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@Shooren said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

The most anxious part is after having mustered all the courage/ energy and making myself presentable to Be REJECTED!

But I have come to terms with it! Its ONLY a NO, nothing much but on the other hand it is a learning experience for me. It means I was not 100% up to it and that means the donor said come prepared again. I will definitely try again! Be more compelling and presentable!

Rejection always breaks my confidence but you have to be persevere visiting and contact you donor by reminding them is really important. Some donor like to see how serious the you are or your program let not rejection drove us away from achieving our goal

I only find it difficult to know the donor but the ask in not my problem because the feedback will be based on how i have presented to the donor. Donation question can receive a positive or negative feedback at worse the wait which as a fundraiser i have gotten acquainted to and feel ready to dare any donor identified.
Once a donor mapping is done and the list of donors is availed i will venture to achieve.

@fodays961 said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

I have learnt a lot that you need to know the donor area of interest and you have to asking but be specific about what you are asking for raising a story and and been be impersonal thank him at the end this will reduce anxiety

Indeed, it is very important to know the donor interest and the launch your attack skillfully and you will always receive if you scan well the donor. I have made some fundraising without this skill we are gaining fro TOU putting it to practice may make me a better fundraiser than before.
Yeah being specific about the ask as you mentioned is very true and therefore each of us should know what they want before making a ask. the planning matters alot.

Hi All,
I am always afraid of the rejection, making that first call, asking for money, but once I get going there is no stopping

I should learn from the experience.
Also, I say "Thank you" and I am so excited about looking at fundraising in a different way

the aspect of asking but i now understand how to reduce the anxiety by not feeling bad whenever i am told "NO"

My major fear is the rejection aspect. Some organisation follow suit to listen to all what we have to say but when it gets to letting out the funds they will say we should check back another time.
Thank you for the lessons I think will need to stay be at there face for better response next time

1. What to you is the most anxious or challenging aspect of fundraising, and why?
   The most anxious aspect of fundraising for me is starting the conversation, this is because one has to have some knowledge about the donor in mind. You might even have the information but the mood is also an important factor. This determines the feedback/responses from the donor.

2: What is one way you have made or plan to make this aspect of fundraising easier in your work?
Do your assignment by properly searching for in-depth information about your donor as this will give you foresight on how to handle the mood of your prospective donor. I agreed with Dr. Tom when he said we should probably find a recent event through which a conversation could be initiated.

By my self the challenging situation is to transform someone you know into donor,sometimes you may know someone ability and willingness to donate and perhaps already done that in other organization but you have previous relationship with him,may be your relative.
To solve the issue i may request other person from our organization to solicit him,or i may use my other relative to inform him about the program we have and the assistance we need,when get the news and get back to me,from there i can handle the situation.
Our organization is very new we never and no one in our organization performed fundraising before,but we plan to do fundraising,before we start we have planned first to be the donors to our area,we will donate our time and effort to clean the grave yard in our area that left uncleaned with a lot of grass and unsuitable environment,after that we planned plant some tree to some primary schools around our area and perform some other activities that will keep environment better this may also cost some amount that we already raise it through small savings,the aim of doing it is first to create awareness to society that we exist,second to show the society that we are doing things for our society not for our self,also we want to show that we can do something,before make big programs and beg for money is better to start with small one that you can afford so that the one who wish to give money can trust you,after our community recognize us,our activities and goals,there we can start programs that need donor money or service.

1: What to you is the most anxious or challenging aspect of fundraising, and why?
The most challenging aspect is actually asking people you know or you've met before to support your organization. Even though it seems easier because you already know them, the truth is that do not expect you to see them as donors.
2: What is one way you have made or plan to make this aspect of fundraising easier in your work?
I have arranged meetings in places that provide an environment that will eventually help my ask: cafeterias where the owners are cat lovers and you see the animals all over the place in great condition, or pet friendly restaurants where families go with their furred family members.

@onoriodegold said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

1. What to you is the most anxious or challenging aspect of fundraising, and why?
   The most anxious aspect of fundraising for me is starting the conversation, this is because one has to have some knowledge about the donor in mind. You might even have the information but the mood is also an important factor. This determines the feedback/responses from the donor.

2: What is one way you have made or plan to make this aspect of fundraising easier in your work?
Do your assignment by properly searching for in-depth information about your donor as this will give you foresight on how to handle the mood of your prospective donor. I agreed with Dr. Tom when he said we should probably find a recent event through which a conversation could be initiated.

