How to Ask for Donations for Your Golf Outing (and How to Approach Companies)

Golf tournaments are a powerful way to raise money for charities, schools, and community organizations. But no matter how many players sign up, the real fundraising often comes from donations — from individuals and businesses alike.

Here’s how to ask for donations for your golf outing and increase your fundraising success.

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1. Start with a Clear Purpose

Before you ask anyone for a donation, be ready to answer:

• What cause or organization will benefit?
• How will the funds be used?
• What impact will the donor have?
  

The clearer and more emotional your “why,” the more likely people will want to give.

Example:

“Proceeds from our tournament will fund scholarships for local students attending college this fall.”

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2. Craft a Personal Request

When asking individuals for donations (players, friends, family, past supporters), keep your message:

• Personal
• Specific
• Easy to act on
  

Sample script for individual donors:

“Hi [Name], I’m helping organize the [Event Name] Golf Tournament to raise money for [Cause]. Would you be willing to make a donation or sponsor a hole? Every contribution directly supports [specific impact].”

Keep it short, friendly, and focused on impact, not guilt.

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3. Make It Easy to Donate

The easier it is to give, the more donations you’ll get.

Offer multiple ways to contribute:

• Online donation link
• QR code on flyers
• Paper form at registration
• Sponsorship packages (for businesses)
  

Platforms like Partaake let you collect donations right through your event website — no extra steps or emails needed.

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4. How to Ask Companies for Donations

When approaching businesses, you’re asking for more than just a donation — you’re offering marketing exposure.

Here’s how to approach companies:

Do Your Homework:

Target businesses that align with your event audience (golfers, professionals, families).

Personalize the Pitch:

Reference something specific about the company. Avoid mass emails that feel spammy.

Offer Clear Benefits:

Outline what they’ll receive: signage, logo placements, website mentions, social media shoutouts, or event-day booths.

Provide Levels or Options:

Create a range of donation or sponsorship opportunities, from $100 hole sponsorships to $5,000 title sponsorships.

Sample business outreach email:

“Hi [Name],
We’re hosting the [Event Name] Golf Tournament benefiting [Cause]. We’re expecting over [#] players from the local community. I’d love to offer [Business Name] an opportunity to support the event through a donation or sponsorship package. We have options for hole signage, digital promotion, and more. Can I send you more details?”

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5. Follow Up (and Thank Quickly)

Many people won’t commit after one ask — and that’s normal.

Send a polite follow-up if you don’t hear back in a week or two.

After they donate, immediately thank them:

• Send a thank-you email
• Shout them out on social media
• Recognize them at the event
  

A strong thank-you increases the chances they’ll donate again next year.

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Make Fundraising Easy with Partaake

Asking for donations shouldn’t mean chasing down checks or juggling emails. With Partaake, you can:

• Accept donations directly on your event website
• Offer sponsorship packages with easy checkout
• Showcase donors and sponsors to your players
  

If you’re planning a golf outing and looking to maximize donations, we’re here to help you run a smoother, more profitable event.

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