Online fundraising has never been easier—or more effective—than with Cheddar Up. Whether you’re rallying support for a local cause, organizing a school fundraiser, or powering a nonprofit campaign, creating an online fundraising page lets you reach donors far and wide with just a few clicks.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to create an online fundraising page that looks professional, inspires generosity, and produces results.
Why Online Fundraising Matters
Online fundraising allows organizations and individuals to collect donations from anywhere, at any time. With a platform like Cheddar Up, you can create a custom fundraising page, accept various forms of payment, and keep your supporters engaged—all without requiring donors to download an app or create an account.
Check out our fundraiser template gallery to see how easy it can be to collect from your community. Then follow the three easy steps below to get your own online fundraising page up and running in minutes.
Add your online fundraising page details
After signing up for a free Cheddar Up account, click “Create a Collection” from your dashboard. This is where your online fundraising journey begins.
Customize your fundraising page with:
- A title and description that clearly outlines your cause and motivates donors.
- A compelling banner image or logo that visually reinforces your mission.
- Custom URL for easy sharing—make it memorable and on-brand.
Your fundraising page should inspire trust and make it easy for supporters to contribute to your cause online.
Add online fundraising donation items
On Cheddar Up, “items” are what donors interact with. For online fundraising, you’ll want to create:
Open Amount Items
Let donors contribute any amount they choose.
Fixed Amount Items
Offer suggested donation tiers (e.g., Gold, Silver, Bronze).
Recurring Payments
Enable monthly or annual giving for long-term support. Recurring payments are a Team feature.
Having multiple donation options increases accessibility and encourages higher contributions.
PRO TIP: Recurring Donations for Online Fundraising Matter!
They’re one of the most powerful strategies in online fundraising today. A recurring donation model creates predictable revenue, increases overall contributions, and deepens donor engagement. People love the ease of “set it and forget it” giving, and your cause benefits from reliable, sustained support.
Turn on online fundraising features
Once your page is set up, it’s time to take your online fundraising to the next level. These Cheddar Up features are specifically designed to increase donations, reduce friction, and create a top-tier donor experience:
Online fundraising goal
Visually display your campaign’s progress to drive urgency and inspire action. When supporters see you’re halfway to your goal—or just $100 away—they’re more likely to chip in. It’s a simple nudge with a big impact.
Echeck payment method
Unlock lower processing fees, especially for large gifts. Many big donors prefer eChecks for security and cost-efficiency. At just $0.95 per transaction on the Team Plan, it’s a win for both your fundraising total and your budget.
Flexible fee coverage
You choose who covers the processing fees—your organization, the donor, or give them the choice. Many donors are happy to cover the small fee, meaning you receive more of every contribution.
Custom email receipt
Automatically send personalized thank-yous and official receipts. Add your tax ID, impact statement, or a warm message of gratitude. This small gesture can turn a one-time donor into a lifelong champion.
PRO TIP: Customize your online fundraising page URL
Make sure to customize your fundraising page URL before you share or publish it with your community. Learn how to do that here.
Bonus: Best Practices for Successful Online Fundraising
Online fundraising isn’t just about launching a page and hoping for the best. These proven best practices can elevate your campaign from good to exceptional:
Set Clear Online Fundraising Goals
Define exactly what you’re raising money for and how much you need. Concrete goals make your fundraiser feel real and urgent.
Tell Your Story
- Donors give to people, not pages. Share the “why” behind your cause—what problem are you solving, and who are you helping? Use visuals and heartfelt messaging to make your story unforgettable.
Keep Donors Updated
Fundraising is a relationship, not a transaction. Use Cheddar Up’s built-in communication tools to share milestones, thank-yous, and updates. Let donors feel the impact of their generosity.
Utilize Social Media
Every like, share, and save expands your reach. Create platform-optimized content that makes your online fundraising campaign easy to spread organically.
Analyze and Adapt
Use Cheddar Up’s tracking and reporting features to analyze your fundraising efforts. Understand what’s working and what’s not, and be ready to adapt your strategy accordingly.
Follow-Up Post Campaign
When the donations stop, your relationship with donors shouldn’t. Send a wrap-up email, spotlight your results, and publicly recognize top supporters. Gratitude is your secret weapon for recurring donations and long-term engagement.
Your online fundraising page is ready to go!
With Cheddar Up, online fundraising is fast, easy, and cost-effective. Whether you’re part of a small group or a large nonprofit, you can start collecting donations in minutes.
