When it comes to innovative crowd-sourcing for funding, we turned to the expertise of CEOs and tech founders for their unique strategies. From the success of an engraved brick fundraiser to the engagement of a VR scavenger hunt, discover the unconventional methods and valuable lessons from these three enterprising professionals.

• Engraved Brick Fundraiser Success
• Virtual Treasure Hunt Engagement
• VR Scavenger Hunt Boosts Funding

Engraved Brick Fundraiser Success

We employed an unconventional method to gather crowd-sourced funding through an engraved brick fundraiser. This approach is straightforward and cost-effective. Unlike traditional fundraisers, which require upfront product purchases and resale, this method involves no initial inventory. Donors contribute by purchasing engraved pavers installed in a project at a future date, such as a park walkway or memorial site.

The key advantage of this method is its immediacy in generating funds. Once donations are collected, the money is available for use without delay. We gather inscriptions and recognize donors for their contributions. After reaching a target number of pavers, we place an order with Polar Engraving. This ensures that the funds are available in the organization’s bank account right away, providing immediate financial flexibility.

A significant takeaway from this method is the importance of offering free marketing tools to maximize profit. At Polar Engraving, we provide a free donor website, an online ordering system, and brochure creation with a QR code. These tools help streamline the fundraising process, making it easy for organizations to effectively manage and promote their campaigns.

Patrick Calman, CEO, Polar Engraving

Virtual Treasure Hunt Engagement

One unconventional method I utilized for crowd-sourced funding was organizing a virtual treasure hunt. Participants paid a small fee to join the hunt, where they solved puzzles and clues, leading them to virtual “treasures.” These treasures were exclusive content related to my project or special perks for backers. The takeaway was not just the funds raised but also the engagement and excitement it generated. It fostered a sense of community around the project, and participants were more invested in its success after being part of such a unique experience.

Dhari Alabdulhadi, CTO and Founder, Ubuy Netherlands

VR Scavenger Hunt Boosts Funding

One unconventional method we used to gather crowd-sourced funding for a project was hosting a virtual reality scavenger hunt, where participants had to find hidden clues related to our software development services. The takeaways from this method were not only an increase in funding but also a boost in brand awareness and engagement with our target audience. It was a fun and interactive way to involve the community in our fundraising efforts while showcasing our creativity and innovation as a company.

Alex Stasiak, CEO & Founder, Startup House