Priscilla Bratcher
Director of Development, Carolina Performing Arts

Shirley Robinson
Director of Development, NC Rural Center

      Securing major gifts is both an art and a science, with no single "one size fits all approach". This session goes beyond general principles, already available from many sources, and through an interactive conversation between two experienced fundraising practioners, deals with the subtleties of the ask. Concentrating on critical but often overlooked strategy development and preparation, the instructors will also model an ask. They then turn the tables on session participants, breaking them into pairs to practice what they have learned and critique themselves. The session closes with a discussion of effective methods of follow up and closing on a promised gift.

Benefits and Learning Objectives

• Understand the need for preparation and strategy development when making in person asks for makor gifts; overcome their fear of asking by building their self confidence through practice; improve their effectiveness in making major gift solicitations.