How to Run a Fundraiser Online (Free, 2026 Guide)
Running a fundraiser online means anyone, anywhere can support your cause in a few taps — no envelopes, no cash-handling, no middleman taking a cut. This guide covers setting a goal, building a donation page, taking secure payments, and keeping momentum to the finish line. You can launch one for free and have donations land directly in your own account.
Quick answer
To run a fundraiser online, set a clear goal, build a donation page with a free tool like OneSol (onesol.io) that offers suggested amounts and a custom-amount field, and connect your own Stripe so every dollar goes straight to your account. Share one link and QR code across social, email, and events, and post updates as you hit milestones.
1. Set a goal and a story
Pick a specific dollar target and a deadline, then write a short, honest story: who it helps, what the money buys, and why now. Concrete outcomes like "$50 feeds a family for a week" raise more than vague appeals.
2. Build your donation page
In OneSol, create a page with preset amounts (for example $10 / $25 / $100) plus an open "other amount" field so donors can give what they want. Add a photo, your goal, and a progress note, and keep the form to just name and email so giving takes seconds.
3. Take payments to your own account
Connect your own Stripe so donations deposit directly to you with no platform cut, only Stripe's standard processing fee. Capture each donor's email so you can thank them and report back on the impact later.
4. Promote and keep momentum
Share the single link and its QR code on Instagram, in your email list, and on printed flyers at events. Post regular updates — "70% to goal, 3 days left" — because visible progress and a deadline are what turn followers into donors.
Ready to start? OneSol is free.
Sell, book and get paid from one link — no card needed.
FAQ
Do I need to be a registered charity to fundraise online?
No — individuals and groups can raise money for personal causes, teams, or projects. Be transparent about where funds go, and check local rules and tax implications for larger or ongoing fundraisers.
What fees come out of donations?
With OneSol there's no platform commission; you only pay Stripe's standard processing fee per donation, and the rest lands in your own account.
How do donors pay?
Through secure card payment on your page, powered by your connected Stripe account, so you never handle card details yourself.
Can donors give a custom amount?
Yes. Offer a few suggested amounts plus an open field so donors can enter any amount they choose.
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