3 Common Fund Raising Errors to Avoid
As you raise funds and invest in relationships with those who share your vision, here are three common errors to avoid.
1. Not setting up the appointment correctly.
I had met with a prospect from time to time over lunch. It was more of a social appointment. I scheduled an appointment and then I proceeded to ask for funds. He thought this would be just another social appointment. Looking into his eyes I saw how he was startled and surprised when I made the ask for funds. I wanted to get out of that restaurant as fast as I could. I did not set up the appointment correctly.
If you plan to ask for funds make sure that you mention that in your phone call but don’t tell your whole story.
2. Not asking for a specific dollar amount or asking in a range.
Your prospects or donors need to know specifically what you want them to do. If failing to do this, don’t be surprised that people will give far less than you had expected.
3. Not asking for referrals properly.
The common mistake is to ask in a general way, such as:
- “Do you know of some people I can contact?”
You need to be more specific.
- “Who are some people in your bible study that I need to contact?”
- “Who in your small group?”
- “Who in the missions committee?”
You need to help people think through their contacts.
Learn about online training resources through the People Raising partnership with Stewardship Ambassadors.
