Harvey McKinnon’s new book The 11 Questions Every Donor Asks is a terrific handbook for askers of all stripes: nervous and confident, veteran and novice, Board and non-Board volunteers. In prose refreshingly lacking in jargon and fundraiser mystification, he reminds his readers that the best way to get people to give is to give them something–the respect they deserve as individuals.
The Nonprofiteer can add only her own suggestion that solicitors examine themselves for any trace of resentment–at having less money than the donor, at having to ask, at whatever. Resentment bleeds through, and is sure to squelch your interlocutor’s generosity; so get over it.
Tags: charity, donors, Fundraising, nonprofit, not for profit, philanthropy, soliciting individual gifts
