Title Details

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

1. Hesitating to Ask for Money.

What Fears May Prevent or Postpone the Ask?

Knowing the Prospect Well Before Making the Ask.

Giving Is the Greatest Gift of All.

Every Organization Has Its Own Sparkle and Is Deserving of a Gift.

Knowing the Organization Inside and Out.

Asking Must Be Done in Person.

Saying No to the Gift Is Not Saying No to You.

Conclusion.

Looking Ahead.

2. Judging the Prospect’s Readiness for the Ask.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Judging Readiness.

The Readiness Profile.

The Readiness Formula.

The Match.

The Pre-Ask Conversation.

Unrestricted Gifts Are Our Friends.

Asking for Money on the First Visit.

Conclusion.

Looking Ahead.

3. Selecting the Right Person or Team to Do the Ask.

Determining Your Pool of Potential Askers.

Characteristics of a Good Asker.

Determining When One Asker Can Conduct an Ask.

Using the Team Approach.

Conclusion.

Looking Ahead.

4. Preparing for the Ask.

The Right Tone for the Ask.

The Review Prior to the Ask.

The Script for Each Ask.

Conclusion.

Looking Ahead.

5. Asking for Special Event or Community Project Gifts and Increased Annual Gifts.

The Ask for a Special Event or Community Project.

The Ask for the Enhanced Annual Gift.

Conclusion.

Looking Ahead.

6. Asking for Major Gifts.

Defining a Major Gift.

Defining Major Gift Prospects.

Essentials of Any Major Gifts Program.

Major Gift Asks.

Conclusion.

Looking Ahead.

7. Asking for Planned Gifts.

The Importance of Planned Gifts for the Organization.

The Importance of Planned Gifts for Donors.

Planned Giving Donor Profiles.

The Planned Giver Prospect Pool.

Planned Giving Program Prerequisites.

Coordinating the Planned Giving Program with All Fundraising Programs.

Building a Planned Giving Program.

Marketing a Planned Giving Program.

Asking for Planned Gifts.

Conclusion.

Looking Ahead.

8. Asking for Complex and Challenging Capital Campaign Gifts.

Defining the Capital Campaign.

Phases of the Campaign.

Defining Campaign Gifts and Prospects.

Preparing Campaign Materials to Use During the Ask.

Asking for Campaign Gifts.

Conclusion.

Looking Ahead.

9. Addressing the Prospect’s Response to the Ask.

Preparing for the Prospect’s Response.

Responding to the Prospect’s Concerns.

Analyzing the Responses to the Prospect’s Concerns.

Conclusion.

Looking Ahead.

10. Following Through with Each Ask.

The Next Steps After Each Ask.

How to Juggle and Balance Time After Each Ask.

The Ten Guiding Principles for Any Ask.

Resource A: Sources for Fundraising Software.

Resource B: Prospect Research Providers and Web Sites.

Resource C: AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice.

Resource D: Thank-You Letter After the Ask.

Resource E: Notification of Bequest.

Resource F: Sample Prospect Materials for a Charitable Gift Annuity.

Resource G: Sample Prospect Materials for a Charitable Remainder Unitrust.

Resource H: Sample Capital Campaign Marketing Materials.

References.

The Author.

"The Ask is a commonsense approach on how to ask anyone for money. It will enhance the skills of countless people around the country who need to ask for money so that philanthropy will grow immeasurably."
--John Burke, director of major gifts, The Passionist Missionaries, Union City, New Jersey

"Asking people for money is one of the most difficult ‘sales’ we can make, and no matter how noble the cause, having the right tools at our disposal can make the difference. This book provides all the tools necessary to complete the ‘sale.’"
--James Duffy, CFO and executive vice president, Vertrue Inc., Stamford, Connecticut

"Most of us, when put in a position to ask for a contribution for a worthy purpose, are uncomfortable making the approach. But when someone requests a donation from us, we do not think any less of them for asking. Insights offered here will help the reader bridge this gap and confidently ask the next time."
--Michael O’Reilly, vice chairman, The Chubb Corporation, Warren, New Jersey

"ASK and you shall receive. Get this book and you will be prepared for ANY ask, no matter the size or cause. It's the ‘go-to’ book for truly effective fundraisers. ASK for it today!"
--Sarah Holland, president, The Visibility Project, New York, New York

"With over one hundred sample dialogues, you can't afford not to buy this book!"
--William Bartolini, vice president for development, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts