What it is
Fundraising is the umbrella term for asking people to give or contribute toward a goal. It includes bake sales, banquets, mail appeals, grant applications, major-donor conversations, and many other methods.
Crowdfunding is one type of fundraising. It uses an online campaign page to share a story and invite many people, often in smaller amounts, to support a goal. Conservative crowdfunding applies that approach to causes, projects, and ventures that reflect faith, family, freedom, and community values.
Crowdfunding itself comes in different forms. Donation-based campaigns ask for gifts, reward-based campaigns offer a thank-you item, and equity crowdfunding involves securities and is a separate, regulated topic. Equity raises must go through an SEC-registered funding portal or broker-dealer, and investing is risky and illiquid.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditional fundraising often relies on personal relationships and local events. A church might hold a dinner, a school might run a drive, and a nonprofit might send letters or meet with larger supporters one on one.
These methods can build strong community bonds, but they often depend on location, volunteer time, and who a group already knows. Reach can be limited by how many people can attend or be contacted directly.
Crowdfunding became popular because it lets a story travel through email, social media, and word of mouth. It still depends on trust and clear communication, and no approach guarantees results. Many people blend both: events and personal asks offline, plus an online page to make giving easy.
How the right fundraising pro may help
The right fundraising pro may help you decide whether crowdfunding, traditional fundraising, or a mix fits your goal, your audience, and your timeline. A campaign strategy and planning provider may help you set a clear goal, map out who you will ask, and plan outreach before you launch.
A story, copy, and campaign video provider may help you explain your need honestly and specifically so supporters understand where their money goes. A first conversation is usually about your goal, your community, and what you have already tried.
Good questions to ask include: What experience do you have with campaigns like mine? How do you handle platform terms and payout rules? How will we keep the campaign truthful and the use of funds clear? What will you do, and what will remain up to me? Remember that no provider can promise a campaign will succeed.
The bigger picture
Asking for help can feel vulnerable, especially when the need is personal or tied to your faith community or family. Choosing a method that fits your comfort level and your supporters can reduce stress and help you stay focused on the goal itself.
Money worries can weigh on sleep, relationships, and peace of mind. Taking time to plan, set realistic expectations, and lean on trusted people can help. If you are also looking for wellbeing support, Providers.plus is one place to explore independent providers.
Keep in mind
- Be truthful and specific. Misusing donations or misrepresenting a need can be fraud.
- Read the terms of service, fee structure, and payout policies of any platform you use, and follow them fully.
- Whether funds are taxable or deductible depends on the facts, so ask a tax professional before you launch.
- Equity crowdfunding is different from donation crowdfunding and is regulated, so speak with a securities attorney and review SEC guidance. 2A Crowd is an independent directory and does not give legal, tax, or investment advice.
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Start a fundraiser →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between crowdfunding and fundraising?
Fundraising is the broad practice of gathering support for a goal, while crowdfunding is one online method within it. Fundraising can include events, appeals, grants, and personal asks. Crowdfunding uses a shareable campaign page to invite many people to contribute.
Is crowdfunding the same as fundraising?
No, crowdfunding is a type of fundraising, but not all fundraising is crowdfunding. A church dinner or a mailed appeal is fundraising but not crowdfunding. Many people use both together.
Which is better, crowdfunding or traditional fundraising?
Neither is better for everyone, because the right fit depends on your goal, audience, and time. Traditional fundraising can build local relationships, while crowdfunding can reach people beyond your area. A fundraising pro may help you weigh the options, though no method is guaranteed to work.
Can I use both crowdfunding and fundraising events?
Yes, many people combine them. An in-person event can be paired with an online page so people who cannot attend can still take part. Keeping your message consistent across both is generally helpful.
Is money raised through crowdfunding taxable?
It depends on the facts, including the type of campaign, who receives the money, and how it is used. Do not assume an outcome either way. Ask a qualified tax professional about your situation.
Is equity crowdfunding the same as donation crowdfunding?
No, equity crowdfunding involves selling securities and is regulated, while donation crowdfunding asks for gifts. Equity raises must go through an SEC-registered funding portal or broker-dealer, and investing is risky and illiquid. Speak with a securities attorney and review SEC guidance before considering it.
Educational resource. 2A Crowd shares general information and connects people with independent fundraising pros. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.