In just one campaign, New Bethany raised over $133,000 from more than 2,400 contributors, proving what’s possible when community-powered fundraising is done right.
Luminaria Night is an annual tradition that brings communities together to remember and support people in need during the holiday season. On a single evening at dusk, more than 4,000 homes in Bethlehem and surrounding areas line their streets and sidewalks with glowing luminaria – small lights that symbolize hope, compassion, and solidarity.
To support this meaningful event, New Bethany raises funds through the sale of luminaria kits. A full kit includes 10 candles, 10 white paper bags, and 10 cups of sand, all for just $15. For returning participants who saved their sand from the previous year, kits without sand are also available. Every dollar raised goes directly toward providing hope and support for people experiencing poverty, hunger, and homelessness.
The impact is remarkable. In just one campaign, New Bethany raised more than $133,000 with the help of over 2,400 contributors. How did they achieve such success? Let’s take a closer look at the key elements behind their winning fundraising strategy.
1. The Power of Sub-Campaigns
Using FundRazr’s sub-campaign tools, New Bethany brought together 42 individual fundraisers under one shared goal.
What’s better than one fundraiser? Multiple fundraisers working together toward a shared goal through micro-projects.
New Bethany’s main campaign brought together 42 individual micro-projects, each with its own sub-campaign page but all contributing to one collective goal. These sub-campaigns expanded reach, activated more supporters, and multiplied overall impact.
Micro-projects work because:
- More people are actively spreading the word
- Each fundraiser can reach a niche or local audience
- Supporters are more likely to give when the cause feels close to home
In fundraising, numbers matter. And empowering many people to fundraise together is a proven formula for success.
2. A Clear and Compelling Campaign Story
A strong campaign story answers questions before supporters even think to ask them. New Bethany approached their campaign page like a well-designed brochure: concise, organized, and informative.
No matter your cause, effective campaign stories share a few key principles:
- Clarity: Write and refine your story until it’s easy to understand and engaging
- Structure: Break content into sections, highlight important information, and make it visually appealing
- Trust: Anticipate supporter questions and address them openly and thoughtfully
Always keep in mind: a well-crafted story builds confidence and inspires action.
3. Consistent and Meaningful Updates
FundRazr’s update tools made it easy to keep supporters informed with timely, meaningful progress updates.
Fundraising doesn’t end once someone donates. Regular updates help maintain momentum, build trust, and keep supporters emotionally invested. They can include:
- Progress toward the fundraising goal
- Current stage of the project
- Delivery timelines (if you have products)
- The real-world impact of donations
You can enhance updates with behind-the-scenes photos, videos, quotes, and more. This type of content deepens connection and encourages long-term support.
Additionally, use auto-segmentation to send targeted communications to different audiences in your community.
The screenshot above demonstrates a perfect example of an update. It includes:
- A reminder of the event date
- The amount raised
- The impact those funds created
- Delivery details and even volunteer names
- Clear instructions and contact information
- Words of gratitude and a beautiful photo (see below)
One thoughtful update can go a long way – the more consistently you communicate, the stronger your relationships with supporters become.
4. Consistency Builds Trust
Consistency across posting, events, communication, and follow-up is one of the most powerful trust-builders in fundraising.
Last year marked New Bethany’s 28th Annual Luminaria Night! That longevity speaks volumes. By showing up year after year, they’ve built credibility, loyalty, and a tradition that the community is proud to support.
No matter where you’re starting or what your initial results look like, consistency is what creates lasting impact. Keep showing up, keep sharing your story, and keep inviting people to be part of the journey.
That’s how light spreads: one luminaria at a time.
Ready to bring your community together around a shared goal? Learn how community-powered fundraising can work for you.
