top 3 tips: asking for donations
top 3 tips: getting peers engaged
Please use the templates below as a jumping off point to ask for donations. We highly encourage you to customize these messages.
Dear [NAME],
Did you know I volunteer with Results Canada? We advocate to make sure Canada's decision makers are aware of solutions to address the causes and consequences of extreme poverty in low- and middle-income countries.
To mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, I’m taking action in support of Results Canada’s #EndPoverty Challenge, which is a fundraising campaign where I am committing to [THE CHALLENGE YOU SET FOR YOURSELF (e.g. walk 6km per day for 2 weeks)]. I’m asking for your donation to my personal fundraising campaign [INSERT YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE LINK].
Why now? Progress towards ending extreme poverty has been kicked into reverse by a convergence of crises – COVID-19, conflict, and climate change. To get back on the path to progress, we need advocates to raise their voices for a stronger, healthier, more equitable world.
People often think that direct on-the-ground support through charities is only one way you can invest in ending extreme poverty. But there is more than one way to make change happen. We can put money towards the problem, change policies and procedures, or build the political will to do both (advocacy).
Funds raised will go towards lighting up more Canadians to the power of advocacy, especially in areas of the country where a larger presence could yield big results. Results will also dedicate funds raised to develop new tools to make our powerful volunteers even more powerful – ensuring they have the skills they need to generate big impact.
I am available to discuss it further and answer your questions!
[INSERT YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE LINK]
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
Results uses two key strategies to communicate powerful messages:
Once you are familiar these two strategies, and can combine them, you will be more convincing and persuasive and as a result you will have more power to create change – which in this situation is to get folks to donate. Keep in mind that you will often use a laser talk to “hook” your listener and draw them in further into discussing the issue with you. Read more about communicating your message powerfully.
Example:
E - As part of Results Canada’s #TheWorldWeNeed advocacy plan for 2022, we set out to focus on COVID-19 and how to move forward from the pandemic, but it is clear now that the pandemic was only part of the problem.
P - Progress towards ending extreme poverty has been kicked into reverse by a convergence of crises – COVID-19, conflict, and climate change. There are many ways to make change happen – put money towards the problem, change policies and procedures, or build the political will to do both (advocacy).
I - Results volunteers make sure Canadian decision-makers, including parliamentarians, are aware of solutions to end extreme poverty globally. To stand in solidarity with those living in poverty, I’m taking action in support of Results Canada’s #EndPoverty Challenge. The fundraising Challenge, taking place around International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17, will help finance Results’ advocacy work to invest in, and grow, Results Canada’s dynamic network of volunteer advocates.
C - I’m asking for your donation to my #EndPoverty Challenge so that Results can develop new tools to make volunteers like me even more powerful and to get back on the path to progress toward #TheWorldWeNeed –a stronger, healthier, more equitable world.
Please use the templates below as a jumping off point to thank your donors. We highly encourage you to customize these messages.
Dear [NAME],
I wanted to reach out to thank you personally for your generous donation. You chose to stand in solidarity with those who lack the basic necessities that they need to thrive and recognized the importance of Results Canada’s advocacy. By training everyday people in effective advocacy, and then connecting with decision makers who have the power to end extreme poverty, we at Results are making an impact.
Thank you again for being a supporter!
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
Use your voice on social media to demonstrate how you are standing in solidarity with those living in poverty by recognizing October 17: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Show how you are taking action to support Results Canada’s work to address the issues involved in extreme poverty.
Fundraising:
I’m taking action for @ResultsCda’s #EndPoverty Challenge. Join me as I stand in solidarity with those living in poverty by donating to my fundraising page! #Canada4Results #IDEP2022 @UN
Wait! Remember to add a link to your fundraising page at the end of the tweet!
Making a donation:
Thanking donors:
Thank you to all my friends, family, and peers who have supported my fundraising campaign! You stood in solidarity with those living in extreme poverty & funded important work needed to support critical advocacy to #EndPoverty! #Canada4Results You can donate too: [INSERT YOUR PERSONAL DONATION LINK]
Fundraising:
This International Day for the Eradication of Poverty will be forever marked by a convergence of crises – COVID-19, conflict, and climate change – which has kicked progress towards ending extreme poverty into reverse. I’m standing in solidarity with those living in poverty and taking action in support of @resultscda‘s #EndPoverty Challenge so we can get back on the path toward a stronger, healthier, more equitable world. Support my challenge by donating on my fundraising page! #Canada4Results #TheWorldWeNeed #IDEP2022 @unitednations
Add your fundraising page link at the end of the post!
Making a donation:
This International Day for the Eradication of Poverty will be forever marked by a convergence of crises – COVID-19, conflict, and climate change – which has kicked progress towards ending extreme poverty into reverse. I’m standing in solidarity with those living in poverty and donating in support of @resultscda‘s #EndPoverty Challenge so we can get back on the path toward a stronger, healthier, more equitable world. Join me by donating to help invest in, and grow, this dynamic network of volunteer advocates. #Canada4Results #IDEP2022 @unitednations https://bit.ly/EndPovertyChallenge2022
Thanking donors:
Thank you to all my friends, family, and peers who have supported my fundraising campaign! You stood in solidarity with those living in extreme poverty & funded important work needed to support critical advocacy to #EndPoverty! Progress towards ending extreme poverty has been kicked into reverse by a convergence of crises – COVID-19, conflict, and climate change. To get back on the path to progress, we need advocates to raise their voices for a stronger, healthier, more equitable world. #TheWorldWeNeed
#Canada4Results You can donate too: [INSERT YOUR PERSONAL DONATION LINK]
“In 2018, I developed a plan to engage with our local Members of Parliament, and over the summer and fall we managed to connect with most of them. I was surprised to find that many had firsthand international experience so were more than willing to support us where they could. Many also provided tactical advice on how to ensure that our “asks” were projected to the point that political leaders could no longer ignore them.”
In 2019, Sam was recognized for his dedication to international development by the Governor General of Canada and was awarded with the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers. “My advocacy work with Results gave me a great background for my humanitarian work on the ground. Understanding the relationship between health, education, food security and safety allowed me to see how to best use my expertise support the communities. On the other hand, my experience on the ground has greatly supported my advocacy work with Results.”
“A strong sense of community can be created through the work of advocacy, which can ultimately lead to social movements. Slowly through small increments, I believe together we can make the world more just for all, regardless of location and socioeconomic status.”
“The surging concern of global inequalities propelled me to advocate and champion positive change for extreme poverty. With the essential tools, guidance, and nurturing environment of Results, I am able to make meaningful contributions that create equitable opportunities for vulnerable communities.”
“I had the honour of speaking at the Together for Learning Summit's Education Matters session. This was my first speaking opportunity at a major summit, and it was surreal to be the only youth speaking amongst leaders of different organizations. (…) Participating in this event has encouraged me to find more opportunities to speak and advocate on issues that matter to me personally.”
For more details, review our frequently asked questions.
See all our key dates, hashtags, tags and keywords on our call-to-action page.
