Outreach Scripts to Boost Your Fundraising Results

Want to see better results from your fundraising efforts? 

Don’t just send mass emails, reach out one-to-one.

Yes, mass communication can raise awareness, but if you really want a prospect to RSVP, donate, or sign up, there’s no substitute for a personal message. 

Phone calls, texts, emails, and even DMs have one powerful thing in common: they make the recipient feel like they matter to you. And that’s the foundation of a meaningful gift or action.

Here are five common fundraising scenarios where one-to-one outreach can dramatically boost your results, along with templates and sample scripts tailored to Catholic nonprofits like yours.

1. Boosting Event Attendance 

For when you’re hosting a retreat night, gala, speaker event, or benefit dinner, and you want more people in the room.

Outreach Formula:

• Start with a friendly tone
  
  
• Mention the event name and date
  
  
• Give a personal reason why you thought of them
  
  
• Ask clearly if they can attend
  
  
• Include a way to RSVP or respond
  
  

Sample Script:

Hi Anna, I wanted to personally invite you to our Fall Fireside Night at St. Thomas More Catholic Center this Thursday at 6 p.m. I know you’ve come to a few events in the past, and this one has a great speaker and student-led worship that I think you’d really enjoy. Can I save you a spot? Let me know if you can make it!

2. Increasing Participation in a Matching Gift Campaign 

You’ve secured a matching gift. Now you want to motivate people to give while the opportunity is still active.

Outreach Formula:

• Lead with the match offer
  
  
• Mention the deadline
  
  
• Highlight what the gift supports
  
  
• Make a clear, confident ask
  
  
• Invite questions
  
  

Sample Script:

Hi Marcus, I’m reaching out on behalf of Fr. Smith, the director of Sacred Rest Retreats. We have a generous donor matching all gifts up to $5,000 through Friday! I thought of you because your past support helped send over 20 people on retreat last year. Would you consider making a gift today to double your impact?

3. Recruiting Monthly Donors

You’re growing your recurring giving program and want to invite supporters to become sustaining donors.

Outreach Formula:

• Thank them for past support
  
  
• Share the impact of monthly giving
  
  
• Mention the ease and reliability of giving monthly
  
  
• Extend a personal invitation
  
  
• Offer a way to sign up
  
  

Sample Script:

Hi Mrs. Ramirez, thank you again for supporting St. Mary’s Catholic School during our fall campaign. I’m reaching out today to see if you’d consider becoming one of our monthly donors. Just $25/month helps cover classroom materials and field trips for our students. It's easy to set up, and it makes a lasting difference for our teachers and kids. Can I send you the link?

4. Re-engaging Lapsed Donors

Your LYBUNT and SYBUNT donors need a nudge. They’ve given before, but not recently.

Outreach Formula:

• Mention their last gift and thank them
  
  
• Share a quick update on what their gift supported
  
  
• Invite them to give again
  
  
• Make the ask feel low-pressure and relational
  
  

Sample Script:

Hi John, I’m reaching out to thank you again for your gift last year to the Diocesan vocations fund. Your support helped two new seminarians begin formation! I noticed we haven’t heard from you yet this year, and I’d love to invite you to renew your support if you're able. No pressure at all, I just wanted to reach out personally and thank you for being part of this mission.

5. Increasing Participation in a Day of Giving 

You’re running a one-day campaign, like Giving Tuesday or your parish’s feast day appeal.

Outreach Formula:

• Mention the day and what it supports
  
  
• Highlight the goal or urgency
  
  
• Use a personal or pastoral tone
  
  
• Make the ask simple and direct
  
  

Sample Script:

Hi Michelle, today is our annual Day of Giving at St. Patrick’s Parish, and we’re raising funds to support our faith formation programs for youth and families. Every gift, large or small, brings us closer to our goal. I’d love to invite you to make a gift today if you’re able. I can send you the link, it only takes a minute!

1 + 1 = Big Results

One-to-one outreach doesn’t require a major budget, but it does require intentionality. It shows that your mission is worth talking about,and that the person you’re reaching out to matters.

It is inefficient, but that’s the point. It gets your prospect’s attention.

Make a short list of names. Send five texts. Pick up the phone. You don’t have to do it all, but starting somewhere can make a measurable difference.

Mass communication leads to awareness. Personal outreach leads to action

Want some more sample scripts to guide your outreach? We have compiled more example scripts to guide your calls and the voicemails you leave when reaching out to supporters. Download them for free HERE.