Crowdfunding Explained For You & Me To Use
RETIERED EMAIL LISTS: One of the most overlooked assets in community-based crowdfunding is the collection of retired email lists particularly those from arts organizations, galleries, theaters, restaurants, car mechanics, or any local business’ that developed a following. These lists are now in the hands of those that, while no longer actively engaged in their trade, have developed good feelings and trust from those on their list. Haven’t you ever missed a restaurant when it closed? A dry cleaner? A movie theater? Those entities still care about their former patrons that made them a success long after they close-up shop, and vice versa. By reactivating these lists they can tap into a rich pool of individuals who have a history of service and a demonstrated interest in their happiness. It’s easy to get the ball rolling to do any good deed you can think of if this is your starting point.
Crowd Source Funding doesn’t have to start from scratch. In fact, it’s often more successful when it doesn’t. When you tap into an existing list—even one that hasn’t been used in years, you’re working with people who already understand what it means to show up for something or someone. And the reach of those lists often goes far beyond a single town or zip code. Friends from college now living in another state, snowbirds who once supported your cause and now split their time between coasts, or former patrons who’ve moved but still feel a sense of loyalty. These people may not be local anymore, but they still care. A compelling, human-centered crowdfunding message, especially one sent from a familiar or once-trusted name, can cross geography and time to reawaken old networks in powerful new ways.
Crowd funded campaigns benefit from this kind of targeted outreach because they allow people to act quickly on causes they care about. When these former patrons receive a well-framed request, especially one that tells them their support can directly help an artist recover from illness, complete a project, or stay housed, it’s often enough to rekindle a sense of responsibility and pride. These lists can be used not just for one-time appeals, but for sustained engagement: updates, thank you notes, and even invitations to share the campaign with their own networks. In the right hands, a retired list isn’t outdated, it’s gold.
Crowdsource Funding, also known as Crowdfunding, is a method of raising money by collecting small contributions from a large number of people, typically via online platforms. It works by allowing individuals, organizations, or businesses to present their ideas, projects, or causes to the public, who can then choose to support them financially. This approach bypasses traditional funding sources like banks or large investors and instead relies on the collective power of community support. Historically, at this time, crowdsource funding has become an especially valuable tool, it offers greater accessibility, encourages innovation, and empowers creators and changemakers to move forward with their visions in a rapidly evolving world.
• Crowdsource funding (crowdfunding) is a way to raise money by collecting small contributions from a large number of people, usually online.
• How it works: A person or group presents a project, idea, or cause on a digital platform, and individuals voluntarily contribute funds to support it.
• No need for traditional financing: It bypasses banks, loans, and big investors, making it accessible to more people.
• Community-driven: Success depends on public interest and support, encouraging creators to engage directly with their audience.
• Timely relevance: In today’s world, it provides a flexible, grassroots way to fund creative, social, and entrepreneurial projects.
• Encourages innovation: It helps launch ideas that might otherwise be overlooked by traditional gatekeepers.
• Empowering: It gives individuals and small organizations the ability to take action and bring their visions to life
THIS ISN’T CHARITY. IT’S CULTURAL MAINTENANCE.
ARM Philosophy:
The internet doesn’t make us far apart, it puts us in the same room. Arts Rescue Mission uses tools like email, Zoom, and direct donor platforms not to scale but to reconnect. Whether you’re in a small town or a big city, you’re just down the street in the same human neighborhood.
The people we help might be Visual, Performing, or in the Literary Arts, and anyone whose work supports the living culture we all share. This is a model for quiet, localized action—with global reach. Crowdsourced funding, often referred to as crowdfunding, is a method of raising money by collecting small contributions from a large number of people, typically via online platforms. It’s widely used by non-profits and businesses, but in slightly different ways. For Non-profits the use crowdfunding could support charitable projects, cover operating costs, respond to emergencies, or launch new programs.
• Approach: Campaigns usually appeal to emotions, tell compelling stories, and emphasize social impact.
• Platforms: Spot Fund, Go Fund Me, Zeffy, Mightycause, and Fundly are common platforms.
• Incentives: Donations are often tax-deductible, and donors might receive thank-you notes or small tokens of appreciation.
Are there any outstanding non-profits charities that use crowdsource funding to repair schools, hospitals, health issues, the elderly need support? Yes several outstanding non-profit organizations use crowdsourced funding to directly support causes like school repairs, hospital needs, healthcare access, and elder care. These groups often leverage platforms like GoFundMe, GlobalGiving, or their own websites to raise funds from individuals. Here are a few notable examples.
Non-Profit Examples of Crowdfunding:
“Direct Relief” Has a focus on Healthcare and emergency medical aid worldwide. Funds are raised for medical supplies, hospital support, disaster response, and essential care. They supply hospitals and clinics in underserved areas, especially during crises (e.g., COVID-19, earthquakes, war zones). They have a unique donation system, utilizing both crowdsourcing and sometimes using peer-to-peer campaigns.
“Donors Choose”
Focus: U.S. public school classrooms.
Crowdfunding Use: Teachers post specific classroom needs (books, tech, repairs), and donors choose which projects to support.
Impact: Thousands of schools funded; high transparency—donors see exactly where their money goes.
“Global Giving”
Focus: International development projects.
Crowdfunding Use: Hosts hundreds of vetted grassroots nonprofits from around the world seeking funds for education, healthcare, infrastructure, elderly support, etc.
Impact: Used to rebuild schools, repair clinics, and fund elder support programs in both crisis and stable conditions.
“Give Directly”
Focus: Direct cash transfers to people in extreme poverty.
Crowdfunding Use: Donors fund transfers to individuals for whatever needs are most urgent—often healthcare, home repair, or elder care.
Impact: Known for transparency and data-driven effectiveness. Helps families in Africa and the U.S.
CROWDFUNDING NONPROFITS BY CATEGORY
🎨 Arts & Education
• DonorsChoose – U.S. public school classrooms
• Givebutter – Youth programs, school fundraisers, arts nonprofits
• Fundly – Used by arts orgs for local event and project funding
• Mightycause – Supports small arts nonprofits and creative community projects
🏥 Health & Emergency Aid
• Direct Relief – Medical aid in crisis zones
• GiveDirectly – Cash aid for urgent needs (medical, housing, etc.)
• GoFundMe.org – Disaster relief, medical emergencies
• One Day’s Wages – Health & sanitation in global poverty zones
🌍 Global Development & Poverty Relief
• GlobalGiving – Hundreds of grassroots development projects worldwide
• Kiva – Microloans for global entrepreneurs
• GiveDirectly – Direct cash to people in poverty
• One Day’s Wages – Targeted giving for global equality
🏠 Housing & Community Support
• GoFundMe.org – Rent relief, homelessness prevention
• Mightycause – Local housing and shelter projects
• Fundly – Community housing initiatives
🌿 Environment & Sustainability
• GlobalGiving – Environmental projects (reforestation, clean water)
• Givebutter – Used by green and conservation nonprofits
• Fundly – Environmental awareness and local clean-up projects