Day 2: Ask for donations

Most Trustees would like to raise money simply by broadcasting how great their cause is, how great their need is, and then waiting for donations to roll in. However, even the best newsletters and media articles don’t raise much money. Asking people directly and passionately raises money, and there’s no shortcut to this. However, stopping people in the street is more likely to irritate than enthuse them; media advertising is generally ineffective (except if you’re a children or animal charity), so if you want people to give you money, be prepared to ask for it with a proud, direct and passionate ask, whether it is in person, over the telephone, by letter or to a room full of supporters.

Be specific in what you ask for; there is no such thing as giver-fatigue, however there is a nagging fear in most people’s minds that their donation is not being well spent, that it will go on administration or fundraising.

#FundraisingFortnight