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In Module 3, you learned how to incorporate donor families into your fundraising strategy and how to correct mistakes and handle disappointments when fundraising.
Think of a time in which you experienced a “no” or rejection when fundraising. If you have not experienced this, just imagine that you have!
Then, in a discussion post below, please respond to the following question:
1: What is one thing you have learned from the experience of rejection or getting a “no” from a donor that can help you be successful in the future?
After responding, please reply to at least one other learner and respond to their ideas.
I learnt to handle such moments in a meeting and to always have multiple donors in a waiting list
When you receive a negative response, you must listen to the donor and see if there is a possibility of inviting him again to donate to our cause, it is a negative feeling, but you must learn to live with that response and move on.
when you get a no, try to find out as much information possible to why they refused, it will help you going forward
Hello ,my name is AKORO Mawina-Esso , a social entrepreneur, founder of non profit organization (Honest and commited Volunteers for African Development) based at Sessaro-Mazada in Togo(West Africa), i am here to develop my fundraising skills for more effectiveness in my organization and more impact in my community
useful tips
Ive recieved alot of Nos something I don't typically follow up on is the why.
Good. When we received a NO from a donor, We have to always appreciate the time of the donor and seek for the donor advice for fundraising.
Good. When we received a NO from a donor, We have to always appreciate the time of the donor and seek for the donor advice for fundraising.
We have been let down by potential donors although most of the time it looked like we were constrained by time because the activities we were fundraising for had time frame which could not allow for adjustments which meant we either do or leave it all together. This was a frustrating moment especially for our trainees since they have to meet a given target within a given time frame. the leasons learned from this is comimg up with those axctivites earlier and not depend on the training calender but take them up as our organizational events and activites but not a learning process for our training for us to get success.
I really enjoyed this course.
Never to be upset with your donors but rather learn to make good use of every opportunity.
I learnt that each time I receive a no, I should try my best to find out, why they refused., because it will be the way forward for me. I also learned to listen to donors and to find out if there is a possibility of inviting them again to donate to our course in the future or for other future projects. Lastly I learned to always have a lists of donors
What is one thing you have learned from the experience of rejection or getting a “no” from a donor that can help you be successful in the future?
A\ A "NO" must of the time is a way to improve the way you are doing the things most of the people thinks that just because a strategy worked with two or three donors is going to work with all of we have to learn that donors are different so we have to keep our strategies always changing and updating the for better results.
What I have learned from experiencing no is, it is not personally towards me or my organization. Evaluating the "no" is key in next steps and dealing with your feelings after hearing the "no". It may be a "no, just not now". Persistance and follow up is key in this circumstance.
Good. When we received a NO from a donor, We have to always appreciate the time of the donor and seek for the donor advice for fundraising
in this module i understand the response to give a donor when he couldnt assist in donating to the fundraising effort
then you should improve on this by also determining the type of no you received from the donor
Many times it is better not to be intense with the potential donor, understanding and actively listening to them is a good way to understand why they are rejecting us, and in this way, devise an appropriate strategy to proceed on the next occasion.
Hi my name is Juan Carlos Celedon, I am the Fundación Explorambiente Leader from Santa Marta, Colombia. You can see us at facebook and instagram @explorambiente
One major thing I have learnt from "no" responses is never to take it personal, it's almost like customer services, put yourself in the shoes of the customer, we all have different personalities. And having learnt something new about the 9 major well known "No's" of fundraising, always measure your potential donors 'no' response in reference to one of the fundraising "no's".
Hi, very interesting fundraising, I hope you won't mind me sharing with you, one thing I have learnt in fundraising is that you have to be patient and consistent, and your potential donors hold most of the cards (remember your the one asking, and their the ones you are hoping they will give). You have to be persuasive with all donors and know the type of persuasion to use, uniquely tailored to each target segment of donors.
I once received a no from a rich old lady when I asked her to contribute to the Belgian Breast Cancer Awareness Unity because we were raising money for a clinical trial for women with stage IV breast cancer. I was enfuriated and wondered how anyone with a heart could say no to such a project.
Then I reflected on her reaction and learned that maybe she had lost her trust in entities that claim to fight for cancer patients because there are so many scams out there, and that maybe if I established a confidential relationship with her first she might be willing to donate later down the line.
I learned that beautiful things grow out of patience and that Rome wasn't built in a day.
This is very true.
Often they reject someone for reasons that can be worked on or be modified. We just need to find the circumstances.
I learned that a simple, no, may not necessarily mean the end of the discussion but an opportunity to learn something important to improve in future endeavors.
I also learned not to get angry with prospective donors no matter what.
Because they can give me advice that may be valuable than the cash donations I am asking for.
Congratulations,
Congratulations,
Congratulations,
This was a great lesson for me. I think that understanding the types of NOs is truly essential and it takes the sting out of the word no. It lessens the fear of rejection and gives you the confidence that you are not personally being rejected, at least in 8 of these scenarios, but it is a situation that can be understood and dealt with. I'm off to read the Psychology of fundraising now. Very much looking forward to it. Great course! I'll be carrying on with Fundraising Strategies. Thank you for this great opprtunity.
