Good Girl Scout Cookies (Fundraising without using the word "money" Part 4)

Last year, I had this conversation with the 11-year-old daughter of a work colleague.

CP: Hi David – I'm in the Girl Scouts here in Miami. Our troop is really special.

We have guest speakers come to each of our meetings. They talk to us about staying in school, starting our own business, and how, with hard work, we can achieve anything we want.

The other thing we do is help girls in Nigeria get school supplies. We send them backpacks, pens, pencils, bottled water and binders with paper.

ds: That's incredible CP – good for you and the Miami Girl Scouts.

CP: I'm selling Girl Scout cookies; that's how we're able to help the girls in Nigeria. Do you think you might like to buy a box?

ds: Yes. I'll take two boxes of Samoas, two boxes of do-si-dos, one box of each of Thin Mints, and Lemon-Ups, two boxes of Shortbread-Trefoils and one box of Peanut Butter patties.

What just happened here?

First, she made the case for giving by telling me about what her Girl Scout Troop what they do and what they stand for, or believe in. They deliver something valuable to school children in an area in need. She also told me that her troop interacts with successful women to discuss the keys to a successful life and career.

Second, she made her money ask at the end. She led me through what some fundraisers call the “path to giving.”

I bought more cookies than I'll ever need or eat, because I support the efforts of this young lady and her Girl Scout Troop.

That's why I recommend putting the donate or contribute buttons at the bottom of your message, whether it’s a pitch or on your website….and not as one of the first things visitors will see when they “click.”

As for the cookies — they’re in the two of the local fire stations in my area.