Your Elevator Pitch

You have 2 minutes to explain your mission. Can you? It’s important to be prepared if you are put on the spot.

Mapping out key points is one way to make sure you can perform under pressure. You never know how much time you’ll have with a donor, especially with high-profile individuals.

I was put into this position a few years ago when I drove 4 hours to meet a donor. When I arrived, he said, “I only have 5 minutes, so make it quick.” Thankfully, I knew that his interest in our organization fell within a specific program. I had sat down with him earlier and talked extensively about his vision for the program if fully funded. I was able to get my points across in those 5 minutes.

Remember that you’re representing your organization. If you are unprepared, the donor will assume the same about your nonprofit. Doing homework will pay off during crunch time!