Talisman Philanthropy

Adding Value to the Philanthropic Conversation

May 10, 2016 at 7:03 am Barbara Talisman, CFRE Leave a comment

Good discovery questions result in learning about a donors’ personal and philanthropic interests. A common question,

“What are your philanthropic priorities?” Personally, I would not add that to my list of questions for a first donor meeting.

Here are my during the conversation:

• Share with me how I can add value to your personal or philanthropic goals/community priorities/business network?
• Tell me more about that (interest) and how I can add value or assist you.
• I think I know what you mean by X, but would you tell me more so I can understand it from your perspective.

I want to connect with them by offering a connection elsewhere. I want to open my network to them, beyond looking at their potential as a donor. I want to make this and future meetings all about them.  To do that, I need to add value as perceived by them.

When I value their time and interests, they will choose to make a philanthropic gift that truly adds to their life and is in alignment with their values.

Entry filed under: Fundraising, Nonprofit fundraising. Tags: Adding value to the fundraising conversation, Creating a relationship with a donor, Fundraising discovery questions.