There are many causes and organizations that benefit most from direct donations from strong supporters. Requesting donations is often a most cost effective way to raise money. The cost of producing the fundraiser are often less than other strategies, so more of your donors dollars go directly to help your mission.

Here are 5 strategies for requesting donations for your cause:

1. Fundraising Letters

While direct mail is often in a category by itself, I include it with direct donations because the letter is simply the vehicle to make the request.

The success of letter campaigns vary widely depending on the organization, audience and focus of the letter. Campaign planners should consider every aspect of the campaign before placing those stamps on the envelopes.

> Find out more about Fundraising Letters

2. House Parties

A houseparty is not a “special event” like a dinner where tickets are sold, sponsorships are solicited and auctions are held to raise funds. The focus is entirely on the mission of the organization and how it fulfils its purpose.

People who have an interest in the cause and learning more about the organization are invited to a friend or college’s home and listen to a presentation. Attendees learn first hand what impact their support will have and are encouraged to make direct donations.

> Find out more about House Parties

3. Direct ASK

Requesting donations, especially major gifts, face to face epitomizes the relationship centered approach to fundraising. It can also be rather nerve-racking!

Marc Pitman simplifies this process and shows you how to ask for donations with confidence. In a one hour interview Marc shared many of his strategies including the “Get REAL” system for asking for donations, tips on how to make new contacts, the formula for knowing if someone is a good prospect, how to turn a one time gift into an annual pledge and other insightful topics.

> Find out more about Direct ASK strategies

4. Grants

Many organizations apply for grants in order to get funds. There are a variety of places that award grants including national foundations, corporations and community and family foundations. Often grants can make a big difference to an organization because of the size of the awards which can range from $1,000 to hundreds of thousands. Often a strong relationship with a grant maker can propel the charity toward success in other areas as well.

> Find out more about grants

5. Change Collections

Just about every gas station, restaurant and convenience store has some kind of change jar it seems. Those pennies can add up - but it takes more work than you might think to run a successful change collection drive.

It’s important to have a planned strategy for your collection drive, plenty of locations and a great publicity campaign to go along with it.

> Find out more about Change Collections

Direct request donation strategies go way beyond the immediate dollars your group receives. Developing a strong relationship with people that really care about your cause can have a huge impact on your group’s ability to fulfill its mission. Strong supporters help strengthen an organization, volunteer, become spokespeople and lifelong benefactors.

Sandra Sims
Fundraising Coach,
StepByStepFundraising.com