AF Connect is our annual fund calling program. It pairs experienced callers with personal pre-call letters and asks built from each donor's own giving history, to renew, upgrade and win back the donors who matter most.
The phone got a bad name because a lot of programs used it badly: big lists, a script read at the donor, and a hard close. That's telemarketing. Telefundraising is a two-way conversation with someone who already cares about your mission. It thanks them, listens, and asks for a specific gift that makes sense for them. After a face-to-face visit, it's still the most effective way we know to renew, upgrade and win back donors.
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.
Results come from preparation, not volume. Our process combines database precision with a donor-centered script and follow-through.
Every AF Connect program includes digital stewardship at no additional fee, layering modern touchpoints on top of the phone conversation.
Results From Our Programs
$2.78M
Pledged in one calling program for a prestigious Northeast university, at $0.15 per dollar raised
85%
Pledge rate from lapsed donors (1 to 5 years) for Special Olympics Indiana
+63%
Increase in average gift for a long-time treatment center client ($133 to $216)
247%
More raised than a private college's previous student phonathon in our first fall
Many of these donors hadn't been called in three to five years. With a volunteer pre-call letter and personalized asks, current donors pledged at 79%, lapsed donors at 85%, and the average gift rose 39%, from $104 to $145.
Read the case study →The college had been raising about $80,000 a year with student callers. Our first fall program pledged $277,554 from 650 donors at a 61% pledge rate. Across three programs, the partnership raised more than $523,000 at about 25 cents per dollar.
UMGC relaunched its annual giving calling program with us in FY24. In FY26 the program raised $238,754 in pledges, and 1,107 people who had never given made their first gift.
Lapsed donors renewed at 67% and non-donors gave at 47%. Donors who chose a multi-installment pledge averaged $377, almost three times the $130 one-time average. That's why we ask for installments, which also builds a habit of giving.
We called 33,419 alumni, parents and class-project prospects and secured 4,475 pledges totaling $2,776,638. The average pledge was $620, and the cost was 15 cents per dollar raised.
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Catapult Fundraising Services was recommended to us by a nonprofit consultant who had conducted an audit of our development department, and it's been one of the best referrals we've received. From the start, Catapult was timely and thorough in putting together a proposal to implement fundraising campaigns for our program.
What sets them apart is how collaborative they are. They involved me directly in training their team, taking the time to understand Special Olympics Indiana's vision and our events. I was consistently impressed by their thoughtful questions and professionalism, and it meant a lot that two of their fundraisers had firsthand experience attending one of our largest sports competitions. That kind of genuine familiarity with our work is rare.
Catapult also conducts interviews that result in powerful story letters conveying the impact our organization has on the lives of the athletes, coaches, and families in the Special Olympics Indiana community. Every time, it's clear they consider it an honor to be part of telling those stories.
Having worked with two other vendors offering similar services, I can say without hesitation that Catapult is by far the best telefunding partner we've had.”
“It's been a pleasure working with you and the Catapult team throughout this process.
Thank you again for your excellent support, responsiveness, and partnership. We are grateful for all you've done to help advance our annual giving efforts.”
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