How to Ask for Campaign Donations

Those running for office need to raise funds for travel, advertising and other campaign operational expenses. Since these expenses add up, it's important to know how to ask for campaign donations. Forging partnerships with local organizations and maximizing your media exposure can secure financing to run your campaign. Here's how to ask for campaign donations.

Instructions

1. Target your current network. The first step in raising campaign donations is to target your business and personal relationships. Make a phone call or schedule a lunch to discuss your campaign efforts.

2. Solicit corporations that have a history of supporting campaigns. Many businesses won't get involved in politics, so it's important to do your homework. Make a quick phone call to the marketing communications manager to ask if the company has a history of making these donations. If the answer is yes, schedule a meeting to discuss the benefits of contributing to your campaign.

3. Host a special event. This can be a campaign dinner at a local restaurant or hotel. Invite a panel of interesting speakers and start calling businesses, friends and acquaintances to get the word out. Place a community announcement in the newspaper and put up fliers.

4. Recruit a team dedicated to your cause. Old-fashioned canvassing can be a great way to get the word out and generate campaign donations. Recruit a team of your family, friends and supporters to talk to community members.

5. Speak to local community groups. Target local community groups, unions and businesses and ask about setting up time to speak. Offer to buy lunch or dinner and speak about your campaign efforts. Provide each attendee with a donation envelope in their information packet or leave a stack of envelopes at the door.

Tips & Warnings

• Get to know the media. Getting your name into the media is an important component in raising funds. Send out press releases when you speak at special events and pitch stories to local reporters on issues.

• Don't get discouraged. Even if you don't raise many donations at first, don't worry. Many campaigns take a little time to gain momentum.

Resources

• About Raising Campaign Funds