Painless Ways To Ask For Donations

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Someone just asked you to approach businesses about donating door prizes for an upcoming event at your facility. Are you excited? Or perhaps you would prefer to make an appointment to go to the dentist? Most people feel intimidated by the thought of asking for donations, but it need not be this way.

As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, you usually see better attendance at your fundraising events if you give the attendees something in return. However, you don’t want to spend your precious funds on door prizes and gift baskets. That’s why it’s so essential to solicit these items from outside sources. Today I want to share tips I’ve learned from many years of helping with fundraising events at our nursing home.

Adjust your attitude.

The first time someone asked me to help recruit door prizes for an event, I cringed. I felt like this meant pestering busy people. But our wise volunteer coordinator changed my attitude.

She reminded me we’re giving someone an excellent opportunity. Through their donation to support our cause, we provide them with a chance to make a positive difference in the lives of other people. When we look at it this way, asking for donations becomes a privilege rather than a burden.

Take advantage of connections.

Check with your volunteers and the nursing home employees to see if they have a connection to a business that might donate. Perhaps it’s someone they know personally or a company with whom they’ve recently done business. You’ll likely identify several places that most organizations rarely consider when seeking donations.

As an example, last time someone asked me to help find door prizes for an event, I got donations from a few unique sources:

1. The company that installed a couple of new windows in our house
2. The auto repair shop that works on my family’s vehicles
3. The company that does maintenance on our furnace

It’s helpful to get your team together for a brainstorming session. As people toss out their thoughts about businesses to approach, it triggers ideas for other people. Also, check out this fantastic resource with 101 donation source suggestions.

Consider asking your team to post requests for donations on social media. You just never know who might approach your organization with a generous offer.

Here’s how to do the asking.

Depending on your unique situation, you can request donations by letter, email, or in person. Whichever the case, be prepared to provide the following information concisely and enthusiastically:

1. Who you are and your relationship with the organization
2. The mission of your organization
3. Details of the event
4. How the money raised will benefit your residents
5. Type of donation you seek
6. How you plan to acknowledge their donation at the event
7. How to deliver the donation (mail, they drop-off, or you pick up)
8. Deadline by which you need the donation
9. Contact information

I also encourage you to make a follow-up phone call if you don’t receive a response within a couple of weeks. Find a personable volunteer who feels comfortable making calls. Besides increasing your chances of obtaining a donation, a phone call usually provides a reason if someone chooses not to give. This helps determine if you should try again next year.

Keep careful records of all donations from year to year. Especially if you host frequent events, you don’t want to ask the same people to donate too often. Always be on the lookout for new donor possibilities.

Not everyone will donate, and that’s okay.

Some businesses choose not to donate, and you shouldn’t take it personally. Many companies support specific causes, such as education, hunger relief, or the environment. So they’ll probably choose not to give to your nursing home fundraiser. Also, many businesses establish a specific budget for annual donations, and when it’s gone, then it’s gone.

If you’re requesting donations from national chain stores or restaurants, you’ll save yourself time and disappointment by looking at their websites. Often, they post specific guidelines you need to follow.

Develop long-term relationships.

A thank-you note needs to go out to each donor within a week after you receive their gift. Make your notes warm and personal. I know I’m a lot more likely to donate again if I receive a personalized thank-you rather than a generic “Dear Friend” letter. If you’re a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity, you’ll also want to include a receipt for the donation.

Remind donors precisely how their donation will make a difference in the lives of your residents. If you’ve hosted similar successful events in the past, include information about how many people attended and how much money you raised.

Finally, this is a perfect opportunity to encourage donors to establish a long-term relationship with your organization. Invite them to tour your facility and let them know about upcoming events.

What tips can you add? I would love to see your ideas in the comment section.