Mastering the Art of the Ask: Strategies to Unlock Your Donor’s Generosity

Fundraising is evolving—and so are donor expectations. In today’s philanthropic landscape, relationships matter more than ever, and the way you ask can be the difference between a transactional gift and a transformational partnership.

Join Keith Curtis, CEO and Chairman, and Kate Hildebrand, Consultant of The Curtis Group, for a dynamic and practical session that demystifies the art of the ask and equips you to secure stronger, more meaningful support for your mission.

Drawing on The Curtis Group’s 35+ years of experience helping nonprofits raise millions, this session will cover how to build trust, understand donor motivations, and tailor an “ask” that inspires generosity. Participants will walk through the essential stages of a successful solicitation—cultivating, preparing, asking, closing, and stewarding—with real examples and ready-to-use tips.

We’ll answer questions such as:

• How do I know when a donor is ready to give?
• What do I say during the ask?
• How do I navigate “no,” hesitation, or tough questions?
• How do I keep donors engaged after the gift?

You’ll leave with clear guidance and renewed confidence to lead your next donor conversation.

Intended Audience: Nonprofit Executive Directors / CEOs, Directors of Development, development staff, and board members looking to strengthen their knowledge and plan their giving this year.

About the Presenters:

Keith Curtis, Founder, CEO and Chairman: keith@thecurtisgroup.com

Keith Curtis has more than 40 years of experience working on behalf of philanthropic organizations throughout the country. He is a sought-after advisor and speaker, presenting at a variety of national and state conferences and events. As president of The Curtis Group, founded 36 years ago, he and his team have developed strategies to raise over one billion dollars for more than 250 clients. But equally important, his guidance has helped those nonprofits raise awareness, raise their standards of operation, and their expectations of what they can accomplish.

Keith is a past chair of the Giving USA Foundation and has spoken on the annual Giving USA report in many national publications and broadcasts. He is also a board member of the Giving Institute, a membership organization dedicated to advancing philanthropy and promoting ethical practices in fundraising, and a past president of the Hampton Roads Gift Planning Council. In recognition of his work in philanthropy, Keith was honored with the Alumni Service Award from Old Dominion University.

Kate Hildebrand, Consultant: kate@thecurtisgroup.com

As a consultant with The Curtis Group, Kate Hildebrand brings a unique blend of expertise to support nonprofits in achieving their missions, deepening donor relationships, building capacity, and raising support. Kate has over a decade of experience working in higher education

and independent school settings. Before joining The Curtis Group, Kate was campaign manager at Stevenson School, an independent, PK-12 school in Pebble Beach, California. In this role, she was responsible for the day-to-day management of a multi-million dollar fundraising campaign.

Prior to this, Kate oversaw advancement data, business processes, and reporting as director of advancement operations at Stevenson. She also previously served in roles in donor relations, class programming and reunion campaigns, and annual giving at Georgetown University. Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of South Carolina and received a Certificate in Fund Raising Management from The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy.