Conference 2026: “The Art of the Ask” in Today’s Donor Landscape

Speaker(s): Nicki Inman, Project Consultant, RSC Associates

Fundraising asks don’t fail because of the dollar amount—they falter when conversations lack purpose, curiosity, or a clear path forward.

In today’s fundraising landscape, donors are responding to conversations that feel intentional and authentic. This highly interactive session equiped participants with a practical flow for those conversations, transforming the “ask” into a guided dialogue that builds trust. They learned this relationship-centered framework, including how thoughtful preparation, step-by-step permission, and strategic follow-up lead to stronger donor engagement and better outcomes.

In this 75-minute session, participants walked step-by-step through the full conversation arc, from sparking curiosity to securing the commitment, giving you tools you can use immediately in your next donor meeting or to coach your team with confidence and clarity.

This session has been sponsored and developed by RSC Associates.

Photo Credit: Amy Raab Photography