How does one ask for donations at an event which is advertised as "free, donations accepted"?

Question

Our church based organization will have a speaker next month.
The flyer says Free, donations accepted.
Anyone have any success stories...on how to respectfully ask
for donations, but still get enough to cover expenses and
generate some income?
Only options I can think of are polite questions at the door (with "hat/basket " in hand), sign/basket at door, "passing the hat".
I'm also going to look into books at our library.

Also, if anyone has an idea of how to better categorize this question, I am all ears!

Answer 1

There has to be a place out in the open where donations can be made that people can't miss seeing. Most people I know that attend functions like this paln on giving something anyway.

Answer 2

Have you considered "sponsorships" from local businesses or from other churches that might support the speakers message? This could be a sure way of covering expenses, by getting them to help sponsor the event.

On the day of the event, you could either specify donation areas in prominant places or pass an offering. Since the event has already been advertised as "donations accepted" I don't think people would find either offensive.

Answer 3

It depends on which of the 3 goals you are seeking. 1. provide a speaker with no strings 2. a speaker with a built in fundraising opportunity, but that is secondary. 3. a speaker would give opportunity to raising funds which is the intent of the event.

If you are going for #2, then be subtle but make it easy. If you are handing out a program or something, have a little envelope inside it with a card (inside the envelope flap) saying something about donations would be appreciated, and have an option of filling out a card to get a receipt. 1, they can donate or not, no pressure 2, if they do donate and fill out a card, instant new donor name for your database.

Then have a big (huge) drum or box at the entrance/exit and people can place the envelope in it on their way out.

Answer 4

If it already says free, donations accepted, then it should be just that.

Have a table near the entrance with a basket for donations on it. But the donations should be truly optional, just as the flyers state.

Answer 5

Obama is great at disaster relief, but gives orders to stand down rather than defend our Ambassador Chris Stevens and 4 Navy Seals at our Libya Embassy in Benghazi.

Answer 6

Find a sad looking very young or very old person who can beg and plead for money at the door.

Have a box for donations so large one couldn't miss it and place heart pulling strings all around it for guests to trip over

Ask someone who sells fruit at Flemington /Paddys markets to yell at the top of their lungs "Fresh fruit...I mean donations please, tight bottoms"

Answer 7

Decide what would be a fair donation, then post a sign saying "$X donation gratefully accepted."

Answer 8

Crafty greed.

Answer 9

Your speaker is charging a church....here we go ...Jesus never charge anyone to hear his words

Answer 10

"This event is free of charge, however a small donation is always appreciated. Thank you!"