I personally think using “ask” is perfectly fine for some uses. One wouldn’t want to “demand” a donation from a wealthy philanthropist. Doubt that would go over well, @skieurope . 
Language is fluid and change is inevitable. And, also interesting.
Similarly, from a Seinfeld episode was when I first learned that ‘double dipping’ was a no-no in American culture! Where I grew up, we all, family and strangers alike, ate from the same communal plate(s) and dipped away!
“Ask” definitely has specific usage in the non-profit world. A typical development campaign will create a “story” and then a representative will follow up with the “ask.” I don’t have a problem with that in that usage.
Similar to the OP topic, “gifted” as a verb in a specific legal usage is fine. I still think a non profit saying they were “gifted” 50 computers is wrong, because they were talking casually. The word “given” is more appropriate there. If they are preparing an annual report and listed “XYZ company gifted us 50 computers” that is another matter.
Not in my neck of the woods! I also haven’t noticed it on the national news channels I watch. I seriously never heard of this (“efforting”) until this thread.
Efforting just sounds really AWKward! I wish folks would just use standard English and not change words into other words.