Asking for Support | 10 Things Social Purpose Organizations Need to Know
10 Things Social Purpose Organizations Need to Know About Asking
Featuring Jessica Cloud
Many nonprofit leaders are new to fundraising and feel nervous about making face-to-face asks — but these direct conversations are where the biggest gifts happen. Asking for support can feel uncomfortable, especially when assumptions about money and social norms get in the way. However, fundraising is not about pushing or persuading — it’s about inviting people into a shared mission and providing meaningful opportunities to contribute.
In this session, Jessica Neno Cloud will help attendees reframe their mindset around asking, build confidence in donor conversations, and learn practical strategies to make fundraising more natural and effective. Through specific scripts, mindset exercises, and actionable techniques, participants will leave feeling empowered to ask with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.
What you'll learn:
Debunking fundraising myths – Why asking isn’t “rude” and how to shift your mindset
Overcoming fear & hesitation – Affirmations and journaling practices to strengthen your confidence
Mastering the ask – Practical strategies and scripts to make face-to-face fundraising feel natural
Understanding the donor cycle – The surprisingly small but crucial role that asking plays in long-term donor engagement
This session is perfect for:
Nonprofit leaders and fundraisers who feel hesitant about asking for donations
Board members and team members who need practical tools for fundraising conversations
Anyone looking to increase major gifts and donor engagement
About the Speaker
Jessica Neno Cloud, CFRE, MA has worked in fundraising for over 20 years and has held the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation since 2013. She has helped universities, nonprofits, and political organizations dramatically grow their donor bases, raise millions in philanthropic support, and develop sustainable fundraising programs. During her tenure at The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, she increased total dollars raised by over 300% in one year and grew the total number of yearly donors from 3,000 to over 8,000 donors in three years. She has since worked with organizations including the University of South Carolina, Starr King School for the Ministry, and the Libertarian National Committee.
Jessica is also the author of Successful Fundraising Calls: A Phonathon Scripting Workshop (published by Academic Impressions) and shares fundraising strategies, nonprofit insights, and productivity tips on her blog, Real Deal Fundraising.
Bring your questions and join us to gain skills and confidence to secure major gifts and build long-lasting donor relationships.
About the Series
This online event is part of a complimentary series of talks and Q&A sessions hosted by The Good Growth Company in partnership with the Centre for Social Innovation. Each session features an expert from the community sharing 10 things social purpose organizations need to know about a given topic. The series is designed for leaders and within nonprofits, charities and social ventures.
Format: 10 Tips Presentation + Question & Answer Session (Total 1 Hour)
About the Host
The Good Growth Company is an up-skilling company for non-profit organizations and purpose-driven businesses seeking to invest in their people to help scale their mission. Boost your social impact and level up your team with targeted workshops and more. Get started here.
A Membership with More
Watch the recording from this session and all past sessions through our Training Library. Created for individuals working in social good, The Good Growth Company's individual membership level is the perfect way to catch up on all past sessions from our 10 Things series, including expert tips and recorded audience questions. Find out more or signup for instant access for only $9 here: https://thegoodgrowth.company/membership