What’s the worst that could happen? Making a clear and direct request is the only way people and organizations will know to donate. Your request should answer these questions:

  • What need in your community will your donation drive address? What will be the measurable impact of the drive? What is your goal?
  • When will the drive take place? What are the dates when supporters can donate? Will there be an opening or culminating event?
  • How can supporters get involved? In addition to the donations themselves, will you need volunteers to collect, organize, and/or distribute donations? 
  • What exactly can (and can’t) supporters donate? Are you requesting in-kind or financial donations? Are you requesting new or used items? 

In addition to asking individuals for donations, plan to from relevant for-profit businesses. For example, for a winter clothing drive, you could ask clothing retailers with a local presence for in-kind donations of jackets, caps, and gloves. Companies are often happy to donate to nonprofit community drives—especially when they get public recognition for their donations in return. In these asks, be explicit about how a donation will benefit their organization—often through CSR publicity.