Friends and family

Businesses get asked to sponsor. Friends and family get asked to donate. Keep the two separate.

A business gets something back. Their logo where the package says, and their own sponsor page. Packages start at $150. Ask in person, then send your link.

Friends and family get your thanks. Any amount from $5. A personal text with your link is fine.

Don't ask your grandma to sponsor your jersey. Don't ask the dealership owner for $5. If a relative owns a business, ask the business for a sponsorship.

How to ask for a donation

• One person at a time. A personal text gets answered. A group post mostly gets likes.
• Say what it's for. "Our jerseys," not "my season."
• Point to the bar. Your page shows how close the team is to its jersey order. People like helping finish something.
• Make small okay. "Any amount from $5" tells them $5 is a real answer.
• Ask once, follow up once. That's it with family.
• Thank every person the same day. Even for $5.

Examples

To an aunt.

"Hi Aunt Lisa, it's [your name]. I'm playing for [your team] again this season and we're raising money for jerseys. If you want to chip in, any amount from $5 helps. The bar on my page shows how close we are. [your link]"

To an old coach.

"Coach, it's [your name]. Still playing, now with [your team] in Demo Rugby League. We're raising money for jerseys and I'm doing my part. Any amount from $5 helps, and it would mean a lot coming from you. [your link]"

For your story or feed.

"Season's almost here. I'm playing for [your team] and helping raise money for our jerseys. Can't sponsor? Chip in toward my jersey. Any amount from $5. Link in my bio."

The best thing family can give you

Not $20. A name.

"Do you know anyone with a business who might sponsor me?"

Your uncle's boss. Your mom's friend who owns a salon. Ask that business for a sponsorship, and open with who sent you.