Key takeaways
- Six free scripts, each with prep steps, the script itself, answers to common replies and follow-up steps.
- Every call that asks for a gift should say who you're calling for and why in the first sentence.
- Adapt the wording to your voice; callers should sound like people, not recordings.
The scripts
| Script | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Donor thank-you call | Thanking new and recent donors with no ask. |
| Monthly giving | Inviting one-time donors to give monthly. |
| Membership renewal | Reaching members before or after their renewal date. |
| Event invitation | Filling galas, walks and donor events, and asking for sponsorships. |
| Corporate sponsorship | Calling companies about sponsorships and partnerships. |
| Voicemail | Leaving short, friendly messages that make the next call easier. |
| Year-end call kit | Year-end renewal and lapsed-donor scripts, a checklist and a tracking sheet (free download). |
Rules every script should follow
- Say who and why, right away. When a for-profit firm calls for a charity, the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule requires the caller to promptly name the charity and say the call is to ask for a donation.
- No false or misleading statements. Describe your work and how gifts are used accurately.
- Respect the clock. No calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in the person's local time.
- Honor do-not-call requests immediately and record them.
- Check state rules. Some states require more disclosures; see our state registration guides and fundraising call rules.
How to make a script sound natural
- Write the way people talk: short sentences, plain words.
- Give callers a structure, not a word-for-word recital. Let them use the donor's name and history.
- Leave room for questions, and train callers on answers rather than rebuttals.
- Accept a no gracefully. A donor who feels respected is more likely to give next time.
How KFG helps
Kensington Fundraising Group writes scripts with you and makes the calls, in English and Spanish, with no pressure tactics. See our phone fundraising guide or lapsed donor reactivation campaigns.