What you must do, however, to separate yourself from the hordes of requests they receive is to identify what is known as 'fundable chunks' of your operation that the corporation or foundation has a direct interest in. If you've read of a company's interest in funding early childhood programs, you won't want to send a request that tells about your whole operation, but rather, tells specifically about what you are attempting to do for young children with specific programs. Find an interest they have and try to meet it, consistent with your goals, of course. The principal reason people don't give is that they are not asked . Effective solicitation is 50 percent listening and 50 percent talking.
People like to know how their gift is going to be used.
Explain why the prospect's gift is so important. Ask for a specific amount, and ask for enough. You are offering the prospect a chance to become involved with something very important. Wait for a response. Second, do a self-inventory among the school's founders, staff and parents to identify resources, or interests, they have.