Institute for Conversational Fundraising ™

"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

"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’m clicking my heels with joy!"

Garen McMillian
Board Member
Circles Joplin

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

Hanna Shearer
Pastor
1st Presbyterian Church

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"Kent is genuine, optimistic and sincere, same approach that needs to be taken with donors. Methodology to it {fundraising} and there are tips that we can learn along the way to help us be successful."

Marquetta Finley
Director of Development
Youth at Heart

"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

"'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

"…Long story short - $170,000 in new gifts from new donors. We received one gift that was six figures! In one week we raised 12% of our annual revenue budget! Outstanding! We as an organization couldn't afford not to attend the Asking Academy."

Calvin Moore
President/CEO
Meals on Wheels

"I read the book twice, but the full impact didn’t happen until The Asking Academy. It clarifies and brings it all together."

Mike Matson
campaign volunteer
1st Presbyterian Church

"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

"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

"After attending the Asking Academy, I received my first really large donation, ONE MILLION DOLLARS! Thank you Kent for your excellent training. It was hard for me to change the way I fund raised; but, I had great results when fundraising the KENT WAY. I have given several of your books [Asking about Asking] away. I am giving them for Leadership Tulsa and Broken Arrow Interns. I think this is much better than a PLAQUE! Your book will be a help to them as they sit on other boards!"

Judi Myers
CEO
Gatesway Foundation

"I went [into our meeting] with the thought of really enhancing our relationship and not asking [for a gift]. He committed $100K for starters and asked to meet again soon. More important than that… I have a great new friend for life."

Steve Whitaker
President
John 3:16 Mission