Yes, I agree that you have the closest, most knowledgeable relationship with that particular donor.
Yes, I know you have met with them more than anyone else at the organization.
Yes, I recognize that your stewardship of their giving has been personalized and thoughtful.
Yes, I know they have increased their annual giving over the last few years.
Yes, I can see that you have engaged them consistently.
But, have you invited them to make a bigger impact? Have you asked them to consider a larger gift?
Building the relationship is critical, but insufficient. Stewarding and thanking is important, but not enough.
We must consistently invite, ask, and encourage donors to increase their impact through giving.
If we have created strong relationships with donors and done all the other work well, but fail to ask, our donors may not notice, but those who depend on our organization’s mission the most will.
