On April 1, 1915, a patriot proposed in the Declaration to open a national salvation donation and voluntarily donated 1/10 of his property. As soon as this proposal was disclosed, the respondents expressed their support one after another. Yu Qiaqing and others planned to set up a temporary communication office of the National Salvation Reserve Group in Shanghai. On April 7, the inaugural meeting was held, announcing that the regiment, with the aim of Chinese nationals working together to defend the country, was scheduled to raise a reserve fund of 50 million yuan to prepare for the state's military equipment. After the meeting, a telegram was sent calling on "all provinces and ports, please initiate the Chamber of Commerce, so as to achieve the goal of patriotism and gold loss for all."

Shanghai's initiative quickly aroused strong repercussions across the country. On April 8, the Tianjin General Chamber of Commerce took the lead in responding and established a branch office of the Savings Association. On April 9, the Shanghai National Salvation Fund began to receive deposits. People came to the Bank of China to make payments in an endless stream. The deposits received by the bank grew with each passing day. By the fifth day, 25,386 yuan was received.

A female worker in Yongtai Silk Factory handed over the funds she had accumulated over the years to the Bank of China. An 11-year-old boy in Fuzhou brought his own money to the Bank of China, cashed in 10 yuan, and stored it away. Orphans in the orphanage also saved on meals, only 1 bowl of gruel per meal, and used the savings to save the country. At the National Salvation Fund Conference in Suining County, Xuzhou, a veteran, in addition to donating all his family assets, took the stage to give a speech in tears, and finally killed himself with a knife, leaving a blood letter to inspire the people.