Powerful Donor Questions That Drive Engagement and Future Support

Powerful Donor Questions That Drive Engagement and Future Support

Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it can also engage your donor.

Have you ever left a donor meeting feeling like you missed a chance to take the conversation further? The secret isn’t a better pitch—it’s better questions.

While making a big financial ask is a significant moment in your relationship with a donor, there are plenty of other ways they can support your organization—if only you ask.

Curiosity is a fundraising superpower. It’s the easiest way to unlock what matters most to your donors. Thoughtful, open-ended questions allow you to get to know your donors and understand what motivates them. They provide an opening for donors to express their views. Reciprocal questions also build trust and lay the groundwork for a relationship that grows over time—and will make that future financial ask easier.

Having a toolbox of prepared questions will ensure every meeting or phone call ends with a natural next step to keep the conversation going in a few days or weeks. In this post, we’re sharing three of our favorite donor conversation starters that spark engagement:

What shapes your philanthropy?
Is a donor motivated by core values? Making a tangible impact? Recognition or relationships? Do they have personal experience with an issue or are they motivated by societal trends? Understanding what matters most to a donor can help you tailor your engagement and ensure your outreach is meaningful and relevant.

What drives your passion for the organization?
Understanding a donor’s personal connection to a cause or organization can help you build alignment between their interests and your goals, making future asks feel more personal and impactful. Plus, when you can tap into their passion for the organization—and show the direct impact they’re having—they might become one of your biggest advocates. 

What other details can I provide about our organization?
Every donor conversation should end with a clear next step. You can always ask for a follow-up meeting, but maybe a site visit or a meet-and-greet with your executive director would do more to build confidence in their decision-making. By asking about their hesitations, you can encourage an open dialogue where the donor feels heard and remove any barriers that might be holding up their support.

Looking for more questions that can spark conversation and build long-term relationships? Download our free guide with 12 powerful questions that turn curiosity into commitment.