When all sponsors say ‘no’ to your sports dreams, is it time to say ‘yes’ to Crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is a method of raising funds, usually in smaller increments as a way to fundraise. The donations are aimed at a wide audience, asking for small donations, with the size of the crowd being the determining factor in making a good return. When you think about it, $1 is a lot when you reach 50k people, which is an unlikely investment from a sponsorship unless you’re already established and sought after.

It differs from traditional sponsorship in that it’s up to your ability to convince others to give just a small donation out of desire to help another achieve. Crowdfunding has been wildly successful for many people, and it’s one of the best modern solutions to getting the funds you need, without having to focus on a few select options to attain sponsorship.

Getting Started with Crowdfunding

Setting up a crowdfunding campaign is relatively simple. It needs a clear and concise mission, and an outcome that people can expect from their donation.

You have many options to set up your campaign, and there are even websites and groups that help you in getting the word out and assisting in your success (although they often have a fee), doing it on your own is the best option if you have the time and integrity to build a great setup that grabs the attention of a prospective donation.  

One of the key aspects how having a successful and hot crowdfunding campaign is the ability to stay on top of your efforts through media, you need to not only get attention, you also need to maintain it. Some efforts may start slow and may take some time to gain steam. It really is a mixed bag, but a great pitch and an exciting attitude can get people shelling out the bills to see another succeed.

One example is myself. I always liked seeing a prospect reach their dreams. I’ve given around $120 to five different crowdfunding campaigns this year — mostly for up-and-coming martial artists — and that is pretty much what it takes. Something one can relate to, and someone that needs a little assistance in getting there. In my view, subsequent donations come when you keep active in your campaign and update your donors with your efforts and achievements.

Where Should You Crowdfund?

As I mentioned earlier, there are many solutions to setting up crowdfunding. SPONSOR.ME, Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and CrowdFunder are the most popular. If you’re looking for a sports specific site, our very own fundraising tools might be a good fit.

Using media platforms like Instagram, Tumblr, and good ol’ Facebook to further grow your crowd and further your reach are essential. So it’s never a bad Idea to look into crowdfunding sites, especially in your fist endeavors or as a single athlete. However, if you have a team of people or feel your have the ability to achieve a proper campaign on your own, it is certainly doable.

This DIY article gives a good idea of how to tackle crowdfunding without the help of a  for-profit website. Knowing WordPress can also be an excellent solution in self-hosting a crowdfunding site.

At the end of the day, it’s best to sit down and write down your goals, expectations — and most of all — your capabilities realistically for what you need to achieve this. Don’t be afraid to get some help if you need it. But if you feel you have the skills, it’s possible, and there are plenty of people looking to fund someone with a dream.