SHY ABOUT ASKING FOR MONEY?

Chronicle of Philanthropy
11 December 2014

FUNDRAISING TIPS FOR CHARITY LEADERS SHY ABOUT ASKING FOR MONEY
by Maria Di Mento 

As a part of the article, “Fundraisers find painless ways for nonprofit leaders to raise money.”

Cultivating philanthropists and asking for donations can be tough for even the most seasoned fundraisers. Nor nonprofit leaders who are thrust into the role, raising money can be fraught with anxiety or distaste.

But there are ways to get beyond the discomfort and learn to enjoy working for donors, say nonprofit leaders:

•          If you feel uncomfortable asking for money, don’t do it. Instead, talk about your nonprofit’s mission and its successes. Then let the development officer do the asking.
•          When requesting a donation, remember that you are not asking for yourself but the people and programs your organization services.
•          Know and follow the highest standards of fundraising ethics.
•          When cultivating a donor, sometimes it is better to talk less and listen carefully to what the donor is telling you about his or her interests.
•          Know every aspect of your organization’s needs and as much detail as possible about donor’s interests and other causes they support.

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