Many nonprofits take an apologetic approach when asking for funding. What is your fundraising approach?

"Over the last decade, I have had the opportunity to hone the standard donor cycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship with my unique ability to build sincere relationships. Because people feel comfortable with me, I likewise feel comfortable asking for the funding we need. With my current organization, I have developed a network of loyal supporters pledging and fulfilling gifts totaling five million dollars in program support and double that amount for our endowment. Because I focus heavily on the cultivation part of the donor cycle, I believe my relationships with donors ensure a lasting commitment to the organization."

"Before I make an ask, I make sure the potential donor feels connected to the mission of the organization. In my previous role raising funds for a Meals on Wheels program, I discovered that many donors expressed initial interest because they also had family members who had benefitted from the program or could find themselves needing the program in the future. Finding the personal connection to the organization's mission and showing specifics in terms of how that money would be spent made the donor more receptive to an ask. This strategy has yielded reliable financial support for the Meals on Wheels program, and I was able to receive firm commitments from a dozen individual donors giving at a level over 50,000 a year."

Although it is important to show an understanding of the donor cycle, avoid boilerplate responses. Instead, provide specific details about what makes your fundraising strategy unique within the context of the standard donor cycle. Large organizations like Human Rights Watch often have large financial resources and many supporters. You don't need to reinvent the wheel in this case. Just show your skill and creativity at doing this particular job.