During this time of year, many deserving nonprofit organizations ask for donations. It’s important for board members to ask people one-on-one, because that personal plea can make a difference. Still, for many people, including me, this isn’t easy.
There are ways to ask that won’t make your friends avoid you in the future. I recently had a friend ask me to donate to an organization. He wasn’t sales-y or pushy, and I was happy to help. I’m not unusual: when I do something nice for someone, it makes me feel good.
Directors, you’re serving on a board because its mission matters to you. When asking a friend or family member to donate, it’s allowing someone to do something nice for your organization and for you—which will help them feel good about themselves.
So, how do you ask? Here are some ideas.
A Short Email
This is the email I received from my friend. I know how that he puts a lot of time and money into the cause himself, but he didn’t talk about that in his short email. This is all it said:
Please help me support The Dinner Party by making a donation through my fundraising page for #RaiseOurGlass: Celebrating the People who Give us Courage in Life After Loss with The Dinner Party. Even a small donation will help me achieve my goal! The process is fast, easy, and secure. Thanks so much for your support.
The email closed with his name and a link to Donate Now.
Notice how he didn’t make me feel guilty or waste my time. Plus, the process was fast and easy, just like he said.
Add a Quick Story
There’s also adding a very short story for those not familiar with the organization:
Please help me support Education Foundation of the Summit by making a donation on Colorado Gives Day, December 5, 2017. One reason I'm involved with EFS is that we fund teacher's ideas like coding experiences, which is not only fun, but also gives kids problem-solving skills and stimulates critical thinking. The process is easy to donate.
Email Signature
Another thought is adding this signature to your emails:
Please help me support Education Foundation of the Summit by making a donation on Colorado Gives Day, December 5, 2017. Even a small donation will help! The process is fast, easy, and secure. Thanks so much for your support.
The Fly By
If you’re not comfortable with emailing your friends and family, briefly mention it to them in conversation:
“When you’re making donations on Colorado Gives Day, please think of Education Foundation of the Summit.”
I hope this helps. Good luck!
