Fundraising Tip: A Donation Request Script

Here is a script you can follow next time you are asking for donations for a fundraising event.

• Begin the call by introducing yourself as a member of your charity organization.
• Hello my name is (your name) and I’m a volunteer with (name of organization). May I
  speak to (the contact at the prospective donor – if you know a name.) When in doubt, ask for the individual in charge of making marketing or PR decisions.
• The next step is to break the ice.  You can ask if this is a good time talk-you only need a few minutes of their time.  If the person seems stressed or distracted, you can ask when it would be a better time to call back (then remember to call at that time).
• Explain that you are a volunteer with (name of organization). Give your organization’s elevator pitch- a 2-3 sentence overview of what you do. Make the person feel confident in the trustworthiness of your organization.  Use your own words so that you feel comfortably confident!
• Explain that you are hosting the X annual (name of event) on xxx at xxx.
• All of the proceeds go directly to support (include where money goes).
• Ask for their support. Let them know that their participation gives them the opportunity to reach XX anticipated guests (target market), and over xxx of the organization’s members through the mailing list, friends and family.
• Listen to what the prospective donor has to say. Sometimes they need to think about
  it, or they need to ask someone else within their organization for “permission/support”. Their response determines your response.  Sometimes a simple “Would you like me to call back next week?” or a “Would you like me to fax you more information?” makes
  the donation happen!
• Close the conversation by thanking the prospective donor for their time. If you get a positive response, commit to following up with them in a set amount of time (1 week, next Thursday…) with additional material if necessary (i.e., the contract, letter).

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