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How to Ask for Donations in a Recession
Shar McBee
Shar McBee is the bestselling author of To Lead is to Serve – How to Attract Volunteers
& Keep Them. These tips are from her seminar, “Joy of Fundraising for Board Members.”
Develop your Detachment
People are contracted enough. If you are “hitting them up” for money, they’ll resist.
You may need to ask for donations in a recession, but if you act needy, people will run away from you. In
this economic climate, contributors want to feel safe. Establish good relations before
you ask for a donation or you’ll be denied.
Offer an Opportunity
You are giving people the chance to be of service, to be part of a greater good. Ask
previous donors what they received from donating to your cause. If Jane Doe made a
generous donation, ask her why. Perhaps Jane Doe says, “I like to feel the glow when
my money does good work.” Offer the same opportunity to others. This will work in any economy, but especially when you ask for donations in a time of recession.
Request and Retreat
They won’t give if you don’t ask. 67% of donors give because a friend or family
member asks. You don’t have to be afraid because even in this economic climate,
8 out of 10 Americans still donate time or money or both. So request but don’t push.
It is usually a brief period when we can influence people. When that moment wanes,
withdraw and wait. Control your ambition and give them a chance to consider your
appeal. When you ask for donations in a recession, if you ask but don’t push, people are more willing to say YES to you.
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