Making an Ask? Get R.E.A.L.

"I start out with why I feel fundraising is an amazing privilege," Pitman says. "And I really do. We get to talk to people about their values and hopes and the legacy they want to leave. Who wouldn't get excited about that?!

"There's also a section on the DVD that staff members can play to get their boards to help them with a very specific prospect research exercise," he adds. "I give the instructions right to the board. I think this clip alone will be amazingly powerful for helping nonprofits get their boards more engaged with fundraising."