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Fundraising Skill Development
For this assignment, you must identify 1 of the 6 critical skills for fundraising from People
Raising that you would find the most challenging to master. Use the textbooks and outside
sources to help you describe a plan to improve and develop that skill.
Be sure to cite at least 2 references in current APA format in addition to the course textbooks and
the Bible. This assignment should be at least 3 pages not including title, abstract, and reference pages.
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Fundraising Skill Development
Abstract
Fundraising is a cornerstone for nonprofit sustainability and mission advancement. Among the six critical skills outlined in People Raising, the skill of asking for funds is often the most challenging for many professionals due to emotional, psychological, and cultural barriers. This paper identifies “asking for funds” as the most difficult skill for mastery, explores the reasons for this difficulty, and proposes a structured plan for improvement. Drawing upon recent literature, biblical principles, and strategic development methods, the plan includes training, mentorship, practice, and faith-based alignment to build competence and confidence in direct donor engagement.
Introduction
Fundraising is not only about securing resources but also about fostering long-term partnerships with donors. People Raising by William P. Dillon emphasizes six core skills for effective fundraising, including building relationships, identifying prospects, cultivating donors, presenting the case, asking for funds, and following up. Of these, the skill of asking for funds is arguably the most emotionally charged and personally challenging. Many fundraisers struggle with the fear of rejection, discomfort around money conversations, and the misconception that asking is inherently intrusive. This paper examines why “asking for funds” is the most challenging skill for me personally and proposes a detailed improvement plan grounded in both current best practices and biblical perspectives.
Why Asking for Funds is Challenging
Several factors contribute to the difficulty in directly soliciting donations:
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Fear of Rejection: Research by Aldrich and Ruef (2023) shows that the fear of hearing “no” is one of the most common psychological barriers in fundraising. This fear can hinder confidence and…