Very eye-opening for me. Great lesson
This was a great lesson for me. I think that understanding the types of NOs is truly essential and it takes the sting out of the word no. It lessens the fear of rejection and gives you the confidence that you are not personally being rejected, at least in 8 of these scenarios, but it is a situation that can be understood and dealt with. I'm off to read the Psychology of fundraising now. Very much looking forward to it. Great course! I'll be carrying on with Fundraising Strategies. Thank you for this great opprtunity.
Useful tip there.
I come from a business background and have done a lot of cold calling and sales. From my vantage point, I would prefer hear a no rather than have someone string me along. This module has been helpful in explaining the questions to ask when someone refuses to give.
Also, it seems important to have a lot of people in your prospective donor pipeline and not count any donations until you have cash in hand.
when i received a No from a donor i always appreciate him because of his time and the listening. later on in future he always try to donate or at least reffed me to the other potential donor.
I have learnt that getting a no from a donor is not the end of the road, but should keep on being even more effective in your fundraising strategy
When you receive a negative response, you must listen to the donor and see if there is a possibility of inviting him again to donate to our cause, it is a negative feeling, but you must learn to live with that response and move on......
When you faced problem dealing with donors while not accepting and saying no, in this case we should find out about the reason what the main reason for donor disappointment.
I learned that "No" does not mean the same at all the times. In that sense, it is important to understand that there actually have times when you can insist more, and not take all the rejections for granted. I think it also improves our capacity of resilience when it comes to the rejection process itself.
Exactly, Olivia... In the beginning, I would take the 'no' in a very personal way, which led me to understand, time after time, that each of them is an opportunity to overcome not only the rejection itself (meaning, our feeling of being rejected), but also to improve our organization's approach and strategy to that.
In getting a "no" I experience that it makes me smarter as it helps me to look out for other means
Now I know that a "no" is not always the same
From this module I learned that a fundraiser should not always be optimistic but should also expect disappointment
I have learnt that not very no can mean we are never going to receive support as the organization and that there are actually a few thing we can try that will help us in finally get such a support.
That was eye-opening
When the donor says No, Not for this, this means that they are not interested in giving to your project, then you have to consider which project they can fund within your organization.
I never received a clear no, but rather no replies to messages I sent for fundraising in contacting donors. I understood from this module that connecting with donors and getting a YES is intricate issue of context, opportunities, and good knowledge overall of the donor. It is definitely essential to be accurate when contacting donors
I fully agree, these are great lessons learnt from the module. a no may be an open-door for a later yes, we need to identify the good reasons for the no
Have a wide and flexible mind but maintain your focus when you meeting new donors
Have a wide and flexible mind but maintain your focus when you meeting new donors
Have a wide and flexible mind but maintain your focus when you meeting new donors
it was a step for next course of action. very eye opening.
learned to accept everything from the donor .
I learned how to continue a conversation after listening to a no. There is an underlying reason or explanation that we should discover and get prepared for the next challenge.
I really enjoyed this course.
I have gotten many no's and many ignores. I learn not to take it personal.
This is something that I have to work on. Great comment.
Na busca de doações, aprendi que temos que saber lidar com as duas hipóteses: Positva (quando conseguimos o objetivo) e Negativa (quando não conseguimos alcançá-lo).
Numa gama de possíveis doadores, podemos nos deparar com um doador se negando (mesmo podendo) a nos ajudar, porém com a rede de contatos, amigos e até mesmo parentes próximos podemos suprir a negativa recebida momentaneamente. E mais tarde, através de outra pessoa da equipe, pode ser que o doador que negou venha a contribuir.
Não podemos desanimar de irmaos ao encalço de nossos objetivos.
In the search for donations, I learned that we have to know how to deal with the two hypotheses: Positva (when we achieve the goal) and Negative (when we cannot achieve it).
In a range of possible donors, we can come across a donor refusing (even though he can) to help us, but with the network of contacts, friends and even close relatives we can supply the negative received momentarily. And later, through another person on the team, it may be that the donor who denied will contribute.
We cannot be discouraged by brothers in pursuit of our goals.
I find the "How to Identify and Respond to Fundraising “No”s" very good because it is practical. However, I am not sure how to use these advices in cases donors don't want to donate because of their policy isn't for funding abroad.
Never give up and ignore the donor, try again with a new strategy
It is indeed a very informative course. Thank you!
@SSabina said in Module 3 Discussion: Incorporating Donor Families and Dealing with Disappointments:
It is indeed a very informative course. Thank you!
when a donor's response is no, try to find out as much information possible to why they refused, it will help you going forward
i learn to be a good and effective sollution developer whenever NOs answer is giving
I have learnt that getting a NO doesn't mean my idea is bad. It means I have to work on it some more in a way it might interest my donor and come back again.
