Annual Fund Calling
Every donor deserves a face-to-face-quality conversation — even on the phone.
AF Connect combines trained Engagement Officers, donor segmentation, and digital stewardship into one program designed to upgrade donors, re-engage lapsed givers, and acquire new ones.
AF Connect: High-End Annual Fund Calling
Catapult is the only firm that takes a step back and asks: what would we do if this were a face-to-face solicitation? We apply that standard to every call, treating each prospective donor as if they were a major gift prospect, because someday, many of them will be.
- Engagement Officers trained on-site to understand your mission and case
- State-of-the-art conferencing and call monitoring
- On-site visits to our calling center for your team's training
Keys to Achieving Success
Results come from preparation, not volume. Our process combines database precision with a donor-centered script and follow-through.
- Research, cleanup, and management of donor databases
- Segmentation by giving history and interest group
- Personalized pre- and post-call letters and emails
- Individualized ask amounts based on five-year giving history
- 3–15+ differentiated calling attempts to saturate the base
- Thank-you letters sent within 24–48 hours of contact
- Fulfillment services to maximize collection of pledged dollars
Digital Enhancements — Included
Every AF Connect program includes digital stewardship at no additional fee, layering modern touchpoints on top of the phone conversation.
- Text message solicitation, stewardship, and thank-yous
- Ringless voicemail for reminders and special announcements
- Email solicitations and thank-you sequences
- Social media strategy and retargeting
- Crowdfunding support
What Clients Say
“Catapult Fundraising has been a fantastic partner in relaunching and growing UMGC's Annual Giving telemarketing program. Since restarting the program in FY24, their team's personalized approach has helped us steadily strengthen our annual fund by increasing both our average gift and pledge rate year over year.
Beyond the numbers, Catapult's team consistently delivers thoughtful, donor-centered conversations that reflect well on our institution, and the team is responsive, collaborative, and genuinely invested in our success. We're grateful for the partnership and look forward to continuing to grow this program together.”
Matthew Talley
Assistant Director of Annual Giving, University of Maryland Global Campus
“Catapult's multi-channel outreach, phone, text, and email woven into one plan, increased both donor participation and dollars raised. Their callers are exceptionally well-trained, authentic, and a true extension of our advancement team.”
Erica Kobbe
Sr. Annual Giving Officer, Sacramento State University
“I have had the privilege of working with Catapult for the past four years, during which I consistently experienced exceptional customer service and strong annual fund fundraising results. Their outreach system, donor research, and thoughtful recommendations have been invaluable to our Development efforts at Theatre Under The Stars.
From securing a $10,000 bequest to cultivating recurring $50 gifts, and everything in between, the results have been measurable and meaningful.
Beyond immediate fundraising success, Catapult's work has also strengthened donor education and retention. Donors who engaged through their outreach have deepened their connection to our mission.”
Emily Manck White
Associate Director of Development, Theatre Under The Stars
“Our ongoing chapter partnership with Catapult has yielded retained members, conference registrations, and even gifts to the AFP Foundation's Be the Cause campaign.
Their calling team serves as true ambassadors, well-versed in who AFP NJ members are and always ready to answer questions and provide assistance.
As a pro bono partner, they have consistently demonstrated the highest level of professionalism and have been exceptional partners throughout our relationship.”
Natalie R. Krauser
President, Association of Fundraising Professionals NJ Chapter
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