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Letter: Asking friends, family for donations

People often underestimate the power their voice can have in raising money for charity, especially when it comes to asking family and friends.

Colorado Nonprofit Association’s Understanding Giving report indicates 56 percent of donors made a donation as a result of an ask from family and friends. Because personal connections predominantly motivate donations, everyone passionate about their favorite charities should consider asking their friends and families to make a charitable contribution.

Many organizations make it extremely easy for supporters to engage their family and friends. Community First Foundation, which produces Colorado Gives Day, enables donors to set up their own personal fundraising pages. Through these pages, people can easily raise awareness and fundraise by soliciting directly to friends and family. Many fundraising running races and walks have also embraced this philosophy by allowing participants to create personal fundraising pages for every participant.



Numerous people also include a personal ask in their holiday greeting cards. Sometimes, the person advocating for the cause will match donations up to a certain amount, as part of their holiday gift. Holiday parties are another way to educate family and friends about a nonprofit. Hosts can encourage their guests to make a donation in lieu of gifts.

Possibly the best way to engage family and friends in supporting a charitable cause is simply to have an informal conversation about the charity. Telling family and friends about your personal involvement and asking them to give or volunteer goes a long way toward helping nonprofits thrive.



One voice has the potential to raise hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, by asking family and friends. Tell family and friends about the causes you are most passionate about. Chances are more than half will make a donation.

Renny Fagan

president and CEO, Colorado Nonprofit Association


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