Asking for money feels weird. Whether you’re running a nonprofit, a small ministry, or a community project, you probably didn’t sign up to become a salesperson. But the truth is, inviting people to give monthly isn’t pushy—it’s practical. And when done right, it actually strengthens your relationship with supporters instead of straining it.

This post will show you how to ask for monthly donations with confidence using proven mindset shifts and ready-to-go scripts. You’ll walk away knowing what to say, how to say it, and why it’s not just okay to ask—it’s essential.

The Mindset Shift: It’s Not About Begging

The biggest hurdle? It’s in your head. Most people hesitate to ask for recurring donations because they feel like they’re imposing. But let’s reframe that:

• You’re not taking. You’re giving people the opportunity to invest in something they care about.
• You’re not interrupting. You’re aligning with their desire to do good consistently.
• You’re not being greedy. You’re being strategic—monthly gifts stabilize your mission.

Think of recurring giving like a subscription to impact. Just like Netflix delivers entertainment each month, your organization delivers purpose, change, and hope—on repeat.

Why Monthly Giving Matters

Monthly donors are the lifeblood of healthy organizations. Here’s what the data says:

• Retention rates for monthly donors are 3–4x higher than one-time donors.
• Monthly givers often give 42% more annually than those who only give once.
• Predictable income allows you to plan better, invest wisely, and weather lean seasons.

Ready to build a thriving base of support? It starts with a confident ask.

Script #1: The “We’d Love to Invite You” Approach

This is your go-to for warm audiences—past donors, volunteers, or community members who already know and trust your work.

“We’re building a community of monthly supporters who believe in [impact statement—e.g., feeding local families, protecting rescued animals, mentoring students]. Just $25 a month helps us [specific outcome]. If you’d like to join us, we’d love to welcome you.”

Why it works: It’s casual, invitational, and specific. No pressure. Just a chance to be part of something ongoing.

Script #2: The “Behind-the-Scenes Hero” Approach

People love knowing they’re making an impact, especially behind the curtain.

“Most people only see the finished result—the [event, service, outreach]—but what really keeps it going is our monthly giving crew. They make sure [essential need] is always covered. Want to be one of those behind-the-scenes heroes?”

Why it works: It invites donors into an insider role. Giving monthly becomes a badge of honor, not a burden.

Script #3: The “Netflix Analogy” Approach

This works well in emails or social posts, where you can be a bit playful or clever.

“You probably pay $12/month to stream shows. What if $12/month could provide clean water, or keep a student in school, or stock our food pantry for a week? Monthly giving is like a subscription—but instead of entertainment, you’re funding real change.”

Why it works: It creates immediate relatability while reinforcing how small monthly gifts add up fast.

Script #4: The “Impact Over Amount” Approach

Many people assume monthly giving has to be a big financial commitment. This script removes that barrier.

“It’s not about how much—it’s about how often. Even $5/month makes a difference when it’s consistent. If 100 people gave $5/month, we could [tangible result].”

Why it works: It highlights the power of community giving and de-stresses the amount.

Where to Use These Scripts

• Email: Embed a script into your newsletter with a recurring giving button.
• Social media: Pair with a real photo or quick video clip showing monthly impact.
• Live events: Share one of these scripts before a moment of giving or during a donor appreciation talk.
• Landing pages: Feature one of these approaches on your giving form or monthly donor campaign page.

Bonus Tip: Make Monthly Giving the Default

According to Classy.org, simply pre-selecting “monthly” as the default on your giving form can increase recurring gifts by over 30%. Let donors opt-out—not in.

And be sure to name your program. A recurring giving strategy isn’t just technical—it’s emotional. Whether you call them “Sustainers,” “Hope Circle,” or “Monthly Heroes,” giving your program a name creates identity and pride. For more help structuring your program, check out this guide to recurring giving strategy.

You’re Not Alone—And You’re Not Annoying

Here’s the truth: Most donors appreciate clarity and consistency. If someone doesn’t want to give monthly, they simply won’t. And that’s okay. You’re not alienating anyone by inviting them to do more good more often.

In fact, by not asking, you’re doing them a disservice. Many people want to help—they just need you to make it easy and obvious how.

Your Next Steps

• Pick your favorite script above and personalize it for your mission.
• Use it in your next email, social post, or conversation.
• Make “monthly” the default option on your donation form.
• Revisit your recurring program name and thank-you process.

Confidence doesn’t come from being loud or salesy. It comes from knowing your mission is worth supporting—and then making the invitation clear. So go ahead. Ask. They just might say yes.