Protecting invertebrates has far reaching impacts. When we ensure invertebrates have healthy habitats, we are restoring biodiversity and safe-guarding entire ecosystems.
We all need to work together to prevent the loss of species that are essential to life on Earth. Some might start a garden and some might advocate for reduced pesticide use in their city parks. Some might sign petitions or have important conversations with their neighbors.
With all the ways to get involved, hosting a fundraiser for a special occasion, like a birthday or wedding, or upcoming Giving Tuesday, is an easy and meaningful way to make a difference. For non-profits like Xerces, the “year-end” from November-December is a critical time for us to raise essential funds to continue our work in the new year.
If you think you’re ready to get started, let’s go over 3 fundraising platforms that make it easy to help the invertebrates you love.
1. Xerces
Xerces has its own peer-to-peer fundraising platform that makes it simple to raise funds among your community. You can set up your fundraiser page in just a few minutes, then easily share it through email or social media to start raising donations. Your fundraising dashboard lets you track your progress every step of the way, and all funds go directly to Xerces to further our conservation work. Plus, when you raise $200 or more, you’ll earn a prize as our way of saying thank you!
Need a hand getting started? We’re happy to help! Contact us anytime at engagement@xerces.org or 855-232-6639 x 2.
2. Facebook
Facebook offers an easy and familiar way to fundraise. Go to the “Fundraisers” section, select the Xerces Society as your nonprofit, set a fundraising goal, and customize your page with a few personal touches. Then, invite friends to support your cause, or share the fundraiser across your Facebook network.
3. Instagram
Instagram allows you to link a Xerces fundraiser to your profile, to your posts, or to your stories.
When creating a post, select “more options” and then “add fundraiser.” From there, you should be able to search “The Xerces Society” and find us as a non-profit option. Then, once you publish your post, your followers can easily click to donate.
If you’d like to add a fundraiser to your profile page, you can do so by clicking the 3 lines in the upper right corner of your profile. Then search “fundraiser” in the search bar. From there, you can click “create a fundraiser” and follow the same steps as adding a fundraiser to a post. This will put your fundraising link on your Instagram profile itself.
To add a fundraising link to an Instagram story, create your story to your liking, then, before sharing, you can click the “smiling sticky note” icon where you can add items, including a link. In the link, you can customize the display text, and use the link “xerces.org/give”.
Create an Instagram Fundraiser
5 tips for fundraising success
Now that we’ve shared three ways to host your own fundraiser, here are some tips to help make yours a success:
- Share why it matters. Tell your friends why you care about Xerces and invertebrates. Your passion will inspire others to give.
- Lead by example. Make the first donation to show your commitment and kick-start momentum.
- Keep it short. Run your fundraiser for no more than three weeks to maintain excitement and focus.
- Stay connected. Post updates, celebrate milestones, and share your progress on social media or in person.
- Say thanks. Directly thank every person who takes the time to support your cause.
Thank you!
Finally, we want to extend a huge thank-you for considering hosting a fundraiser for Xerces. Our work would not be possible without the incredible dedication of our supporters. Together, we’re making a difference for the world’s invertebrates, and we’re so grateful to have you on our team!
