How to Ask for Personal Donations
Large monetary gifts from corporations and other organizations are always helpful to and appreciated by nonprofit agencies. However, often the small but steady stream of donations from individuals keep a nonprofit up and running. In lean times such as these, not-for-profits often find themselves tightening their belts and looking for new potential donors. When approaching a possible contributor with your proverbial hand out, it is imperative to know how to ask for a gift.
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Instructions
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Touch donors' hearts. People give their hard-earned money to agencies that fulfill a need that worries them. Inform potential donors of the need your agency works to meet.
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Solve the problem. Once potential donors have learned about the need at hand, tell them how your agency fulfills the need.
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Make it clear that, in order to continue fulfilling this need, your agency requires financial help from people just like them.
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Associate dollar amounts to specific undertakings. For example, if $25 a month will feed a family of three, or $17.50 will spay or neuter three animals, say so. This gives potential donors a more tangible way to help.
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Make it easy for them to give. If you are asking for a personal donation through the mail, make sure to include a self-addressed return envelope. Include a phone number for credit card payments over the phone, as well as a Web site address offering click-to-pay options.
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Tips & Warnings
Promptly send a thank-you note for any donations received, no matter how small.
