Online fundraising is, in many ways, a new domain for people. We are all learning and setting new best practices. I think it is important if this is your first online campaign that you set a goal that you know you can reach and go beyond. $10,000 is a lot to raise the first time you try something. Unless you know you’ve got a large number of engaged people to help you get there I might set my sites at $2,000 or $3,000 and then hope to exceed that number so everyone feels like they have been part of a big success.

I’d love to hear more about your campaign when it’s done. Would you be willing to share some of your experiences about what works and doesn’t work when you’re finished? I’m collecting them here:
http://www.asmallchange.net/your-online-campaigns/

Thanks,
Jason

“This is why capital campaigns don’t go public until a large percentage of the money has already been raised”

I am starting an online fundraiser pretty soon. Let’s say my goal is $10,000. Should i try and raise, let’s say $1,000, before I actually put the fundraiser online for everyone to see? If so, do I raise money from family and friends?

Thanks.