Step 9: Ask for the Gift

People like to be asked.

Asking for the gift is the most crucial step in your entire fundraising process. Everything the organ fundraising committee does should facilitate this vital step. Based upon the cultivation plans for each prospect, solicitation efforts will include individuals asking other individuals, congregational appeals, direct mail solicitations, grant proposals to foundations, phonathons, etc.

Orchestrating the solicitations is the key to success. It is advisable to begin this process with those closest to the project: the chair and members of the organ fundraising committee, key individuals who can make leadership gifts, the congregation, and others. Share with the prospects the fundraising plan, including the range of specific gifts needed. When a prospect sees that the goal can't be reached unless certain gift levels are obtained, they are more likely to seriously consider solicitations of particular amounts. Also, early gifts allow donors to influence and help other donors. Who asks for the gift? Simply put, the person who asks for the gift is the one person to whom the donor won't say "no." Your cultivation plan for each donor should identify the donor's key solicitation volunteer. it can be the minister, the organist, a close friend, etc.

How does one actually ask for the gift? There is no exact formula for success in asking for a gift; One should always find a way that is innately comfortable, which also allows one to rely upon well-practiced interpersonal communication skills. It is often helpful to tell what other gifts have been made. For many, one of the hardest moments in the solicitation process is asking the donor for a specific gift amount. How should the question be asked? Never say, "We have put you down for $.
Experienced fundraisers suggest this approach: Will you consider a gift of $? Usually this phrasing is more comfortable for both the volunteer and for the donor.