Every year, hundreds of people start online campaigns through my1MISSION.org to raise money to provide houses for families in poverty. In 10 years, we’ve seen nearly 3,000 campaigns, and each one has been unique.

We love seeing the creativity and passion each new campaigner brings to the table. Whether giving up birthdays, running races, growing beards, or selling prom dresses, campaigners go all in to put families in houses.

But as any of these campaigners will tell you, fundraising can be hard. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Along with some of our all-star campaigners, we created this list of tips for running a successful campaign and having fun doing it.

1. Knowledge is power
As Simon Sinek says in his famous TED Talk, start with why. Before launching your campaign, it’s important to know how to answer the “why” question. So step one is to read up on what life is like for families in poverty, why housing makes a big difference, and why community development is crucial for any long-term impact. Once you get a grasp of the basics, you’ll be able to let your supporters know how their donation is helping and why it matters to you.

2. Customize your campaign page
Make it personal. Most of your donations will come from friends and family who want to support you just as much as they want to support the cause. Upload a profile picture that represents your personality. Then write about why this is important to you and why it should matter to everyone else too!

3. Spread the word
Write personal emails to friends and family. Seriously, it works! Here’s a sample of an email you can adapt. Even better: everyone loves getting snail mail, so write them a good old-fashioned letter! Here’s a sample you could send. Whatever you do, keep it personal and remember the why!

4. Use social media for good
If you’re on social media, you have a built-in audience. Why not use your platform for good? We have a bunch of great photos and videos you can share. Or post this along with a link to your campaign: Over 1.6 BILLION people don’t have one of life’s basic needs: safe, secure shelter. We can change that.

5. Keep your supporters updated
Throughout the campaign, remind everyone of your goal and encourage them to join. Here’s another sample email. Or how about this: you could make a phone call. Trust us, people will love it. Tell them that time is running out. And remind them why their donation will make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Last but not least…

6. Say thanks
Whatever you do, don’t skip this important step. Individually thank each person who donates. After all, they gave because you asked them to – don’t take that generosity for granted. Here’s an example you can copy and paste in an email, but be sure to personalize it!

Follow these six steps and you’ll be well on your way to running a successful campaign. Most of all, you’ll be using your creativity and voice to rally your friends and family to a cause that’s bigger than any one of us.

Ready to get started? Launch your own campaign now at my1MISSION.org.