Most CEOs have a fear of making the ask. Plain and simple.
When we are talking about major gifts, we are usually talking about A LOT OF MONEY.
Even for organizations with a budget of less than a $1 million, a major gift is $10,000. That’s more money that most people have in their savings account, so making an ask for an amount that high can be intimidating.
And that’s on the low end!
For organizations with an annual budget over $10 million, a major gift is generally considered one that is at least six figures.
When we are talking about that amount of money, a lot of people shut down.
And with good reason!
The average person would be delighted to earn a million dollars in their lifetime, let alone have the capacity to give that money away.
But, when we are having serious conversations with people, foundations, organizations or anyone else who does have the capacity to give at these higher levels, we have to put that fear aside and see the request you are making for what it really is: an investment in the future of your organization.