Request Money From a Nonprofit Organization
Asking for money from a nonprofit organization can seem like an uncomfortable task, especially if you are like most people and find it difficult to ask for money. Even the most seasoned fund-raising professionals have been thoroughly trained in embark upon "the big ask." While nonprofits seem to have streams of money to delve out, the trick is knowing when to ask, ask--and, most importantly, the mission of the organization from which you are requesting money.
Instructions
1. Do your homework. Just because an organization is nonprofit doesn't mean that it has money to give away. The organization could merely be a service provider or a grants manager. Your first job is to ensure that it does in fact give out grants or other monies. Visit The Foundation Center or FundsNet Services online to find a list of nonprofits throughout the country that give money to organizations and individuals.
2. Find out the mission of the nonprofit organizations you are interested in working with and make sure you making a request that is in alignment with the organization's mission. If you are requesting funds for an after-school program, make sure that you making your request to an organization that affiliates itself with educational opportunities. If you are an individual asking for money, make sure the organization has funding opportunities or grants for individuals.
3. Construct an organized fund-raising letter. Start off by thanking the organization for its time and list reasons why you want to partner with it. The amount of money you are requesting should go at the end of the letter. For a sample of a donation letter, look at a sample letter requesting donations, brought to you by Life123.
4. Determine the amount of money you need to fulfill your program goal and ask for this amount. Be very specific and display the costs involved to the organization you are requesting money from. If you are looking to run a program, consider all of the costs involved, including staff salaries, overhead, supplies and individual needs for your clients. Never underestimate the amount of funding you will need.
5. Highlight the important accomplishments your organization has made. You could list the number of people your organization has helped or link to coverage you have received from your community, a blog or newspaper. Don't forget to get your clients involved so they can offer the many ways you've helped them out.
6. Clearly state your goals for the money you are requesting. Explain how you are going to use the potential contribution.
7. Highlight your dependence on contributions. Provide a detailed explanation about how you rely on charitable contributions in order to obtain your goals.
8. Send a thank-you letter to each nonprofit you requested money from for taking the time to read your request for funds. Let them know how you will recognize their generous donation in the future.
