I Asked a Donor for $1 Million — and She Thanked Me

by Bryn George | August 18, 2025

It’s true!

I had worked with this donor for several years. I knew her interests, her values, and the way she made decisions. But I had never asked her for anything close to this amount—this proposal was 4 times more than I had ever put in front of her.

And though I was nervous, I knew it was the right time. I had a vision that matched the donor’s capacity and heart. So I laid it all out: the need, the opportunity, the impact, the numbers. I brought clarity, visuals, and a sense of bold hope. When I finished, the donor paused, looked at me, and said simply:

“Thank you.”

That moment changed something in me.

We say it all the time in fundraising, but this moment confirmed it for me: fundraising isn’t begging—it’s inviting. It’s an invitation into something a donor may never have considered, but that powerfully aligns with who they are and what they care about.

This donor had been stirred by what she saw happening in her city. She wanted to do something meaningful. My proposal gave her a way to respond—with power, purpose, and vision.

Here are a few lessons I’m holding onto from that pivotal moment:

1. Walk in confidently

Your proposal is not a plea—it’s an invitation to make a difference. A case for support, thoughtfully built and passionately delivered, is an offer of hope and resilience. It’s a partnership.

2. Honor the relationship

This donor didn’t thank me because I surprised her with a flashy ask. She thanked me because we had already built trust. I had shown up, listened, followed through, and learned her language over time. That work matters.

3. Be bold

This ask was far beyond anything we had discussed before—but it was rooted in a real opportunity for impact. I didn’t downplay it. I laid it out in a way that was clear, inspiring, and respectful. 

The scale of the ask matched the scale of the moment.

The truth is: donors are looking for something special. Something worth giving to. Something that makes them feel they are part of real change.

So be brave. Be thoughtful. And put transformational opportunities in front of your donors. They just might thank you for it.