We know that making these calls can be intimidating for a lot of people, so the information on this page is intended to help you feel confident and empowered.
Most of your potential donors will be rooting for you to do a great job and earn their donation. But, in the event you encounter someone who is not receptive to you, or acts frustrated that you’ve called them, please never take it personally! You haven’t done anything wrong. If you find yourself in this scenario, simply apologize for the inconvenience and thank them for their time. End the call quickly and move on to someone else who will be happy to talk to you.
See below for some simple etiquette tips that will set you up for the greatest success!
Example: “Hi, I’m NAME, and I’m calling to share with you about Creating Connected Communities. As a member of their Leadership Development Program, this phone call is part of my training on community fundraising. Do you have a minute to talk?
Pro Tip: Consider texting your potential donor first! This allows you to feel more confident when you call them, and gives your potential donor the opportunity to choose when you call.
The light blue boxes below (labeled A through D) represent the types of responses you may receive from Step 1. Follow the arrows* for advice on how to navigate these different scenarios.
*Please note that this page is designed to be viewed on a computer or tablet.
Response: Explain CCC’s mission, and share a personal story about how CCC has impacted you. Ask if they would support you and CCC with a tax-deductible donation.
Response: Ask when would be a better time to call back and end the call. Be sure to make a note and call them back when they asked you to!
Begin the process again at Step #1!
Response: Thank them for their patience in hearing from CCC again and for their previous support! Ask if they’d be willing to participate in your fundraiser & let you share your story.
Response: Explain CCC’s mission, and share a personal story about how CCC has impacted you. Ask if they would support you and CCC with a tax-deductible donation.
Response: “Thank you for your time! I hope you’ll consider future gifts to support CCC, which can always be made on CCC’s website www.cccprojects.org.”
Response: Ask to share a little more about CCC, and then tell them your personal story. “I’d really like to share with you the difference CCC has made in my life. Can I tell you about it?”
Response: Explain CCC’s mission, and share a personal story about how CCC has impacted you. Ask if they would support you and CCC with a tax-deductible donation.
Response: “Thank you for your time! I hope you’ll consider a future gift to support CCC, which can always be made on CCC’s website www.cccprojects.org.”