You're so right about the mood element, not every day is adequate to do an ask. The moment of the day may also have an influence, but if there is no control over the mood, maybe our task can include changing the donor's mood as well !

The most anxious moment of fundraising for me me is the "making the ask itself" aspect. This aspect scared me so much because i dont want the donor to reject my request. But after studying through d whole thing,i learnt other aspects of dealing it.
My work place need to improve in the aspect of thanking d donor. They need to treat d small donors in such a way they dont lose them,because the small donors might convert to a much larger one someday

@Course_Operations said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

In Module 2, you learned how to make the ask and thank the donor while reducing anxiety and discomfort with the process of fundraising.

In a discussion post below, please respond to the following questions:

1: What to you is the most anxious or challenging aspect of fundraising, and why?
The most challenging aspect for fund raising is to ask for money to someone. I personally do not have the quality to ask for money from someone. But the course designer helped me to come over with that anxiety by helping with how to ask for money.
2: What is one way you have made or plan to make this aspect of fundraising easier in your work?
I targeted to make the donor feel very important and easier to donate money with eagerness. It will be possible for me because i can make people feel that I am asking money for their own interest and wills.
And if you are not currently working at an organization or have never fundraised before... just imagine that you are about to begin your first day in fundraising at an organization!
It is a bit embarrassing and challenging though but i believe is not going to very difficult task for me.
After responding, please reply to at least one other learner and respond to their ideas.

@suleimanshettima said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

The most anxious moment of fundraising for me me is the "making the ask itself" aspect. This aspect scared me so much because i dont want the donor to reject my request. But after studying through d whole thing,i learnt other aspects of dealing it.
My work place need to improve in the aspect of thanking d donor. They need to treat d small donors in such a way they dont lose them,because the small donors might convert to a much larger one someday

Thanks for sharing about your most anxious and challenging moments when fundraising @suleimanshettima . Did you find the module content to be a helpful resource? Do you have any other resources you find helpful?

@Course_Operations said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

In Module 2, you learned how to make the ask and thank the donor while reducing anxiety and discomfort with the process of fundraising.

In a discussion post below, please respond to the following questions:

1: What to you is the most anxious or challenging aspect of fundraising, and why?
The most challenging aspect for fund raising is to ask for money to someone. I personally do not have the quality to ask for money from someone. But the course designer helped me to come over with that anxiety by helping with how to ask for money.
2: What is one way you have made or plan to make this aspect of fundraising easier in your work?
I targeted to make the donor feel very important and easier to donate money with eagerness. It will be possible for me because i can make people feel that I am asking money for their own interest and wills.
And if you are not currently working at an organization or have never fundraised before... just imagine that you are about to begin your first day in fundraising at an organization!
It is a bit embarrassing and challenging though but i believe is not going to very difficult task for me.
After responding, please reply to at least one other learner and respond to their ideas.

@MohammadSahabuddin said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

@Course_Operations said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

In Module 2, you learned how to make the ask and thank the donor while reducing anxiety and discomfort with the process of fundraising.

In a discussion post below, please respond to the following questions:

1: What to you is the most anxious or challenging aspect of fundraising, and why?
The most challenging aspect for fund raising is to ask for money to someone. I personally do not have the quality to ask for money from someone. But the course designer helped me to come over with that anxiety by helping with how to ask for money.
2: What is one way you have made or plan to make this aspect of fundraising easier in your work?
I targeted to make the donor feel very important and easier to donate money with eagerness. It will be possible for me because i can make people feel that I am asking money for their own interest and wills.
And if you are not currently working at an organization or have never fundraised before... just imagine that you are about to begin your first day in fundraising at an organization!
It is a bit embarrassing and challenging though but i believe is not going to very difficult task for me.
After responding, please reply to at least one other learner and respond to their ideas.

Thanks for sharing about your most anxious and challenging moments when fundraising @MohammadSahabuddin. It was my answers as well and i believe we can share vies regarding this course.

@MohammadSahabuddin said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

@Course_Operations said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

In Module 2, you learned how to make the ask and thank the donor while reducing anxiety and discomfort with the process of fundraising.

