For some of us, asking for donations can be uncomfortable. What if they say no? What if they resent my request? How should I ask?
Those are all valid questions. But think about it this way: you’re not forcing people to make a donation, you’re giving them an opportunity to help. And that’s never a bad thing.
And given that BRIGHT Run has surpassed its fundraising goals in each of the past two pandemic years, it’s clear that many people welcome the opportunity to support local breast cancer research.
Most of us approach relatives, friends, co-workers, neighbours – folks we know – to donate to our fundraising effort. That makes it a personal thing, so it’s critical to help people understand why BRIGHT Run is so important to you.
Tell your story. If you’re a survivor, a relative or a friend, explain to potential donors how breast cancer has affected you and those around you. Explain that BRIGHT Run funds critical, local research with the potential to help current and future breast cancer patients. Explain that it’s not the amount of the donation that means the most, but the fact that the donor does what he/she is able.
To help you with that, BRIGHT Run has come up with some sample “scripts” that you can use as a starting point.
Feel free to modify these samples to suit your personal story. Include the BRIGHT Run website for further info, but also make sure to provide the direct link to your personal fundraising page to make the process as easy as possible for your potential donors. If you’re soliciting donations via email, use your personal email address to ensure your request isn’t blocked by accident.
Thank your potential donors for considering your request, regardless of whether they donate. And make sure to thank them if they come through for you.
Fundraising veterans will tell you that you don’t know if someone will donate if you don’t ask. And they will tell you that they are often surprised at the level of support they receive from many of those they ask.
