In the world of nonprofit fundraising, personal outreach remains one of the most powerful ways to connect with supporters. One such method is the charity call — a direct and personal approach to engage donors.

If you’ve ever wondered what is a charity call or how it can boost your fundraising, this guide explains everything you need to know.

Charity Call Meaning

A charity call refers to a phone conversation where a charity representative contacts an individual to request a donation, promote a campaign, or spread awareness about a cause. These calls can be made by:

• Fundraising volunteers
   

• Nonprofit staff members
   

• Professional telefundraisers
   

The goal is to build a personal connection, explain the importance of a cause, and encourage people to contribute.

Why Are Charity Calls Important?

Unlike emails or ads, charity calls provide a personal, direct, and often more emotional appeal to potential donors. Benefits include:

• Immediate feedback and conversations
   

• Better engagement and response rates
   

• Personalised donation requests
   

• Opportunity to answer questions in real time
   

Many organisations use charity calls to reconnect with previous donors, welcome new supporters, or invite people to events and campaigns.

Types of Charity Calls

Charity calls can serve different purposes, including:

• Donation Requests: Asking for financial contributions
   

• Thank-You Calls: Showing appreciation to donors
   

• Campaign Promotion: Sharing updates or inviting participation
   

• Event Invitations: Inviting supporters to charity events
   

How to Make an Effective Charity Call

If you’re planning to run a charity call campaign, follow these steps for success:

1. Prepare a clear, friendly script tailored to your cause
    

2. Introduce yourself and your organisation confidently
    

3. Explain the purpose of your call and campaign goals
    

4. Make a polite, specific donation request
    

5. Listen actively and answer any questions
    

6. Thank the person for their time and support
    

Final Thoughts

A well-planned charity call remains one of the most effective ways to raise funds, increase awareness, and build meaningful connections with your donor community. By combining a personal touch with a clear message, these calls can make a lasting impact on your fundraising efforts.

If you’re ready to launch your next fundraising campaign, consider integrating charity calls alongside your online campaigns through WhyDonate.

FAQs About Charity Calls

1. What is a charity call?
   A charity call is a phone conversation where a nonprofit contacts individuals to request donations, promote campaigns, or thank supporters.

2. Why are charity calls effective?
   They offer personal, direct conversations, helping to build stronger donor relationships and achieve higher response rates.

3.  Who makes charity calls?
   Fundraising volunteers, nonprofit staff, or professional telefundraisers often handle charity calls on behalf of organisations.