Getting Started with the Fundraising Challenge – Make The Ask!

We know how hard fundraisers work to build the support needed to make their ministries tick. You are the storytellers of your ministry, the voice of your ministry to current and future supporters, and key partners in strengthening your ministry’s financial health. We want to acknowledge and encourage you – you are seen and appreciated!

We’d like to invite you to participate in our inaugural Make-The-Ask Challenge for gifts of publicly traded securities (such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or ETFs), to give you an additional tool to help in your ministry-enabling work.

From now till the end of the year, in your upcoming calls with major donors, ask at least 10 of them if they’ve considered making a securities donation to your ministry!

We would love to hear whether any of the 10 asks you make lead to a deepening of the relationship, a good discussion on future giving, or a gift right away. We’re confident we will be hearing many success stories. Refresh yourself using our material on the subject and simply focus on asking at least 10 times before the December deadline!

Here’s How You Can Get Started Today!

Asking donors to consider donating publicly traded securities may feel like a big step, especially if this is your first time. But rest assured, you’re not alone! Your membership gives you access to our donation tool, and we’ll take care of all the processing for you. That means you can focus on the conversation, knowing the details are fully supported.

1. Prep Your Donor List & Review in the Knowledge Base: Reviewing the structure of these gifts can help pinpoint who the ideal donors might be – for example, business owners, professionals in your ministry network, or donors already having estate planning conversations.
2. Make the Ask: During or at the end of your next major donor touchpoint, simply ask, “By the way, have you considered donating gifts of publicly traded securities as part of your gift to us?”
3. Be Ready for a “Yes” and a “Hmm”: A “yes” can take time, and an “I’d like to know more” is a great start. If they express interest, send them this CCCC blog post and your donation page for instructions, and remind them to check with their professional advisor. If you don’t yet have a securities option, direct them to the CCCC’s CTF page.
4. Follow-Up: A few weeks later, follow up with a personal call or email.
5. Share Success Stories: When you have success or insights from your 10 asks, we’d love to hear from you and share your story to inspire others!

Take it one step at a time, and you’ll be surprised how positively donors respond when they see you’re ready to be a resource on more sophisticated giving.

Thank you for faithfully leading your ministry in this important work of stewardship. We’d be honoured to walk alongside you in this journey. If we can help you at all in this process, feel free to book a quick call with me today!