You have already reached 50-70 % of your current crowdfunding goal – and actually need more than this amount? Find out how you can increase your target and communicate it successfully!
Redaktion
GoodCrowd.org
Reading time: 4 min
Updated: 27.03.2025
Many crowdfunding initiators on GoodCrowd.org start out with a donation target that only covers the most important and urgent expenses. However, when it becomes apparent that many people want to support your campaign for a private person or an activist initiative, when a momentum develops, the question quickly arises as to whether it makes sense to raise the crowdfunding target.
Should I Raise the Crowdfunding Goal?
Consider whether more money might be needed than was originally planned in your target:
Has anything changed in the situation?
Is there now more detailed information about the costs available, and are they higher than originally planned?
Did you only take the most urgent expenses into account in the initial calculation?
Are there additional expenses that could further improve the situation?
Have you taken into account that a small percentage of the donations received will be deducted to cover payment processing costs? You can find more information here.
By What Percentage Can I Increase the Donation Goal?
As a guide: on average, users of our platform increase their donation goal by 20%. However, more important than the percentage difference is that your new goal fits your situation. Think about exactly what additional costs will be incurred. If you are not sure, do more research so as not to risk the trust of your donors.
It is important to know that on GoodCrowd.org, you will receive all donations that were given to you, regardless of whether you reach the new target in full or not.
You can adjust your crowdfunding target in the admin area under ‘Campaign Info’.
How Do I Communicate the Increase in the Donation Goal to My Existing Supporters?
You may be wondering how best to communicate the increase in the donation goal to your supporters. So here are a few tips on how to write the update on raising the goal:
1. First, celebrate how much you've already achieved. The immense solidarity of your donors has made this possible. 2. Then share in the next paragraph that you have increased the donation goal because donations keep coming in and the solidarity is bigger than you expected and now it seems reachable to achieve even more together. 3. Then briefly explain the reasons for the additional funding needs:
For example, tell them that you initially only calculated the most urgent and minimum costs, but that with the help of the great support, you want to achieve even more.
Explain why it is important to cover these costs as well and what positive impact this will have.
If necessary, explain why the costs are higher than originally expected.
If necessary, make it clear that you did not expect so much support and are very grateful for it.
As you can see, when raising the donation target, one thing is especially important: that you make the reasons and the use of the money transparent.
What Can You Do Now to Reach the Higher Donation Goal?
So many people have already supported you financially. This is a large community of people who would like to continue supporting you, e.g. by sharing the crowdfunding campaign or by calling for donations in their sports club or among colleagues – they can also use Christmas or their birthday as an occasion to call for donations!
Use this potential and allow your community to support you and your cause even more. Inform them in an update about what else they can do besides donate. Remember: the greater the impact of crowdfunding, the more hope, solidarity, self-efficacy and trust the donors feel. Everyone benefits. You can find more tips for spreading the word about your campaign here.
In the next step, you can also think about public relations work – the local press is always happy to report on positive stories of local solidarity. You can find tips on how to do this here.
The Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about Raising the Donation Target
1. Can I Raise the Donation Target?
You can change the crowdfunding goal and the target amount of your campaign on GoodCrowd.org at any time.
2. By How Much Can I Increase the Donation Goal?
In principle, you are free to decide by how much you increase the crowdfunding goal. On average, users on GoodCrowd.org increase the goal by 20%. However, more important than the percentage difference is that your new goal fits your situation.
3. When Should I Increase My Crowdfunding Goal?
If your crowdfunding campaign has received a lot of support and you have already achieved 50 to 70% of your previous goal, you should consider whether more money is needed than reflected in your current goal.
4. How Do I Communicate an Increase in the Donation Goal in Crowdfunding?
When increasing the donation goal, one thing is especially important: you must make the reasons and the use of the money transparent. Send an update to your donors via the admin area of your crowdfunding campaign on GoodCrowd.org to inform them. You should mention the following in the update: 1. First, celebrate reaching your initial fundraising goal. The solidarity of your donors made this possible. 2. Then, in the next paragraph, share that you have increased your fundraising goal, as it has shown how great the readiness is to step in and help. 3. Then briefly explain the reasons for the additional funding needs. Also share why it is important to cover these costs as well and what positive impact this will have.
5. Does GoodCrowd.org also Pay Out the Money if I Don't Reach My Donation Goal?
On GoodCrowd.org, you keep all donations, regardless of whether you reach, miss or exceed your donation goal. This means that every contribution helps and is paid directly to your account!
6. How Long Does a Crowdfunding Campaign Run on GoodCrowd.org?
Crowdfunding campaigns on GoodCrowd.org have no fixed duration. You can end the fundraising campaign when you have reached your fundraising goal or when you no longer receive donations. However, you can also leave it open and reactivate your community of supporters at a later date.
7. Do I Have to Pay Taxes on the Money I Receive through Crowdfunding?
Payments made via GoodCrowd.org are generally not tax-deductible donations in the legal sense, but gifts without consideration. There is a tax-free allowance for gifts. After that, gift tax applies. You can find more details here.
8. Are the Expenses Financed by Crowdfunding Checked by GoodCrowd.org?
As the campaign manager, you are responsible for ensuring that the funds are used exclusively for the purpose stated in the campaign description. Please note that you may have to provide us with evidence of how the funds are used. Therefore, please keep the receipts in a safe place. The higher the donation target, the more important it is to be able to demonstrate how the donations are used.
Now it's your turn: Collect donations with your campaign!
GoodCrowd.org – the social crowdfunding platform for everyone who wants to collect private donations easily and securely. As an initiative of a non-profit organization from Berlin, we develop the necessary tools to help you find support quickly.
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