Running Your Own Self-Hosted Fundraiser

Learn how to create and manage a self-hosted fundraiser where you source and fulfill products yourself, giving you complete control over your campaign.

What is a Self-Hosted Fundraiser?

A self-hosted fundraiser allows you to create a campaign using your own products rather than partnering with Raised's network of wholesalers. This option is perfect when you want to:

• Sell your own creations - homemade baked goods, crafts, team merchandise, or other items your organization produces
• Work with local suppliers - partner with a local bakery, artisan, or business that isn't on the Raised platform
• Have full control - manage your own product selection, pricing, inventory levels, and fulfillment process
• Offer unique items - provide products that are specific to your organization or community

With a self-hosted campaign, you have complete flexibility over what you sell and how you deliver it to your supporters.

Getting Started

To create a self-hosted fundraiser:

1. Navigate to your Raised Dashboard
2. Click the "Create Campaign" button (usually found in the bottom left)
3. Select "Self-Hosted Campaign" from the campaign type options

You'll then be guided through a series of setup steps to configure your fundraiser.

Step 1: Initial Setup Questions

Raised will ask a few questions to tailor the setup process to your needs:

Organization Type

Select the option that best describes your organization:

• School - For schools and educational institutions
• Sports Team - For sports clubs and athletic teams
• Organisation/Other - For nonprofits, clubs, and other groups
• Individual - For personal fundraising efforts

Order Fulfillment Method

Choose how customers will receive their orders:

• Delivered by you - You'll handle delivery to customers
• Collected by customer - Customers will pick up orders from one or more collection locations

Tip: If you select collection, you'll be able to set up multiple pickup locations with specific details like addresses and opening times.

Student Delivery Responsibility

If you're a school or organization where students/members will distribute orders, select "Yes" to require customers to enter a student's name during checkout. This helps you organize orders by student for easier distribution.

Step 2: Select or Create a Catalogue

A catalogue contains all the products you'll offer in your fundraiser.

Create a New Catalogue

If this is your first self-hosted campaign, select "Create New" and provide:

• Currency - Choose the currency for your products (e.g., NZD, AUD, USD)
• Products - Add your products manually using the product builder

For each product, you'll enter:

• Product name
• Price
• Optional product description
• Optional product image

Click "Add Another Product" to include multiple items in your catalogue.

Tip: You can also import products from an Order Form PDF to quickly populate your catalogue if you have an existing product list.

Use an Existing Catalogue

If you've run self-hosted campaigns before, you can select "Use Existing" to reuse a previous catalogue. This saves time if you're selling the same products.

Step 3: Basic Campaign Information

Configure the core details of your campaign:

Campaign Name

Choose a clear, memorable name for your fundraiser (maximum 50 characters).

Examples:

• "Spring 2025 Cookie Dough Fundraiser"
• "Hawks Basketball Team Gear Sale"
• "Annual Pie Drive"

Campaign Description

Write a compelling description that explains:

• What you're fundraising for
• Why supporters should participate
• What makes your products special

This description appears on your campaign page, so make it engaging and informative.

Campaign Banner Image

Upload an eye-catching banner image to display at the top of your campaign page. This could be:

• A photo of your products
• An image representing your cause
• Your organization's logo or branding

Contact Information

Provide your public contact details:

• Contact Name - The name shown publicly
• Contact Email - Email address supporters can reach you at
• Contact Phone - Phone number for inquiries (with country code)

Note: This information will be visible to all campaign visitors, so only include details you're comfortable sharing publicly.

Step 4: Campaign Period and Fulfillment

Campaign Dates

Set your fundraiser's timeline:

• Start Date - When your campaign goes live
• End Date - When your campaign closes (specify the exact time, e.g., "November 27th, 2025 at 00:00")

Tip: Allow enough time after the end date to fulfill orders. Typical campaigns run for 2-4 weeks.

Order Fulfillment Method

You'll see your earlier selection here and can configure additional details:

If You Selected "Delivered"

Provide delivery information such as:

• Expected delivery timeframe
• Delivery areas you service
• Any delivery fees or minimums

If You Selected "Collection"

Set up your collection locations:

• Collection Location Name - E.g., "School Office", "Main Campus"
• Note/Address - Provide the address and any special instructions
• Collect at specific time - Optionally set specific pickup windows with start and end times

You can add multiple collection locations if needed by clicking "Add Another Pickup Location".

Step 5: Payment Methods

Select which payment methods you'll accept. Raised offers three options:

Credit & Debit Card Payments (Recommended)

✅ This is the recommended option for the best customer experience.

• Processed automatically through Stripe
• Immediate payment confirmation
• No manual reconciliation required
• Professional and secure checkout experience

Payments with Cash

• Customers pay you in cash at a later date
• Payments are not verified automatically
• Requires manual tracking and order updates
• Creates additional administrative work

Cash Payment Notes: If you enable cash payments, provide clear instructions for customers, such as: "Please bring exact change to the school office during business hours."

Payments with Bank Transfer

• Customers transfer funds to your bank account
• Must be manually reconciled
• Payments are not verified automatically
• Requires you to match transfers to orders

Bank Account Number: Provide your account number and transfer payment notes with instructions like: "Please include your order number as the reference."

