Are You Sure You Want to Ask for a One Time Gift?
There are 2 reasons why not to ask for a 1-time gift. It is critical that you understand why!
Your primary goal in raising funds is to secure regular pledged gifts that you can count on each month. However, you tend to ask people for a monthly gift.
When the person responds by saying they are unable to provide a monthly gift, it can become natural to ask for a one-time gift.
- I never want a prospect or donor to feel that they are finished in their giving.
- I do not want the fundraiser to feel that he is done in his continued cultivation of his prospects or donors.
How do you respond when a person is unable to provide a monthly gift?
Here's what you must do: ASK FOR A SPECIAL GIFT.
Asking for special gift accomplishes several things.
- It gives the prospect or donor another option to engage with you and your ministry through a special gift at this time.
- It gives you as a fund raiser another option when a prospect or donor is unable to provide a pledge gift.
Keep in mind that donors are wired differently. Some will readily commit to a pledge gift while many others choose to give from time to time and not lock themselves into a pledged monthly gift.
Once you track your special gift donors you will begin to see multiple giving opportunities created moving forward.
Remember, never simply ask for a 1-time gift.
Bill Dillon
People Raising
