March 9, 2000 | Read Time: 1 minute
Taking on the role of volunteer fund raiser can be an awkward business for those who are more used to giving donations than asking for them.
But there are basic steps that volunteer fund raisers can take to prepare for the daunting task of asking people or companies to part with large sums, says an article in Kiplinger’s magazine (April).
The first, according to a veteran fund raiser quoted in the article, is: “Ask yourself, ‘Is this really where my heart is?’” Those who answer No to that question should take a pass when asked to raise money for an organization or a cause, the article says.
For those who choose to take on the role, the article lists numerous ideas to make the process smooth and successful. Among them:
* Know the charity. Be clear on its mission, and read its annual report, brochures, and other documents. Be ready to answer questions on how the group differs from competitors and how it measures success.
* Conduct practice sessions with pretend donors. Role-playing helps a volunteer fund raiser loosen up, and can also “help you deal with rejection when, inevitably, some people say no,” the article states.
* Don’t take rejection personally. “There are many reasons someone might not want to give, and not one of them has anything to do with you,” the article says.
* Express gratitude early and often, with handwritten thank-you notes. Also, the article recommends, “write to people who say no, thanking them for their time and gently reiterating the hope that they will consider a gift in the future.”
