Inspired Fundraising - Don't Fear the Ask
Donors want to support the cause. Allow them to do so.
I recently had the opportunity to meet with former colleagues, and the topic of fundraising professionals fearing the ask —asking a donor for a donation —came up as still being an issue in nonprofit fundraising.
I smiled while listening to this topic. It brought me back to my first major ask in the world of nonprofit fundraising. I had just begun as director of development and began looking at past donors. I created a list of donors to call and introduce myself to, including some who had not donated in over a year.
This was the case with what we call a lapsed donor. The last donation was more than two years past, and the size of the donation was in the top ten of our our annual donations. I knew I had to call them, and was petrified! New to nonprofit fundraising and new to making a direct ask. I wasn’t new to the mission, I was new to passion and I wasn’t new to building relationships. These all helped.
Rather than put this particular call off for another day, I decided to make the call. First, I called a fundraising peer and talked through the upcoming call. I also shared my fear.
Speaking about fear with a peer made a lot of the fear go away. Then I listened to one of my power songs (I highly recommend having power songs), which I believe was a Rise Against song, and got settled into my chair. I dialed the number,r and on the second ring, the donor answered.
I could immediately tell that the call was welcome.
They were excited to hear of my new position and began to tell me why they had donated in the past. We spoke for over ten minutes, and it was completely natural. I enjoyed every minute of it, and it seemed they did as well. We wrapped up the call after they told me that they still loved our work and had simply forgotten to donate. Would I prefer they mail a check or take their card number?
Since that call, I have loved the ask. It’s vital to our success and the mission of your nonprofit. And every donor realizes it’s simply your job. In the hundreds plus asks I have made, never once has a donor told me to bug off and never call again. Not once.
Go for it!
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Take a risk. Be of service. Support your friends and colleagues. Be kind.
New book suggestion for nonprofit fundraisers!
I’m reading “Thankology” by Lisa Sargent! I highly recommend this for colleagues and clients in nonprofit fundraising, nonprofit leadership, or those on nonprofit boards.
Upcoming nonprofit fundraising conferences:
Grant Summit October 30 - November 2, 2025
Nonprofit Storytelling Conference November 13 -15, 2025
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