solicit donations

USAGE SUMMARY

"solicit donations" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
The phrase is typically used in formal contexts such as making a request for funds from potential donors. For example, "The charity is seeking to solicit donations from local businesses to support its work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is illegal to solicit donations in Laguna Beach without a charitable solicitation permit, recreation director Pat Barry said.

Los Angeles Times

Nonprofit organizations solicit donations.

The Washington Post

I don't solicit donations.

The Washington Post

Members of the department don't solicit donations for the foundation".

The New York Times

Our league has to solicit donations to balance its books.

The New York Times

Dr. Brundtland said the health organization would also solicit donations.

The New York Times

"We used the book as a lever to solicit donations," Ms. Steele said.

The New York Times

And Mr. Buffett does not personally solicit donations for the re-election campaign.

The New York Times

On Friday, the family announced that it would solicit donations for a defense fund.

The New York Times

He would not answer questions about whether she had used the congressman's office to solicit donations.

The New York Times

Since the school does not solicit donations, there are few outside pressures on the admissions policy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, use "solicit donations" to clearly and directly express the act of requesting financial contributions for a specific cause or organization.

Common error

Do not use the phrase in contexts where a more general term like "seek support" is more appropriate. "Solicit donations" implies a specific request for monetary contributions, not other forms of assistance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solicit donations" functions as a verb phrase, where "solicit" is the verb and "donations" is the direct object. It describes the act of actively seeking or requesting contributions, usually financial, from individuals or organizations. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is used in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "solicit donations" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for requesting financial contributions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's most appropriate for formal settings, such as fundraising campaigns or official appeals, and is prominently featured in news, business, and academic contexts. While alternatives like "request contributions" or "seek funding" exist, "solicit donations" provides a clear and direct way to convey the intention of gathering monetary support. When using the phrase, remember that it implies a specific call for financial aid and should be used accurately to avoid ambiguity. The phrase sees very frequent usage, particularly in formal and journalistic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request contributions

This alternative uses more formal language, focusing on the act of requesting rather than the specific nature of donations.

ask for contributions

Similar to 'request contributions' but uses a more direct and less formal tone.

seek funding

This phrase broadens the scope to any form of financial support, not just donations.

call for donations

Emphasizes a public announcement or widespread request for donations.

appeal for funds

This option emphasizes the emotional aspect of the request, suggesting a more urgent need.

raise funds

Focuses on the overall process of gathering money, rather than the direct act of asking.

secure financial support

Highlights the aim of ensuring stable and reliable financial backing.

generate contributions

This highlights the action of creating conditions that lead to donations, suggesting a more strategic approach.

canvass for donations

This alternative implies a more active and direct approach, such as going door-to-door or contacting individuals personally.

obtain funding

Focuses on the act of successfully acquiring financial resources.

FAQs

How can I use "solicit donations" in a sentence?

You can use "solicit donations" to describe the act of requesting money or contributions, such as, "The organization is actively working to "solicit donations" from local businesses to fund its programs."

What are some alternatives to "solicit donations"?

Alternatives include "request contributions", "seek funding", or "appeal for funds", depending on the specific context and desired tone.

Is it appropriate to use "solicit donations" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "solicit donations" is more suitable for formal or professional contexts. In informal settings, phrases like "ask for donations" or "collect money" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "solicit donations" and "fundraise"?

"Solicit donations" refers specifically to directly requesting money, while "fundraise" encompasses a broader range of activities aimed at generating financial support, which may or may not involve directly asking for donations.