FAQs

Write a great project description

Thinking about how to "sell" your project is your crucial first step. Why should people support your idea? How will it benefit them?

Having an appealing, well-defined vision will give potential supporters a clear idea of what you are trying to do. The information you provide will also allow people to judge how realistic your goals are, as well as considering whether you and your Project Delivery Manager are likely to achieve them.

Key things to consider are:

• Explain the opportunity. Why this project and why now? Perhaps it's something the community has wanted for years but couldn't fund using traditional approaches; perhaps a piece of land has just become available. Establishing a sense of opportunity will help you build momentum for your campaign.
• Identify your potential supporters. What different groups are you trying to reach and how can you present the project in a way that appeals to them? If the project will bring them a direct benefit, spell it out.
• Get the right tone. Think about who your support base is. Most projects will want to attract the widest possible range of people, so make sure you don't alienate them by writing in jargon. Talk of "spacial development guidelines" will leave most people cold!
• Establish your credibility. As well as selling your vision, your project description should seek to convince potential supporters that you and your team have what it takes to deliver.

Choose your project title

Make it short and memorable. Imagine your title as a distinct label that will set it apart ("Kids play area" isn't as helpful or easy to search for on the internet as something like "Tiny Timbers Adventure Garden"). Avoid words like "help," or "give". They imply that you're asking people to do you a favour rather than offering them something - an amazing new place they can enjoy.

Images

Make sure your project looks good. You want to "sell" your vision so use great photos, drawings, montages etc to bring it to life - or if you're a professional, your finest graphic renders!

And don't forget to designate your favourite image as your "main image" in your dashboard. This is the image that will display when people search for projects on Spacehive and external search engines.

Explain your project plan clearly

In addition to presenting your project attractively, its important you spell out:

• What exactly will be built if the project goes ahead.
• How you will get it done - e.g hire a contractor, use volunteers.
• Why your delivery team (Project Delivery Manager and any subcontractors, designers or suppliers) are up to the job.

Make sure it's yours

Remember, don't use content that you don't have the rights to. Using copyrighted material can lead to legal action from the owner. The easiest way to steer clear of problems is to use content you've created, or content that's free for public use, like Creative Commons material.

Research your budget

How much money do you need to get it done? Make sure you do your research to ensure the project as affordable as possible. And set a contingency fund that is appropriate for the level of risk inherent in delivering the project. It will help to establish your credibility.

Identify your support networks

Think about who would like to see your project happen. Is your project a small garden that will only really interest residents on your street or a new multi-sports facility that might win the support of local sports clubs and businesses, sponsors or public bodies?

Once you've mapped out your support base think about what they might realistically pledge. Does your funding target look realistic?

We'll help where we can to make you aware of funding opportunities and perhaps introduce you to potential supporters from our network. And where possible, our PR team will help to raise the profile of your project. Ultimately though, you are the best judge of whether your project is viable.

Choose your funding goal

Spacehive uses an all-or-nothing funding model where projects must meet their funding goal to receive pledged funds. In deciding your funding goal, you should:

• Consider whether your project is affordable for your community.
• Ensure your costs are realistic.
• Include an appropriate contingency fund that takes account of the risk of cost overruns.
• Add a recommended buffer equivalent to 1.5% of the project cost to cover the risk of failed transactions (see 'What happens if a funder's payment details are declined?'

Set your project deadline

What's the optimum fundraising period for your project? Your fundraising campaign can last from a day up to a year. However, long fundraising periods are not necessarily better. Seasoned fundraisers will tell you that short and focused campaigns, lasting just a few weeks usually have the highest success rates. They create momentum, set a tone of confidence, and motivate your supporters to get involved.

Longer durations by contrast mean supporters are more likely to loose interest. Enthusiasm can fizzle out. Circumstances can change. Better to pick your moment; make sure you've lined up your supporters as far as possible, then go for it!

The secret is to get a few informal pledges from funders before you start, so that the funding thermometer rises quickly when the clock starts. Having some money "in the pot" from the word go will significantly increase your likelihood of hitting your funding goal.

Keep it personal

In the "Project Promoter" tab on your project page you get the chance to tell people who you are and why you care about your project. If you're an individual, hearing about your background and passions makes projects infinitely more compelling. If you're an organisation, let us know what your interests are. Show people examples of other work you've done by providing links to other websites or your Facebook page.

Establish your credibility

The more you can demonstrate your credibility in the real world, the more people will trust you. If you work for an organisation, provide links to the website. If you've been in the press for similar work, show people the stories. If you've delivered projects before, share what you've done - either by including a picture in your image carousel or by providing links to another website.

Communicate clever

Once you've identified your support base, think smart about how you reach them. Your communications campaign might start with emailing friends or making noise on Facebook. But you want to figure out the best way of getting the attention of your audience. Is it putting up posters in your local sports club; persuading a youth worker at the community centre to mention the campaign at the next event; organising a stunt in the streets, or asking an interest group to flag up your project in their next newsletter?

The internet is a great way of spreading the word but don't forget to get out there and press the flesh too! Sharing your enthusiasm in person can make a real difference.

Stop the press

Who in the media might be interested in your project? Is it something your local paper or radio station would cover - or even the national media? Are there any bloggers out there who will bang the drum for your project, or a magazine that would love what you're doing. Don't hesitate to ring them up or drop them an email. If you've got a decent project you'll be surprised how easy it is to get coverage.

Stay in touch

Once your project is successfully funded, don't forget about all the people that helped make it possible. Keep your supporters posted as your project takes shape by posting photos, blogging, tweeting, and generally keeping them in the loop. People will want to feel part of the journey so share your news, point them to any press coverage, tell them know about decisions you make and ask for feedback.

Your supporters can really help to bring your project to life once it's built - so keep them sweet!