Fundraising messages you can copy and send
The first message decides whether people give. Keep it short, personal and specific, with one link. Here are messages you can copy, change the details, and send today.
- Free to start. Zanja keeps 5% of each donation and nothing else.
- Supporters give with Airtel Money, MTN MoMo, Zamtel Kwacha, Visa and Mastercard.
- Cash out to mobile money or a Zambian bank account (minimum K50).
What every good appeal message has
- Who it is for, by name, and how you are connected.
- What happened, in one or two sentences.
- What the money is for, with the total you need.
- One link where people can give and see progress.
- A thank-you, even to people who can't give but can share.
Send it personally to close family and friends first, then post it in groups. People respond to a message addressed to them far more than to a forwarded poster.
Medical bills
“Hi Auntie Mary, I'm raising money for my brother Chanda's operation at UTH. The doctors say he needs surgery this month and the total cost is K18,000. Anything you can give helps, even K50. You can give with Airtel Money, MTN or card here: [link]. Thank you, and please keep him in your prayers.”
Funeral contributions
“Dear family, as you know we lost our father, Mr Banda, on Tuesday. We are collecting contributions for the funeral (coffin, transport, food and burial). To keep everything in one place, please give through this link: [link]. You will see the total and every contribution. Thank you for standing with us.”
School fees
“Hello everyone, Natasha has been accepted at CBU to study engineering. We have raised part of her first-year fees and still need K9,500 before registration closes on 15 January. If you can help, give here: [link]. She'll send results each term.”
Church or community project
“Members and friends of St Joseph's: we are putting a new roof on the church before the rains. The list of materials, with prices, is here: [link]. You can give towards iron sheets, timber or labour, and see what is already covered. God bless you.”
Kitchen party or wedding
“Hi ladies! Natasha's kitchen party is on 20 December. To avoid ten kettles and no pots, here is her wish list: [link]. Pick an item and give towards it, or tap “I'll bring it” and bring it on the day. See you there!”
Follow-ups that work
- Share progress: “We're at K12,000 of K18,000, thank you to the 40 people who gave.”
- Give a deadline: “The hospital needs the balance by Friday.”
- Thank publicly (with permission): people are more likely to give when they see others have.
- Send a final update when the goal is reached or the money is used, with a photo or receipt.
Avoid sending the same message every day to the same group. Two or three updates with real news work better than daily reminders.
Open fundraisers you can support
Lusaka
End drug abuse in kaunda square stage 1, kaunda square welfare programs
For Kaunda square
K65 raised of K2,000,000
10 donations · ends 15 Jan
Lusaka
HELP A BROTHER OUT
K150 raised of K1,500
2 donations
Copperbelt
Help my family, my father is too old for work and my mother just had surgery and we are having financial challenges
K5 raised of K5,000
1 donation
Lusaka
Help Me Pursue My Education and Build a Better Future
K0 raised of K100,000
0 donations
Lusaka
RAISING OF SCHOOL FEES
K0 raised of K17,000
0 donations · ends 30 Dec
Lusaka
Help me pay rent
K0 raised of K2,000
0 donations · ends 12 Mar
Frequently asked questions
Should I put my own phone number in the message?
Put the link, not a personal number, so every contribution is recorded in one place and you don't have to match payments by hand. Add your number only for people who want to call you.
What if people say they can't afford to give?
Thank them and ask them to share the link. Sharing reaches people you don't know, and many fundraisers get a large part of their support from friends of friends.
