Example of Telemarketing Script for Donations

Large arts non profits aren't the only ones who can make calls for donations.  Board members, artists, staff, and even volunteers can help bring in donations with a little help and guidance.   

Here is an example of a telemarketing script for a non profit with a $300,000 budget.

What the Ask is for?

Donations:  As ticket sales only cover about 33% of our organizations income, donations are vitally important to sustainability.

Script

Introduction

Good evening, may I speak with (Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr. Last Name)?

My name is                              and I am a Board Member / Musician / Staff Member / Volunteer with The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes. I wanted to take a few minutes of your time to talk about the letter you recently received from us. Did I catch you at a good time?

(If no, thank them for their time and ask if there would be a better time to call them back.)

Appeal

You should have recently received a letter regarding our annual fund campaign.  As mentioned in the letter, The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes had an outstanding 2009 -2010 season with tremendous community involvement during our Music Director and Conductor Search.  Single ticket sales tripled, more than 7,500 community members attended an OSFL performance, and over 2,500 educational experiences were provided. 

However, ticket sales only cover one third of the entire operating budget.  Without the generous support of our donors like you, the orchestral performances and educational youth programs would not exist. 

This upcoming is season is especially challenging.  With the economic problems our country and community are facing we have been forced to produce one less OSFL concert than usual.  Our goal throughout this year is to ensure that we will be in a position next season to bring our fifth concert back. 

We hope you will help us with this.

1st Ask

We really value your support as an attendee.  Again, as sales only count for 33% of the income we need to provide outstanding concerts, would you be willing to make a first time donation?

2nd Ask

Thank you for your last gift of $___.  Please consider a gift this year of ($ 10% increase).  This increase will help to ensure a successful season helping all of us to be ready for our normal number of concerts next season.

If no to increase in 2nd Ask

I understand that a 10% increase may not work for you now.  Support at any level is critical for the ongoing operations of this wonderful organization.  Please consider a gift of $ at the same level you gave last year. 

Donor Requests Something in the Mail, No Commitment

We can definitely send you some information about The Orchestra and charitable donations in the mail.  Let me verify that our records are correct.  Do you still live at (address)? 

Wait for “Yes”

If “No,” get new address info, and make change on donor’s record sheet.

Pledge Confirmation

Wonderful!  Thank you very much for your gift of X.  This really means so much to us. 

Would you like to pay by credit card this evening?  (Fill out credit card slip)

If donor is worried about credit card security:

Once I record your credit card information, it is secured internally at the office.  We adhere to donor confidentiality rights and will not use any of this information for other purposes nor will we share this information outside of the office. 

If still does not want to give a credit card number,  Should I have our office bill you so we can recognize you right away for your support?  We will send a return envelope for your check.   (Make a note the check will arrive in the mail)

Thank you again for your ongoing support!  We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming concert.  Goodbye.

Refusal

Thank you for your time this evening.  Should you be interested in making a contribution at a later time, feel free to call The Orchestra office at (XXX) XXX-XXX.  Have a good evening. 

Leaving a Message on Their Machine

Good evening!  This is (Your full name) and I am a Board Member / Musician / Staff Member / Volunteer with The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes.  

You should have recently received a letter regarding our annual fund campaign.  As mentioned in the letter, The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes had an outstanding 2009 -2010 season with tremendous community involvement during our Music Director and Conductor Search.  Single ticket sales tripled, more than 7,500 community members attended an OSFL performance, and over 2,500 educational experiences were provided. 

However, ticket sales only cover one third of the entire operating budget.  Without the generous support of our donors like you, the orchestral performances and educational youth programs would not exist. 

This upcoming is season is especially challenging.  With the economic problems our country and community are facing we have been forced to produce one less OSFL concert than usual.  Our goal throughout this year is to ensure we will be in a position next season to bring that concert back.  We hope you will help us with this. 

I hope you will consider renewing your annual fund gift before to help us start our season. 

We will attempt to call you again to discuss how you can help support orchestral arts.  If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to call The Orchestra office at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. 

Thank you for your time and have a good evening!