The first fundraising book I ever wrote (more than 10 years ago, now), is called 50 Asks in 50 Weeks. Published by CharityChannel Press, it’s now available in its 2nd edition.
I mention this because I’m revising and expanding my online training program, Mastering Major Gifts. In the process of improving the program and creating new materials, I took a look back at some of my older work in an effort to leave no stone unturned.
Looking Back: 50 Asks in 50 Weeks
While examining much of my older materials, I came across some slides from one of my early talks on raising major gifts that really got me thinking…
The first slide in this old talk says:
Did you know?
Most nonprofits ask for LESS than 50 gifts per year.
Most ask for MANY LESS than 50!
And if it’s the case that you’re asking for many less than 50 gifts, how much could you possibly be raising?
The next slides go on to ask:
How much more could you raise if you asked more frequently and more efficiently and more effectively?
Honestly, that has been the crux of my work for the last decade.
Through my blog, speaking, writing, training, online courses, and programs, I’m imploring you to ask more effectively and more frequently.
So I want you to give those questions some real, honest thought. Right now — think about it…
How much more could you raise if you asked more frequently?
It All Comes Down to Courage
The other day I was on a call with a group of fundraisers who are participating in an 8-week Mini-Campaign Program through the Capital Campaign Toolkit. We got to talking about how it all comes down to courage.
The courage to ask.
Do you have the courage to ask?
It’s OK to be scared to ask.
It’s okay if you’re scared. Even the most experienced fundraisers are nervous. But they face their fear and ask anyway.
It will come as no surprise that the people in this first Mini-Campaign cohort who have asked the most are the ones that are closest to (or have exceeded) their $100K goal.
Let’s put it this way — if all else is equal, then it’s the individuals who ask the most that succeed the most (by almost any metric).
You Have Nothing to Lose by Asking
It seems to me that as this pandemic slogs on with no real end in sight, you have nothing to lose (especially now).
So, ask, ask, and ask some more! Aim for one ask every week. And then press on, week after week, until you get to 50 asks in 50 weeks.
Check out the book for more info…
To learn all about this philosophy and how to make it work at your development shop, check out the book: 50 Asks in 50 Weeks.
I think for this very specific uncertain time amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, now is perfectly the right time to ask! I strongly agree with our strong ambition and workforce in being interested in pursuing serving our communities. Thanks for sharing this insightful and thoughtful blog! I hope everyone can and will read this!