Learn how to ask for donations for your first charity campaign.

Most of us have been in a situation where we have had to ask for help. If you have been in such a situation, you can agree that it is a difficult task. People don't want to feel like a burden, and it's easy to experience shame and insecurity when thinking about asking for support.

It's no different with asking for donations. People often say that the hardest part of crowdfunding is asking for monetary help. Asking for donations can be daunting if you've never done it. Don't worry, you can overcome the feeling of vulnerability that comes with asking for help by following our tips for asking for a donation.

Basic principles on how to ask for a donation online

1. Inspire donors by telling your story believably

As they say, honesty is the best policy. People want to believe their donations are going to a legitimate cause. Be honest when telling your story to reassure those who want to help. If a donor connects with your story, they will be more inclined to donate funds. Encourage potential donors to visit your fundraising page to get more information - and to become part of your journey with their donation.

2. Tailor your message to the person you are reaching out to

The best way to get a positive response - and a donation - is to appeal to each potential donor's individual interests. If you know someone who would respond better to a warm, light-hearted request, use informal and light wording. If it's a colleague who might respond better to a formal approach, deliver your message appropriately.

Try a fundraising letter

Sending a personal fundraising letter to potential donors can increase the number of donations received. This may sound like it takes time, but it's incredibly effective. It separates your message from the dozens of spam emails a person might receive. It also shows that your request is more than just asking for money - it's about a deep human connection.

3. Create a sense of urgency for your cause

It's important to convey a sense of urgency when sharing funds. Without that urgency, your potential donors may wonder if they should wait to donate - which will require you to ask them again some time later. Explain what will happen if you don't raise the money in a certain amount of time and you'll likely see a spike in donations. Keep in mind that even negative consequences can be presented in a positive light. 

4. Use your email lists to your advantage

One of the main benefits of email: you can ask your friends and family to forward the non-personalized part of the message to their entourage. Consider creating a block of text that they can easily use for this purpose, and refer to it as such in your email. Additionally, email is great for online fundraising without social media, as it's effective, inexpensive, and easy to track progress. Make it easy to donate

This one is obvious, but can be easy to forget: Make it easy for people to make donations. Include a link to your donation page in your solicitation, and don't be afraid to point out exactly where the donate button is on your fundraising site.

Check out all the campaigns on PavelAndreev.ORG or start your own.

6. Be specific in your request

Give potential donors clear reasons why they should donate to your cause. Some ways to be specific include using numbers, making a checklist, and listing expenses. It can also be effective to be specific about the amounts requested - for example, "A donation of 125 BGN will allow Ivan to fill one month of doctor's prescriptions." Visit PavelAndreev.ORG's causes page to see more examples of how specific donation amounts can help.

7. Get creative with how you ask for a donation

It's not necessary to use a formula when it comes to making donation requests. If you deviate from traditional formulas, your fundraising campaign will stand out. Just make sure the approach you choose is appropriate for your fundraising campaign and motivates people to get involved. Here are some innovative examples of how to ask for donations:

- Start your request with the beneficiary's favorite poem or song lyric.

- Include photos or videos to make your ask more emotional.

- Explore common fears and myths about crowdfunding to provide clarity and reassurance to donors before submitting your request.

Three tips for asking for financial help

You may be nervous about asking for help. It's good to know that even people who regularly organise fundraising campaigns are still worried. Asking for donations online can be made easier if you use a checklist and practice your approach.

Here are some tips on how to ask for donations:

1. Be specific in your request

Giving people specific information is a powerful way to get their attention. Be sure to list these three things in your request: your current situation, the reason you are fundraising, and the desired outcome.

Be specific in your list of expenses as well. Some successful fundraisers describe every expense - not just large sums such as surgery or funeral expenses, but also the gas money needed for trips to the doctor, transportation fees for a hearse or van, and other smaller expenses. Potential donors will appreciate the transparency.

2. Personalise your request

When asking for donations, focus on more than just the need. Consider the types of donors you are approaching as well as their understanding and needs. When approaching a potential donor, ask yourself:

Why is this person interested?

There's a reason you approached him or her for donations. Keep that reason in mind and communicate it when approaching each potential donor.

What relationship does this person have to the beneficiary?

Perhaps a person is a family member of the beneficiary. A tip for asking family for money is to mention this relationship when asking for a donation to create a more personal and intimate communication and increase your chances of receiving a donation. It's important to touch on the relationship with anyone you ask, whether it's a childhood friend or a neighbor.

Why would they be suspicious?

Keep in mind the reasons why someone might not want to donate, and try to eliminate them. For example, some people may worry that they can't afford to make a large enough donation to make a difference. By addressing this concern and pointing out specific costs that can be covered with small donations, you can get more people to contribute.

3. Donation refusal is inevitable, but it's normal

You won't get a donation from every person you ask, and that's normal. It doesn't mean you've done a bad job - sometimes people get distracted or just don't have the money to donate. Understanding this, politely follow up with anyone who hasn't made a donation on your first call. You can also suggest other ways they can express their support for free, such as sharing your fundraising campaign on their online social networks. Make it easy for them by providing some guidance on how to ask for donations on social media. Using social media for fundraising is a great opportunity to turn your followers into donors.

The financial support you need is on the other side of the fear barrier

Above all, remember that people love to help others. When you ask for donations, you're simply tapping into that human impulse. Once you know the basics of asking for donations, you can start a fundraising campaign today and start collecting donations tomorrow.