In a discussion post below, please respond to the following questions:

1: What to you is the most anxious or challenging aspect of fundraising, and why?
The most challenging aspect for fund raising is to ask for money to someone. I personally do not have the quality to ask for money from someone. But the course designer helped me to come over with that anxiety by helping with how to ask for money.
2: What is one way you have made or plan to make this aspect of fundraising easier in your work?
I targeted to make the donor feel very important and easier to donate money with eagerness. It will be possible for me because i can make people feel that I am asking money for their own interest and wills.
And if you are not currently working at an organization or have never fundraised before... just imagine that you are about to begin your first day in fundraising at an organization!
It is a bit embarrassing and challenging though but i believe is not going to very difficult task for me.
After responding, please reply to at least one other learner and respond to their ideas.

Thanks for sharing about your most anxious and challenging moments when fundraising @MohammadSahabuddin. I felt exactly the same way you felt about the questions. May be we can talk further about finding solutions.

@Course_Operations said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

In Module 2, you learned how to make the ask and thank the donor while reducing anxiety and discomfort with the process of fundraising.

In a discussion post below, please respond to the following questions:

1: What to you is the most anxious or challenging aspect of fundraising, and why?
2: What is one way you have made or plan to make this aspect of fundraising easier in your work?

And if you are not currently working at an organization or have never fundraised before... just imagine that you are about to begin your first day in fundraising at an organization!

After responding, please reply to at least one other learner and respond to their ideas.

The most challenging aspect of fundraising for me is the silent treatment and getting the answer NO!

How ever, I intend to make it easier (and it can only get better) by not making it a 'chore' after all donors are also human beings.l get to know them personally.More of them and less and less of my Organisation.

Yes, getting to know them is very very essential.

Thank you all for sharing about your most anxious and challenging moments when fundraising. Hope you find the module content to be a helpful resource?
Do you have any other resources you find helpful? Please share with us
Happy learning #strike the balance

I think meeting with the donor for the first time would be a difficult part and moving the discussion to the transition part would also be a difficult part to do.
However, I think, scheduling a meeting with the donor would be one way of expressing interest in the donor area of concern and would equally inform the donor about who you are and what kind of discussions you could likely engage in at the meeting with him. This will in a way get the donor's mind prepared for ideas and suggestions and support you will be asking from them.
Thank you

@Enyam said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

I think meeting with the donor for the first time would be a difficult part and moving the discussion to the transition part would also be a difficult part to do.
However, I think, scheduling a meeting with the donor would be one way of expressing interest in the donor area of concern and would equally inform the donor about who you are and what kind of discussions you could likely engage in at the meeting with him. This will in a way get the donor's mind prepared for ideas and suggestions and support you will be asking from them.
Thank you

Thanks for sharing about your most anxious and challenging moments when fundraising @Enyam .
Did you find the module content to be a helpful resource?
In truth its all about striking the balance

@KOPJ said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

@Enyam said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

I think meeting with the donor for the first time would be a difficult part and moving the discussion to the transition part would also be a difficult part to do.
However, I think, scheduling a meeting with the donor would be one way of expressing interest in the donor area of concern and would equally inform the donor about who you are and what kind of discussions you could likely engage in at the meeting with him. This will in a way get the donor's mind prepared for ideas and suggestions and support you will be asking from them.
Thank you

Thanks for sharing about your most anxious and challenging moments when fundraising @Enyam .
Did you find the module content to be a helpful resource?
In truth its all about striking the balance

I would say definitely, I have gained a lot of skills and fun in fundraising from the course. My confidence and awareness have been raised and now it gonna be a real business I'm afraid. Thank you.

I think that it is still difficult to ask people for donation. Furthermore you have to meet a lot of people and remember who they are and what they do and you have to learn to listen to them and to their stories instead of talking all the time about your organization although you would like to talk about it.

1: A donor's rejection of my organisation's request can cause the most anxiety. It can be discouraging.

2: Going forward, i plan to use the preparation skills learnt to ensure i genuinely connect with potential donors. And even if their response is "no", i choose to still see a possible yes in future, or even useful advise or referrals can come out of such "no''.

I agree, prior preparation/research is important.

@Enyam said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

I think meeting with the donor for the first time would be a difficult part and moving the discussion to the transition part would also be a difficult part to do.
However, I think, scheduling a meeting with the donor would be one way of expressing interest in the donor area of concern and would equally inform the donor about who you are and what kind of discussions you could likely engage in at the meeting with him. This will in a way get the donor's mind prepared for ideas and suggestions and support you will be asking from them.
Thank you

Thanks for sharing about your most anxious and challenging moments when fundraising @Enyam.
Did you find the module content to be a helpful resource?
In truth its all about striking the balance

I get very nervous when asking somebody for money, but with some practice and putting what I have learned into practice it should reduce my anxiety.
By doing more research on possible donors and using the information in my request for funds will definitely make fundraising easier.

