Embrace the Ask: Transforming Fear into Fundraising Success
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Understanding the Fear of Asking
In the world of nonprofit fundraising, the act of soliciting donations is not just a necessity; it's something that donors genuinely expect from us.
During my recent attendance at a nonprofit conference focused on planned giving, I was thrilled to reconnect with former colleagues. A recurring theme emerged: many fundraising professionals still grapple with the fear of asking for donations.
Reflecting on this, I recalled my very first significant request in the nonprofit sector. As I stepped into the role of development director, I began reviewing past donor records, compiling a list of individuals to contact, including those who hadn’t contributed in over a year.
One such individual was classified as a lapsed donor, having last donated over two years ago. The previous contribution ranked among our top ten annual donations, making it crucial for me to reach out. Despite my enthusiasm for the mission, I felt a wave of anxiety at the thought of making that call.
Instead of postponing this daunting task, I took the plunge. I reached out to a fellow fundraiser to discuss my upcoming call and share my apprehensions. This conversation alleviated much of my anxiety. To further bolster my confidence, I listened to one of my motivational songs—one by Rise Against—before settling into my chair and dialing the number.
Connecting with Donors: The Power of Engagement
The video "Don't let fear stop you from asking for donations" discusses strategies to overcome the anxiety associated with asking for contributions. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with donors authentically.
As the phone rang, I felt a mixture of anticipation and fear. To my relief, the donor answered on the second ring.
The conversation unfolded seamlessly; they were delighted to hear from me and shared their reasons for past donations. We spent over ten minutes chatting, and the interaction felt entirely organic. They expressed their continued support for our mission and simply mentioned having forgotten to donate. When I inquired whether they would prefer to send a check or provide their credit card information, they eagerly agreed.
Since that initial experience, I've come to embrace the art of asking for donations. It plays a crucial role in our success and furthers the mission of our nonprofit. Importantly, every donor understands that this is part of our job. Throughout the many requests I’ve made, not once has a donor told me to stop reaching out.
Moving Forward: Taking Risks and Supporting Each Other
The video "Fearless Fundraising: The Secrets to Overcoming Your Fear of Asking for Money" provides valuable insights and techniques for transforming fear into effective fundraising strategies.
So, take that leap of faith! Be of service to your cause, support your peers, and always approach your work with kindness.
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