Institute for Conversational Fundraising ™

"It’s realistic, it gets down to the nuts and bolts of successful fundraising. Attendance at the Asking Academy is extremely beneficial and well worth the time and the investment of finances on behalf of the organization or individual. It’s a great investment of time and very important. I would encourage everyone to consider participating."

Wayne King
Major Donor Manager
John 3:16 Mission

"Kent - THANK YOU for adding Bob and Hilanne to your week. Hilanne is an awesome lady and an amazing addition to our team. She was really ready to step up our efforts supporting the warriors. Through your help and guidance we expect to take our organization to the next level and beyond. Your help will save families and save lives. No higher calling."

Jim Dolan
Executive Director and Founder
Heroes on the Water

"The Asking Academy was the best fundraising training that I received in 13 years in the business. Thank you Kent and Kathy!!!!"

Caroline Gist
President
Putnam City Public Schools Foundation

"If you have an opportunity to be a part of the Asking Academy, it is definitely worth attending. The tools you learn from this, is one you can walk away with and instantly implement. In just 79 days we raised $84,724. Attending the Asking Academy is worth every penny!"

Gina Elias
Executive Director
Circles - Bartlesville

"It feels so right. It is simply speaking to how I am made. It is building an excitement in me!! To DO it!!"

Jay St. Clair
Board Member
Circles Joplin

"I can tell you that the Asking Academy is one of, if not, the BEST trainings I’ve been to in my career. I consider taking this program a MUST for every professional fundraiser and all key volunteers. I highly recommend Kent Stroman and the Institute for Conversational Fundraising. Learning Conversational Fundraising will make a huge difference in how we build relationships with our funders throughout the Boy Scouts of America."

Carol Whitebook
Scout Executive / CEO
Cherokee Area Council - Boy Scouts of America

"Came away with concepts that can help us with our fundraising efforts. Organized. Feel more confident now than I did prior to attending the meeting. Take the {fundraising} effort to a whole ‘nother level."

Ted Mossman
Board Chair - Elect
Junior Achievement of Southern Colorado

"Kent is awesome at creating a dynamic learning environment that engages, inspires and equips people to achieve fundraising success! I appreciate your investment in me and Heroes on the Water to develop and carry out a thoughtful major gifts strategy that will reap benefits for our nation’s warriors, their families and communities for years to come. Thank you both for everything...it was a fantastic few days together that has set the foundation for a successful future! My next step is meeting tomorrow with Jim Dolan, Executive Director and Founder of Heroes on the Water. He is eager to learn and begin utilizing the ASKing about Asking model. Anyone who is involved in fundraising for a non-profit would extremely benefit from attending the two day academy. "

Hilanne Myers
Director of Marketing
Heroes on the Water

"Kent, thank you so much for the time and effort you've contributed to this year's Endowment Challenge Grant program. It was certainly evident in the training today that you've made a positive impact on the organizations that are participating. Thank you for your willingness to share your expertise so that others can succeed!"

Julia Crouch
Executive Director
Bartlesville Community Foundation

"The learner in me strove to internalize Kent's lessons. It wasn't long before I put conversational fundraising into practice. Today, each and every donor visit is focused and productive. I know what to ask and how to listen. I am seeing the fruits of my labors as donors become more engaged and I move them strategically through the donor cycle."

Pamela H. Witter
Director of Development
Houghton College

"I really enjoyed it and truly beneficial. You gotta learn about those really impressive the 10 steps. Kent Stroman did an excellent job. If you are a non-profit out there that is struggling, this is something you need to do."

LeRoy Shepherd
Board Volunteer
Circles - Bartlesville

"My anxiety is decreasing through role-playing and practice."

Hanna Shearer
Pastor
1st Presbyterian Church

"Lots of helpful information delivered in a great format."

Steve August
Board Member
John 3:16 Mission

"I’m clicking my heels with joy!"

Garen McMillian
Board Member
Circles Joplin

"'Asking about Asking' is the one book that I will use to train my board of directors in the art of fundraising. Stroman's '10 Step Staircase' for solicitation provides volunteers and professionals a simple and easy-to-learn structure for getting to the ask. Readers will find confidence and feel empowered for ASKING donors for larger gifts."

Paul Kent
CEO
Habitat for Humanity, Tulsa

"Every ministry leader and fundraiser needs to attend The Asking Academy."

Bob Tiede
Cru

"Our team is ready to practice asking and then to proceed to ask as a direct result of what we learned at The Asking Academy. The Asking Academy opened up a whole new world for our campaign team."

Ed Tolbert
Campaign Chair
1st Presbyterian Church

"'Asking about Asking' has become an important part of my professional tool box. Brandishing the book, one of my clients commented after attending your workshop on 'Asking about Asking' that she felt as though now she had the method that would lead her organization to success in its capital campaign. Its easy to understand style and common sense approach have made a big difference in helping staff and board members face their fears about asking for donations and has given them the confidence needed to reach their goals."

Lori Timmons