gotaed
You’ve taken a big step by starting your GotAED campaign — now it’s time to make it a success. GotAED is a crowdfunding platform, not a grant or donation program, which means the success of your campaign depends on your outreach, your story, and your willingness to ask for support. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Below you’ll find ready-to-send donor emails, social media templates, a suggested sharing schedule, and practical fundraising tips so you always know what to do next. Campaigns that share early, share often, and make it personal are the ones that cross the finish line. Bookmark this page, come back to it often, and remember — every message you send is one step closer to protecting hearts.
Copy any of these emails, personalize the bracketed sections, and send to your network. The more people you reach, the closer you get to your AED.
Subject: Help [Organization Name] Get a Life-Saving AED
Hi [Name],
I’m reaching out because [Organization Name] is raising funds to get an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) through GotAED, a program of Simon’s Heart.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the #1 killer of student athletes, and an AED is the only device that can restart a heart during these emergencies. We want to make sure our kids are protected.
We need to raise $[amount] in 90 days, and every dollar counts. Even $10 brings us closer to having this life-saving device on-site.
Can you help? Here’s our campaign link: [YOUR CAMPAIGN LINK]
Thank you for helping us protect hearts and save lives.
Best,
[Your Name]
Subject: Why This AED Matters to Me
Hi [Name],
I wanted to share something personal. [Share your reason – Why is this AED important to you? Who does it protect? What would it mean for your community?]
That is why I started a campaign through GotAED to raise funds for an AED at [Organization Name]. It is the only device that can save someone experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and right now we do not have one.
I am hoping you will consider making a donation – any amount helps. Here is the link: [YOUR CAMPAIGN LINK]
And if you can share this with even one other person, it makes a real difference.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Subject: Quick reminder – [Organization Name] AED campaign
Hi [Name],
Just bumping this up – I know life gets busy! We are still working to raise funds for an AED at [Organization Name], and we are [X]% of the way to our goal.
If you have not had a chance to donate yet, even a small contribution would mean a lot: [YOUR CAMPAIGN LINK]
And if you have already donated – thank you! If you could share the link with one or two people, it would help us reach new supporters.
Grateful for your support,
[Your Name]
Subject: Can you help us spread the word?
Hi [Name],
Thank you so much for donating to our GotAED campaign! Your support means the world.
I have a small favor to ask – would you mind sharing our campaign link with your friends, family, or colleagues? Sometimes all it takes is one more share to reach someone who wants to help.
Here is the link: [YOUR CAMPAIGN LINK]
Together, we are making [Organization Name] safer for everyone.
Thank you again,
[Your Name]
Subject: [X] days left – help us cross the finish line!
Hi [Name],
Our GotAED campaign is in the final stretch – we have just [X] days left and need to raise $[remaining amount] to reach our goal.
This AED will protect every person who walks through the doors at [Organization Name]. We are so close, and your help right now can make the difference.
Can you donate or share our campaign one more time? [YOUR CAMPAIGN LINK]
Every dollar counts. Every share matters. Let us finish this together.
With gratitude,
[Your Name]
Subject: We did it! Thank you!
Hi [Name],
I am thrilled to share that our GotAED campaign reached its goal! Thanks to you and so many generous supporters, [Organization Name] is getting a life-saving AED.
This would not have happened without your support – whether you donated, shared our campaign, or simply cheered us on. You helped make our community safer.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Best,
[Your Name]
Copy, paste, and customize these posts for your social channels. Don’t forget to include your campaign link!
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the #1 killer of student athletes. An AED is the only device that can save someone in SCA, and we’re raising funds to protect the kids at [Organization Name] through GotAED — a Simon’s Heart project. Help us reach our goal — every dollar adds up! 🫀
[YOUR CAMPAIGN LINK]
People do not donate to pages - they donate to reasons. A few honest sentences about why this matters to you can make all the difference.
1. Why is this AED needed? What gap are you filling? What could happen without one?
2. Who will it protect? How many kids, families, or community members use your facility?
3. Why does this matter to you personally? Your connection to this cause is what moves people to act.
You do not need anything long or polished. A few heartfelt sentences are more powerful than a formal letter. Share a photo of your facility or the people you are protecting - visuals make campaigns more real.
Spreading your outreach over time keeps your campaign visible without overwhelming anyone. Here is a suggested schedule:
| Week | Who to Contact | How |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Close friends, family, colleagues | Personal email, text, phone call |
| Week 3-4 | Social media followers, group chats, community groups | Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, group texts |
| Week 5-6 | Workplace contacts, professional network, local businesses | Email, LinkedIn, in-person ask |
| Week 7-8 | PTAs, booster clubs, service organizations, alumni groups | Email with campaign update and ask to share |
| Week 9-10 | Everyone - second ask to anyone who has not responded | Follow-up email, social media push |
| Week 11-12 | Final broad push across all networks | Urgency message: only X days left! |
Raising $1,200 for an AED and cabinet might sound like a lot, but when you break it down, it is very doable.
Think about all the people connected to your organization - parents, staff, alumni, neighbors, local businesses, community groups. If you can reach 100 people and ask for $25, even if only half respond, you will reach your goal.
The key is asking. People want to help - they just need to know how.
Your effort, persistence, and willingness to share your story are what make campaigns succeed. GotAED is here with you every step of the way.
Questions? Contact us at info@gotaed.org
