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Do you feel you’ve tapped into your network of family and friends and you’re still shy of your goal? Ask people you don’t know for a donation.

Don’t worry, it’s much easier and takes less time than standing outside a grocery store with a jar asking for change (although, I’ve done that before – man, that’s tough work).

So, how do you ask people you don’t know?

• Ask your supporters to spread the word - When you ask your family and friends, ask them to support you by telling their communities.
• Add your fundraising page link to a website - this can be your own or a friend’s website or blog, your company’s website, or your nonprofit’s website
• Email signatures - include your fundraising page link in your email signatures. This is what my work and personal email signature looks like:
  

• Post a message in a forum - specifically a forum you frequent, or one that’s related to your cause or event.
• Utilize other social media services - Do you use Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn or other social media services? If so, add your fundraising page link to your comment or profile. Read our tip on Facebook and fundraising
• Get it in the media - Send your story and fundraising page to newspapers, magazines, radio, and tv stations by writing a press release.

Keep in mind
You never know when a cause is going to resonate with a donor. Perhaps they love the nonprofit you’re raising money for or someone they are close to has had an experience that your nonprofit addresses. It could just be that the donor is amazed by what you are doing or find your fundraising efforts creative.

Tools to help you spread the word
On your fundraising page, in the upper right corner, supporters can click Share this page. They can choose from emailing their community, adding a widget or badge to their website or blog, and adding the your page to their Facebook profile. Tell us what’s worked for you.