As fundraising consultants, we are often confronted with the most basic question in fundraising: How do I ask for money? We thought the month of Thanksgiving was a good time to review the finer points of the ask and share some words of wisdom from some of the world’s best askers!

It feels good to give. Think about the last time you gave a gift—you probably felt a sense of pride. When someone decides to make a contribution, they experience positive emotions. A sense of pride and accomplishment always follow the act of giving. By asking, you are simply allowing for the prospect to feel good!

A “no” is not about you. If the answer is no, remember, do not take it personally. The person may not be in a position to say yes, due to timing, financial realities, and other interests. Removing your ego from the ask is essential.

It is about service. By sharing information about a great cause, you are providing both the organization and the individual with a service. Our good friend Torsten Wiesel, a Nobel Laureate in medicine, was president of Rockefeller University where he raised $190 million from 1991 to 1998. He said, “I always believed that I was helping people make wise decisions with their money when I asked them to support a project at Rockefeller University. My role was to provide important information.” We agree. There are plenty of ways to waste charity dollars. By sharing information about a well-run effective nonprofit, you are helping the person make a wise choice.

Get some coaching.We can’t write an article about “asking” without mentioning our friend and colleague Brian Saber, and his terrific company, Asking Matters. Asking Matters is an online resource that helps you find your personal asking voice. In Brian’s words, “Your Asking Style is based on your personality and unique set of strengths in fundraising. Take the Asking Styles personality test and find your Asking Style for free and learn how you can use it to raise more than ever!” Click HERE to check out Asking Matters and their incredible resources.

Inspiring words of wisdom. Fred Wilson, partner at Union Square Ventures, and his wife Joanne Wilson, aka Gotham Gal, represent the best among New York’s activists and philanthropists. Working with Joanne Wilson, the first board chair of MOUSE, to launch the successful tech and education nonprofit, I watched with awe as she asked for money with gusto. She took great pleasure and pride in asking. She and Fred have made a real impact on the charities they have chosen to support and promote. Click HERE for a great blog about philanthropy just posted by Fred Wilson. Click on their names above to sign up for each of their blogs which are always inspiring.

Now go ASK!

“Growth for Good gave me the support and confidence I needed to go out and ask. They made me feel that my instincts about donor outreach are spot on as a fundraiser.” – Jacqueline Maddox, Director of Development, The Town Hall