Your Elevator Pitch

You have five minutes to explain your organization’s mission and goals for the next five years. Can you do it? Most donors won’t throw that kind of curveball at you, but it’s important to be prepared if you are put on the spot.

Mapping out the key points of your elevator pitch is one way to make sure you can perform under pressure. The truth is that you never know how much time you’ll have with a donor, especially with high-profile individuals. Sometimes they’re busy and have little time to meet with solicitors.

I was put into this position a few years ago when meeting with a major gift prospect. I drove four hours from Washington, DC to Ohio to meet with the donor. When I got into his office, he said, “I only have five minutes for you, so you’re going to have to make it quick.” Thankfully, I knew that the donor’s interest in our organization fell within a specific program. I had sat down with our program director the previous week and talked extensively about his goals and vision for the program if fully funded. I was able to articulate the important points to the donor.

It’s important to remember that you are representing your organization when you meet with donors. If you are unprepared, the donor will assume the same about your nonprofit. So sit down with your program directors. Doing your homework (and always staying ahead of the curve by educating yourself) will pay off during crunch time.

Michael Henry