⚠️ Important: Cash and bank transfers require manual processing. You'll need to track payments yourself, mark orders as paid, and follow up on unpaid orders. This creates significantly more administrative work for your fundraiser.

We strongly recommend using credit/debit card payments exclusively for a smoother experience for both you and your supporters.

Why We Recommend Card Payments Only

Using Stripe for card payments provides:

• ✅ Automatic payment verification
• ✅ No manual reconciliation work
• ✅ Professional checkout experience
• ✅ Immediate order confirmation for customers
• ✅ Reduced risk of payment issues or disputes
• ✅ Better reporting and financial tracking

Step 6: Raffle Mode (Optional)

Raffle mode automatically gives customers raffle tickets for each item they purchase, increasing engagement and incentivizing larger orders.

How Raffle Mode Works

When enabled, customers receive one raffle ticket for every item they buy. The more items purchased, the more chances they have to win your raffle prize.

⚠️ Note: Raffle mode is only available when credit/debit cards are exclusively selected as the payment method. This ensures all raffle participants have completed verified payments.

To use raffle mode:

1. Check the "Enable Raffle Mode" box
2. Decide on an attractive raffle prize (not configured in the platform - you'll manage the draw yourself)
3. Promote the raffle as an incentive for larger purchases

For more details, see our Complete Guide to Running a Raffle.

Step 7: Public Statistics

Configure what campaign statistics are visible to the public:

Fundraiser Target

Set a dollar target to display a progress bar on your campaign page. Enter 0 if you prefer not to show a target publicly.

Example: If you need to raise $5,000 for new uniforms, set your target to 5000. Supporters will see your progress toward this goal.

Thank You Message

Customize the message shown to customers in their order confirmation email. Use this to:

• Express gratitude for their support
• Provide additional information about your cause
• Share next steps or what to expect

Leave blank to use the default thank you message.

Step 8: Review and Confirm

Before creating your fundraiser, you'll see a summary of all your settings:

• Selected catalogue and products
• Basic information (name, description, contact details)
• Campaign period dates
• Order fulfillment method
• Payment methods enabled
• Fundraiser target (if set)

Review everything carefully and click the "Back" button if you need to make any changes.

When you're satisfied, click "Create Fundraiser" to launch your self-hosted campaign!

After Creating Your Campaign

Once your fundraiser is live:

1. Test the checkout process - Place a test order to ensure everything works smoothly
2. Share your campaign - Send the campaign link to your supporters via email, social media, and other channels
3. Monitor orders - Check your dashboard regularly to track orders and payments
4. Prepare for fulfillment - Start arranging product sourcing and delivery logistics
5. Communicate with supporters - Send updates and reminders as your campaign progresses

Managing Orders

As orders come in, use your Raised dashboard to:

• View all orders and their statuses
• Download order reports and customer lists
• Mark manual payments (cash/bank transfer) as paid or unpaid
• Track which students/members have orders to distribute (if applicable)
• Send customer communication emails

For more guidance, see our Campaign Management documentation.

Best Practices for Self-Hosted Fundraisers

Product Selection

• Offer 3-8 products - too few limits choice, too many overwhelms buyers
• Price products appropriately to achieve healthy profit margins
• Include high-quality product images when possible
• Write clear, appealing product descriptions

Communication

• Send regular updates to supporters about campaign progress
• Remind participants as the end date approaches
• Clearly communicate fulfillment timelines after the campaign ends
• Follow up promptly with any customer inquiries

Fulfillment Planning

• Source products from reliable suppliers
• Order products with enough lead time for delivery
• Organize orders by collection point or delivery route
• Communicate pickup/delivery details well in advance

Payment Processing

• Strongly prefer credit/debit card payments for ease and efficiency
• If using cash/bank transfers, set clear deadlines and follow-up procedures
• Mark orders as paid promptly in your dashboard
• Have a process for handling unpaid orders

Common Questions

Can I edit my catalogue after creating the campaign?

You can manage your catalogue through the Raised dashboard. However, significant changes during an active campaign may confuse supporters who have already purchased.

What if a product isn't available on Raised?

That's exactly what self-hosted campaigns are for! You can add any product you want to sell, whether you make it yourself or source it from a supplier who isn't on the Raised platform.

Can I limit stock for certain products?

Yes! When creating products in your catalogue, you can enable stock limiting and set a maximum number available for each item. This is useful for limited-edition items or when you have supply constraints.

How do I work with a local supplier?

Simply create products in your catalogue that match what your local supplier offers. You'll handle ordering from them and fulfillment separately from the Raised platform. The platform manages the orders and payments from your supporters.

What are the fees for self-hosted campaigns?

Check our Processing Fees documentation for current fee information.

Need Help?

If you have questions or need assistance with your self-hosted fundraiser, please contact our support team. We're here to help you run a successful campaign!

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Related Articles:

• Launching Your First Campaign
• Campaign Settings and Management
• Payment Methods Overview
• Create a Raffle
• Fundraising Best Practices