Cause Momentum is a crowdfunding website created specifically for nonprofits in the Ozarks.
Its mission: “to initiate connections between individuals and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ agency partners through project-based fundraising.”
There have been 23 Cause Momentum projects since the platform was launched in 2013. Any charitable organization with 501(c)3 status in central or southern Missouri may use the Cause Momentum platform.
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks maintains the Cause Momentum platform. Media Director Matt Lemmon was part of the team that created and implemented the project and is responsible for the upkeep and organization of both the website and each project.
To start a Cause Momentum project for your organization, he recommends following these six steps:
1. Your organization must be a tax-exempt nonprofit organization with 501(c)3 status.
Cause Momentum is modeled after Kickstarter, a crowdfunding site for creative projects, but it is only for funding causes in the local community.
2. Be an agency partner with CFO.
Agency partners have funds with CFO and have worked with the foundation before.
3. Create an account at CauseMomentum.org.
Go to CauseMomentum.org, and click “sign up.” This site will take you through the process of creating an account, which allows CFO to keep records of names and information about the donors for your project.
4. Create a profile page as an agency.
Get in contact with Lemmon at CFO to get your agency profile page set up. He will be your main contact person before, during, and after the project.
5. Lay a successful groundwork for your project before launching it.
Creating the foundation for your project includes getting a promotional plan in place. CFO will provide the tools and the support for your organization’s Cause Momentum project, but it is up to you to do the promotional side of it.
Lemmon recommends “laying the successful groundwork for a project before launching it.” Your organization’s biggest sponsors, board, staff, and volunteers should all be aware of the Cause Momentum project before it begins. A promotional plan could include social media posts and news releases.
6. After the 45-day project launches, keep constant communication with your potential donors during the period.
Get creative and have a good time with it. Keeping in constant with potential donors over the course of the 45-day project requires some work, but your Cause Momentum project will not be successful if the people who care most about it do not get involved.
