Step 3: Make the ask to contribute matching funds
The community match donor cycle is a simplified fundraising model to help you secure larger gifts to power up your NewsMatch campaign with additional match funds. The information and resources below are powered by the Annual Giving Guide included in INN's News Giving Roadmap.
During the asking phase, you will offer a specific opportunity for a donor to contribute matching funds and make an impact. Believe it or not, you should actually spend the least of your time asking for support. It’s recommended by the time you ask, you have learned enough about the donor to have a good sense that the answer will be “yes.”
Key Step
- Share your proposal. How much would you like them to contribute in matching dollars? And by when? By doing so, what impact will their gift have on the things they care most about?
- Schedule a time. Set up a time to meet with the donor to make your ask. Be confident and specific.
What Your Newsroom Needs
- Prior knowledge about the donor in order to make an informed ask. It's recommended that by the time you ask, you've learned enough about the donor to have a good sense that the answer will be "yes."
- Time to practice your script and ask.
- Confident to stick with it! You've got this. Remember, you're pitching them something based on your knowledge and prior conversations.
Believe it or not, you should actually spend the least of your time asking for support.
Related Resources
'Making the Ask' strategy worksheet
Responding to funder objections
Tips on how to respond to a funder that has objections to your proposal.
Script
We’re currently operating on an ambitious campaign to raise <amount> that would power our ability to <insert intended impact here>. By offering a matching gift, <funder name’s> contribution would be a catalyst to inspire more donors to support this work. Will you join us by pledging a matching gift of <amount> by <suggested deadline>?