News & Insight

19th November 2015

Making the Ask – Who should do it?

It is important that the ask is made by someone who is a respected peer. For example, if the prospect is a CEO, then it would help if they were asked by another CEO or the Chairman. This is where it is particular important to cultivate a wide network of influential friends and to build a development board of people who can gain access to their peer group.

The ask should be made by someone who is viewed by the prospective donor as a peer: perhaps someone they know well.

High value fundraising is a team effort. There are many roles to perform. Not everyone feels comfortable about the ask. Some people are far better at the engagement part and may feel deeply uncomfortable with the ask.

Making the ask is intimate and it should be done at a ration set by the prospective donor. If they are coming alone, then you should go to the meeting alone. If they are bringing an adviser, bring one too.

In the next Blog in our Making the Ask series, we look at the timing of the ask – ‘when’

Making the Ask is a core part of our Foundations in Philanthropy course. For further details click here or call Alistair on 07884 196423