The response goes way up when you give people a ‘reason why’ you are asking for donations.  And it is best when told in a story.   As children, we were trained to listen to stories.  When you are fundraising and asking people to donate, give them your ’reason why’ in the form of a story.

Non-profit leadership is like music.  It’s not as bad as it sounds. Say YES!

Say all that should be said, but not all that could be said.

When you mine for gold, you have to sift 3 tons of sludge for each ounce of gold extracted.

Watch this one minute video — Click here:  “How to Ask for Donations”

Emphasize the benefits to the buyer, not your non-profit fundraising idea.  (The fact that the money goes to a good cause is not enough.)  How will it make life better for your buyer?

Make it visual, exciting, and something the public would love to know. (‘We’re having a fundraiser’ won’t attract media.)

People donate to people.  They volunteer for people.  They may join for a ‘reason’ – but you’ll retain membership because of the people.  Don’t limit your ‘About’ page to your non-profit mission.  Use photos and talk about your people.

If someone says something nice, write it down.  Send it back to them (very soon) with this note:  Thank you for your kind words.  May we quote you?