Let’s face it — working as a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization is hard. Your days can be filled with awkward conversations, uncomfortable situations, and occasional rejection.

There’s just something about asking for money that can be off-putting, even for a “professional” money requester like you.

Yet raising money — and a lot of it — is vitally important to the work your nonprofit does.

It’s OK to want more money and to let people know you need it and what you’re planning to do with it. In fact, if you don’t, it may not be long before you have to close your doors.  

Encouragement for Asking for Donations

Asking for donations gets easier the more you do it. Keep these ideas in mind as you seek out money for your nonprofit.

Pay close attention to capital fundraising for your nonprofit. Capital funds are those bedrock dollars that keep the lights on. When your organization has a healthy operating budget to take care of infrastructure, logistics, staff, technology, and so on, fundraising for specific needs and programs becomes easier. You’re not worried about the destination of every dollar raised and are more confident in the targeted ask you’re making.

Invite your donors to become part of something great. Remind supporters that donating to your work gives them the chance to contribute to a greater cause and be heroes in the lives of others. Don’t deprive them of the opportunity to say “yes.”

Establish goals for donation amounts that are attached to the work you do. The more you keep your ultimate mission in mind, the more comfortable you’ll be asking for money. Proudly share the impact you can have when people partner with you. Remember that more money equals more people helped. Starting your ask with that mindset will give you an “offensive” rather than “defensive” posture.

What are your greatest challenges to effectively asking for money? What encourages you in your work?