Here it is! The big finish. You've made it this far; you can do this.
We recommend reading directly from the "Here's How You Can Help" page because it gives you a minute to breathe, gather your thoughts, and pray before diving into the ask.
The Here's How You Can Help page (HHYCH) is the key tool to introduce the financial ask.
- The page is carefully worded and should be followed nearly exactly — to be read word-for-word at the end of your presentation. If you prepare and practice adequately, you will be able to present Reliant’s financial needs in a natural and conversational manner while sticking closely to the text.
- The HHYCH page allows donors to see how giving works and is designed to focus on our biggest need: regular, monthly giving.
- "I'm actually just going to read this directly from the page because Reliant has done a really good job of wording it."
- Read the entire lefthand side and continue reading the righthand side "I am reliant on God to provide ministry team members who will make monthly investments in the mission."
- Now, you can stop reading and talk directly to the person you're meeting with.
- "<Insert name> I am trusting in God to provide people who are able to give <insert range ask or specific amounts> per month. Would you join our team at one of these amounts?"
Be specific
- We speak about specific dollar amounts or ranges in order to:
- Share our need as concretely as possible
- Help the potential partner see what is normal.
Stop talking. Breathe. Pray. Pause. This pause will feel like an hour, but it's really only a few seconds. Resist any urge to say something like, "I mean, it's okay if you can't." or "I know that's a lot of money, and you just had a baby/lost your job/got married, etc." Do not give them a reason to say no when you've just spent so much time giving them every reason to say yes.
POSSIBLE RESPONSES TO THE FINANCIAL ASK: