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Crowdfunding FAQs
Crowdfunding with Bloom
Q: How does crowdfunding work?
Crowdfunding harnesses the power of email and social media so that you can raise money for your cause. Simply ask supporters to make online donations directly to your customized website.
Q: What is the difference between the Express and Premium Package?
The Express Package is "self-serve." It is ideal for any organization that has crowdfunding experience and will need little to no support to set up and run a campaign.
The Premium Package is "full-service". You will receive complete support from a dedicated Account manager who will set up and monitor your page with you. You can expect to regularly interact with the account manager from start to finish.You, along with your fundraiser's participants, will be emailed helpful tips and reminders throughout the fundraiser. This package is best for any organization with little to no crowdfunding experience or that has busy leaders with little time to set up and monitor an online fundraiser.
Q: Is it safe?
We use the absolute best in secure payment encryption technology. Online donations are completely safe and your money is deposited securely to your bank account at the end of the fundraiser via direct deposit or check.
Q: Does it cost anything to get started?
There are no upfront costs to start a crowdfunding program. That means it is free to create and share your online fundraising campaign! See the charges and fees section for information about the cost of running a fundraiser.
Q: Is there a time limit for my fundraising campaign? How long is a typical campaign?
We suggest that you run a 3-4-week long fundraiser. Let us know if you need extra time. Although each client has the option to decide how long their campaign will run, having established start and end dates helps your campaign to accelerate participation.
Q. Who will donate to my campaign?
Using email and social media, ask your friends and family members to make donations and to help you spread the word about your campaign. Don’t forget to encourage them to share your campaign with their friends and family.
Q. I need a join code to sign up as a participant. Where do I get it?
Your fundraiser’s leader will distribute your join code at the beginning of the fundraiser. You can either text to join or join online. You can also contact us at info@bloomforgood.com or call 844-534-3168.
Q. How do I find my personal link to my campaign?
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Sign-in to your account.
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Click on your fundraiser’s cover photo (it will open to your personal link) and copy that web address from your browser to share your campaign.
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Or, click on the three vertical dots (more) to show your personal link and copy that web address to share your campaign.
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Contact us at info@bloomforgood.com or call 844-534-3168 if you have any trouble finding your personal link.
Q. How do I share my campaign?
There are few convenient ways for you to share your campaign.
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Email: Share your personal link within a personalized email to your supporters.
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Social Media: Share your personal link by copy and pasting it into your social media posts.
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Text Message Using Your Smartphone: Simply copy and paste your personal link into a personalized text message to your supporters.
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Text Message Using Website Tool: Simply log-in as a participant and enter the phone numbers that you would like the website to send the request to donate. Your supporters will receive the request from 435-222-2040.
Q. How will I know if someone donates?
Donations are published in real-time on your fundraising website for all to see. Please note, the only information published is the donation amount and the name of the donor (unless he/she chooses to remain anonymous). No contact information is made publicly available. Leaders can also track the progress of all their participants when they log in as a leader and view their leader dashboard.
Q. Can donors give privately?
Yes, donors can choose to make an anonymous donation.
Q. Is there a minimum donation?
The minimum donation is $15.
Q. Can I track my fundraiser?
As a leader or participant, login to your fundraiser to view your supporters’ email information if you would like to send them a thank you note.
Q. What if I don't reach my goal?
You do not need to reach your goal to receive the funds you’ve raised.
Q. Do I have to be a non-profit to run a crowdfunding program?
No, we work with any group who would like to raise money for a cause.
Q. How can I thank my supporters after my campaign has ended?
As a leader or participant, login to your fundraiser to view your supporters’ email information if you would like to send them a thank you note.
Payment Policy, Charges, Taxes and Fees
Q: What is the payment policy?
Payment Policy
Audited reports of payment amounts (less usage charges and credit card fees) are made available the first week of the month following your fundraiser. Payments are handled by a third-party accounting firm and will be received by the fundraising entity using the ACH information provided no later than the first 10 days of the same month.
Please note, if your fundraiser is active over the span of several months, you will receive several payments.
Example:
Fundraiser Start Date: May 3rd
Fundraiser End Date: July 15
Approximate Payment Dates: June 10th, July 10th, August 10th
Q: When will I receive payment?
Please see the payment policy noted above.
Q: What are the charges and fees associated with running a fundraiser?
Express Package
Bloom Service Fee: $3 per transaction.
Credit Card Processing Fee: Varies based on the credit or debit card used, but is no more than 3.5% of the total amount.
Technology and Processing Fee: $3 per transaction (charged to the donor and not deducted from your fundraiser’s profits).
Examples of net profit percentages per donation to fundraising organizations are as follows:
$25.00 = 83% profit
$50.00 = 90% profit
$75.00 = 92% profit
$100.00 = 93% profit
Premium Package
Bloom Service Fee: $8 per transaction.
Credit Card Processing Fee: Varies based on the credit or debit card used, but is no more than 3.5% of the total amount.
Technology and Processing Fee: $3 per transaction (charged to the donor and not deducted from your fundraiser’s profits).
Examples of net profit percentages per donation to fundraising organizations are as follows:
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$25.00 = 63% profit
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$50.00 = 80% profit
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$75.00 = 85% profit
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$100.00 = 88% profit
Q: Will my donors be charged?
Donors will be charged the technology and processing fee which is $3 per transaction. (Please see charges and fees listed above.)
Q: What about taxes?
No taxes are charged on donations or fees.
Q: Are donations tax deductible?
Please check with your tax professional to see if your donation can be tax deductible.
Q: How do I collect the money raised?
You can either receive fund via direct deposit or we can send you a physical check.
Q: Can I take the funds I raised with me if I leave my group?
No, a total of all funds that you raise will be distributed to the leader that contracted with Bloom.
Your Gift to Supporters
Q: What do my supporters get for donating?
Your supporter will receive a one-year membership to VIP Bonus Rewards or Rebel Level Rewards, depending on the program your group is running. Both memberships offer exclusive savings to hundreds of retailers nationwide. Click the links above to view the deals offered in your area.
Q: Where can my supporters enjoy their savings?
Your supporters can use deals from their savings membership anywhere in the United States! Featured retailers include Target, Kohl's, Sears, Sam's Club, Olive Garden, Papa Johns, and AMC Theater. Click here to view a full list of participating brands for VIP Bonus Rewards. Click here to view a full list of participating brands for Rebel Level Savings
Q: When does the membership expire?
Memberships are good for one year from the time the membership ID is activated.
Q: How do donors receive their memberships?
As soon as a donor completes their donation, an email is sent to them with a receipt of their transaction, their unique membership ID and instructions on how to get started.