Core Platform Modes

Growfund offers two distinct operational modes that determine how your fundraising platform functions. Understanding the differences between these modes is crucial for setting up your fundraising platform correctly.

Overview

Growfund operates in two modes:

1. Campaign Mode: Reward-based crowdfunding with pledges and rewards
2. Donation Mode: Direct donations without rewards

You can only use one mode at a time for your entire platform. The mode you choose affects the features available, the user experience, and how funds are collected.

Campaign Mode

Campaign Mode is designed for reward-based crowdfunding where supporters make pledges in exchange for rewards or perks.

Key Features

• Pledges: Supporters make pledges toward campaigns with funding goals
• Rewards: Campaign creators offer multiple reward tiers with different pledge amounts
• Backers: Supporters who make pledges are called "backers"
• Funding Goals: Campaigns have specific funding goals and deadlines
• Reward Fulfillment: Campaign creators fulfill rewards after successful campaigns

Use Cases

Campaign Mode is ideal for:

• Product Launches: Pre-sell products or launch new items
• Creative Projects: Fund albums, books, games, or films
• Business Ventures: Validate ideas and raise startup capital
• Personal Causes: Fund personal projects with rewards for supporters

Campaign Structure

In Campaign Mode:

• Campaigns have funding goals and deadlines
• Multiple reward tiers can be created (free version: up to 3 rewards with 5 items each)
• Backers choose a reward tier or pledge without a reward
• Campaigns can be saved as drafts, submitted for approval, or published
• Campaign statuses include: Draft, Pending, Approved, Declined, Funded, Ended

Workflow

1. Campaign Creator creates a campaign with rewards
2. Campaign is submitted for admin approval (if required)
3. Admin reviews and approves the campaign
4. Backers browse campaigns and make pledges
5. Pledges are collected when campaign reaches its goal
6. Campaign Creator fulfills rewards to backers

Pro Features in Campaign Mode

The following features are available in Pro version:

• Unlimited rewards and reward items
• Campaign collaborators
• Campaign start date scheduling
• Post campaign updates
• Campaign overview analytics
• Pledge without reward option
• Make campaign copy
• Continue after goal achievement

See Campaign Management for detailed information about creating and managing campaigns.

Donation Mode

Donation Mode is designed for direct donations without rewards or perks.

Key Features

• Direct Donations: Supporters make one-time donations to campaigns
• No Rewards: Donations are made without offering rewards
• Donors: Supporters who make donations are called "donors"
• Funds: Campaigns can be organized into funds (Pro feature)
• Simple Process: Streamlined donation process without reward selection

Use Cases

Donation Mode is ideal for:

• Nonprofits: Accept donations for charitable causes
• Charities: Fundraise for social causes
• Religious Organizations: Collect tithes and donations
• Schools & PTAs: Raise funds for educational initiatives
• Emergency Relief: Quickly collect donations for urgent causes

Campaign Structure

In Donation Mode:

• Donation campaigns have optional target amounts
• Simple donation form without reward selection
• Donors can make one-time donations
• Campaigns can be organized into funds (Pro feature)
• Campaign statuses include: Draft, Pending, Approved, Declined, Active, Ended

Workflow

1. Campaign Creator creates a donation campaign
2. Campaign is submitted for admin approval (if required)
3. Admin reviews and approves the campaign
4. Donors browse campaigns and make donations
5. Donations are processed immediately
6. Receipts are automatically sent to donors

Pro Features in Donation Mode

The following features are available in Pro version:

• Anonymous donations
• Company donations
• Tribute donations (in honor or memory of someone)
• Fund management system
• Suggested donation amounts
• Custom donation amounts
• Donor overview dashboard
• Tax information on receipts

See Donations for detailed information about creating and managing donation campaigns.

Mode Comparison

Feature	Campaign Mode	Donation Mode
Rewards	Yes	No
Pledges	Yes	No
Donations	No	Yes
Funding Goals	Required	Optional
Deadlines	Yes	Optional
Backers	Yes	No
Donors	No	Yes
Reward Fulfillment	Required	Not applicable
Funds Organization	No	Yes (Pro)
Tribute Donations	No	Yes (Pro)

Choosing Your Mode

When to Use Campaign Mode

Choose Campaign Mode if:

• You're offering rewards or perks to supporters
• You want to pre-sell products or services
• You need to track reward fulfillment
• You're running a time-limited crowdfunding campaign
• You want supporters to choose from reward tiers

When to Use Donation Mode

Choose Donation Mode if:

• You're accepting donations without offering rewards
• You're running a nonprofit or charity
• You want a simple donation process
• You don't need to track reward fulfillment
• You want to organize campaigns into funds

Switching Modes

You can switch between modes after initial setup, but consider the following:

Important Considerations

• Existing Data: Switching modes may affect existing campaigns or donations
• User Experience: The interface and features change based on the selected mode
• Payment Processing: Payment flows differ between modes
• User Roles: Backers and donors are different user types

How to Switch Modes

1. Navigate to Settings

   • Go to Growfund > Settings > General
   • Find the Platform Mode option

2. Select New Mode

   • Choose Campaign Mode or Donation Mode
   • Click Save Changes

3. Verify Changes

   • Check that the interface updates correctly
   • Verify existing campaigns display properly
   • Test creating a new campaign in the new mode

Warning: Switching modes may affect existing campaigns. It's recommended to switch modes before creating campaigns, or after archiving existing campaigns.

Configuration

Campaign Mode Settings

When using Campaign Mode, configure:

• Campaign approval requirements
• Reward limits (free: 3 rewards, 5 items per reward)
• Pledge processing settings
• Shipping options
• Reward fulfillment settings

See Campaign Management for detailed configuration.

Donation Mode Settings

When using Donation Mode, configure:

• Donation form options
• Default donation amounts
• Suggested donation amounts (Pro)
• Tribute donation options (Pro)
• Fund management (Pro)

See Donations for detailed configuration.

Related Documentation

• Campaign Management - Creating and managing campaigns in Campaign Mode
• Donations - Creating and managing donation campaigns in Donation Mode
• Rewards & Pledges - Reward system for Campaign Mode
• Payment System - Payment processing in both modes

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Note: Choose your mode carefully based on your fundraising needs. While you can switch modes later, it's best to choose the appropriate mode before creating campaigns.