solicitation

/səˌlɪsɪˈteɪʃən/
noun
  1. The act of asking for something, such as money, business, or support, often in a formal or persistent way.
    • Many cities have laws regulating door-to-door solicitation by salespeople.
    • The charity's solicitation of donations raised thousands of dollars for the new shelter.
    • The email was a clear solicitation for volunteers to help with the community clean-up.
  2. A request or appeal, especially one that is written or formal.
    • She received a solicitation from the alumni association asking for a contribution.
    • His solicitation for a meeting was politely declined by the busy executive.
    • The company sent out a solicitation for bids on the new construction project.