Asking for donations on Facebook can feel awkward, but it’s an effective way to raise money for a good cause. With some thoughtful planning, you can craft appeals that will motivate your friends and followers to give generously. Here are some tips on what to say and how to phrase your requests in a compelling yet tactful way.
Be Clear About Your Cause
Start by explaining the specific cause or project you’re fundraising for. Share details on the organization you’re supporting and how the money will be used. Be concise yet descriptive so people understand the need you’re addressing. For example:
“I’m raising money for Charity Water, an organization that provides clean drinking water to communities in developing countries. Your donation will directly fund a water project in a village that currently has no access to safe water.”
Add an Emotional Appeal
Make an emotional case for why this cause matters to you personally. Share what inspires you about the organization’s mission or a specific project. Tug at heartstrings by describing how donations can impact real people. But keep it sincere and avoid overly sentimental language.
“After visiting Guatemala last year and meeting families who walk miles to collect water, I felt compelled to help. I volunteer with Charity Water because I believe that access to clean water is a basic human right. With your support, we can fund a well that will provide a rural village with safe, accessible water for years to come.”
Set a Monetary Goal
Let people know the total amount you want to raise and explain key numbers, like how much it costs to fully fund a well, scholarship, or other need. This gives donors a tangible target and shows how their gifts directly contribute.
“My goal is to raise $5,000 to build a well for a village of 300 people. Just $25 can provide clean water for one person, so every donation makes a difference!”
Offer Different Ways to Give
Make it easy for people to give by listing various donation options. Include the link to your online fundraising page, details on mailing a check, information on matching gifts from employers, and giving non-monetarily like volunteering or donating supplies.
“You can donate through my fundraising page here [link]. Checks can be mailed to [address]. If your company has a matching gift program, you may be able to double your donation! I’m also looking for volunteers to help with our upcoming 5K fundraiser in October.”
Suggest Specific Donation Amounts
To encourage larger gifts, provide recommended giving levels like:
- $50 covers school supplies for one child for a year
- $100 provides a month’s supply of food for a family
- $250 purchases a share of a clean water well
People tend to anchor their giving to the amounts you suggest, so aim high. Back up these numbers with facts on how the funds will be used.
Offer Non-Monetary Ways to Help
Not everyone can give money, so provide other ways to support your cause like:
- Volunteering for an upcoming event
- Sharing your fundraiser on their own Facebook page
- Donating supplies like art materials for the youth program
- Providing pro-bono professional services like graphic design or photography
Any help spreading the word is valuable too. Let people know if they can’t donate, simply sharing your post helps gain visibility.
Explain the Benefits of Giving
Outline the positive outcomes their gift will accomplish, beyond just raising money. Like:
- Improving lives – metrics on how many people will gain clean water, food, housing, etc.
- Spreading awareness – increasing visibility for an important but overlooked cause
- Inspiration – leading others by example to also give back
- Community – bringing people together around a shared purpose
- Tax benefits – donations may be tax deductible
This motivates donors by helping them understand their tangible impact.
Share Personal Stories
Put faces to the cause by sharing real-life stories about specific people impacted. Tell compelling anecdotes about a family that gained access to water or a child that received an educational scholarship.
Photographs and videos of the people and communities your cause supports can also help make it feel more tangible and real. Just be sure to obtain permission first.
Explain How Funds Are Used
Assure donors their money will be utilized properly by explaining:
- Specific programs and projects funded
- Percentage of donations that go directly to cause vs. admin costs
- Oversight like financial auditing to ensure ethical use of funds
Stating upfront exactly how donations will be spent builds trust in your organization.
Say Thank You
Gratitude goes a long way, so thank all donors, whether they give $5 or $500. Send individual thank you messages recognizing their gifts. Follow up with photos and stories showing the impact their donation made.
Publicly thank and acknowledge recurring and large donors on your Facebook page too (unless they prefer to remain anonymous). Recognition encourages future giving.
Make it Urgent
Create a sense of urgency by sharing:
- Deadlines – “We need to raise $5,000 by the end of the month to start building the well before rainy season.”
- Matching opportunities – “Your gift will be doubled thanks to a matching pledge from a corporate sponsor.”
- Progress – “We’ve raised $1,500 so far. Just $3,500 more and we’ll fully fund this project.”
Framing the request as time-sensitive compels people to give sooner rather than later.
Follow Up
Don’t just post once and leave it at that. Follow up by:
- Sending reminders as the deadline approaches
- Sharing new information about matching funds or giving levels reached
- Tagging donors to publicly thank them
- Reporting back on the total amount raised and lives impacted
Ongoing updates make people feel invested in the success of the fundraiser.
Make it Fun
Incorporate playfulness and good-natured competition to turn giving into a game, like:
- “The first 10 people to donate $50 or more get a special edition t-shirt!”
- “My sister already donated $100, so help me beat her donation! Who wants to claim top donor?”
- “I’ll shave my head once we cross $1,000 in donations!”
Silly incentives and challenges make giving more entertaining while also driving higher contribution levels.
Conclusion
While asking for money may seem daunting, it gets easier with experience. Be authentic, transparent and gracious. Let your passion for the cause shine through. Believe that your community genuinely wants to help. With thoughtful and strategic appeals, you can inspire people to give generously.
| Donation Amount | Number of Donors | Total Raised |
|---|---|---|
| $50 | 15 | $750 |
| $100 | 7 | $700 |
| $250 | 3 | $750 |
| $500 | 1 | $500 |
| Total | 26 | $2,700 |