Tips and FAQs

Project templates

You may submit a project at any time! Be sure to read the Eligibility Guidelines before you begin. Projects should highlight your short term, immediate or urgent needs in a compelling format. A great photo and persuasive description go a long way toward attracting potential donors. If you’re unsure about how to proceed with the template, download the WeGive Template User Guide.

Uploading your project photo

After you complete your project template, you will have the opportunity to upload a photo. Remember that a website is a visual communication tool! Your photograph may be the only reason a person browsing the WeGive.org site may stop to learn more or give.

• Choose a photo of your project or organization that conveys compelling information or iconic imagery.
• Size matters! Think about how the image will look on the screen. Photos larger than 200K will need to be resized (see below).
• Inappropriate imagery will not be allowed.
• Be sure you have permission to use the photo (and the permission of the people in the photo) you are uploading!

If you already have a photo that is under 200K in a JPG format, great! You should have no problems. If you have a larger file you can easily resize your photo to meet the specifications at www.pixenate.com. To resize your photo:

• Step 1. Go to www.pixenate.com
• Step 2. Choose your image to edit (on the left side of the screen). Click the “Browse” button to select and open a photo on your computer or from your flash drive.
• Step 3. Upload the image you have chosen by clicking the “Upload this Image” button.
• Step 4. Edit your image. Click the resize button tool (2nd row, far right icon)
  • a. Horizontal images – type 153 for the height (do nothing for width), make sure Preserve Aspect Ratio is checked. Click Apply.
  • b. Vertical images – type 192 for the width (do nothing for height) make sure Preserve Aspect Ratio is checked. Click Apply.
• Step 6. You may also choose to edit your image using the cropping button tool (2nd row, icon with scissors) Type the dimensions 192 for width and 153 for height and move the box to crop the best area possible. Click Apply.
• Step 7. Save your image. The file should be no larger than 200K. To check the photo size, right-click on your picture icon on your computer and click “Properties.”
• Step 8. Close the Pixenate web page.

Getting the word out!

Posting a project is just the beginning, getting the word out to potential donors is key! Now is the time to embrace the power of online communication! Spreading the word has never been easier or cheaper:

1. Add your project page link (you will receive this link by email once your project has been approved and uploaded to the website) to everything you can: your website(s), newsletters, blogs, brochures, email footers, social networks, etc.
2. Email your supporters, constituents, volunteers, and board members about your project including your project page link, and ask them to share it with everyone in their address books. Click here for a suggested template.
3. Talk about your project on your blog, and link to your project page.
4. Talk about your project on your social network site(s) and link to your project page.

Project dos and don’ts

• DO be creative!
• DO energize your supporters, constituents, volunteers, staff and Board members about getting the word out about your project!
• DO follow up with your donors — cultivate!
• DO adhere to the Donor Bill of Rights!
• DO use WeGive.org as a tool to reach a new audience!
• DON’T be boring! WeGive.org is a vibrant community site — be an engaging participant!
• DON’T let a project drag on forever, timelines produce results!
• DON’T be silent about your project or post a project and think you are done, get the word out!
• DON’T miss out on the chance to cultivate your online donors!