How to ask for donations?

[sebastiansong]

Many volunteers have asked for a script to approach potential donors.
I have been reluctant to provide one as I feel photographers, being creative, can and should improvise on their own once they know the who's, when's, how's, why's and what's. Nevertheless I shall err on the caution and provide a 3-line sample.

Requirements
(whatever in brackets are optional)

1. Try to approach in twos.
2. Take turns to speak.
3. Smile

Hi, we are raising funds for Japan (for Mercy Relief).
Ten dollars or more and you will receive a complimentary 4R print.
Of course any amount is welcome.

If person is keen, collect donation and get them to pose with the signs.
Short n sweet.
cheers

 

[Adam Goi]

Good work, Sebastian for this Just-In-Time tip; you'll be surprised that many of us don't really know to say when we find ourselves such situations ...

 

[PhotoProZero]

Hahaha, can I share my version and our strategy???

I would just put the donation tin out and say out loud:

"hello sir/madam. would you like to donate? We are raising funds for Japan Tsunami! All for a good cause!"

With me, usually, there will be another fellow photog carrying the boards or photos. My partner will then ask for a photo to be taken after donor donates. Hehehehe...

Teamwork - Me with the tin, will continue to ask for donations (usually, ssshhhh, I will approach kiddies...of cos, approach with a big smile) and my fellow team-mates will be taking photos. Of cos, I do double up to take photos if needs be.

 

[sebastiansong]

Hahaha, can I share my version and our strategy???

Thank you PhotoProZero for sharing your approach.
Everyone is free to add on their experiences to this thread

Like I mention earlier, there is no script nor fixed way to ask. Saying more doesnt mean you will get something, nor does saying less equate coins. Its about
1) believing in the cause and
2) approaching people

For group strategy, eye contact is important. A quick glance and you will get an idea of who is the receptive member (usu the one who is not hostile). What I have noticed is when one donates, others will follow (especially when the first one is the female member). If the others are hesitant, just prompt the other members.

 

[marky99]

Can I just ask: when we approach someone, do we ask them to have a photo in support of Japan the later ask for donation, or do we ask for donation right off the bat? The above opening lines seem to suggest the latter...

 

[sebastiansong]

Can I just ask: when we approach someone, do we ask them to have a photo in support of Japan the later ask for donation, or do we ask for donation right off the bat? The above opening lines seem to suggest the latter...

Dear Marky99

When you approach, either way, you have to have an opening line. Our ground rule is:
We are not taking portraiture for free BUT we do not frown on any amount donated.

Furthermore, Week 1 and 2 are quite different.

Week 1, We are offering portraiture service in return for donations.

Week 2, we were fortunate to have volunteers from the 501st Legion, Cosplayers, and Movie Mania. They are major attractions and crowd pullers. Hence it is easier to ask for donations in return for a group portrait with them.

As I wrote in the first post, it is a sample on how to approach the public. It is not the only and final way.

Hope the above answers your question.

 

[marky99]

OK I got it wrong then - I thought we ARE taking portraiture for free to show our support for Japan, but at the same time encouraging a donation... I remember someone's comment in another thread about people not wanting to have their shots taken, thinking they HAVE to donate...?

Nevermind, will be at the briefing at 10am so I'm sure this can be sorted out then.

 

[PhotoProZero]

OK I got it wrong then - I thought we ARE taking portraiture for free to show our support for Japan, but at the same time encouraging a donation... I remember someone's comment in another thread about people not wanting to have their shots taken, thinking they HAVE to donate...?

Nevermind, will be at the briefing at 10am so I'm sure this can be sorted out then.

Hey Mark, its flexible...lol Im not shy, so I ask for donations first. But then again, once you get it going, it just becomes natural. I was carrying the tin, so it is natural for me to be asking for donations. Dont worry too much!! We are there to help!

See ya!

 

[marky99]

Hey Mark, its flexible...lol Im not shy, so I ask for donations first. But then again, once you get it going, it just becomes natural. I was carrying the tin, so it is natural for me to be asking for donations. Dont worry too much!! We are there to help!

See ya!

OK thanks! See you!