Do THIS, not THAT: Your Guide to Getting More Donations

8 quick tips to turn your ask into action

By Erin Albitz, Creative Director

Let’s be real – asking people for money can be awkward. Whether you’re raising money for a nonprofit, your kid’s soccer team or a worthy cause that just needs a little love, crafting the right offer makes all the difference.

So, what separates a “meh” fundraising message from one that gets people to open their wallets with enthusiasm? Here’s how to make your fundraising offer strong, clear and actually effective.

1. Make It Urgent (Like, Now-Urgent)

People are busy. We’ve all got 47 tabs open in our brains. If your message doesn’t feel like it needs action right this second, it’s probably getting snoozed.

✅ Do this: “Give by June 30 to help stock the food pantry before summer hits.”

❌ Not that: “Help us at some point when you get around to it maybe.”

2. Be Super Specific

“Support our mission” is vague. Are we talking planting trees, feeding llamas or launching a rocket?

Instead, say exactly what the money does. People want to know what their money’s doing while they’re off living life.

✅ Do this: “$35 feeds a child for a week.” Simple as that.

❌ Not that: “Support our work.”

3. Tell a Story, Not a Spreadsheet

Stats are cool, but stories stick. Don’t just tell me 1 in 6 kids go hungry. Tell me about Sarah, who’s 8 and just got her first full lunch in weeks thanks to a donated meal.

It’s not about guilt-tripping. It’s about connecting.

✅ Do this: “Sarah finally got a full lunch – her first one in weeks.”

❌ Not that: “1 in 6 kids go hungry.”

4. Show the Impact Like a Boss

When people donate, they want to feel like they did something awesome. So, show them the outcome, loud and proud. 

✅ Do this: “Every $100 gives a student a full year’s worth of school supplies.”

❌ Not that: “Your donation helps students.”

5. Use a Little Jedi Mind Trick (aka Matching Gifts)

Matching Gifts draw people in – and what feels like a single donation transforms into twice the help. If someone’s offering to double donations, shout it from the rooftops. Why donate solo when you can have a multiplier buddy? This is fundraising gold. 

✅ Do this: “Your $25 has the power of $50 today.” Boom. Twice the impact.

❌ Not that: “Every dollar counts.”

6. Say Exactly What You Want People to Do

Don’t be coy. If you want someone to donate, say it – clearly and confidently. You’re not being pushy. You’re being helpful. Donors shouldn’t have to guess what you want from them!

✅ Do this: “Give one child a meal tonight.”

❌ Not that: “Consider helping if you feel moved.”

7. Keep It Consistent Everywhere

Repetition helps people remember. Bonus: it makes you look polished and professional (even if you’re working from your couch in sweats).

✅ Do this: Make sure your email, social and print all say the same thing.

❌ Not that: Say it differently on every platform.

8. Try Stuff, See What Works

You don’t have to guess forever. Try different messages. Test what works. Maybe people respond better to a bold headline. Maybe they give more when there’s a photo of a puppy. Test. Learn. Adjust.

✅ Do this: Try different headlines, photos and appeals to discover the best approach.

❌ Not that: Keep doing the same thing and hope for different results.

Bring It All Together

Raising money doesn’t have to be a mystery. With the right ask – clear, human, a little urgent and full of heart – you’ll see way more YESes and a lot less “I’ll think about it.”

Need a hand making your next ask irresistible? BDI is here to help. Feel free to get in touch with me, and let’s make it happen!