How to raise money online in New Zealand

1. Be clear about what the money is for

Write one sentence that explains who the money is for and what it will pay for. For example: "Helping the Smith family cover rent and travel while Jake has treatment in Starship." If you cannot say it in one sentence, supporters will struggle too.

Decide who will receive the money. It can be you, another person (with their consent), a community group or a registered charity. The person or group that receives the funds needs a New Zealand bank account in their own name.

2. Set a target you can explain

Add up the real costs and show the working on your page. A target of $4,800 that lists flights, accommodation and time off work is more convincing than a round $10,000.

You can raise more than your target. It is better to reach a realistic goal and update it than to sit at 8% of a large one.

3. Write a page people want to share

Lead with the situation, then what the money will do, then how people can help. Keep sentences short. Use a real photo you have permission to use. Avoid pressure or guilt, it tends to reduce giving rather than increase it.

• A clear title that says who and what
• A short summary of two or three sentences
• The full story, with dates and specific facts
• A breakdown of how the money will be spent
• A photo you took or have permission to use

4. Get verified before you share

On Good Cause, every fundraiser is checked by a person before it can take donations. You upload photo ID, proof of the bank account and evidence of the cause. This protects donors and makes your page more credible when people share it.

5. Share it in the first 48 hours

Most donations arrive soon after a page is shared. Send it personally to 10 to 20 people who know you first, then post it on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp groups and community pages. A personal message gets far more response than a public post.

Post updates. Each update is a reason for people to share the page again, and it shows donors their money is being used as promised.

6. Receive the money

On Good Cause the cause receives 97.5% of every donation. Donors pay the card processing fee on top, so it does not come out of the amount raised. Payouts go by bank transfer to the verified account for the campaign.