Asking for donations can feel awkward even when you deeply believe in the cause. Simple, clear wording reduces pressure for both you and the person you’re asking and makes it easier for them to say yes — or to decline gracefully. Below are short phrases and longer templates you can adapt whether you’re texting a friend, posting on social media, or writing an email for a fundraiser.

Why This Moment Matters

Asking for donations is about inviting others into the work you care about, not just requesting money. How you frame the ask shapes whether people understand the need, the impact, and the ease of giving. A well-worded request builds trust, shows respect for people’s time and budgets, and increases the chance of a meaningful response.

Short, Simple Things You Can Say

• “Would you consider a gift to [cause/organization] this month? Every bit helps: [link].”
• “I’m fundraising for [campaign]. A $25 gift covers [specific impact]. Can you help?”
• “If you’re able, please donate to support [name/event]. Here’s the link: [short link].”
• “We’re a few donations away from our goal — can you chip in $10 or $20?”
• “I don’t want to pressure you — if you can, we’d be grateful for a contribution: [link].”
• “Please help spread the word or give what you’re comfortable with to support [cause].”

Longer Messages With More Warmth

• “Hi [Name], I’m helping [organization] raise funds for [specific program]. Last year their work provided [concrete example], and this year they need support to continue. If you can give $15–50 it would directly fund [specific item]. Here’s the link if you’d like to help: [link]. Thank you either way for considering it.”
• “Dear friends, we launched a fundraiser for [person/cause] after [brief context]. We’re asking for small gifts that add up — even $5 helps. Your donation would mean we can [clear outcome]. If you can’t give, sharing this post would be a huge help.”
• “Hello — I wanted to reach out personally about a campaign I care about: [one-sentence story of why it matters]. We’re close to our goal and a gift of any size moves us forward. You can give here [link], and I’m happy to answer questions about how donations are used.”
• “We’re running a short drive to fund [specific need]. I know budgets are tight, so if $25 is too much, even $5 helps and can be combined with others’ gifts. Thank you for considering supporting this work — it really makes a difference.”

What to Avoid Saying

• “If you loved me, you’d donate.” (Guilt-tripping or coercion.)
• “You have no excuse not to give.” (Shaming or assuming capacity.)
• Vague asks like “Please donate if you can” without details on impact or how to give.
• Overly technical fundraising jargon that confuses people (e.g., “annualized pledges,” unless explained).
• Pressuring language that creates false urgency without reason (“Donate now or everything will fail”).
• Long-winded appeals that bury the ask and don’t state the specific need or link.

Helpful Tips for Handling the Moment

• Always say exactly how to give (link, QR code, texting keyword) and suggest a few gift amounts to make the decision easier.
• Tailor the ask to your relationship: be direct with close friends, concise and informative with acquaintances, and more formal with potential major supporters.
• Lead with impact: state one clear outcome their donation will create (e.g., “$30 buys meals for a week”).
• Offer non-monetary ways to help (sharing, volunteering, connecting you with others) for those who can’t give right now.
• Follow up politely if you don’t hear back, and always send a prompt thank-you that describes how the gift will be used.

A Note About This Particular Situation

When asking for donations, remember people’s ability to give varies and many appreciate transparency more than pressure. Be ready to accept a “no” gracefully and maintain the relationship — today’s non-donor might become a future supporter or advocate. Always protect donors’ privacy and follow through publicly and privately with thanks and clear reports on impact.

Let us know in the comments if this has helped or if you’ve got suggestions we can include

About the Author

Helen Bach is a relationship expert and writer who helps people find the right words when it matters most. She studied English and English Literature at the University of Michigan, where she developed a passion for how language shapes love, conflict, and connection.

At whattosaywhen.net, Helen writes clear, down-to-earth advice on what to say in real-life situations—from first dates and tough conversations to breakups and makeups. Her goal is simple: to make talking about feelings less awkward and a lot more honest.