Crowdfunding, or crowdsourcing, is a concept that has been around for a few years now. For those unfamiliar with it, crowdfunding is essentially the act raising funds for a project, product or charity in small amounts via large numbers of people, online.

Initially it was designed to help start-ups and entrepreneurs achieve the funds required to “kickstart” their ideas and projects. Individuals then got on board the concept, raising funds for causes that generally focussed on medical needs or aids for family or friends.

More recently, Not For Profits (NFPs) have embraced the idea of crowdfunding. It has a two- fold effect, raising much needed funds for some very worthwhile organisations, as well as raising considerable awareness of the organisation and the cause it supports.

Unlike merely posting all over social media and asking followers and likers to donate via PayPal or a bank account, going door to door or harassing patrons in shopping centres, crowdfunding is a more structured with multiple sites popping up on the web over the last few years specifically to support charities and not for profits to raise funds.

Start Some Good is a great example of how to effectively and efficiently crowdfund for NFPs, and provides a platform for you to start your campaign, including tips and information on how to run the most effective and successful campaign.

Catering for all sorts of campaigns, causes and events, it is as simple as entering your details, providing information, both written and video, about your cause or campaign and encouraging others to get inspired to support you.

Crowdfunding works for all kinds of causes, too, from providing books, pencils and other materials to children in developing countries, through to building wells or providing water, and even closer to home, providing resources to families in need, or providing a voice for people with disabilities.

You may choose to simple call out for donations to raise funds, or create a specific challenge or campaign and ask for sponsors to help raise the necessary funds.

Whatever it is your Not For Profit stands for, you can step up and Start Some Good, right now.