How to Ask for a 6-Figure Donation

Name: How to Ask for a 6-Figure Donation
Rating: 4.7 (28 reviews)

Learn exactly what to say at your next donor meeting

Created byTrevor Bragdon

Last updated 6/2022

English

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What you'll learn

Learn how to create a fundraising pitch to give to nonprofit donors
Feel comfortable asking for a 5, 6, or 7-figure donation for your nonprofit
Learn how to tell compelling stories to donors about the work you do
Feel confident at your next donor meeting and ready to give your fundraising pitch

Course content

3 sections • 22 lectures • 1h 3m total length

Introduction1:31
Develop a compelling pitch and tell emotionally resonant stories to secure five, six, or seven figure major donations, and master the donor meeting from small talk to the close.
Do I Even Need a Pitch?3:41
Develop a compelling donor pitch to clearly convey your nonprofit's holistic impact, tell memorable stories, and stand out to major donors who receive numerous asks.
Why it All Starts with a Big Vision2:34
Learn how to present a compelling big vision to donors, explaining what your nonprofit will achieve in two to three years and the impact of their gift.
Mindset of a Successful Fundraiser3:21
Overcome the poverty mindset by focusing on a long-term vision and partnering with donors as equal collaborators to double fundraising and achieve the organization's big goals.

3 Reasons Why People Give2:36
Learn why donors give, because of people, the organization's mission and vision, and execution. Discover how to craft a compelling pitch with stories, mission alignment, and concrete results.
8 Steps of the Pitch Path: How to Build a Great Pitch1:40
To easily follow along with the next 8 videos, please use the pitch script template below. All the files are the same but available as a Google Doc, Word Doc, or PDF so you can use whatever file version works best for you.
Step 1: The Thank You3:35
Begin your donation pitch with a tailored thank you, recognize new prospects or long-time donors, highlight their past gifts and partnership, and prepare a donor-specific bullet plan.
Step 2: The Mission2:15
Clearly state your nonprofit's mission in 2–3 sentences in everyday language after the thank you. Use plain speech so donors can easily share your mission with others.
Step 3: The Need3:13
Learn how to convey your nonprofit's need by sharing a vivid origin story and donor-centered narratives that connect past impact with current impact, inspiring generosity.
Step 4: Plans for Today3:23
Outline the plans for today by presenting two big areas with two to three bullet points detailing current work, and add memorable candy details to help donors share your mission.
Step 5: The Impact1:58
craft a vivid impact story that connects donors to real lives changed, using specific, memorable details from a favorite story and a strong emotional narrative.
Step 6: Plans for the Future3:22
Present a clear future vision by outlining three big plans for the next year to two years, using signposts and a repeatable headline to reassure donors.
Step 7: The Hope2:38
Close your pitch with a hopeful, high-note narrative that links the big three things to real lives. Show donors the future impact on specific individuals or families.
Step 8: The Ask1:47
Learn to close a six-figure gift by proposing a specific amount, pausing to elicit a response, and tailoring the ask for existing donors with a renewal of 75,000.
The Elevator Close: What to say when you don't know how much to ask3:54
Master the elevator close to present funding needs, credibility from a key group of donors, and a call to add four new donor partners.
How will the Donor Respond?2:21
Most major donors won't decide in the meeting; follow up per their preference, and if yes, gather payment details; if no, thank them and prioritize existing donors.

How to Write Your Pitch First Draft2:56
Follow the eight steps of the pitch path to turn your outline into a conversational first draft by dictating bullet points, then polish and practice for donor-focused clarity.
How to Practice Your Donor Pitch1:07
Practice your donor pitch by speaking it aloud to refine voice and flow, rewriting sections that feel written, not spoken. Seek donor feedback to clarify and strengthen stories.
How to Start Your Pitch in a Donor Meeting?6:33
Start your donor pitch with planned timing: small talk, a precise seven-minute pitch, then Q&A; rehearse with a script, stay authentic, and convey emotion.
How to Use Your Pitch on a Phone Call2:42
Advanced Pitch Preparation Strategies5:08
Boost confidence for donor meetings by practicing your pitch, adopting a pre-performance ritual, and visualizing each step to stay poised under pressure and adapt when needed.
Final Thoughts & Thank You1:05
Practice fundraising, polish your pitch, and complete the class homework to enter your next donor meeting with confidence and readiness for donors who partner and give again.

Requirements

No fundraising experience needed. We walk you through each step, so you know exactly what to say at your next fundraising meeting.

Description

This class is about 60 minutes long and shows you exactly how to ask for a 6-figure donation for your nonprofit.

Course Content & Overview

You will learn step-by-step through the donor meeting, help you plan exactly what to say, and how to make the ask for a donation. You'll learn the 8-Step Pitch Path system to help you share with your donors the great work you are doing and the impact you are having on the world.

Part 1: The Mindset

Do I even need a pitch?
Why it all starts with a Big Vision
The Mindset of a Successful Fundraiser

Part 2: Building Your Donor Pitch

3 Reasons Why People Give
8 Steps of the Pitch Path: How to build a great pitch
The Elevator Close: What to say when you don't know how much to ask

Part 3: Perfecting Your Pitch

How to Write Your Pitch First Draft
How to Practice Your Donor Pitch
How to Start Your Pitch in a Donor Meeting
How to Use Your Pitch on a Phone Call
Advanced Pitch Strategies

Who is this for?

The ideal student is someone who works in fundraising either for a nonprofit or helping a nonprofit. This works for existing nonprofit organizations and start-ups. The course is designed to make it as easy as possible for you to build your donor pitch and feel confident knowing exactly what to say at your next donor meeting.

Money-Back Guarantee

If you are not completely satisfied with the class for any reason, simply return the course within 30 days of purchase for a full refund.

Want to begin?

Click the "Buy" or "Enroll" button in the upper right corner.

Who this course is for:

Nonprofit leaders, board members, volunteers or anyone interested in helping fundraise for a nonprofit.

How to Ask for a 6-Figure Donation

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction: The Mindset4 lectures • 11min

Building Your Donor Pitch12 lectures • 33min

Perfecting Your Donor Pitch6 lectures • 20min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: