By Chron Contributor Updated October 21, 2021
If you want to plan a company get-together or celebration, you might think about passing the hat around the office and asking for donations to offset the cost of hosting the event. While there might be some circ*mstances when this is appropriate, keep in mind that everybody has different financial needs. A birthday contribution request, for example, might not always be welcome, or even feasible, for some staffers.
Company Policy
Before you even broach the idea of asking colleagues for party donations, ask your boss or human resources manager about corporate policy for taking up collections. You might have to formally request collecting funds by outlining the specifics of the event and describing how the money will be used.
Some businesses have strict anti-solicitation policies in place, while others set certain parameters for employee contributions. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, for example, has a comprehensive ethics guide outlining acceptable and disallowed practices for charitable fundraising at the office.
Avoid a Hard Sell
If management gives you the okay to take up a collection, try to keep the amount you're asking for low enough that it won't have a major financial impact on staffers, especially those on the low end of the pay scale. Another option is to make the amount of the donation voluntary or even anonymous so people who can't afford to contribute aren't put on the spot. If allowed, collecting money in the workplace by email can save time and avoid any perceived pressure of asking for money in person.
Be Specific
When you ask co-workers to chip in for a party, be very specific in how much money you're trying to raise and what the funds will buy. For example, distribute a memo that reads, “Company picnic this weekend. Suggested donation of $5 per family to cover hot dogs and drinks. Please bring a side dish.” Be accountable for where the money goes so there's no concern about misuse of funds by posting receipts on the break room calendar so everyone can see how their money is utilized.
Be Judicious
Be mindful about how often you approach colleagues and ask for a donation to throw a party. For example, rather than celebrate every single birthday in the office, consider having a monthly birthday celebration in which everyone born during that month is recognized. Avoid collecting money for events that might be exclusionary, like throwing a women-only baby shower, yet asking the men in the office to contribute.
Also be careful about taking collections for religion-oriented holiday parties that not all employees necessarily recognize or celebrate. Similarly, refrain from soliciting contributions to charity donation websites unless the company is directly involved in fundraising efforts.
Collection Alternatives
Rather than approach colleagues to fund company parties, ask management to support or at least contribute funds to help offset what employees are expected to pay. Consider asking your employer to create a budget for important milestones so you're not routinely collecting money for colleagues' farewell retirement celebrations, for instance.
Another alternative to asking for cash contributions is to devise alternate ways to celebrate events. For example, institute a recycling program and sell the aluminum to a local recycling company. Use the funds to have a “green” party once a year. You can also suggest potluck meals that are low-cost and allow everyone to participate, suggests Money Under 30.
FAQs
When you ask co-workers to chip in for a party, be very specific in how much money you're trying to raise and what the funds will buy. For example, distribute a memo that reads, “Company picnic this weekend. Suggested donation of $5 per family to cover hot dogs and drinks.
How to ask for money from coworkers? ›
We have planned to get [Person's Name] a farewell to mark this special day and are looking for contributions. We recommend a contribution of $15 each since that will give us approximately the amount that we want, however please feel free to contribute as much as you are comfortable with.
How do I ask for contributions for a party? ›
Here's what to say when asking for donations: Be clear, succinct, and authentic. Use “you,” say “thanks,” and be specific. Keep in mind who you're asking and how you're asking. While we can't write your fundraising email for you, we can provide some additional guidance on how to work some fundraising magic.
Is it rude to ask people to pay for a party? ›
In short, the answer is no. "It is never appropriate to ask your guests to pay you back if you have invited them to be — keyword here — a guest at your dinner party," Elaine Swann, lifestyle and etiquette expert and founder of The Swann School of Protocol, told USA TODAY.
What is the respectful way to ask for money? ›
Crafting a Polite Request For Money
- Be transparent: Be open and honest about your financial situation and your need for money. ...
- Be specific: Be clear about the amount of money you need and the repayment terms. ...
- Show gratitude: Express your gratitude for the person's consideration of your request. ...
- Follow-up: ...
- Respectful:
13 Ways To Ask Your Friends For Money (That Aren't Awkward)
- Soften the blow with cute animals. ...
- Ask through text instead of IRL. ...
- Get them to cover you next time you hang out. ...
- Throw subtle hints whenever you see them. ...
- Mask the cringe with memes. ...
- Get resourceful next time your friend throws a party.
Tell your co-worker that you completely empathize with their situation, but a) you are not a bank and b) you don't think it will be good for either of your relationships at the workplace which are currently great. It's just a bad idea overall to get into the loaning money business anywhere let alone work.
How much to contribute to an office party? ›
Depending on the cost of living in your state and the average salaries in your organization, anywhere from $5 to $15 or even $25 may be the average. For instance, senior executives may have a higher standard donation than hourly employees.
How to ask someone for money text message example? ›
Send Them a Text Message or Email
Asking for money back text message sample – “I hope this email finds you well – if you recall, I lent you a sum of… and I was wondering when you can pay it back”.
What is another word for asking for donations? ›
Solicitation is a request for something, usually money. If you buy a fancy new house, expect a phone call from the local charity with a solicitation for a donation. Solicitation comes from solicit, which means "to request," or "to entreat." So solicitation is the act of requesting.
So, when is it OK to charge guests for a dinner party upfront? If you're hosting a fundraiser, then it's fine to ask for contributions as long as you're clear. Farley says that if this is the case, it should be clear on the invitation what the funds are for, as well as any cost of admission or suggested donation.
Is it tacky to ask for money? ›
Emily Post and other etiquette professionals contend that "you should never ask for money on the invitation" as it is presumptuous, rude and in poor taste. Instead, the information should be spread informally among family and friends. However, everyone does not agree, even within the etiquette circle.
Who pays for a party? ›
If you invite people to an event that you planned — you're a host, and it's on the host to pay. This remains true even if you're throwing your own birthday party, so don't pick a pricey spot and expect your friends to pay your way.
How do you politely ask your boss for money? ›
Here are seven things to consider while you are meeting with your manager to ask for more money:
- Be confident and positive. Walk into the room with confidence and good posture. ...
- Ask questions. ...
- Prove your value. ...
- Start the salary discussion. ...
- Keep it professional. ...
- Use smart negotiation techniques. ...
- Listen and ask questions.
[Name]'s last day with us is the [leaving date], so it would be greatly appreciated if all contributions could be in by [collection deadline]. This will allow us enough time to find a heartfelt gift for [Name]. Your generosity and support makes all the difference. Thanks in advance for your contributions!
