Does anyone know about how raising funds online works?
Asked by
Adagio (
14059
)
June 29th, 2012
I guess I should first explain why I would like to raise funds, I’d like to know if it is a legitimate reason for fundraising online. Because of serious physical impairment I find myself confined to bed 95% of the time, the only parts of my body I can consciously move are my head and shoulders. As the ability to use my hands decreased more and more I felt increasingly confined and limited by my physical impairment. For the past 3½ years I have been operating a computer by voice, using Dragon Naturally Speaking, the ability to do this re-opened the world to me.
Unfortunately I now find I need to replace all the hardware on my computer and have someone very qualified for the job who has offered to build what I require for approximately one third the price of buying the equivalent off-the-shelf. I know the person well enough and completely trust his expertise. My problem is that I do not have the funds needed and because the initial set up was funded by my father I am very reluctant to ask him for financial assistance again.
Lately I have heard mention of people fundraising using the Internet and wonder whether this would be a suitable project or because it is for myself would be considered not quite kosher?
If there is anyone out there who can give me any information about raising funds online, what websites I should look at etc etc I would be very grateful if you would share your knowledge with me.
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
6 Answers
Somehow I imagined I would have lots of responses by now, I’d love to hear from you, even if you think what you have to offer is only 2c worth, it may be just the 2c I need to start my journey
Are you in New Zealand? I have a old 1.8GHz Core2Duo iMac I don’t use. It might be better than what you have but shipping would destroy me to get it to NZ.
There are two large fundraising sites right now that represent where things are probably headed.
One is Kickstarter, which is intended to raise funds to get an idea off the ground. Some of them are products, some are books, plays, music, shows, games, etc. But usually people pledge and are promised something in return (like the product, a t-shirt, their name recognized in some way).
It probably wouldn’t be a good fit for what you’re looking for.
The other is Indiegogo which is more general purpose. People can donate to anything they’d like to. Some folks raise money for charity or for worthy causes like yours. I think you’d have better luck there.
Specifically you might check out their health section for some ideas.
I’d say generally if you can get someone else to start the campaign for you, or if you can find others in a similar situation to yours to help as well, you’d be more successful.
Like @johnpowell I have some computer parts around that I don’t use any more, do you know what your current set up is? What will the new one be? How much are you trying to raise?
Maybe we can help.
@funkdaddy thank you so much for all the information, I think I will have a look at the Indiegogo site, it sounds like a good place to start. In so far as my actual computer is concerned, it was especially set up for me by an organisation which focuses on communications for those with physical impairments. The computer is still working but it is getting tired, hence the need for new hardware, I will need just under NZ$1000, not a huge amount but beyond my means at present. I will still be using the existing monitor, speakers etc, I’m not much of a technophile but the system I have presently is perfect for my needs, just needing a little injection of replacement hardware.
I tried it once but it wanted you to solicit all your fb friends so I didn’t end up doing it. Good luck I hope you get the money you need- can you get a grant from the government? I know in Australia they have grants for the hardware you need.
Answer this question 
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
Composing members:
0
