Crowdfunding Support

Many attendees have used crowdfunding to make their participation possible. 

  • Crowdfunding offers an opportunity for a community to come together and support a grieving mother during one of the most difficult times in her life. Many people want to help but don't always know how to offer the right kind of support. By contributing to a crowdfunding campaign for a retreat, they can provide a grieving mother with the gift of healing, rest, and connection with others who understand her pain.

  • A retreat specifically designed for grieving mothers offers a safe, nurturing environment for emotional healing, but the financial cost can often be a barrier. Crowdfunding makes it possible for a wider network of friends, family, and even kind strangers to ease this burden. It gives people a tangible way to show their love and care, empowering the bereaved mother to attend a retreat that

 

Here are some resources: 

  • GoFundMe: One of the most well-known crowdfunding platforms, GoFundMe allows individuals to create personal fundraising campaigns for various causes, including medical expenses, memorial funds, or personal healing. It's easy to set up and share, and many people are familiar with it.

  • Fundly: This platform allows individuals to raise money for personal causes, including health, memorials, or recovery. It’s user-friendly and allows for easy sharing on social media to increase visibility and support.

  • YouCaring (now part of GoFundMe): This platform focuses on personal causes, including medical expenses and bereavement. It's often used for raising money for emotional or physical healing after loss.

  • Kickstarter: While typically used for creative projects, Kickstarter can also be a great option if the retreat is part of a larger healing project (like a community-focused event or resource for grieving mothers). It works best when there is a specific goal or project tied to the campaign.

  • GiveSendGo: A Christian-based crowdfunding platform that is often used for personal, religious, and charitable causes. It’s a good option if the retreat aligns with spiritual healing or if the community is faith-based.

 

Tips for Crowdfunding After Loss

  1. Ask someone close to you to set it up.
    It can feel overwhelming to create and manage a fundraiser while grieving. A trusted friend or family member can take care of the details and share updates on your behalf.

  2. Speak from the heart.
    Share your story honestly and briefly—what happened, why the retreat matters to you right now, and what it will help you with in your healing.

  3. Let people know how they can help.
    Many friends and family want to support you after your loss but don’t know what to do. A fundraiser gives them a clear way to contribute.

  4. Be open about why you’re asking.
    It can feel hard to ask for financial help, but remember—some people truly want to give, and this might be a meaningful way for them to show their care.

  5. Share your gratitude.
    Whether you post updates publicly or send private thank-yous, let supporters know their contribution matters to you.

  6. Spread the word.
    Ask your loved one managing the fundraiser to share it through email, social media, and private messages. Friends-of-friends may be moved to help.

Please email Betsy Winter, RTZ HOPE Director of Community Support, if you would like to discuss this in more detail.