Listen to NPR’s on-air fundraising. Don’t turn it off! Listen and learn.
“What you give, whatever is right for you is right for us.”
That’s an amazing statement. A true donor-centered statement. It should be a true statement for your organization, too.
Of course, you can still identify how much you think it would be appropriate to ask me for – especially if you’re doing face-to-face solicitation. Yes, indeed. That’s a must. And you shouldn’t apologize for asking me for a gift of XX, whatever that magic amount is. You ask and then you be quiet. Silent. Let me reflect and respond.
But I hope you’re sending me the message that whatever I decide – whatever is right for me – is right for you, too. That’s the key message. You ask me to give…in the solicitation letter, on the radio, face-to-face, over the telephone. In particular situations, you ask me to consider a specific amount. And you thank me when I give. And you tell me that whatever is right for me is right for you. I sure hope you believe that.