Ask Without Fear!: A simple guide to connecting donors with what matters to them most

Hate asking for money? You’re not alone.

For most nonprofit leaders, board members, and volunteers, the thought of asking for money ranks somewhere between public speaking and root canals on the list of things they’d rather avoid. But what if fundraising could actually be enjoyable?

In this concise, practical guide, fundraising expert Marc A. Pitman reveals his proven R.E.A.L. method for painless fundraising:

Research your prospects effectively

Engage donors in meaningful ways

Ask confidently for the right amount

Love your donors, whether they give or not

Using relatable stories and actionable strategies, Pitman shows you how to:

• Transform your fear of asking into fundraising confidence
• Build authentic relationships that lead to joyful giving
• Create a gift grid that ensures you’re asking for the right amounts
• Identify each prospect’s unique giving motivations
• Handle objections with grace and turn "no" into "not yet"
• Thank donors effectively to build lasting connections

Translated into five languages (Dutch, Polish, Spanish, and Mandarin) and used by thousands of nonprofits worldwide, this international bestseller delivers powerful fundraising techniques without the complexity of most fundraising books.

Whether you’re a board member intimidated by fundraising, a new development professional, or an executive director wearing multiple hats, Ask Without Fear! provides the simple framework you need to raise more money with less stress.

"Reading this book was a game-changer. What I found particularly insightful was the concept of matching a cause to a person who cares about it. These are really concrete things that are immediately actionable." - Kael Shipman

"Marc has distilled years of fundraising wisdom into 94 pages of pure gold. More doable and less intimidating than similar books." - Hildy Gottlieb, Co-Founder, Creating the Future!