How to Ask for a Leadership Gift
The
Leadership Giving Chair and/or Leadership team members should meet with
their assigned donors and prospects to personally thank them for their
past gift, invite them to make a new or increased gift, answer any
questions and reinforce the value of their contribution.
- During the
Visit
§
Talk
about your workplace campaign. Topics could include past achievement,
your goal, campaign events, etc.
§
Explain your personal reasons for supporting the community with United
Way at the Leadership level.
§
Talk
about information that is of interest to the donor. Conversations can
include information like:
o
How
their gift made a difference last year.
o
Share
examples of what their gift this year will provide.
o
Show
the “Leaders in Giving” Leadership Directory and explain the individual
and organizational benefits of recognition.
o
Promote matching challenge grants from various foundations that maximize
an individual leadership gift.
o
Explain the tax benefits of giving and the net cost after tax.
o
Ask if
the donor or prospect has any questions about United Way.
§
Ask
for a Leadership gift. And remember: someone saying ‘no’ to a
Leadership gift is not necessarily saying no to giving. Each and
every gift, no matter the size, is important.
§
Give
the potential donor complete control and freedom to answer.
o
If the
answer is a definite “no” and it has been tested, then the prospective
donor should be thanked and the pledge card collected.
o
Clarify a “no” reply and acknowledge (or ideally resolve) any objections
o
If the
answer is “maybe”, be sure to leave with a follow up appointment
scheduled.
§
Follow
up with all assigned colleagues until each pledge card is returned.
§
Thank
everyone for their time, including those who do not give.
- Sample
Invitations to be a Leadership Giver
§
I’m
here today to ask you to join me in supporting our community with a
Leadership level gift to United Way of Summit County.
§
Please
consider partnering with the United Way to address our community’s most
pressing needs.
§
Thank
you for giving in the past. Will you give again and increase your gift
this year to help United Way meet Summit County’s growing needs?
§
I’m
inviting you to join people like me, and many other community leaders in
meeting the needs of Summit County.
§
Your
leadership is very important to this company and your Leadership Giving
is vital to the success of our campaign. We need your help in setting an
example for your senior peers and for your employees to follow. Will
you support United Way with a Leadership level gift this year?
§
You
are capable, as few are, of making a significant impact on the needs in
our Community. Please join me in giving at the Leadership level to
United Way of Summit County.
§
I know
our community can count on your continued support this year. Will you
make an increased gift over last year?
§
Can
our community and United Way count on your support at the Leadership
level this year? |
