Whether you’re running a marathon for cancer research or organizing an old-timey sock drive, asking people to donate is always a tough task. But it doesn’t have to be. Whether you are working on a school project or need donations to keep your non-profit afloat, there are effective ways to ask people for help.
Here are 3 powerful ways to ask for donations that will work like a charm.
Start by finding the right people
One of the most important steps in asking for donations is to find the right people. If you want to raise money for homeless veterans, you need to reach out to people who care about the issue and have the financial capacity to donate.
For example, if you’re trying to fundraise for a new animal shelter, it’s unlikely that you’ll be successful with your ask if you start by asking your friends and family. Instead, think about where your audience lives and try reaching out there. For example, find organizations or news media outlets in that area that focus on animals.
Get them excited about your cause
People are more likely to donate when they feel enthusiastic about the cause. Organizations like The Trevor Project or organizations working with refugees can create a sense of urgency by sharing stories about people who need funding for their cause. Enticing people to donate through these stories will make them feel empathy and compassion.
Another way to get people excited is to put together an event that has all of the fun, excitement, and energy that you want your donors to experience. For example, if you’re organizing a marathon for cancer research, you could set up a booth at the event where people can sign up for the marathon and buy t-shirts in advance. This way, people are signing up beforehand because they want to be there during the race for cancer research rather than just donating because they were asked.
Ask for donations.
The most obvious way to ask for donations is to simply ask. It sounds a bit cliché, but it does work. Just say, “Hey! Will you donate?”
One way to make the asking process more powerful is to share a personal story. Explain why your project is important and what you will accomplish with the donated funds. You want donors to feel like they’re not just donating, but that they’re making a difference too.
Another way to ask for donations is by having a donation box in person or on your website. Putting up a jar or giving people an option at checkout makes it easy for them to donate when the time arises. This also helps with impulse buys because people can’t deny a donation when it’s right in front of them.
Last but not least, if you have a text message list you can send out a quick text asking for donations during your fundraiser or campaign without being annoying about it. Texts are easy and fast so people won’t be bothered by them too much, but they’ll still get the message loud and clear.
ALSO READ
- Ways to Motivate Volunteers.
- 5 Steps to Set Up a Donation Page for Fundraising Success
- How to Start a Charity Project – 5 Simple Tips.
- 5 Ways to Start Giving to Charity
- How To Start A Nonprofit: A Step-by-Step Guide.
- How to Raise Money for the NGO You Love.