@Course_Operations said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

In Module 2, you learned how to make the ask and thank the donor while reducing anxiety and discomfort with the process of fundraising.

In a discussion post below, please respond to the following questions:

1: What to you is the most anxious or challenging aspect of fundraising, and why?
2: What is one way you have made or plan to make this aspect of fundraising easier in your work?

And if you are not currently working at an organization or have never fundraised before... just imagine that you are about to begin your first day in fundraising at an organization!

After responding, please reply to at least one other learner and respond to their ideas.

My most difficult area is the asking and sometimes when you are rejected

I to be persistent and not discourage when rejected I have to thank the fonder and call for his advice

3: I would do a survey of my fonder and the area of interest after that I would the aim and objective of my organisation and what the fonder has done in this particular interest. And plainly and boldly place the stipulated amount for the project . Thanking them at the end. If they refuse I will still continue to press on and if the continue I would write them a letter of thank you again.

@Shooren said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

The most anxious part is after having mustered all the courage/ energy and making myself presentable to Be REJECTED!

But I have come to terms with it! Its ONLY a NO, nothing much but on the other hand it is a learning experience for me. It means I was not 100% up to it and that means the donor said come prepared again. I will definitely try again! Be more compelling and presentable!

The asking is the problem and when you are rejected by people but don't loose hope to come back and ask for their advice

@Sabreena said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

@MohammadSahabuddin said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

@Course_Operations said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

In Module 2, you learned how to make the ask and thank the donor while reducing anxiety and discomfort with the process of fundraising.

In a discussion post below, please respond to the following questions:

1: What to you is the most anxious or challenging aspect of fundraising, and why?
The most challenging aspect for fund raising is to ask for money to someone. I personally do not have the quality to ask for money from someone. But the course designer helped me to come over with that anxiety by helping with how to ask for money.
2: What is one way you have made or plan to make this aspect of fundraising easier in your work?
I targeted to make the donor feel very important and easier to donate money with eagerness. It will be possible for me because i can make people feel that I am asking money for their own interest and wills.
And if you are not currently working at an organization or have never fundraised before... just imagine that you are about to begin your first day in fundraising at an organization!
It is a bit embarrassing and challenging though but i believe is not going to very difficult task for me.
After responding, please reply to at least one other learner and respond to their ideas.

Thanks for sharing about your most anxious and challenging moments when fundraising @MohammadSahabuddin. It was my answers as well and i believe we can share vies regarding this courLearnt

I liked the different views I believe we are learning

The most challenging work is to talk with my donor with confidence. If you lose it you lose a donor

1. For me, the most anxious part of fundraising is knowing fully well that after a well prepared and delivered speech, the success of the programme fully depends on the philanthropic personality of donors and sometimes when an oral promise has been made, one can really not bank on it or do anything should the donor decide not to follow through.

2. With the new insight and knowledge gathered from this course, i palm on approach the job of fundraising with the mindset of WE WIN SOME AND LOOSE SOME, BUT WE ALWAYS GIVE OUR BEST EACH AND EVERY TIME! I believe this will help me deal better with both disappointments and victories.

@adnanfidvi said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

The most challenging work is to talk with my donor with confidence. If you lose it you lose a donor

Hi Adnanfidvi,
You are right, we must ensure we are in possession of he donors rapt attention from start to finish of the conversation.

@Showpiece said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

@adnanfidvi said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

The most challenging work is to talk with my donor with confidence. If you lose it you lose a donor

Hi Adnanfidvi,
You are right, we must ensure we are in possession of he donors rapt attention from start to finish of the conversation.

@fodays961 said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

@Shooren said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

The most anxious part is after having mustered all the courage/ energy and making myself presentable to Be REJECTED!

But I have come to terms with it! Its ONLY a NO, nothing much but on the other hand it is a learning experience for me. It means I was not 100% up to it and that means the donor said come prepared again. I will definitely try again! Be more compelling and presentable!

The asking is the problem and when you are rejected by people but don't loose hope to come back and ask for their advice

Hmm, 'making myself presentable to be rejected'
This here is huge and deep but very true, hope for the best while being prepared that the worst could also happen. thanks for this

@Matata said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

@isanyaya said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

My anxious time for fundraising is face to face ask, I supplement thia with phone calls, emailing, text messages etc.

