---
title: What’s the Best Way to Talk to Donors?
description: Genuine gratitude is a great way to start up a conversation with a donor.
---

[TrueSense Blog ](https://www.truesense.com/blog)

# [What’s the Best Way to Talk to Donors?](https://www.truesense.com/blog/whats-the-best-way-to-talk-to-donors-be-yourself-and-mean-it)

 Written by [Shawn Reed, Executive Vice President](https://www.truesense.com/blog/author/shawn-reed-executive-vice-president) | Nov 2, 2017 4:00:00 AM

I hate to admit this, but I’ve met a lot of nonprofit professionals (including Salvation Army officers responsible for fundraising) who are afraid to talk to donors.  Why?  Because there is a chance of the uncomfortable “M” word coming up in conversation: **money**.  Frankly, these people may be in the wrong business, because their very survival depends on their ability to talk to donors. 

Don’t know how to get the conversation started with a donor?  Gratitude is the great door-opener.  [It allows donors to be a part of the transaction they so desperately wanted to enjoy in the first place.](https://www.truesense.com/ringer/expecting-donor-expectations)  Saying thanks, and doing it sincerely, demonstrates the most common form of vulnerability — which is to say “I needed you, and you were there.”

> Ministry means relationships. Fundraising means relationships.  *Ergo *… **Ministry means fundraising.**

I was reminded of this when I came across a 2003 article from *Chronical of Philanthropy* about an [old grassroots fundraiser named Roger Ellison](http://www.rogerellison.com/references/ChronicleofPhilanthropy.pdf).  I’m not sure if Roger is still out there calling on donors and saying thanks, but his story is worth checking out.

So be yourself.  Say “thank you.”  And *mean* it.

[View full post](https://www.truesense.com/blog/whats-the-best-way-to-talk-to-donors-be-yourself-and-mean-it)

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