Fundraising in India, for about a decade now, has been an excellent method to raise huge sums of money for causes ranging from illnesses to business projects. The simple process of crowdfunding in India requires you to create your campaign where you come up with the exact amount of money that you require and pen down your cause with the utmost honesty so that donors are inspired to financially support you.
The sharing of the campaign that comes later is an important part of the process not because you need to ensure the maximum exposure for your campaign but because you need to ask your relatives and friends to donate for your cause. Hence, when it actually comes to sharing your campaign in real life, we are often asked the same question: “What’s the best way to ask friends to donate without losing them?”
We present to you a few simple tips, things to do and things to avoid, so that you do not feel discomfort in asking for donations from friends.
To do:
- Remember to tell your story.
Your friends may not know the urgency of your story. Whether you’re reaching out through email or asking in person, remember to tell your story, and tell it well. If you have a longer story that contains many details, in your initial request keep it concise and simple. Encourage potential donors to look up crowdfunding India to get the full story—and to become part of it with their donation. - Design your message appropriately.
The best way to receive a positive response, and a donation, is to appeal to everyone’s individual interests, keeping their personalities in mind. If you think a friend would respond better to a warm, lighthearted email, keep your wording informal and airy. For another friend who would respond better to a formal approach, write your message accordingly.
Note that if you’re raising money for a nonprofit organization, you should emphasize the tax benefits of making a donation to your cause.
- Explain what will happen if they don’t donate.
It’s important to convey a sense of urgency when sharing your campaign. Without that, your potential donors may consider waiting to donate, requiring you to ask them again several times. Explain what will happen if you don’t succeed in your fundraising efforts, and you’ll most probably notice a spike in donations.
- Keep a positive attitude
Do not be discouraged by the friends who turn you down at first. Keep in mind that people often have varying priorities with their finances. You can’t know when people will offer support, so keep your head high and persevere.
To Avoid:
- Not knowing what you’re asking for, or being vague about it
Are you raising money for medical expenses? If so, list the expenses you need help paying for.
- Being too formal
Being overly formal with your own friends can prove to be counterproductive.
- Being scared of rejection
Understand that you won’t get a donation from every person you ask, even if they are your friends. Keeping this in mind, politely do a follow-up with them if they didn’t respond the first time.
- Being inauthentic
Use words, pictures, video, prizes, themed donation parties- all the tools available. Giving your fundraiser some vibrancy and personality can make a world of difference.
You don’t need to feel sheepish about asking for money or be worried about hitting up the same people several times. Where there is a will, there are a hundred ways. With fundraising made easy for you, and a simple guide to get your friends to donate money for your cause, there should be no obstacle between you and your goal.
