Often when we’re asked to solicit folks we think of those closest to us who can’t turn us down. Well, that’s fine for transactional fundraising (which often involves reciprocation), but it’s quite limiting when we’re looking to find folks whose goals align with those of our organization.

A helpful exercise is to ask yourself:

• What are my strongest networks? Which three of these, or others you have in mind, are your strongest?
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Fellow Employees
  • Neighbors
  • Fellow Alumni
  • Peers in My Industry
  • Fellow Worshippers
  • Fellow Parents
  • Fellow Volunteers
  • Social Media Friends
  • People I’ve Helped
  • People I Pay for Services
  • Fellow Club Members 
• Who are the FOUR people from within your strongest networks most likely to meet the ABC’s:
  • ABILITY: The ability to make a gift at the minimum level that’s worth the time and money (in the case of staff involvement) to cultivate and solicit individually.
  • BELIEF: Yes, most people will say they are “for” a wide variety of causes. But which ones are in their sweet spot? Who in your best networks deeply believes in the kind of work your organization is doing?
  • CONTACT: Can you reach out and, based on the strength of the network and possibly your personal connection, contact them and have them contact you back?

This will give you a much more strategic place to start. And it will feel much better than hitting up everyone you know.