How it Works
For Campaign Creators
Imagine you have a vision to make a meaningful impact within your Catholic community, and you’re ready to bring that vision to life. Second Collection is here to support you every step of the way.
Create Your Account
Your journey begins by creating an account with us. Head over to our website and click “Sign Up” to get started. You’ll need to provide your email address and create a password. After you’ve filled out these details, we’ll send you a confirmation link to verify your email address. Once you click on that link, you’re all set to start creating your campaign.
Connect Your Stripe Account to receive Payment
Once you’re account has been created, you can log in and navigate to the “Create Campaign” dashboard. From there, you will want to click on the button, “Connect Stripe”. Without connecting a Stripe account, you’re future campaign will not be able to receive payments.
Please note, that there is a 5% platform fee along with Stripe processing fees of 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction.
Launch Your Campaign
With your account ready, log in and navigate to the “Create Campaign” section. Here, you’ll start crafting your campaign. Begin by giving it a compelling title and a detailed description that captures the essence of your project. Clearly state your funding goal and set the duration for your campaign. Don’t forget to upload images or videos that will help tell your story and inspire potential donors. Once you’re happy with how it looks, hit “Submit,” and your campaign will be reviewed.
Review and Go Live
Our team will review your campaign to ensure it aligns with our guidelines. This step is crucial to make sure your project is ready to resonate with potential supporters. You’ll receive an email notification once your campaign is approved and officially live.
Promote and Engage
Now that your campaign is live, it’s time to spread the word. Share your campaign on social media, through email, and any other channels you can think of. Regular updates will keep your supporters engaged and informed. Remember to express your gratitude to those who contribute to your cause.
Manage Your Funds
Keep an eye on your campaign dashboard to track donations. Funds will be disbursed according to our payment schedule, so make sure your bank details are accurate to facilitate smooth transfers. As your campaign concludes, you’ll receive the funds to use as intended.
Share the Impact
Once your campaign ends, share the results and the impact of the contributions with your supporters. This is a chance to show how their generosity has made a difference and to thank them for their support.
For Donors
As a donor, your journey with Second Collection is all about making a meaningful difference.
Discover Campaigns
Browse through our site to find campaigns that resonate with you. Whether you’re interested in supporting a local parish project, a school initiative, or a ministry need, you’ll find a variety of causes to explore. Click on any campaign to read more about it.
Contribute to a Cause
When you find a campaign you want to support, simply click the “Donate” button. Enter the amount you wish to contribute, provide your payment details through our secure processor, and optionally include a personal message to the campaign creator.
Receive Confirmation
After your donation is processed, you’ll receive an email confirming your contribution. This email will include a receipt for your records, detailing your donation and the campaign it supported.
Track the Impact
Return to the campaign page to see updates and follow the progress. Campaign creators will share how the funds are being used and the impact they’re making. Your support helps bring these projects to life, and staying informed lets you see the difference you’re making.
Get in Touch
If you have any questions or need assistance, our support team is here to help. Reach out via our contact form on the website or email us at [email protected].
What makes for a good campaign?
Creating a successful campaign on Second Collection requires a combination of passion, clarity, and strategy. Here’s what sets apart a compelling campaign that resonates with donors and achieves its goals:
2. Engaging Storytelling
People connect with stories. Share the journey behind your campaign—what inspired it, the challenges you’ve faced, and the impact you hope to achieve. Use personal anecdotes, quotes from beneficiaries, and testimonials to create a narrative that draws donors in. High-quality images and videos can also help bring your story to life, making it more engaging and memorable.
1. Clear and Compelling Purpose
Your campaign should have a clear and specific goal. Whether it’s funding a new parish community center, supporting a school initiative, or advancing a ministry project, articulate the purpose of your campaign with precision. A compelling story that connects emotionally with potential donors will make your cause stand out. Explain why the project is important, who will benefit, and how the funds will be used.
4. Strong Visual Appeal
Presentation matters. Ensure your campaign page is visually appealing with high-resolution images and a clean layout. Use visuals that reflect the essence of your project and make the campaign page inviting. A well-designed page can significantly impact a donor’s decision to contribute.
3. Well-Defined Goals and Milestones
Set a clear financial target and outline how the funds will be used. Break down your goal into smaller, manageable milestones to show progress and keep donors informed. This not only helps in tracking your campaign’s progress but also gives donors a sense of accomplishment as each milestone is reached.
6. Regular Updates and Communication
Keep your supporters engaged with regular updates. Share milestones, challenges, and successes throughout your campaign. Update your campaign page frequently with news and progress reports. This not only keeps current donors informed but also attracts new supporters who see the ongoing momentum.
5. Detailed Budget Breakdown
Transparency builds trust. Provide a detailed budget breakdown to show how every dollar will be spent. This includes costs for materials, services, and any other expenses related to your project. Donors are more likely to contribute when they see a well-planned and transparent use of funds.
8. Effective Promotion
Promote your campaign across multiple channels to reach a wider audience. Utilize social media, email newsletters, community events, and local networks to spread the word. The more visibility your campaign gets, the higher the chances of reaching your funding goal.
7. Engaging with Your Audience
Interact with potential donors and supporters. Respond to comments, answer questions, and show appreciation for contributions. Building a relationship with your audience fosters a sense of community and encourages more people to support your cause.
10. Realistic Timeline
Set a realistic timeline for your campaign. Ensure the duration is long enough to reach potential donors but not so long that it loses momentum. A well-planned timeline helps create urgency and encourages timely contributions.
9. Gratitude and Acknowledgment
Express your gratitude to donors. Personalized thank-you messages and acknowledgments make supporters feel valued and appreciated. Consider offering updates on how their contributions are making a difference or inviting them to events related to the campaign.
By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a campaign that resonates with donors, builds trust, and effectively supports your cause. Your campaign will not only achieve its goals but also create a lasting impact on your community.