TRANSITION into the Ask
Have you ever thought: “I’m fine with talking to community members, but convincing them to become a donor feels icky”?
I frequently hear from clients that the TRANSITION into the Ask is the most challenging moment in a fundraising conversation.
What if there ISN’T a Transition? 🤯
Your ENTIRE conversation should include moments of sharing what your org/project needs in order to succeed. ✨
❎ No community member should ever be “SURPRISED” by an Ask. ❎
Cultivate a genuine, intentional conversation with your community in which you are simultaneously:
Thanking them for their most recent engagement
(for their year-end donation of $1,000 back in Dec, for forwarding your newsletter to their colleague, for attending an event– & ask them for feedback!)
Sharing the latest fun tidbit about your org/project
(An actor who’s joined the cast, a grant that came through, a positive press feature)
Updating them on what’s in the works
(You've got an event you'd love for them to join this month, the season announcement is delayed (again!) but should definitely happen in two weeks, you’re launching a capital campaign a year from now)
If the community member is brand new to your org/project,
you should also share some background/ institutional knowledge early on in your conversation. (Everyone loves a quick origin story!)
And DEFINITELY mention your org’s non-profit or fiscally sponsored status, if applicable.
(Knowing their contribution could be tax-deductible will be on their minds, even if you don’t immediately mention it!)
Focusing on a more holistic approach to relationship building creates meaningful, personal relationships with your community members AND avoids an icky transition into an Ask.
Also, don’t be surprised if the community members brings up wanting to donate before you do! (I’ll discuss this in another post...)
I teach how to engage in thoughtful, successful fundraising conversations (WITHOUT an awkward pivot!) in my 5-Minute Fundraising Ask Training Programs. Feel free to book a free, exploratory chat with me here: https://lnkd.in/e6Z9mSDj