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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.

• Say thank you!
• Clarify the Amount, Frequency, and Start Date
  • It is very important that you know exactly how much and how often partners plan to contribute. Miscommunication can easily happen here. Is the gift monthly? Or were they thinking quarterly or annual, or just a special gift? When would they want to start?

• Once you have determined the amount, frequency, and start date, communicate appreciation again.

• Briefly Explain How to Start Giving

  • Once the amount has been clarified, it is important that the new partner know how he or she can give most effectively. This should be very brief; you will address details later.

  • "Let me explain how that works. Most donors set their giving online. Reliant has a secure website that is easy to use and allows you to stop, start or change your giving at any time. Before I leave, I'll share more about how you can get started."