Presentation Guidelines

You are the representative to pitch the Impact | West Seattle membership for funding, so you need to know what the organization does and how it does it. In a matter of seven minutes, you need to share what they do, what kind of impact they make and how a $10,000+ gift would serve their clients/cause. Think of it like an “elevator pitch” - a millionaire is in the elevator and you need to prove effectively and quickly, with passion why you need their money for the nonprofit organization you are riding up to!

Be prepared to share specific details about the nonprofit you are advocating for. It helps to focus on a specific program that needs funding and to talk about the people that particular program will benefit and what it accomplishes in our community. The more specific you are, the more the members will be able to connect their donation with this nonprofit. Don’t speak in generalities or your audience will get lost.

Keep it Simple. Presentations should be simple and not overly formal – no PowerPoints or handouts needed! Many presenters have found that slides, PowerPoints, or a visual can be helpful, don't feel like you have to be overly formal.

Do Your Research. You should be able to tell the story of the work the organization does in under three minutes. Drawn out explanations lose people easily. Write down what they do, how they do it, and who is affected. Then wrap that around a few sentences and … you’ve got your pitch!

Appeal to the Heart. Tug at the hearts of the women in the room as much as you inform their heads. Try to leave them with a sense of why you are passionate about this organization, and share at least one story of a real person (or animal or community) that was impacted by the work of the nonprofit and how it made a difference to them in their life. This helps each woman in the room gain a clear understanding and hopefully a connection to the work. As you prepare, reflect on why you choose this organization. If it matters to you, it will probably matter to someone else.

The women in the audience are committed to the Impact | West Seattle Giving Circle BECAUSE of the simplicity, the quick decisiveness and the camaraderie of seeing all the great work in our community. Use the time you have given to make an impact. Even if your organization is not chosen to receive funds, you have had the audience of 100+ West Seattle women who are looking to invest in our community . . . use it wisely.

Impact | West Seattle Presentation Preparation Worksheet

Use this form as a guide for gathering information about the nonprofit you want to advocate for as a possible fund recipient. Should your name be selected, you will likely use some of this in your five-minute presentation. All of this information should be available on an organization’s website.

Organization Name & 501(c)3 Status. Please confirm before you submit your organization that it is a 501(c)3 certified charity. Religious and political organizations will not be considered for funding.

Mission statement. If applicable, consider sharing their vision and values as well.

Founding, Location & Service Area. How old is the organization? How long has it been serving our community? Where are the headquarters? What geographic region do they serve?

Population served. Do they serve children, women, men, elderly, mentally ill, abandoned pets, etc.? Is there a good personal story about a client served that you can share?

Budget & Funding. How big is the organization’s budget? What are their current sources of funding? What impact might a $10,000+ gift have?

Personal story. What is your own personal connection to the organization? Why did you choose this organization? What inspires you about the work they are doing? Who would be effected by this gift?