No more bake sales, it's time to get creative! 3 Ways Being in a Pageant taught me about Crowdfunding
Were you a Girl Scout?
Did you ever sell candles or gourmet cookies to raise funds at school or church? Do your kids ever have projects to raise money?
I did. One of my first major crowdfunding projects was entering a pageant. I wasn’t like @beyonce. I didn’t grow up liking pageants. I honestly don’t even remember how I entered the pageant. But here I was being Miss Delaware Pre-Teen. We had to raise money for nationals in Orlando, Fl and I did this through crowdfunding.
What is crowdfunding anyway?
According to Investopedia, crowdfunding is the use of small amounts of capital from a large number of individuals to finance a new business venture.
This isn’t a donation-backed project, but there is a return on investment. For example, my pageant’s ROI was securing scholarship money to go to college. (Unfortunately, I didn’t win, but it gave me great exposure and experience for my personal and professional development)
Jennie Campbell writes in the Today Community Blog, “Crowdfunding offers young minds about the power of leadership, but also promotes kindness too as the children spearhead the fight for a noble cause and devise a good campaign strategy.”
So how did I do it?
Gathered Social Proof - I received an endorsement by former DE governor Ruth Ann Miller and current US Senator Tom Carper. Tell Publications shares how gaining credibility propels your small business! (I wrote them a letter and called their offices to schedule a meeting, who can deny a cute kid that’s representing their state?)
Used what was in my hand - My mom and I leveraged our resources (well, her resources), and we went to churches and businesses for support. My great aunt was a fantastic cook, and my aunt owned a thriving hair salon, so we made (they) fish fry plates and sold them. We raised enough funds for my dress, registration, and travel to Orlando. I’m sure my mom came out of pocket for the costs, but she was always so supportive in my ventures.
Not enough, doesn’t mean NO! - My mom rarely told me no. I just had to find a way to yes. I think that’s why I’m so creative today and don’t understand when people tell me no or can’t do something. Kickstarter is a platform for adults 18 and up. However, these teens thought how do we get to Yes, by building their own version of a crowdfunding platform just for kids called Kid Everest.
Now, kids have more opportunities than ever to reach their goals. They can use companies like Piggybackr or Kickstarter to raise funds for their projects. They can reach out to just about anyone for help via social media. They can also leverage the resources of their parents, friends, local businesses, etc. In the era of COVID, instead of going door-to-door or having fish fry’s like I did. Kids can use the internet and social media to reach far and wide audiences! So when your child has their next fundraiser, you can be well equipped to supporting them!
I plan to launch a KickStarter for the funding of my first children’s book, A Boy, A Budget, and a Dream! If you’re interested in being the first to learn more, check it out here!
Is your child interested in pageants? Want to read more about pageants?
5 Reasons You Should Enter Your Child in a Pageant
Read Ellie the Engineer: In the Spotlight