raise funds

USAGE SUMMARY

"raise funds" is an acceptable and common phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the act of collecting money for a specific purpose, often for a cause like a charity. For example, "The nonprofit organization aims to raise funds for cancer research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ways to raise funds exist.

The Economist

I told him I would raise funds".

The New York Times

The lobby does not raise funds directly.

The New Yorker

We have to raise funds.

Cornell University

Why shouldn't we raise funds?

The New York Times

Today we can raise funds.

The New Yorker

Clubs raise funds primarily through membership dues.

Columbia University

He continued: Today we can raise funds.

The New Yorker

Now they must raise funds for 2013.

The Guardian - Music

to raise funds to fight Ebola.

The Guardian

Other composers also tried to raise funds with new pieces.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a broad audience, "raise funds" is easily understood. For specialized financial contexts, consider synonyms like "secure financing" or "obtain capital."

Common error

Avoid using "raise funds" interchangeably with phrases that have narrower meanings, such as "collect donations", if the intent is to encompass a broader range of financial activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "raise funds" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a transitive verb, where "raise" is the action verb and "funds" is the direct object. Ludwig confirms its proper grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "raise funds" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of gathering financial resources for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, from News & Media to Academia and Formal & Business settings. While alternatives like "generate revenue" or "secure financing" exist, "raise funds" offers a neutral and easily understood option suitable for most situations. It's important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring it aligns with the specific financial activities being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundraise

A single-word verb form of the original phrase.

generate revenue

Focuses on the outcome of financial activities.

secure financing

Emphasizes the process of obtaining financial backing.

obtain capital

Highlights acquiring financial assets.

collect donations

Specifically refers to gathering charitable contributions.

solicit contributions

Suggests actively seeking donations.

attract investment

Focuses on making something appealing to investors.

seek grants

Implies applying for financial assistance from organizations.

accrue capital

Describes the gradual accumulation of financial resources.

develop funding streams

Focuses on creating ongoing sources of revenue.

FAQs

How can I use "raise funds" in a sentence?

You can use "raise funds" to describe efforts to gather money for a specific cause or project. For instance, "The organization is working hard to "raise funds" for cancer research".

What are some alternatives to "raise funds"?

Alternatives include "generate revenue", "secure financing", or "fundraise", depending on the specific context.

Is "raise funds" formal or informal?

"Raise funds" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or financial settings, phrases like "obtain capital" might be preferred.

What is the difference between "raise funds" and "collect donations"?

"Raise funds" is a broader term that encompasses various methods of acquiring financial resources, while "collect donations" specifically refers to gathering charitable contributions. "Raise funds" could include activities beyond just donations, such as investments or grants.