Compelling Conversations for Fundraisers: Talk Your Way to Success with Donors and Funders

This new title, written by two fundraising professionals with track records of success in development offices large and small— in universities, religious and performing arts schools, public media and community organizations— zooms in on the all important one-to-one conversations with your prospects and donors to help you make the connections that result in new and increasing contributions for your organization.

Whether you are new to fundraising or a seasoned pro, in a one-person development office or a large university advancement department, Compelling Conversations for Fundraisers provides conversation guidance and helpful tips for the many types of donor interactions you will face and reviews the essentials for meeting prospects and talking your way to success.

Authors: Janet Levine and Laurie A. Selik

Table of Contents
Reviews & Testimonials

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Values and the Case Statement

Chapter 2: Acquiring New Donors

Chapter 3: Renewing Donors

Chapter 4: Re-Engaging Donors

Chapter 5: Upgrading Donors

Chapter 6: Planned Gifts, Endowments and Bequests

Chapter 7: The Integrated Ask

Chapter 8: Foundations and Conversations

Resources
What people are saying about Compelling Conversations for Fundraisers

“To make the ask, you need this book, whether you are a new fundraiser or an old hand. Compelling Conversations for Fundraisers provided me, a development professional with 20+ years experience, many fresh ways to approach donors and effectively make the ask.”

Liz Leshin, Director of Development
Los Angeles Conservancy

“Compelling Conversations for Fundraisers reminds us that human interests drive philanthropy and encourages fundraisers to weave authenticity through their conversations.”

Natalie Rodriguez Jansorn, Director
College Excellence Program, The Aspen Institute

“Janet and Laurie take the mystery out of asking for money by breaking conversations down to a very easy-to-understand and applicable level.”

Gregory Bradbard>, President & CEO
Inland Empire United Way

“The authors, who each have great experience working for diverse major nonprofits, introduce the reader to many types of campaigns, from approaching current major donors (e.g. board members) to engaging new and re-engaging past donors. Currently, the trend for annual campaigns is to seek ongoing (e.g. monthly, automatic debits) “sustaining” gifts. “Compelling Conversations” also moves ahead with opportunities for upgrading (i.e. increasing the regular amount) contributions and the need on occasion to seek support for special campaigns (e.g. capital building funds). The authors also discuss the sources of funds, such as planned giving of appreciated property (e.g. stocks, bonds real estate, etc.), endowments and bequests. There’s also a section on working with foundation boards and staff (vs. soliciting the donor who set up the fund/foundation).”

Lauren Deutsch
Amazon.com