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What I learned from a million-dollar ask

How do you get people to support your organisation? In short, you ask them. However, is asking as simple as it sounds?

Asking for support can be a nerve-wracking experience. In this video, Scott shares a personal story of having to make a big ask of a potential donor and what he learned from the encounter.

Asking for a Major Gift

Background:

Served 8 years as development director for a global medical mission.
Goal: raise funds to build hospitals.
Realised insufficient donor relationships → focused on building friendships before the campaign.

Campaign strategy:

Needed a large initial gift to create momentum.
Target: $1 million lead gift from a loyal supporter.
The author was chosen to make the ask → very intimidating.

The ask:

Practised wording, memorised the request.
Nervously asked the donor for $1 million lead gift.
The donor agreed and gave the gift.

Lesson:

Asking for support is nerve-wracking—whether $25/month or $1 million.
Preparation is essential → practice, clarity, confidence.
Fundraising should feel natural, but requires behind-the-scenes effort.
Asking is a skill/art developed through repetition and personal engagement.
The way to get support for your organisation is simple: you ask.