Hahaha hallo isanya,
I like your approach because i basically use the same.

I get this, i really get uncomfortable asking others for money. the reason you gave here will definately help me do better. thank you

asking for funds is the most emotional tasking job for me really, trying to convince people to give me their money.

i would really try to overcome the discomfort i feel when i ask people for money, if i really want to become an effective and efficient fundraiser moving forward.

1.The most challenging aspect of fundraising is the ASK itself because it just does not feel ok for me to ask people for things.

2. Haven learnt to take it in stages and to also make the donor more important in the conversation, i will ease slowly into the ask.

@Starlex said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

asking for funds is the most emotional tasking job for me really, trying to convince people to give me their money.

i would really try to overcome the discomfort i feel when i ask people for money, if i really want to become an effective and efficient fundraiser moving forward.

Nice, that's a good one.

with the kind of insight received from this module i am sure fund raising will become a lot more easier. Getting to the point of asking and eventually asking will also be easier to approach

@DrOse said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

with the kind of insight received from this module i am sure fund raising will become a lot more easier. Getting to the point of asking and eventually asking will also be easier to approach

@Course_Operations said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

In Module 2, you learned how to make the ask and thank the donor while reducing anxiety and discomfort with the process of fundraising.

In a discussion post below, please respond to the following questions:

1: What to you is the most anxious or challenging aspect of fundraising, and why?
2: What is one way you have made or plan to make this aspect of fundraising easier in your work?

And if you are not currently working at an organization or have never fundraised before... just imagine that you are about to begin your first day in fundraising at an organization!

After responding, please reply to at least one other learner and respond to their ideas.

For me the most anxious aspect of fundraising is initial interaction with potential donor over direct meet at an event or phone call. There is always this nervousness about making initial contact, what if I fail, talk something stupid or go numb. One way to address this issue is to approach first contact with potential donor as get to know talk. As right question and show sincere interest in potential donor. Likeability builds trust which leads to eventually an advise, donation or recommend other donor.

Asking for initial meet or first interaction with potential donor over call or meet at an event makes me feel anxious. To overcome this, I've decided to take this meet as get to know potential donor. Knowing the other person makes it easier than trying to know potential donor. Showing genuine interest in potential donor helps reduce anxiety and develop relationship.

@Shooren said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

The most anxious part is after having mustered all the courage/ energy and making myself presentable to Be REJECTED!

But I have come to terms with it! Its ONLY a NO, nothing much but on the other hand it is a learning experience for me. It means I was not 100% up to it and that means the donor said come prepared again. I will definitely try again! Be more compelling and presentable!

A No means Not now. Also, when I know that I have big pool of potential donors to pitch for fundraising, the fear of rejection somehow vanishes.

I thin waiting for the response is very challenging, because you are not sure what the donor might reply.
I think i need to work within your specification but making it a bit liberal for the donor to understand.

@Seann009 said in Module 2 Discussion: Making the Ask, Thanking the Donor, Reducing Anxiety:

1.The most challenging aspect of fundraising is the ASK itself because it just does not feel ok for me to ask people for things.

2. Haven learnt to take it in stages and to also make the donor more important in the conversation, i will ease slowly into the ask.

I think you do not need to fear as long as the right moment for asking comes, you need to blow it out specifying the amount, you try to draw the donor attention to some of your programs, if he/she picks interests, then this might be the right moment to place your right suggestion for them to donate.

The most anxious aspect of fundraising is to make the ask. I fear to be turn down the NO part.
I believe we will work on the thank you notes or phone call to our donors to keep our relationship

Asking for specific amount. I always felt it was wrong to impose on the amount one has to give. This course has validated the idea; I will always be asking for a specific number.

Question 1.
The most challenging aspect of my fund raising is asking for a specific amount of money.
This is because I tend to widen the scope of support, making the donor be spoilt for choice.

Question 2
This way, I run the risk of accumulating support in kind other than monetary. I hope to learn on gaining the courage of asking for money whether directly or indirectly, ultimately, by use of all diplomatic language, the donor will understand I need financial support.
Gradually, I should be able to ask for specific amounts of money, including organizing funds drive that will have my audience appreciate why they are at a drive. At the drive, I should be able to demonstrate what we have done, the impact it has had in the community, scaling up as well as sustainability plans. Consequently, a budget has to be drafted, it is through this approach while sharing the figures, that my anxiety in asking for money shall reduce.