Asking people for money can be an incredibly uncomfortable experience, even when you are asking for all the right reasons. Raising funds for a cause you believe in, however, is a vital tool in sustaining and advancing that cause. This page provides valuable guidance on how to fundraise.

• Understand that people can't donate unless you ask them to.http://donations.ussailing.org/Ways_to_Give/10_Tips_on_How_to_Fundraise.htm

• Ease some of your discomfort by recognizing that you are not asking for money for yourself, but for a charitable cause.http://donations.ussailing.org/Ways_to_Give/10_Tips_on_How_to_Fundraise.htm

• Involve local media if possible. Try to publicize any fundraising events you might be planning, or just draw attention to the cause you are fundraising for.http://donations.ussailing.org/Ways_to_Give/10_Tips_on_How_to_Fundraise.htm

All of us have something we think is worthy of our time, attention and money. Moreover, we have something we think is worthy of other people's money. Asking for that money, however, can be incredibly difficult. Following the steps detailed on this page can make your fundraising much simpler and more productive.

In order to fundraise effectively, it is helpful to have an endpoint in mind. Though you can of course exceed your goal, it is good to have a minimum amount to strive for and keep you working towards your goal.http://www.wikihow.com/Fundraise Having a goal in mind also makes your task seem more manageable and achievable.

Once you have your minimum dollar amount set, you need to decide how you are going to raise that money. There are a variety of successful tactics.

1. Host a fundraising event. For example, ask a local restaurant or bar to sponsor a Happy Hour. Charge a small cover, for which guests can receive drink discounts and free appetizers. The cover charge goes towards your cause.
2. Create an online presence. There are a variety of online sources to help you with this. Set up a page that explains your cause and provides a mechanism for making donations online. Email this link out to your family, friends and work colleagues, asking them to donate.
3. Send physical ask letters (as opposed to emails) to your less tech savvy contacts. Provide them with a self-addressed, stamped envelope that they can use to mail back their donation.
4. Approach local businesses and inquire about their philanthropic efforts. See if they are willing to donate money to support your cause.http://www.ehow.com/how_15341_fund-raise-effectively.html
5. Apply for funding from larger corporations.
6. Talk to your closest contacts in person. Face-to-face requests can be hard to refuse.http://www.wikihow.com/Fundraise

No matter the amount donated, you should send every donor a hand-written thank you card. You want to make sure the donor knows that their contribution is appreciated. Eventually, this appreciation might even spur the donor to give more.