All you have to do is contrast the difference in values, the difference in the allies, the difference in the dreams. That contrast, if you say it with confidence, gives you a tremendous difference. If you're not creative, you're not going to get there. We don't say cash. We didn't say money. . . .
Volunteers are dramatically better than paying someone to do the work.
Instead, talk to the donor as you would with a good friend. Listen to what they are saying, find out what their needs are and then show them how you meet those needs. . . . Then it's time to close the deal. Ask for the maximum you think the donor can afford, and if the donor balks at the amount you have requested, negotiate downward. Remember that, while it is easy to lower your request, it is next to impossible to raise it.