1. Be direct
Ask people, “Would you consider donating to the Green Party campaign?” Face-to-face communication is best. At the local level, you can be specific about how much money you need and what the money will be used for, which should encourage donors to give.

2. Why the Green Party?
Be prepared with an answer to this question: Why should I give to you? Your story of why you give is an important tool to answer this question. Also, try to get a sense of how much the person you're asking can afford. There's no sense asking someone for $50 when they could have given $500, or vice versa.

3. Tax credits
Remind donors that they’re eligible for a tax credit when they give to the party. For example, a $400 donation is really a $100 donation after the tax credit has been calculated.

4. No donation is too small
Show your potential donors how their small gifts will make a difference ($10 buys a sign, $20 buys 100 brochures, $50 an ad in the local paper, etc.). Try to start a challenge program so that people can encourage other people to make a small donation.

5. Team work
Work as a team in order to take away the fear factor of asking for money. Get together to make phone calls, or go in pairs to an in-person fundraising visit. Match up an experienced volunteer with an inexperienced one so that they can learn from each other.

6. Follow up
Have the campaign’s most visible person follow up with large donors, whether it's the candidate, the riding CEO, or the fundraising chair. But whatever you do, follow up. Something is better than nothing, and too much follow up is better than too little.

7. Spread the word
Tell your family, friends, and colleagues why you joined, and encourage them to do the same (it's quick and easy to join online). If they're not willing to commit just yet, ask them to join our email list.