In 15 Seconds
- Actively asking people for funds.
- Used for charities, projects, or businesses.
- Implies a goal and a collection process.
- Different from earning or saving your own money.
Meaning
Imagine you need cash for something cool, like a new community garden or a friend's medical bills. `Raise money` means you're actively asking people to give you funds. It’s not just about having money; it’s about the *process* of getting it from others for a shared goal. There's a vibe of community effort and sometimes a bit of hopeful hustle involved!
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a charity event
Hey! The charity run is next month, we really need to `raise money` for the kids' hospital.
Hey! The charity run is next month, we really need to raise money for the kids' hospital.
Instagram caption for a crowdfunding campaign
We're launching our new eco-friendly product! Help us `raise money` to make it a reality. Link in bio! 🌱
We're launching our new eco-friendly product! Help us raise money to make it a reality. Link in bio! 🌱
Job interview (Zoom call)
In my previous role, I was responsible for helping the non-profit `raise money` through corporate sponsorships.
In my previous role, I was responsible for helping the non-profit raise money through corporate sponsorships.
Cultural Background
Fundraising is a massive part of American life, from 'Girl Scout Cookies' to multi-million dollar 'Super PACs' in politics. It is seen as a way for individuals to have a voice. 'Comic Relief' and 'Children in Need' are huge national events where the whole country 'raises money' by doing silly things (like wearing red noses). There is a tradition called 'Kyofu' where people contribute to community projects, but modern 'raising money' for startups is still a growing concept compared to the US. The concept of 'Zakat' (obligatory charity) and 'Sadaqah' (voluntary charity) means that 'raising money' for the poor is deeply integrated into religious and social life.
The 'For' Rule
Always remember to say what the money is *for*. 'We are raising money for...' makes your sentence complete and natural.
Raise vs. Rise
Never say 'rise money.' You raise your hand, you raise a child, and you raise money. Something else rises (like the sun or prices).
In 15 Seconds
- Actively asking people for funds.
- Used for charities, projects, or businesses.
- Implies a goal and a collection process.
- Different from earning or saving your own money.
What It Means
Think of raise money as a special kind of treasure hunt. You're not digging for gold, though! You're asking people to contribute cash. This usually happens for a reason. It could be for a charity, a school trip, or even a friend's startup idea. It’s about pooling resources to make something happen that one person can't afford alone. It carries a sense of purpose and collective action. It's like saying, "Hey, we need this, can you help us get there?"
How To Use It
You use raise money when you're in the active process of collecting funds. It’s a verb phrase, meaning you *do* it. You don't just *have* raised money; you are *raising* it. You might organize an event, send out donation links, or talk to potential sponsors. It's about the effort and the campaign. For example, "We are raising money for a new playground." Or, "She raised money for her favorite animal shelter." It implies a specific goal and a method of collection.
Real-Life Examples
- A local animal shelter posted on Instagram: "Help us
raise moneyfor our new rescue van! Every dollar counts!" - A student texted their friends: "Hey guys, can you chip in? We need to
raise moneyfor the prom decorations." - A startup founder pitched to investors: "Our goal is to
raise moneyto scale our operations nationally." - A vlogger shared their journey: "I’m
raising moneythrough my channel to fund a documentary about endangered species." - During a live stream, a gamer announced: "We're
raising moneyfor sick kids today! Let's hit that goal!"
When To Use It
Use raise money when you are actively seeking financial contributions from others. This applies to non-profits, community projects, personal causes, and businesses seeking investment. It's perfect when you have a clear objective for the funds. Think of bake sales, crowdfunding campaigns, charity runs, or investment rounds. It signals a dedicated effort to gather financial support. It’s the go-to phrase for fundraising activities.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use raise money if you're just talking about earning your own salary or saving your own cash. If you get paid for your job, you *earn* money, you don't raise money. If you're putting money aside from your paycheck, you *save* money. It’s also not used for everyday spending, like buying groceries. That's just *spending* money. Using it incorrectly sounds odd, like saying "I raise money at the supermarket." Nobody does that!
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse raise money with simply earning or saving. They might also use it in situations where a more specific term like invest or fund is better. Sometimes, people mix up raise with rise. Remember, raise is transitive (it needs an object), while rise is intransitive (it doesn't). You raise something, and something rises on its own.
✗ I want to rise money for my trip.
✓ I want to raise money for my trip.
✗ My company is rising money from venture capitalists.
✓ My company is raising money from venture capitalists.
✗ I raise $1000 a month from my job.
✓ I earn $1000 a month from my job.
Similar Expressions
Fundraise: This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably, especially for charities and non-profits. It's slightly more formal.Collect donations: This is more specific to asking for voluntary contributions, often for a cause.Gather funds: A more general term, can be used for personal or organizational needs.Seek investment: Used specifically when a business is looking for capital from investors.Crowdfund: Refers to raising money from a large number of people, typically via online platforms.
Common Variations
Raise funds: Often used in more formal contexts, like business or official reports.Raise capital: Specifically used in business for funding growth or operations.Raise cash: More informal, emphasizing the need for immediate liquid money.Raise awareness and money: Often paired together for campaigns.
Memory Trick
Think of a RAInboW of coins arching over a crowd. Everyone is tossing coins *up* into the rainbow. The rainbow is the *goal*, and the coins are the money being raised. The 'A' in RAINBOW is like the 'RAISE' you're doing, sending coins UP!
Quick FAQ
- What's the main idea? It's about actively asking people for money for a specific purpose.
