How it Works
Step 1: Tell Your Story
Your story is the heart of your campaign. Be clear, honest, and specific about your situation so people understand why you need support. Here’s how to craft a compelling story:
- Explain your need – Describe what has happened and why you need financial help.
- Set a fundraising goal – Be realistic about the amount you need and how it will be used.
- Add photos or videos – Visuals help donors connect with your story on a personal level.
- Be personal and sincere – Write as if you’re talking to a friend. Let people see your heart.
Step 2: Get Verified
To ensure trust and transparency, all campaigns must go through clergy verification. This step helps confirm that the need is real and that the funds will be used appropriately.
- We will reach out to verify your need with your clergy.
- Once approved, your campaign will be marked as verified, which helps build trust with donors.
Step 3: Promote
Once your campaign is live, it’s time to share your need and start raising funds.
- Share your campaign on social media, email, text messages, and within your church community.
- Engage with supporters – Respond to messages, give updates, and express gratitude.
- Keep In Touch – Posting updates about your situation encourages ongoing support.
Step 4: Receive Funds
When donations start coming in, you can securely transfer funds to your bank account. Here’s how:
- Connect your bank account through our secure system.
- Funds will be transferred via ACH directly to your account.
- Use the funds responsibly and, if possible, share an update with donors about how their support helped you.
Our Fees
We keep our fees to a minimum to ensure to maximize the impact of each gift.
Start a Campaign - $0.00
Hosting your need on Holy Fool is completely free.
Payment Processing Fee - 2.9% + $0.30
These are fees are required to make the transaction from your account to the donation recipient.
Hidden Fees
There are none. Zero. Zip.
FAQ
What is a Holy Fool?
Pending
Do I have to be Orthodox do give or receive donations?
Anyone can donate to our campaigns, however we exist primarily to support members of the canonical Orthodox Churches in the United States.
Is Holy Fool an official part of any jurisdiction?
No, we are a pan-Orthodox organization.
How do you verify need requests?
With the permission of recipients, we contact their local clergy in order to verify their needs.
Are you a nonprofit?
Not yet, however we are pursuing 501(c)(3) status.
Do you have a blessing to operate?
Yes, we have the blessing of [X].