If others will be involved in the decision for you to enroll, or you'd like to invite someone to accompany you, here’s a sample letter you can use to start a conversation. Please feel free to make it your own.
Subject: An opportunity for me to be even more effective
<name>,
With all we have on our plates, it seems like working “smarter not harder” is going to be key to success. Developing meaningful engagement with major donors is a big part of that. <optional: insert something relevant to your organization’s strategic direction that supports this idea>
Research published recently by Adrian Sargeant (one of the leading academics studying the field of development) and others found -- perhaps not surprisingly -- that professional development was “key” to improving results.
I’ve recently found out about a learning program that seems tailored to my highest potential growth direction. It’s a strategic retreat called “The Philanthropic Quest,” taking place <insert dates> in <insert city>.
And I have already let the organizers know of my interest, in hopes that I might get one of the limited seats.
This is much more than standard “professional development.” It’s a strategic retreat, a chance to focus and plan for a major step forward. (I believe we have untapped potential for a breakthrough commitment by a donor.)
The program even includes time to lay out the first action steps and get personal one-on-one consultation – plus two more consultations in the year after the workshop. All dedicated to breakthrough results.
It’s a proven curriculum, having been offered privately for many years to nonprofit staff and board members, as well as civic leaders, around the world. It's only now more widely available and I'd like to take advantage of that.
I see this as a true investment in my effectiveness in supporting our success. With our focus on major gifts, I believe we will see a significant return on investment from this specialized learning-and-doing program.
The breakdown of the investment is:
Tuition: $2750
Lodging: less than $199/night + tax for two nights. It’s recommended to stay at the venue a third night, to give time to fully absorb and act on what we’ll learn.
Travel: <your estimate>
Meals: <your estimate> The workshop tuition includes all meals during the workshop, so this is for the remainder of the trip.
Total investment: <total>
What kind of a return on investment would it take for us to look back on this as a wise and prudent investment? For me, I would expect more than a 100x return.
{Optional:} I believe so much in the value of this opportunity that I’m prepared to invest some of my own money if that would make it possible for me to attend. Sounds like a fair deal?
If you would like more information, please visit LeadershipPhilanthropy.com
I hope you agree this opportunity has significant value.
Let’s talk?
<your name>