’ve done so far. Take this opportunity to also describe the effect of your struggle on your family, your local community, or society as a whole. Feel free to add more context now that readers have the basics.