The Power to Make the Ask

Mark Graham President and CEO Tulsa Area United Way

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The Power to Make the Ask

Alison Anthony,WLC Chair – 2012Williams

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Join the conversation on twitter ….

#TulsaWLC

#TulsaWLC

Or join us on Facebook, Tulsa Area United Way Women’s Leadership Council

The Power to Make the Ask

Mandy LeemhuisNORDAM

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How not to make the ask….

“False alarm. That wasn't the development director at the art museum after all."

In their shoes….•Everyone wants time•Everyone wants cash

Ask Yourself:•How can I add value?

•How can we help fulfill something important to them

If it were only this easy……

If you want to get milk, get out of the house and into the barn where the cows are!

• Where are the donors?

• Warm introductions

• Volunteers

• Background research

• Framing your interactions

Reputation

Relationship Building•Start a relationship in the first place•Manage your donors’ expectations•Communicate in a way that pulls,

not pushes•Think about the four donor needs•Provide choice•Know your donors. Look, listen and

remember•Part as friends

The Power of Great Fundraising:Volunteer-Staff Partnerships

Volunteers

Strengths: Strengths: Great community Great community connections connections Power to get responsesPower to get responsesAccess to other volunteer Access to other volunteer leadersleadersAbility to inspire company Ability to inspire company and communityand community

Weakness:Weakness:Not always a fundraising Not always a fundraising expertexpert

Strengths: Strengths: Expert knowledge of Expert knowledge of

fundraisingfundraisingRelationships with Relationships with

numerous companies numerous companies Knowledge of organizationKnowledge of organization

Knowledge of program Knowledge of program outcomesoutcomes

WeaknessWeakness::Potential lack of influencePotential lack of influence

Non-profit Staff

When “No” becomes a relationship

• Be sincere• Don’t take it personally• The next time• The relationship

The Power to Make the Ask

Bill Major Zarrow Family Foundations

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Foundations•Developing relationships with Family

Foundations:•Know the family! •Communication is key!•Follow through is essential!•Target the right fundraising

opportunities!•Know your stuff!

The Power to Make the Ask

Yolantrice Collins KIPP Tulsa

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5 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Fundraising......•Don't chase money - focus on the

mission•Love takes time....•You don't have to say YES to everything•NO is not always a complete sentence...•You are not an island

The Power to Make the Ask

Questions?

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