SMARTASKS to Complement Asking Styles

by Brian Saber

Demont Associates has developed a fascinating system for categorizing donors – SMARTASKS. Just as Asking Matters encourages you to know your Asking Style and fundraise using that style, SMARTASKS encourages you know what type of donor you are soliciting and ask for a gift in a way that represents that type.

Demont Associates starts with Simple asks (“S”) – straight-forward asks for those whose primary characteristic is loyalty. These are the easy and most likely gifts. But what about Igniters, Newbies and Bargain Hunters. We all know prospects who have those characteristics, and Demont Associates describes why they should be asked for different types of gifts. For instance, an Igniter would most respond to a Component (“M”) ask – to be a part of a challenge or matching gift initiative. And a Newbie – someone new to the organization – should receive the Optional (“A”) ask – to support one of three different programs.

This is a great way for a sophisticated fundraising shop to think about its prospects and lay out the best asks. And when paired with our Asking Styles, you can create a very strategic plan for who should ask who for what!

Thanks to Robert Demont and his team for this great new framework. For the complete chart of SMARTASKS and the article in their recent newsletter, click here.