- Is it always for charity? No, businesses also
raise moneyfrom investors. - Can I use it for personal needs? Yes, like helping a friend with medical bills.
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile, fitting into informal, neutral, and even semi-formal contexts. Avoid using it in highly academic or legal documents where terms like 'procure funding' or 'solicit contributions' might be more appropriate. Be mindful of the transitive nature; always ensure it has an object like 'money,' 'funds,' or 'capital.'
The 'For' Rule
Always remember to say what the money is *for*. 'We are raising money for...' makes your sentence complete and natural.
Raise vs. Rise
Never say 'rise money.' You raise your hand, you raise a child, and you raise money. Something else rises (like the sun or prices).
Business English
In a job interview, if you say you 'raised money' for a previous project, it shows leadership and initiative.
Politeness
In English, asking for money can be sensitive. Using 'raise money for a cause' makes the request sound more noble and less like you are just asking for cash.
Examples
12Hey! The charity run is next month, we really need to `raise money` for the kids' hospital.
Hey! The charity run is next month, we really need to raise money for the kids' hospital.
Emphasizes the active effort needed for the hospital's benefit.
We're launching our new eco-friendly product! Help us `raise money` to make it a reality. Link in bio! 🌱
We're launching our new eco-friendly product! Help us raise money to make it a reality. Link in bio! 🌱
Direct appeal to followers to contribute financially.
In my previous role, I was responsible for helping the non-profit `raise money` through corporate sponsorships.
In my previous role, I was responsible for helping the non-profit raise money through corporate sponsorships.
Shows professional experience in fundraising for an organization.
The community center needs repairs, so we're planning a bake sale to `raise money`.
The community center needs repairs, so we're planning a bake sale to raise money.
Links the fundraising activity (bake sale) to the goal (repairs).
We aim to `raise money` from angel investors to expand our software's features.
We aim to raise money from angel investors to expand our software's features.
Specific context of seeking investment capital for business growth.
OMG, my favorite band is trying to `raise money` for a new album! Let's donate!
OMG, my favorite band is trying to raise money for a new album! Let's donate!
Enthusiastic personal appeal for a fan-funded project.
You're `raising money` faster than I can spend it! Teach me your ways!
You're raising money faster than I can spend it! Teach me your ways!
Playful exaggeration about someone's successful fundraising.
My neighbor's house burned down, and we're all trying to `raise money` to help them rebuild.
My neighbor's house burned down, and we're all trying to raise money to help them rebuild.
Highlights the urgent need and community support.
✗ I need to `rise money` for my studies abroad.
✗ I need to rise money for my studies abroad.
The verb 'rise' means to go up on its own; 'raise' means to lift or collect something.
✗ We are `raising` a lot of cash for the new library project.
✗ We are raising a lot of cash for the new library project.
While 'cash' is okay informally, 'funds' or simply 'money' is more standard with 'raise'. 'Raising cash' can sound a bit abrupt or overly informal in some contexts.
This trip is expensive! I'm hoping to `raise money` through my travel blog to cover future adventures.
This trip is expensive! I'm hoping to raise money through my travel blog to cover future adventures.
Connects personal income generation (blog) to funding future activities.
Our local theater group needs to `raise money` to afford new costumes for the upcoming play.
Our local theater group needs to raise money to afford new costumes for the upcoming play.
Clear statement of need and the method to address it.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'raise money'.
Last year, our community ________ over $5,000 for the new library.
We use the past tense 'raised' and the object 'money' for a community project.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose the correct sentence:
This is a classic charitable use of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue between two entrepreneurs.
A: How is the new startup going? B: Great, but we need to ________ if we want to hire more developers.
In a startup context, getting investment to grow is called 'raising money'.
Match the action to the goal.
If you are 'raising money', you are likely...
Raising money requires an active effort like an auction.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Raise vs. Earn
Practice Bank
4 exercisesLast year, our community ________ over $5,000 for the new library.
We use the past tense 'raised' and the object 'money' for a community project.
Choose the correct sentence:
This is a classic charitable use of the phrase.
A: How is the new startup going? B: Great, but we need to ________ if we want to hire more developers.
In a startup context, getting investment to grow is called 'raising money'.
If you are 'raising money', you are likely...
Raising money requires an active effort like an auction.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, no. If you need money for your rent, you 'earn' it or 'borrow' it. 'Raise money' is almost always for a project, a business, or a charity.
Yes, 'fundraising' is the noun form of the action. 'We are fundraising' and 'We are raising money' mean the same thing.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'spending money' or 'donating money' are the other sides of the coin.
Yes, but 'collect' sounds a bit more passive. 'Raise' sounds like you are working hard to get it.
Both are correct. 'Funds' sounds slightly more formal and is common in business and news reports.
You might say 'We are currently seeking to secure funding for...' or 'We are in the process of capital raising.'
Only if it's a group trip with a specific purpose (like a school trip). For a personal vacation, it sounds strange.
In this phrase, yes. But 'a raise' (noun) means an increase in your salary.
This is a formal business term for when a company gets a lot of money from investors.
Usually no. We say 'raise money,' not 'raise the money,' unless we are talking about a specific amount we already mentioned.
Related Phrases
fundraise
synonymTo collect money for a cause.
crowdfund
specialized formRaising money from many people online.
secure investment
formalTo get money from business investors.
pass the hat
informalTo collect small donations from a group.
make a killing
contrastTo make a lot of profit very quickly.
