Viaggio in Islanda

Hello, may I please speak with M____________?

Response to:  “Is not here/unavailable to take your call.
”Thank you. I’ll try another time.

Response to:  “May I ask who's calling?”
My name is ________. I am calling on behalf of (Name of) University. Is M________ available to speak with me?

Response to:  “What is this in regard to?”
Nothing urgent. I’m calling to follow up on a letter from a fellow (University) parent that was mailed to you recently. Is this M_____?

So tonight we’re contacting parents of (University) students to learn about their experiences with (University).  (Rapport questions – use some of these questions to build a connection. do not recite a laundry list – listen and respond to the prospects individually.)

• How did you and your child find (University)?
• What is/was your child’s major?
• What has his/her experience been like at (University)?

Thanks so much for sharing that with me M____. We always appreciate hearing feedback from parents.

I would like to take a moment and tell you about some things that have been happening here…
I’m not sure if you’re aware or not but (University) is nearing the end of our first ever Comprehensive Campaign entitled The Power to Transform. We’ve just reached our goal of $31 million dollars and we’re excited to be extending it to $31 million by December 31!

All gifts to the annual fund are included in the campaign’s totals.The goals of the campaign are pretty simple – to keep (University) at pace with higher education expectations.

Included in the campaign are facility and technology updates, the establishment of greater faculty support and even more student scholarships (among other things)! Simply said, we want to be able to provide all (University) students with a first–rate education!

And that’s where you come in….Many of our most committed parents are stepping forward tonight with a $____ pledge this evening to help us edge even closer to our campaign goals.

Is a $____ pledge something you might consider making this evening? (STOP talking and let the prospect speak)

(Only if the prospect shows interest, but does not say yes)

If you would like we can break this gift into installments - maybe two installments of $____ - Would that make it possible for you to join us with a gift of $_____?

Of course not everyone can help at that level, but we never know unless we ask.

As I just mentioned, a major portion of (University)’s Campaign is tied into increasing scholarship support. Currently 90% of (University) students receive some sort of financial aid but there are still many more students who will be unable to enroll at (University) strictly due to financial reasons.

College tuition everywhere is increasing, making it harder for incoming students and their families to afford. In order to ensure that students with the talent, but maybe not the means, have the opportunity to enroll at (Name of University) - some parents are stepping forward tonight with a $____ gift. A gift of this size could mean that one more student can enroll here at (University).

Would a gift of this size be more comfortable for you?   (STOP talking and let the prospect speak) (

Only if the prospect shows interest, but does not say yes) If you would like we can break this gift into installments - maybe two installments of ____ - Would that make it possible for you to join us with a gift of ___?

I understand completely and just hope that we can find a giving level that is comfortable for you.

One of the things that we hear so often from parents is the amount of personal attention their children receive at (University). Whether it’s an academic advisor who makes an extra effort to help a student find their fit, or a teacher who goes beyond the classroom in making sure that someone does well in class. This kind of attention is possible due to (University) ’s small class sizes and being able to recruit and keep quality faculty members.

Students often make personal connections with their teachers and maintain professional relationships that continue throughout their careers. You never know where those kinds of connections will lead.

We would love to count on you for a gift of $____?  Is a gift of this size something you can help us with this evening? (STOP talking and let the prospect speak) 

 (Only if the prospect shows interest, but does not say yes)
If you would like we can break this gift into installments - maybe two installments of ____ - Would that make it possible for you to join us with a gift of ___?

I can appreciate that M____, and I do have a couple of other options for you. But before I do, I want to tell you, the name of the Campaign – The Power to Transform – has significant meaning as many students and alumni comment on how their time at (University)  made a huge impact and actually transformed their lives.

 As you know, (University) believes in empowering students to meet their potential, helping to mold their characters and broaden their horizons. It seems that educating the heart as well as the mind is what makes our faith-based education so effective.

With that in mind M___, maybe a gift of $____ would be better for you? (STOP talking and let the prospect speak)  

(Only if the prospect shows interest, but does not say yes) If you would like we can break this gift into installments  - maybe two installments of ____ - Would that make it possible for you to join us with a gift of ___?