A public fundraiser for a sick person isn’t just an opportunity to pay for rehabilitation or modern treatments. It also means exposing oneself to public opinion. And that, unfortunately, isn’t always positive. Why does hate comments under a fundraiser and how should you respond to negative comments? 

Attacks on the fundraiser – public opinion versus the need for help

We live in the age of online fundraisers. Alongside requests for donations to help people who are ill, there are also campaigns focused on animals, aid for fire victims, and even… the desire to get dental work done at a private dental clinic. The growing number of fundraisers goes hand in hand with questions about the legitimacy of many of their causes. There are attacks on the fundraiserand direct hate directed at their organizers. Such behavior does not go unnoticed. It can result in a decline in interest in the fundraiser and a loss of trust among donors. Negative comments also leave a mark on the psyche of the person who needs help and starts the fundraiser. Sometimes, they become afraid to ask for support again, even if they really need it.

Criticism or hate in the collection – how to tell them apart?

Negative comments under a fundraiser aren’t always hateful. They may simply reflect a potential donor’s doubts. Many of them fear scams and fake fundraisers, which is why they might ask about the specific purpose of the fundraiser and how the funds will be used.

Hate comments under a fundraiser is a direct attack aimed at a person in need and/or their family. It is characterized by, among other things, profanity, incitement to hatred, and mocking the appearance or health of the person in need and/or their loved ones. 

How can you protect a fundraiser from hate comments?

You have no control over other people’s behavior. However, you can make sure that your fundraising campaign leaves no room for ambiguity or doubt. These, in turn, are very often the reason why false accusations under the fundraiser. How can you avoid them? There is only one solution: ensure the transparency of the fundraiser.

How can you ensure the credibility of the fundraiser?

• Start a fundraiser on a trusted fundraising platform. As a beneficiary of a cancer foundation, you become more credible in the eyes of potential donors.
• Make sure your fundraiser has an appropriate description and photo. Don’t use pre-made templates or stock photos. Tell your story and add your own photo to build a relationship with donors and earn their trust. 
• Be transparent when sharing medical information and the purpose of the fundraiser. Medical records, invoices, treatment plans, and rehabilitation cost estimates—these are the documents that confirm your story and the legitimacy of the fundraiser. Donors want and need to know how their money will be used.

Check out: how to choose a cancer foundation.

Unfortunately, even when every effort is made to ensure the legitimacy of a fundraiser, hate. Under the fundraiser , negative commentsand insults. Many attacks on the fundraiser are carried out from anonymous accounts. However, it’s worth remembering that no one is truly anonymous online. And hate speech can have legal consequences.

How should you respond to negative comments?

Have you received criticism about your fundraiser? Don’t act on impulse. Take a moment to calm down. Reread the comment to make sure you understand it correctly. How should you respond to allegations regarding regarding its purpose and legitimacy? Present the facts. Be transparent. Remember to maintain an appropriate tone. It should be calm and substantive, without aggression or ambiguity. The situation is slightly different when it comes to hate comments on the campaign.

What should you do if someone is trolling the fundraiser?

Hate thrives on the attention of others. It thrives on shares that increase its reach. If you’re experiencing attacks on your fundraiser, be firm. It’s a good idea to delete hateful comments under the fundraiser and block the accounts that post them. You can do this yourself if the comments appear on your social media accounts. How do you moderate comments on a fundraiser on a fundraising platform? Ask the platform administrator for help.

Someone who is being targeted by online hate often feels isolated. If someone close to you is struggling with attacks on their fundraiser, show your support. Post a positive comment that will boost the fundraiser’s credibility and help build trust in the person in need of support.

When should you report fundraising misconduct?

Hate speech, death threats, and defamation—these are just some of the situations that require a swift and firm response. Many people fail to take action, choosing instead to delete the negative comment. Remember, however, that failing to respond to hate speech is, in fact, a silent endorsement of its existence.

How should you respond to hate comments on a fundraising page, if criminal threats appear?

Take a screenshot to have proof of the abuser’s misconduct. Report the situation to the crowdfunding platform’s administrator. Contact the police and file a report. 

Fundraiser for cancer treatment at Cancer Fighters

Want to start a fundraiser for cancer treatment? Use the Cancer Fighters fundraising platform! Our foundation will help you set up and promote your fundraiser. We have experience raising funds for our beneficiaries and know how to handle negative comments. Together, we’ll ensure your fundraiser is transparent!

Check out: fundraisers for cancer patients.