Institute for Conversational Fundraising ™

"Great information! Lots of good techniques to put into practice! I believe this [The Asking Academy] has been chock-full of ideas, specific strategies to be successful in our fundraising efforts! Thanks!"

Jim Beverley
Board Member
John 3:16 Mission

"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

"All the training I've attended over the years don’t have the passion and positive teaching style giving you the confidence I’ve received at this Academy. Thanks!"

Kimberly Cowherd
Cherokee Area Council, BSA

"Reinforces many of the attributes of fundraising. Investment of the time and funds to attend the Asking Academy are well worth while because the return on investment is huge."

Bob Myers
Performance Coach - West
Scouting U

"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 experience is that it is transformational on both personal and professional and avocational level."

Pat Moore
Board Volunteer
Circles - Bartlesville

"'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

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

Hanna Shearer
Pastor
1st Presbyterian Church

"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

"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

"You should attend early in the campaign. I’m leaving here with a real understanding of what Conversational Fundraising is about and what it can be. I have enjoyed being here and think it is well worth the value. We were working with an organization in a stalled campaign. As a result of our team attending the Asking Academy, we quickly revived the campaign with $250,000 in gifts."

Bill Stohlmann
Consultant
excellerate! LLC

"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

"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

"I am finding The Summit very informative and comforting in that what we are learning takes much of the fear of the unknown off the table."

Tina Rollins
CEO
Christ for Humanity

"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's book is clear, concise and compelling. The advice helped me recently secure a $70,000 gift from a generous couple because at every step along the cultivation process I asked about and listened to their desires. I made the relationship the top priority, and it resulted in a win-win for the donors and our organization."

Karen Senger
Individual Gifts Manager
Food Bank of Northern Nevada

"'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