Making the Ask: How to Identify, Qualify, & Confidently Solicit Maj. Donors

Please join us at Red & Blue Arkansas Events Venue on May 21 for

8:30am: Check-in & Networking

9:00am-10:15am: Education Session

FREE for AFP Members

$75 for Non-AFP Members

Location: Red & Blue Events Venue at 1415 W. 7th Street in Little Rock at the corner of 7th and Woodlane.

Major gift fundraising often stalls at the exact point where it matters most: the ask. Many development professionals know how to build relationships, but far fewer feel fully prepared to move a prospect from interest to investment with confidence, clarity, and purpose. This session will walk through the major gifts cycle of identification, qualification, and solicitation, with special emphasis on the solicitation itself, including how to know when the time is right, how to frame the opportunity, how to make the ask without sounding awkward or overly scripted, and how to respond in the moment to donor questions, hesitation, or uncertainty. Attendees will leave with a more practical understanding of how to prepare for and deliver major gift solicitations that are strategic, donor-centered, and far more likely to lead to meaningful commitments.

What are the parking options?

Parking spots are located facing the Red & Blue Events Venue, and additional parking is available in the Victory Building Parking Deck, which is located diagonally across from Red & Blue.Enter the deck from 6th Street and park in Visitor parking on the ground level.

Cost: $1/hour or $5/day

There are also some spots available on nearby streets.

More about our speaker:
Jake Lyons, CFRE, ACNP

President and CEO | Pride Philanthropy

As a passionate educator, performer, and wellness enthusiast, Jake Lyons brings a diverse and dynamic perspective to his role at PRIDE Philanthropy. In addition to his work in fundraising, Jake has a background in music production and percussion performance. He previously taught at the University of Georgia and has performed all over the world, including projects for National Geographic and the Super Bowl LIII halftime show with Maroon 5. He currently serves on the instructional staff of the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps.

Beyond the stage, Jake excels as a leader in the nonprofit sector with over a decade of successful campaign management and fundraising training, and has served as the Executive Director for multiple nonprofit organizations. He is also dedicated to personal growth and development with his avid pursuit of wellness and fitness. His passion for learning and sharing knowledge extends to his successful YouTube channel, where he explores filmmaking, videography, and percussion performance.

At PRIDE Philanthropy, Jake is a full-time philanthropy professional and educator. He is a creator of engaging educational content for the CFRE-accredited PRIDE Development Institute, offering seminars, workshops, and academy programs for philanthropy professionals at all levels. On the fundraising program and campaign management side, his portfolio of ongoing nonprofit clients collectively raise more than $100M each year.

A proud member of the Tennessee Southeastern Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Jake's degree in Public Speaking from the University of Georgia complements his professional certifications as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and an Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP). Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Jake balances his professional achievements with personal joys, including spending time with his beloved dog, Walter, watching Georgia football, and training as an ultra-endurance athlete.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher AFP Arkansas Chapter