How to ask for a donation
This is a little different from most of my articles but as someone who loves to volunteer in my local community and have hosted benefits for individuals in the past, I thought this was necessary to pass along. I've seen a lot of people get frustrated that "no one will donate to my cause" and it all comes down to the ask.
I’ve been reaching out for fundraising basket items for various boards and benefits for years. Here are some pro-tips on how to make the ask and get a response.
1. Start early. Donations can take a long time to get approved. Make sure you ask as soon as you can.
2. Start with a gatekeeper – find out who you need to talk to. Find out if you need to email, call, fill out a form, or any other requirements.
3. Keep your communication short, simple, and too the point. Understand they’re busy and get requests all the time. You don’t need 3 paragraphs of back story.
4. Identify key pieces of information: Who you are and what organization you represent, the reason you are reaching out, any pertinent dates, what the donation will be used for, what the money the donation will bring in will be used for (the second money trail is a great key that a lot of people forget).
5. Ask if you there is anything else they need from you to fulfill the request.
6. THANK THEM.
Here’s an example email I sent out recently and received a donation back within minutes.
Hello [person]
I stopped up to fourth floor today and [gatekeeper] suggested I reach out to you.
I’m Vice President of the [local] Parent-Teacher Organization ([city, state]). We are hosting our annual trunk-or-treat event on October 25 and are looking for local sponsors to donate items for our basket raffles. The money raised from our Trunk or Treat event goes to fund our teacher projects throughout the year. In the past we have paid for a 3D printer, field trip transportation, and classroom supplies for teachers.
Please let me know if [organization name] would be open to donating something for our basket raffle as a sponsor or if there is any more information you need.
Thank you,
Amber Bennett