Meet our Venture Support Team: One-on-one with Patty Simonton

At StartSomeGood, we’re committed to giving our campaigns the best possible chances of success. That’s why every single campaign on our site is matched up with an expert member of our Venture Support team who is there to support you from beginning to end. We’d like to introduce Patty Simonton who is our North American Catalyst and also on the Venture Support Team! 

Want to tap into their expertise but aren’t ready to run a campaign? Kick things off by telling us a bit about your idea and someone will be in touch.

How would you describe your work on Venture Support?

I provide hands-on support to organizations and individuals who are looking to put together a powerful and persuasive campaign to raise the money they need to do something awesome. This support may include strategy consultation as well as feedback and suggestions about content and layout, marketing, funding goals, and rewards. I find I also provide moral support to those who are running campaigns; I’ve been there myself and completely understand the overwhelming sense of nervousness that you experience when you launch a campaign.

What makes a good crowdfunding campaign? Examples of some of the standouts you’ve worked with?

Powerful campaigns start with a powerful first impression. The campaign title is important, as is the summary sentence, both of which can pique the interest of passersby. Great campaigns have tangible, achievable funding goals, and a passionate team that demonstrates their ability to make that goal a reality. I like to see campaigns that provide a transparent budget because it helps to show that the team has really thought through exactly how they will make their dream come to life. Unique, interesting rewards are also important, and should not be undervalued. I often ask Ventures to take a step back and look at their campaign from the perspective of someone who knows nothing about them and ask, “Would I donate to this project?”

Some of my favorite campaigns include: Inspire Students with Starts in Kenya, by Nomad Domes and Tinker Tour, a project by the SPLC and Mary Beth Tinker. This was her first of two successful campaigns.

Why StartSomeGood?

Because every day I get to help passionate people who want to make the world a better place achieve their dreams.  It’s so awesome to work with changemakers around the world who not only recognize the problems in their communities, but step up to solve them. It’s incredibly inspiring.

What keeps your flame lit?

Waking up every day with the knowledge that there are a lot of people around the world who strive build peace, create beauty, and strengthen their communities – and knowing that if I do things right, I can help them do that well.

What are you doing when you’re not supporting social good ventures?

I help coordinate opportunities for people to come together to build community and create magic.

Interesting fact about you?

Between the ages of 5 and 25, I attended 13 different schools in six different cities, in three different continents. The fact that I’ve lived in DC for the last 18 years is testament to the fact that it’s really just that awesome.  Come visit – I’ll show you around.

What makes you donate to a crowdfunding campaign?

Some combination of the following: 1. You’re a great friend of mine.  2. Your project is awesome and reflects something I believe in.  3. You have personally asked me to donate.  4. You’ve convinced me that you’re not only passionate about your project but that you’re qualified to follow through on it and I trust you to do so.  5. Your funding goals and budget make sense to me.