Asking for funding towards a campaign, project, event or cause does not have to be complicated, but you must have a plan. You aren’t asking for money for yourself, you are asking for the greater good. Donations and/or contributions are not purely transactional but also emotional. People want to contribute to a cause that will impact what they believe in. People also want to build relationships with those asking for contributions and it’s important that we show appreciation.
Let’s break it down...
Have A Clear Goal
You must be able to explain to the person or business what they are donating to and why. It is very important that we follow through with this and they are able to track progress.
Build Relationships With Your Contributors
When we get to know someone, their family, and what is important to them, we are likely to have an ongoing relationship not purely based off of asking for money but to help them add to their legacy. Understand why they want to contribute to certain causes and alike and educate them how the donations they make will affect generations to come.
Build Attainable Steps To Reach The End Goal
Be transparent and committed to seeing it through. A goal without a plan is just a dream.
Ask Ask Ask
Don’t underestimate the amount someone wants to contribute. Most of these bigger causes, especially those for local impact, people already want to be a part of. Ask for the donation with a specific dollar amount, allow time for them to think and answer, and give them the power to respond.
Endlessly And Genuinely Thank Your Contributors
They are tying this all together. Though they may not be contributing to your cause to be noticed, appreciation goes a long way.
