By Mike Flynn, Advancement Committee
Fund-raising involves asking someone for money, maybe a person in an organization. But it isn’t just about asking a question. It is about initiating a conversation. And a conversation is about listening as well as talking.
The best salespeople listen. It is in listening that you understand the other person’s perspectives on the world and your community.
Ask questions that prompt the other person’s knowledge about the need you are looking to fund. There might be knowledge that comes from the media, or it might be from someone or people that the person knows.
With that understanding, you can portray the needs of the community and how St. Vincent de Paul helps. And you can do it in a way that is more likely to be heard.
Some people are more likely to be persuaded by data. Others by personal stories. That is where your understanding of the person you are speaking with comes in. You will be able to tailor your evidence of the need based on that conversation.
For those who are more convinced by data, share the need in terms of the numbers of people St. Vincent de Paul has helped in your archdiocese, district council, or conference. It is usually best to report numbers on an annual basis – by type of help and dollar amounts.
For those more convinced by stories, think of a person you might have helped in a home visit. Tell how you felt approaching the home, entering the home and meeting the neighbor in need. Describe the home, including all who are living there. Tell you came to understand the need and how St. Vincent de Paul helped. And tell about the role prayer took in the visit.
Then ask for the contribution that based on your conversation is appropriate and aspirational. Ultimately, you are raising funds for St. Vincent de Paul, funds that will be used to help fill the needs of our neighbors in need.