Nine Tips for Major-Gift Solicitors

6. The meeting

Take a few minutes to break the ice and to establish a comfortable environment. Introduce yourself and those with you through your involvement and commitment to the organization and the services it provides. In a concise manner, share with the prospect the value of the organization and what it has accomplished. Refer to the points of pride; emphasize the opportunities for the future based on the new vision and strategic plan for expansion or further development of the organization. Discuss the importance of their participation in addition to their financial support. Your organization needs their advice, expertise, identification of new leadership and introduction to other prospective donors. Once you have shared your enthusiasm about the project and demonstrated the needs, it's time to request the gift.