12 Fundraising Questions Major and Planned Gift Officers Should Be Asking

Everyone says the number one reason why people give is because they were asked.
 
I think this axiom might need a bit of a tweak as follows:
The number one reason why people give is because they were asked questions about themselves before they were asked to give. Tweet this!
 
The best fundraisers know that you can’t ask for money until you’ve aligned with the donor’s personal mission. Tweet this! So I thought I’d put together some insightful questions you might want to ask before you ask for a check.
1. What values are most important to you?
2. Who inspired you in your life, your work and your philanthropy?
3. Where do you want to see the most change made in the world?
4. How do you want to be remembered?
5. Would you be interested in learning more about how I can help you  to be remembered in that way?
6. Have you figured out how much is enough to leave to heirs?
7. Are your heirs aware of your philanthropic interests and how you want to be remembered?
8. Would you mind sharing with me your most satisfying philanthropic gift and why it made you feel so good?
9. Which nonprofit does the best job of keeping you involved in its mission and satisfied?
10. How would you like me to report back to you the impact of your gift?
11. How would you like me to invite you to make a donation?
12. When is the best (or worst) time of year to engage with you about your philanthropic interests?
 
Do you have some great questions that are missing? Let me know what they are!

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