The Ask Lib/E: How to Ask for Support for Your Nonprofit Cause, Creative Project, or Business Venture

by Laura Fredricks

A completely revised edition of the must-have resource for increasing your nonprofit's bottom lineThis thoroughly revised and updated edition of the best-selling book "The Ask" is filled with suggestions, guidelines, and down-to-earth advice that will give you the confidence to ask anyone for any size gift, for any purpose. Written in winning language, filled with sample dialogues, and offering a wealth of tips and tools, this book addresses common mistakes made when asking and shows how to correct each mistake, providing guidance and direction on how to make a great ask.Offers step-by-step guidance for learning personal solicitation skillsFilled with real-world tools and techniques for raising money or supportContains advice for overcoming situations such as hesitating to ask for money and following through on the askWritten for fundraisers from any size organization

Includes information on how to apply asking skills to a fundraiser's personal and professional pursuits.

CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business

Audio CD

First published December 30, 2009

Reviews

[Heidi (MinxyD14) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(2024) I read this as part of my NYU Fundraising coursework. It applies to many aspects of personal and professional life and is excellent reference material if you need to prep for a "big ask" of donors, funders, leaders, or partners.

Laura Laura Fredricks will be teaching a one-day immersive course this Summer (7-June-2024) on the Art of the Ask

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am no fan of non-fiction, professional books like this. But in spite of that, this one was a surprisingly actionable book. I got a lot out of it.

[Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple practical advice.

[Andy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not good for audio: lots of lists.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was assigned most of this book for my Fundraising class, and I thought it was good enough to read the two chapters I wasn't assigned over Spring Break. Fredericks writes in a very conversational and approachable manner, and while this book rubbed some of my classmates the wrong way, I think it was a good read. I can see myself reviewing parts of it occasionally, and she also includes a chapter on asking for things for yourself, like a job, raise, or improved job title.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I"d recommend this to anyone in the nonprofit world. The writing is repetitive, but the principles are important: cultivation, asking for a specific amount, and serious follow-up. If I hadn't gotten it from the library, I'd use it as a reference later, when I'm actually talking to donors. Also good advice for asking for a raise or promotion.

[Mellissa Riddle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in conjunction with an imact investing course. I found The Ask to be insightful regarding non-profit funding, but not particularly resourceful. It is a good short read for those who are new to entrepreneurship, or seeking to launch a not-for-profit endeavour.

[Russ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fundraising diva Laura Fredricks tells us amateurs how it should be done. First find out what your major contributors or major potential contributors are most interested in. What makes them tick? Assess their willingness and capacity to give through personal interactions. Keep meticulous records of your findings. All of this occurs before you ever even ask them for a dime. Wait until there is no doubt in your mind that their interests align perfectly with your upcoming Ask. Involve the most senior person possible (board members, president, et al) in the Ask and make sure the Ask is done in person. There's more to it, but that's the gist.

The Ask gives helpful and practical advice; for those of us who aren't in the fundraising business, it's an eye-opening look at best practices for the field.

[Rosann]

This was a nice introduction to understanding fundraising