Giving Compass' Take:

• GlobalGiving interviews Hannah Sklar of Creamos to learn about the organization's success in raising $5,000 in 12 days using the GlobalGiving Accelerator program.

• What are some of the main challenges in crowdfunding? How is the Accelerator program able to mitigate some of those challenges?

• Read about the success of crowdfunding as a tactic to raise large amounts of money.

Creamos earned the #1 fundraiser spot in the 2016 September Accelerator, a crowdfunding training program for nonprofits. Hannah Sklar of Creamos tells you how her team did it in this Q+A with GlobalGiving.

How did Creamos initially feel about crowdfunding in Guatemala through the Accelerator?
When we first heard that we had to raise $5,000 in 12 days from 40 unique donors our staff was worried. Half were nervous about the amount of donors, half were nervous about making the dollar amount.

If you had to share just one tip with new Accelerator participants, what would it be?
Clear your calendars for GG Accelerator trainings. We all have busy days—we work in chaotic and unstable environments. Although a training may not seem like it is at the top of the to-do list, try your hardest to get as many staff members to attend as possible. The trainings will provide tips, answer any of your questions, and give you homework which will further your preparation for the Accelerator training.

What should future Accelerator participants know about GlobalGiving training and resources?
The great part about the Accelerator program is the resources you have available. GlobalGiving provides webinars and presentations on things that every organization should do, but thinks that they do not have time, for example conducting a SWOT analysis and defining SMART goals.

How did you involve your whole staff in crowdfunding in Guatemala?
Bring all of your staff to the table … regularly. Even before the campaign starts, (minimally six weeks before) the entire staff should share any and every idea they have on how you can best graduate from the Accelerator program.

Read the full interview about the GlobalGiving Accelerator fundraising program by Kelly Wilson at GlobalGiving