Example Questions
Prospect questions to prepare for
Review the questions a donor is most likely to ask. Think through how you would answer each using BC Fund messaging — then go practice live.
Collective Giving
- ? Does my gift count toward the Soaring Higher campaign?
- ? Doesn't my gift get lost in the pile?
- ? How many people actually give to the BC Fund?
- ? What is the average gift size?
- ? Why should I give every year instead of just once?
Current-Use vs. Restricted
- ? Isn't it smarter to give to the endowment so it lasts forever?
- ? What does "unrestricted" really mean — who decides where it goes?
- ? What happens if the University spends my money on something I don't support?
- ? Why can't I just fund a named scholarship instead?
- ? Why is "current-use" a good thing?
Endowment & Finance
- ? BC already has a $4.3 billion endowment — why do you need more from me?
- ? How is the BC operating budget funded, and why can't tuition cover it?
- ? Is BC really facing financial challenges? It looks like it's thriving.
- ? What is the difference between the BC Fund and the endowment?
- ? What percentage of the endowment actually gets spent each year?
Impact & Use of Funds
- ? Can I direct my gift to a specific school or program?
- ? Does a $50 gift really make any difference?
- ? How do you know the University will use my gift wisely?
- ? What has the BC Fund paid for recently?
- ? Where does my money actually go?
Relational & Emotional
- ? I gave last year — why are you calling again?
- ? I had a bad experience with BC — why should I keep giving?
- ? I'm a parent still paying tuition — why should I give on top of that?
- ? I'm a young alum and broke — should I just wait until I earn more?
- ? Why are you asking me now?