Have you ever been caught off guard at an event where it would be appropriate for a board member to deliver a short, impromptu “appeal speech,” but no one is equipped and willing to make that appeal? As part of being an advocate for your nonprofit, each board member should be prepared to deliver an “appeal speech” that can be used at briefings, fundraising events, or member/donor meetings.
Everyone—board members, staff, and volunteers—can become a stronger advocate for their nonprofit organization and use the Speech of Appeal outline below to develop a one-on-one 4-5 minute talk to solicit donations from any audience. Using the ideas presented in each step, anyone can mix and match the sentences (or add their own) to create an appeal speech that is comfortable for them. So everyone associated with your organization can be ready to speak at any time, in formal or informal settings, with large or small audiences.
Send your board members a copy of this summary of the appeal speech today.
Step 1: Introduction (30 seconds)
1. My name is __________ and I would like to introduce my husband/wife
2. I am a board member/committee chair/officer of organization xyz.
3. Thank you very much for being here today.
4. I am very proud to serve on the board of directors of organization xyz.
5. I never tire of listening and talking about our programs and projects.
Step 2: The need described (30 seconds) What problem is the organization trying to solve?
1. As you heard today, there are X (#) people in _______ with _____ (disease, poverty statistics, literacy, etc.)
2. Our community suffers from _________________
3. Statistics show that _____________________
4. Unfortunately, we know that ________________________________
5. As we were reminded today, ___________________________________
Step 3: Mission and Achievements (1 minute) What is the organization’s focus?
1. The focus of organization xyz is ____________________
2. As you know, we work with ______________ (client group) and provide ______________
3. Last year we delivered _____________________ (statistics)
4. We have X (#) volunteers and X (#) full-time staff to ensure that _______
5. Already this year, we have supported/provided/delivered ____________________
6. I would like to tell you about a recent experience I had with one of our clients. (Tell the story)
7. It makes me feel good when I know my financial support is going to help ____
Step 4: Budget Considerations (1 minute) What it costs to make the organization work.
1. To support our staff, officers, and operations/programs, we need to raise about $X per year.
2. Our annual budget is $X per year.
3. We enjoy financial support from corporate sponsors such as ____ and _____.
4. We proactively apply for 6-8 government and foundation grants each year.
5. We have _____ (#) members whose due help supports our programs.
6. Nearly $X/Y% per year comes from individual donors like you.
7. X% of every dollar goes directly to support our ____________ programs.
Step 5: The Appeal (30 seconds) Asking the question – short and sweet
1. Your donation of $X today will provide _______________
2. If you could give us $X/month for the next year, you would support ______________
3. Won’t you join _________ (name of spouse) and me in investing in this important cause?
4. Would you not consider supporting organization xyz?
5. I am here to ask you to make a pledge/donation to organization xyz today.
6. In particular, we need funds to support our project _______________.
7. Think carefully about the stories you heard today and consider helping customers like ________ with a charitable donation today.
Step 6: The mechanics of a donation or pledge (30 seconds) How to donate.
1. On the back of your program, you will see a donation/pledge card that you can tear out and leave with your donation/pledge today.
2. Your table captain has your pledge card that can accompany your donation today.
3. By leaving your donation and contact information with one of the scribes circulating the room, you can join hundreds of people who have helped our customers.
4. There are volunteers at the donor station near the back of the room who can pick up your donations today.
5. Let me introduce the other board members who are circulating in the audience/room here today and who can answer any other questions that you may have. They would love to talk to you about the work of organization xyz.
Step 7: Thank you
1. Thank you for coming today, enjoy the rest of the afternoon.
2. Thanks for your attention.
3. Thank you for joining us today to learn more about organization xyz.
4. Thank you for coming out today and helping us promote this wonderful organization.
