How Much Time Should Be Spent Asking for Money at a Fundraising Banquet?

A fundraising banquet is more than just a dinner—it’s an opportunity to inspire generosity and rally support for a meaningful cause. But when it comes to the actual ask for donations, how much time should be dedicated to it?

The short answer: 10–15 minutes.

That might seem brief, but when done effectively, those few minutes can be the most powerful part of your event. However, the ask itself is just the tip of the iceberg—the entire banquet should be structured to lead up to it strategically.

Setting the Stage for the Ask

A successful fundraising ask isn’t just about standing up and asking for money—it’s about taking your audience on a journey that moves their hearts before they reach for their wallets. Here’s how to build up to the ask:

1. The Power of Storytelling (30-45 Minutes Before the Ask)

People give when they feel connected to a cause. The first part of your banquet should focus on inspiring stories and testimonials.

Mission Moment (5–10 min): Share a personal story of someone directly impacted by your organization.
Vision Casting (10–15 min): The leader of the organization should passionately share what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done.
Inspirational or Comedic Speaker (20–30 min): A skilled speaker can engage the audience emotionally, making them feel like they are part of something bigger.

2. The Ask (10–15 Minutes)

Once hearts are stirred, it’s time for a clear, compelling, and confident ask.

Transition Smoothly: The person making the ask should seamlessly build on the previous speakers’ messages.
Be Specific: Give concrete donation levels and what each level accomplishes.
Create Urgency: Explain why giving now is essential—whether it’s matching funds, immediate needs, or a limited-time opportunity.
Challenge and Inspire: Encourage guests to step up and be part of the mission.

3. Silent Giving Period (5–10 Minutes)

After the ask, give attendees time to fill out pledge cards or make donations online while soft music plays. Having staff or volunteers available to assist can increase participation.

Why Keeping It Brief Matters

The biggest mistake at a fundraising banquet is dragging out the ask. If it goes on too long:

The energy in the room shifts from excitement to obligation.
Guests become disengaged, hurting overall giving levels.
It can feel pushy instead of inspiring.

By keeping the ask focused and compelling, you maximize impact without overwhelming your audience.

Final Thoughts

While the actual ask should take 10–15 minutes, the entire event should be designed to lead up to that moment through storytelling, vision, and inspiration. A well-crafted fundraising banquet doesn’t just collect donations—it builds lifelong supporters who believe in your mission.

This is why I have worked so hard on perfecting my keynote address to start with comedy about family and children, move to our life-giving story, and then bringing it all together in the "ask." I am so pleased to say that my endorsements show that I am doing this well!