Even though you successfully fundraise all the time with direct mail, social media, and email appeals, there is truly nothing like an in-person ask. 

Fundraising expert Russell Cooper, co-founder of Tailored Fundraising Solutions, says that focusing on the relationship with the donor is the most important aspect of getting the gift you’re asking for. 

Here are a few tips Russell recently shared with Pete Wilson on his podcast, “Another Way” (click here to listen to the entire podcast episode):

You’re not asking for money; you’re inviting a friend to be generous among the body of Christ.

The notion of “asking for money” can seem off-putting and intimidating. Don’t view fundraising in that way. Most people love to give because when they do, it makes them feel good. View asking for donations as extending to others the opportunity to give, as you invite them to become more generous and bless the body of Christ.

Choose an appropriate place for the ask. Where is the best place to ask for funding? It’s not a restaurant or other public venue, where distractions abound. Instead, choose a comfortable place (the donor’s home or office, for example) and be intentional about setting a designated time to have the conversation.

Actually ask for the donation. So many times people will end their conversation with something like this, “I hope you’ll think about donating $100 to my cause,” but that’s a statement, not an ask. Rehearse the actual question and make sure it’s the last thing you say as you close your meeting with your potential donor.

The face-to-face ask for funding can be incredibly effective when delivered with these tips in mind. Russell offers even more tips in his latest e-book, How to Get a Generous Response (Almost) Every Time You Ask.

What has been your experience when asking for donations in person?