I read in one of this module's reading "When you hear Yes, you leave richer. When you hear no, you leave smarter. Either way, you win." This is my new motor
That's the spirit. We learn from NO to move on
This point emphasis again the need to share with colleagues the rejection experiences for moral support
I have a question particular on dealing with donors who should be giving you money but are not.
The explanation there made it seem as though you are entitled to their money and they MUST give you.
Why then does it lower morals in the organisation and send a wrong message?
I have not experienced this, but when I do, I will try to examine what I can do differently in the future to improve.
I think I got rejected because I didn't listened enough. I need to ask the prospect before I start talking and get exited.
One thing that I have learned from the experience of getting a "no" from a donor is that a no does not necessarily mean this prospective donor will not contribute to my organization. A "no" may indicate that my approach and/or ask needs to adjust for future success with this donor.
I completely agree with your statement, a "no" can be valuable in better understanding the motivation and conditions necessary to obtain this donor.
This course is really helpful to learn to navigate the conversation into a positive experience. When I am disappointed I usually want to get out fast, but knowing things to say and how to act make the exit much smoother and more pleasant.
I learnt to handle such moments in a meeting and to always have multiple donors in a waiting list
Hello, my name is Sáibo Nahoye. Sanitary Statistics Technician and Information Systems Manager, work for a non-profit organization. I'm here to learn more and develop my skills in Fundraising Strategies
I have learned that there is multiple different kinds of "no" answers and that a lot of time it isn't personal or against your organization.
I have learned that there are many ways to overcome an obstacle to earning a donor's support. Many times a simple "no" does justice to show they are not interested, but being respectfully pushy could sway that donor. A lot of the time the donor's low value of interested in donating also is not personal, it just isn't the right move for their organization at the time.
I learned to be patient with donors. Although they may say no now, it is not always a permanent no. By responding correctly to the situation, and representing the brand in the best way possible, you can still gain future donors through no's.
I agree with you. I think creating a healthy feedback option is beneficial for both the donor and the fundraiser.
I learned that not all donors who say no to your request are totally uninterested in your cause but there might be something bored them.
I will apply knowledge of finding more feedback for why, when, what or where would be better for them to give. Follow up and humbleness plus honest is a key in my next level of fundraising.
In this lesson I have learnt a powerful tool hence I recently got " we can be able to continue supporting your organization as you know with COVID there are alot that are in need. So we are withdrawing our support". I have seen where to start with communications with my this supporter.
No one likes rejection, but it's all part of the process of asking for donations. The important thing is to remember not to take it personally.
Develop a strong listening skill to determine why they are saying no, and proceed from there. It could be a no meaning they will never donate, or one that can open others doors for a possible donation down the road.
A good reminder to yourself is to think about the great things your organization is accomplishing in helping others to stay motivated to keep asking others to donate to your cause.
so true! developing those great listening skills will help
I've learned to always end on a positive note. I've found it helpful to end the conversation with something not, fund related. Just so it doesn't leave the conversation ending with a "no".
I agree completely.
I enjoyed this module because it very helpful with ideas and additional resources to assist with the "no" response from a donor.
I enjoyed this module because it very helpful with ideas and additional resources to assist with the "no" response from a donor.
@Blacka said in Module 3 Discussion: Incorporating Donor Families and Dealing with Disappointments:
In getting a "no" I experience that it makes me smarter as it helps me to look out for other means
Good morning,
I have learned that is very important to build a relationship with the donor as well as family members. In the donation letter, it is very important to talk to the donor. In addition, the letter should be donor focused not organization centered. The reading level of the level of the letter should be at the 6th grade level.
If you receive a no, it is not the end of the world. You have to be determined and never give up.
Good morning,
I agree to stay motivated and keep your eyes on the prize.
Knowing the type of no and asking the why would help us to know what next step to take
Good Listening skills are necessary pointers. It gives us navigation
That's impressive. No means come back later or go and restrategize
No is a motivation
Before this training I was fearing to follow-up with the "No". I would just pass on "thank you", then I move on. This is an eye opener, I must have lost out on many potential Donors.
Respect their current decisions but next time be more persuasuve in your actions and words.
I have learnt that getting a No can help me reflect on what to do better or differently
i learnt that No does not always mean forever No.
I am fairly new to fundraising and I am trying to learn how to do it. However I have attempted to ask for money from a relative who I knew had the money to afford a small contribution but twice I received a No always asking me how he would be able to recover his money. My experience was that this person much as he has the money and I know him very well, he is not interested in this kind of work.
From this course I have learnt that People won’t always agree with your fundraising proposition. The implication is that even when you use the most targeted approaches the reality is you are still likely to get a “No” more often than a “Yes.”
I think I did enjoy this module too, the readings on the Nos were great read for me, I think if we follow them they will help with the anxiety that come with receiving a no from a prospect.