On the Telephone

Reach Out and Touch Someone: Make Telephone Calls to Ask for Pledges

The telephone has become a popular part of fundraising in the past few years. It is one of the most effective and direct ways to reach out to prospective sponsors-particularly those you don't see on a daily basis.

There are seven easy steps to raising money over the telephone:

  1. Develop your list. Determine who on your list needs to hear your voice. There is nothing wrong with contacting people that you have not had contact with in several years. Some of your friends and business associates may be better suited to a letter-writing campaign, but some need the more personal touch of a phone call.
  2. Pick the best time to call. Some calls will be quick and some will take more time. Build a plan of who you are going to call and when business associates and vendors are used to talking to you during the day, family and friends on weekends or evenings. (Avoid the dinner hour and late night calls.)
  3. Do your homework. To avoid uncomfortable pauses, figure out what your request will be before you call.
  4. Make the call! Once you place the call, people may wonder why you're calling. Explain your commitment to help end the devastating effects of MS by participating in the MS Bike Tour, then state your fundraising goal and ask your friend for their assistance by asking for a specific amount. Remember, silence is not a "no." Wait until your prospect has responded to your initial request before you suggest a different amount.
  5. Say thanks! Regardless of the outcome, thank them for their time, consideration and support. If you find that someone is unable to assist financially, invite them to volunteer at the event. The same goes if you find your caller is very enthusiastic about the MS Bike Tour.
  6. Follow up. It may seem like a detail, but it's a critical step in fulfilling your goal and showing your appreciation to your donors. Remember to personalize your thank you with the sponsor's name and amount of the contribution you agreed upon over the phone. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope- it makes it easier for them to send in their contribution.
  7. Have fun! If you sound excited about the MS Bike Tour and the fight against MS, it will be contagious. You can challenge your friends to match your contribution - by either joining you on the MS Bike Tour or sponsoring you with a match of your own personal contribution. It's important that your sponsors understand your personal commitment.