Be Willing to Negotiate

When we ask for a gift for our personal support or for our organization, it is not uncommon to find those, who for one reason or another, might not readily agree to do exactly what we ask them to initially do.

Don't get discouraged simply negotiate. When I say that, might I suggest that there are three areas you can negotiate that might make the difference between no gift and a gift?

Change the amount

If you asked for a gift of $100, ask for a gift of $75

If you asked for a gift of $2500, ask for a gift of $1500

Change the timing of the gift

If you asked for a gift by December 31st, ask if it might be possible to receive the gift by March 31st.

Change the purpose of the gift

If while raising personal support you asked for a "special gift" toward a new computer ask for a gift for another item that might catch their interest.

If when raising funds for your organization, you asked for a gift to your building fund, ask for a gift to be applied to your college scholarship fund.

Never forget you are doing "People Raising", and people have special interests and special situations that you need to discover as you bring them to a decision.