How to write a fundraising story
People give to people they trust. A clear story, an honest amount and a few good photos do more than long paragraphs. Follow this structure and your page will be ready in minutes.
- Free to start. Zanja keeps 5% of each donation and nothing else.
- Supporters give with Airtel Money, MTN MoMo, Zamtel Kwacha, Visa and Mastercard.
- Cash out to mobile money or a Zambian bank account (minimum K50).
A structure that works
- Start with the person: who they are and one detail that makes them real.
- What happened: the problem, in plain words, with dates.
- What the money is for: the total, broken into parts (for example hospital bill, medicine, transport).
- What happens next: the date the money is needed and what you will do with it.
- How you will keep supporters informed.
Set an honest amount
Use a quote, invoice or fee statement where you can. People trust a goal of K14,350 based on a hospital quote more than a round number. If you need things rather than cash, a wish list with prices per item is even clearer.
Photos and proof
Use a real, recent photo of the person or the project. Add a document if you can (with private details covered). On Zanja you can list people supporters can call to confirm the fundraiser, such as a pastor, headteacher or doctor.
Mistakes to avoid
- Writing only “please help” without saying what for.
- Hiding who will receive the money.
- Changing the story or amount without explaining why.
- Asking people to send money to several different numbers.
Open fundraisers you can support
Lusaka
End drug abuse in kaunda square stage 1, kaunda square welfare programs
For Kaunda square
K65 raised of K2,000,000
10 donations · ends 15 Jan
Lusaka
HELP A BROTHER OUT
K150 raised of K1,500
2 donations
Copperbelt
Help my family, my father is too old for work and my mother just had surgery and we are having financial challenges
K5 raised of K5,000
1 donation
Lusaka
Help Me Pursue My Education and Build a Better Future
K0 raised of K100,000
0 donations
Lusaka
RAISING OF SCHOOL FEES
K0 raised of K17,000
0 donations · ends 30 Dec
Lusaka
Help me pay rent
K0 raised of K2,000
0 donations · ends 12 Mar
Frequently asked questions
How long should a fundraising story be?
Three to six short paragraphs is enough. Most people read on a phone, so put the most important facts first.
Can I write the story for someone else?
Yes. Say who you are and how you know them, and name the person the money is for.
