The Major Donor Ask
Turning Your Best Prospects Into Your Biggest Gifts by December 31
November 6, 2026 at 12PM ET
The Major Donor Ask
Turning Your Best Prospects Into Your Biggest Gifts by December 31
November 6, 2026 at 12PM ET
You built the plan in October. Now it’s time to have the conversation. This session walks you from your top prospect list to the phone calls and visits that actually close by December 31. We’ll show you how to prioritize the right donors, script the ask itself, and time your outreach so it lands before the year-end rush instead of getting lost in it.
Your Hosts
• Ron Haas - CEO
• Rich Cummins – President
• Jerry Grimes – VP of Client Services
• Chad Sutton – Senior Consultant
What You’ll Learn
• How to narrow your list to the handful of donors most ready for a year-end conversation.
• How to schedule calls and visits so they happen before December fills up.
• What to actually say when you ask, including how to name a specific amount with confidence.
• Why the pause after the ask matters, and how to stay comfortable in it.
• How to respond when a donor says "not now," "let me think about it," or "yes."
• Simple follow-up steps that turn a good conversation into a gift by December 31.
Registration Information
Enter your details on the registration page and we’ll email the Zoom link and reminders. Can’t make it live? Register anyway and we’ll send the replay.
Who Should Attend?
• Executive directors, presidents, and senior pastors who meet with major donors
• Development directors and major gift officers
• Board members who help open doors or join donor visits
• Anyone who has a prospect list but hasn't made the ask yet
FAQs
Will there be a replay?
Yes. All registrants receive the recording and supporting resources.
Do I need a camera or microphone?
No. Participation is optional, and questions can be submitted via chat.
Is it really free?
Yes—completely free, with no upsell required.
Ron Haas
Ron brings decades of comprehensive experience in faith-based fundraising and organizational leadership to his consulting practice, with a diverse background that includes pastoral ministry, college administration as Vice President, foundation leadership, and extensive board service across educational institutions and ministry organizations. He specializes in fundraising education and training, regularly presenting at conferences and authoring practical resources including "Ask for a Fish" (outlining seven strategic steps for ministry fundraising), "Simply Share," and "Keep on Asking" (featuring 52 weekly devotionals for fundraising professionals). Ron's client portfolio spans the full spectrum of Christian organizations—universities, rescue missions, international ministries, and local churches—with consulting services that encompass strategic planning, annual fund development, board training, and major donor cultivation. His approach combines practical fundraising expertise with a deep understanding of ministry culture, helping organizations integrate fundraising naturally into their mission and ministry activities.
Rich Cummins
Rich Cummins brings over 25 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience to his role as President of The Timothy Group, with a diverse background that includes university administration as Vice President, rescue mission fundraising, and global CEO leadership. As a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), he specializes in capital campaign management, major donor cultivation, and strategic guidance for faith-based organizations seeking to align their fundraising efforts with mission objectives. Rich is co-author of Emotional Intelligence in Christ, which explores leadership principles through a Christian perspective. He is married to Danielle, father of five children, and enjoys hiking, fitness, basketball, travel, and reading nonfiction literature.
Jerry Grimes
Jerry brings extensive media and nonprofit experience to his role as Vice President for Client Services at The Timothy Group, with a career spanning journalism (Cox News Service, AP, UPI), television marketing and programming, and faith-based radio leadership. He earned degrees in journalism and political science from Indiana State University and a master's in leadership from Columbia International University, where he also served as General Manager of 89.7 WMHK, a Marconi Award-winning radio station that raised over $1 million annually without interrupting programming for fundraising campaigns. His nonprofit development experience includes consulting work, a Development Director position at WAY-FM, and a Vice President role at Advocace (now Dickerson-Baker) before joining Positive Alternative Radio from 2016 to 2025. Ordained for ministry in 2005, Jerry has been married to his wife Lisa since 1981, and together they are proud grandparents and active members of Crossroads Christian Church in Irmo, South Carolina.
Chad Sutton
Chad is a seasoned nonprofit leader, development strategist, and former Executive Director of Stephen’s Children Foundation. With more than two decades of entrepreneurial and ministry experience, Chad brings a heart for impact and a mind for strategy to every organization he serves. His leadership has mobilized millions in charitable giving, built sustainable donor pipelines, and supported transformative work in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Chad’s faith journey began at 18 when he met Jesus through Young Life in a McDonald’s in Washington—and that moment still fuels his passion for advancing Kingdom work through generosity and servant leadership.
Ron Haas
Ron brings decades of comprehensive experience in faith-based fundraising and organizational leadership to his consulting practice, with a diverse background that includes pastoral ministry, college administration as Vice President, foundation leadership, and extensive board service across educational institutions and ministry organizations. He specializes in fundraising education and training, regularly presenting at conferences and authoring practical resources including "Ask for a Fish" (outlining seven strategic steps for ministry fundraising), "Simply Share," and "Keep on Asking" (featuring 52 weekly devotionals for fundraising professionals). Ron's client portfolio spans the full spectrum of Christian organizations—universities, rescue missions, international ministries, and local churches—with consulting services that encompass strategic planning, annual fund development, board training, and major donor cultivation. His approach combines practical fundraising expertise with a deep understanding of ministry culture, helping organizations integrate fundraising naturally into their mission and ministry activities.
Rich Cummins
Rich Cummins brings over 25 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience to his role as President of The Timothy Group, with a diverse background that includes university administration as Vice President, rescue mission fundraising, and global CEO leadership. As a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), he specializes in capital campaign management, major donor cultivation, and strategic guidance for faith-based organizations seeking to align their fundraising efforts with mission objectives. Rich is co-author of Emotional Intelligence in Christ, which explores leadership principles through a Christian perspective. He is married to Danielle, father of five children, and enjoys hiking, fitness, basketball, travel, and reading nonfiction literature.
Jerry Grimes
Jerry brings extensive media and nonprofit experience to his role as Vice President for Client Services at The Timothy Group, with a career spanning journalism (Cox News Service, AP, UPI), television marketing and programming, and faith-based radio leadership. He earned degrees in journalism and political science from Indiana State University and a master's in leadership from Columbia International University, where he also served as General Manager of 89.7 WMHK, a Marconi Award-winning radio station that raised over $1 million annually without interrupting programming for fundraising campaigns. His nonprofit development experience includes consulting work, a Development Director position at WAY-FM, and a Vice President role at Advocace (now Dickerson-Baker) before joining Positive Alternative Radio from 2016 to 2025. Ordained for ministry in 2005, Jerry has been married to his wife Lisa since 1981, and together they are proud grandparents and active members of Crossroads Christian Church in Irmo, South Carolina.