A birthday fundraiser is simple: Instead of gifts, you ask friends and family to donate to Volunteers of America Michigan. Those donations provide housing for veterans, meals for seniors, and stability for struggling families—all right here in Michigan.
It takes 3 minutes to set up on Facebook. It creates a lifetime of impact for someone in need.
People Give to People They Love
Your friends and family want to celebrate you. A birthday fundraiser lets them do that while also doing good.
Here’s the psychology:
- They’re already thinking about you (it’s your birthday)
- They already want to give (that’s what birthdays are for)
- You’re giving them permission to give meaningfully instead of guessing what you want
And because it’s your birthday, they pay attention. You’re not asking them to donate to just any nonprofit—you’re inviting them to celebrate you by helping others. That’s powerful.
SET UP YOUR BIRTHDAY FUNDRAISER IN 3 MINUTES
Facebook (Easiest – Recommended):
Facebook makes birthday fundraisers seamless. Many friends will get automatic reminders, and 100% of donations go directly to VOA Michigan. Setup takes 3 minutes.
Perfect for: Anyone active on Facebook, people with large friend networks, those who want the simplest option
General Fundraiser (More Control):
Want to share beyond Facebook? Need more customization? Create a general fundraiser you can share anywhere—Instagram, email, group texts, wherever.
- Why you’re passionate about VOA Michigan
- What milestone you’re celebrating
- What you hope to accomplish
Set a goal: Pick an amount that feels meaningful. Many birthday fundraisers aim for $1 per year of age (turning 35? Goal of $35), but any goal works.
Sample birthday fundraiser descriptions:
Example 1 (simple):
“For my 30th birthday, instead of gifts, I’m asking for donations to Volunteers of America Michigan. They help veterans, seniors, and families in our community. Let’s make this birthday count!”
Example 2 (personal connection):
“Turning 50 feels like a good time to give back. VOA Michigan helped a family member years ago, and I’ve never forgotten it. This year, I’m asking you to donate instead of buying gifts. Together we can help Michigan neighbors rebuild their lives.”
Example 3 (milestone):
“Big 4-0 this year! Instead of presents, I’d love to raise $400 for Volunteers of America Michigan ($10 per year). They provide housing and support for veterans and families right here in Michigan. Who’s in?”
Facebook:
- Post it to your timeline
- Share in your Stories (Instagram too)
- Pin it to the top of your profile
- Tag friends in comments to engage them
Beyond Facebook:
- Text your close friends and family
- Email it to your network
- Share in group chats
- Post in community groups you’re part of
Timing tip: Share 2-3 weeks before your birthday, then remind people a few days before, and do a final push the week of.
Copy, Paste, and Share
Use one of these ready-to-go examples. Just fill in the blanks with your info:
“For my [AGE]th birthday, I’m asking for donations to Volunteers of America Michigan instead of gifts.
Help me support Michigan veterans, seniors, and families rebuilding their lives: [Your Fundraiser Link]”
“My birthday coming up!
This year I’m skipping the gifts and asking for something better: donations to Volunteers of America Michigan. [Brief personal reason – example: “They helped my family years ago and I’ve never forgotten it.”]
Let’s turn my birthday into impact: [Your Fundraiser Link]“
“Turning [age] and feeling reflective. I have everything I need. But thousands of Michigan neighbors don’t—veterans needing care, seniors struggling with housing, families who need an extra hand at CHristmas.
This year, let’s do something that matters. Donate to my birthday fundraiser for Volunteers of America Michigan: [Your Fundraiser Link]
Every dollar helps someone rebuild their life.”
“Another year older, another year of accumulated stuff I don’t need. So here’s the deal: No gifts. Just donate to Volunteers of America Michigan instead.
They help veterans, seniors, and families in Michigan. You help me avoid explaining where I’m going to put another candle.
Win-win: [Your Fundraiser Link]”
TURNING 30, 40, 50, OR BEYOND? GO BIGGER.
Ideas for milestone birthdays:
- $1 per year goal: Turning 40? Raise $400. Turning 50? Raise $500 (or $50, or $5,000—your call)
- Match your own fundraiser: “I’m donating $250 and matching the first $250 you all give”
- Team up: Get friends with birthdays near yours to create a joint fundraiser
- Make it memorable: “For my 50th, I want to raise enough to house 10 veterans”
Milestone birthdays get more attention, more engagement, and more impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any amount matters. $50 provides emergency food. $100 supports a veteran accessing housing. Even “small” goals create real impact.
Not at all. You’re giving people permission to celebrate you meaningfully. Most friends appreciate not having to guess what gift you want.
2-4 weeks before your birthday gives people time to see it and donate. Remind them a few days before and on your actual birthday.
Absolutely! Birthday fundraisers replace gifts, not celebrations. Have your party, eat cake, and know you’re doing good too.
Graciously accept, but emphasize you’d truly prefer donations. You can say: “The best gift you can give me is supporting this cause.”
YOUR BIRTHDAY IS COMING. START YOUR FUNDRAISER TODAY.
Another year means another chance to make a difference. Set up your birthday fundraiser in 3 minutes and turn your celebration into someone else’s second chance.
Need help or have questions?
Contact us: comms@voami.org | (248) 945-0101