How to ask for a donation: tips for fundraising beginners

People often say that the hardest part of fundraising for a charity is asking for donations. Maybe you've received donation requests from others (friends, family, on the radio) but you've never had to ask for a donation yourself. Don't worry, you can overcome the feeling of vulnerability and fear that comes with asking for help by following the tips for asking for donations.

You'll find several tips that will teach you how to ask for donations - including tips for asking for charitable donations and how to create a sense of urgency.

Tips on how to ask for a donation that make asking for money easier

1. You can inspire the person opposite you by telling their story honestly and without lying

If a potential donor contacts you, they will be more ready to donate than if you solicit them. Present your cause in short, clear text and direct potential donors to visit your page or website to find out the whole story - and become part of it with their donation.

2. Choose the right approach to the potential donor

The best way to get a positive response - and a donation - is to approach the potential donor by tailoring to their individual interests and character. If you know someone who would respond to your cause with kind words and a good approach, this is the way to go. For a colleague who might respond better to a formal approach and conversation, then you need to change your approach.

Personal request for donation

Sending a personal fundraising letter to potential donors can increase the number of donations you receive. This may sound like a very time-consuming activity, but it's incredibly effective. It shows that your ask is about more than money - it's a connection.

Examples of such letters can be found in our article How to write a persuasive fundraising letter:Three sample templates

A request for a charitable donation

If you're raising money for a nonprofit organization, be sure to emphasize the tax benefits of donating to your cause.

3. Create a sense of urgency for potential donors

It's important to convey a sense of urgency when sharing about fundraising for a cause. Without that urgency, your potential donors may think they can wait to donate - wait for you to ask them again. Explain what will happen if you don't raise the money, and you'll likely see a spike in donations. Keep in mind that even the negative aspects of what would happen if you don't raise the amount can be put in a positive light.

4. Use email lists to your advantage

One major power of emails: you can ask friends and family to forward the message to their friends and acquaintances.

You can use these fundraising email templates to reach your goal.

5. Make it easy to donate

Although it's obvious, it can be easy to forget: Make it easy for people to make a donation. Include a link to your fundraiser in your message to them, and don't be afraid to point out exactly where the donation button is located.

6. Be specific in your donation request

Give potential donors specific reasons why they should donate to your cause. Some ways to be specific include using numbers, making a checklist, and listing specific expenses. It can also be effective to get specific about the amounts requested - for example, "A donation of $125 will allow Chris to cover his monthly expenses."

7. Be creative in your approach to potential donors

You don't need to use a specific formula when it comes to soliciting donations. Start your campaign with the beneficiary's favorite poem or song. Or include photos and videos. Get creative with your campaign page. As long as it works, straying from traditional formulas will make your campaign stand out. Just make sure your chosen approach motivates people to get involved.

Three tips for asking for donations

You may be embarrassed to ask for help. Don't be nervous - even experienced people who do this get nervous. Seeking donations online can be made easier by using the right approach. Here are a few tips when searching for donations.

1. Be specific in your donation search

When a campaign isn't clearly framed, it doesn't grab anyone's attention - specificity and concreteness does. Clearly and precisely state why you are fundraising, what the current situation is, and what the desired and sought-after outcome will be.

Be specific in your list of costs too. An accurate and clear account should always be given to donors so that they are aware of where their funds are going.

Take a look at our article on how to plan and organise a charity campaign.

Start your campaign now!

2. Customize your donation request

When asking for donations, focus on more than the beneficiary's need. Also think about the person who is donating and what their perception might be in that situation. When approaching a potential donor, ask yourself:

• Why does this person care? There is a reason you are approaching him or her for donations. Keep that reason in mind and communicate it when you approach any potential donor.
• What relationship does this person have with the beneficiary? Perhaps the potential donor was a childhood friend of the beneficiary or perhaps a neighbor. It is appropriate to highlight this relationship when soliciting donations to create a more personal, intimate communication and increase your chances of receiving a donation.
• Why would potential donors have reservations? Keep in mind that there may be reasons a person may not want to donate, and try to approach them. For example, some people may be worried that they can't afford to make a large enough donation for the campaign to succeed. Explain to potential donors that a campaign, no matter how expensive, is made up of small donations from a large number of people. This is the definition of crowdfunding.

3. Don't be scared of declining a donation

You're not going to get a donation from every person you ask, and that's normal. It doesn't mean you've done a bad job or that the people you've asked are terrible people - sometimes people don't want to donate. A great place to reach potential donors is on social media. Learn how to turn your social media followers into donors.

Hone the way you seek donations and launch your campaign

Above all, remember that people enjoy helping others. When you ask for a donation, you're simply tapping into that human urge. Check out the campaigns on the platform or start your own.