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very true despite several rejections there is still need to explore other donors

I learned that out of every 100 people, 1 will say yes.
In this race you have to be perseverant

It is a path of self-knowledge to know how far you can go without getting discouraged.

It is a great way to apply behavioral psychology

The way is long.

One lesson I learned when a donor says no, is not to be angry and I should not feel bad. I should make a positive something out of the disappointment. I should continue to be nice to the person.

I have learnt that it's of great importance to enquire for the reasons so that I can learn from it. I have also learnt to differentiate between an emphatic no and other responses that may simply indicate that the prospective donor is unsure and hence needing the right approach as well as questions to ensure clarity.

Engaging and involving family members of a donor is also one of the most underrated aspects of this lesson.

A no has many reasons, We kind to know the donor very well, and if we are able to make a good report, they would themselves tell us the exact reason why they are not donating. and then we can customize the plan.

i think that is too much generalization, it could be just 1/10, and we need to select our prospects really well. If we have a case of 1/100, then there would be a lot of waste of effort and no company would like that.

i have learnt to prepare for unforseen circumstances like this and have an array of donors on the list

In this module I learned the importance of knowing and creating a rapport with the donors family especially children.This will help in future support for my organisation.
The module has also help me in dealing with NO answer from donor and consider that as a learning to improve.

I have learnt that a no from the donor is not a reflection of your character as a fundraiser, therefore you must not see it as an attack on you as a person, but the no just simply means that they are not in a position to assist you at that moment for various reasons.

Nov 3, 2020, 6:29 PM
Hello, my goal is to transition into nonprofit work with an emphasis on fundraising. I have experience fundraising in the community and would like to turn that into a career. I want to learn in depth practical material.

Nov 3, 2020, 6:29 PM
Hello, my goal is to transition into nonprofit work with an emphasis on fundraising. I have experience fundraising in the community and would like to turn that into a career. I want to learn in depth practical material.

One valuable lesson I have learned from the experience of rejection or receiving a "no" from a donor is the importance of persistence and resilience in fundraising. It's natural to feel disappointed when a donor declines to contribute or support a fundraising initiative. However, the key takeaway is that rejection is not the end of the road; it's a part of the fundraising process.

What I've learned is that a single "no" doesn't necessarily reflect a donor's disinterest in the cause or organization. It could be due to various reasons, such as timing, financial constraints, or a lack of understanding of the project's impact.

To be successful in the future, it's crucial to:

Maintain a Positive Attitude: While rejection can be disheartening, it's essential to stay positive and not take it personally. A "no" from one donor does not define the overall success of the fundraising campaign.

Learn from Each Interaction: Use each rejection as an opportunity to learn and improve. Reflect on the reasons behind the rejection, if known, and consider how to address potential concerns or objections in future interactions.

Persist and Follow Up: Don't be discouraged by initial rejections. Continue to nurture relationships with potential donors, keeping them informed about the organization's work, and periodically following up to gauge their interest and changing circumstances.

Diversify Fundraising Efforts: Recognize that fundraising success often relies on a diversified approach. Explore multiple fundraising channels, such as individual donors, grants, corporate partnerships, and events, to reduce dependency on any single source.

Adapt and Refine Strategies: Be willing to adapt fundraising strategies based on feedback and experiences. What works for one donor may not work for another, so flexibility and adaptability are essential.

Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate both small and significant fundraising successes. Recognizing milestones and achievements can boost morale and motivate the fundraising team.

In summary, rejection in fundraising is a valuable teacher. It teaches resilience, the importance of continuous improvement, and the need to maintain a positive outlook. By applying these lessons and persevering in the face of rejection, fundraisers can increase their chances of success in the future and build stronger donor relationships over time.

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?
I have learned that a "no" could mean several things. one, it could mean that the interest of the donor has changed; two, a 'no' can come from the child of a donor due to the lack of similar interest with the parent, and lastly, it could mean that the donor has several responsibilities and commitments and is trying to manage himself/herself to meet these commitments.

The one thing I've really learnt when facing a NO is not to feel frustrated but to put a Thinking Cap on and: First: classify the type of NO and Next: try and convert the disappointment into a creative moment.

Thank you for Sharing insights in detail.

Agree with what You have shared

Thank you for sharing your learnings. I agree the Children of the Donor now are potential Future donors! So one must handle them with care

I think disappointments are something we should expect when it comes to fundraising. This course has really enlightened le on how to manage them effectively and the right steps to take.

never forget to start inviting donor's family members and have good association with them for building long term relationship as we learnt that after the demise of donor the family members still find them associated with the organization and the fund will still pool in.
Dealing with disappointment is a technique and changing the ways and even sometimes person to approach the donor for funds is mandatory when their is constant failure or things don't work out as planned.

if you get a no, try to find out more information to why they refused

A no can be positive. It can help learn better ways of doing things and get smatter

It is not an easy task, it is a long road of perseverance to not get discouraged by the many no's..

I agree with you.

great. you need to have different donor. and everyone should know how they will be benefited

Do not be angry Donor could still be useful in other areas or in the future

I do not typically follow up after I receive a no, because I assume the donor has their reasons.

I agree that you have to listen to the donor. I would ask clarifying questions to see if perhaps the donor might be interested in donating at some point in the future. I have learned that it is okay to ask questions, whereas before I would just say "okay" and move on.

There are many things that can affect the legal
status of a financial commitment. First, let me say that a
verbal promise of a contribution is not sufficient to take
legal action. And even written commitments provide no
assurance that you are going to collect. In the U.S. at least,
if you have a grant letter from a government agency, it is
generally legally binding. But read the small print. Be
sure there are no qualifications, or warnings of specific
conditions or limitations, that provide exceptions. One
example might be that if the agency does not receive its
expected budget allocation for the year, they don’t have to
pay you. Written confirmation of a gift from a corporation
or grant-giving foundation is generally binding as well. In
these cases, especially in the case of government awards,
they are sufficiently reliable that a bank will lend to you
using them as collateral, which is something pledged as
security for repayment of a loan

I have learnt that even if the donor says NO i need to thank him/her, secondary to recommunicate again with that actual or potential donor but in another techinique way and thirdly i can opt to start a peer-to- peer fundraisin

Kevin how did you connect with donors family?

@9680730 said in Module 3 Discussion: Incorporating Donor Families and Dealing with Disappointments:

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.

A rejection is an eye opener,therefore it is expected and solutions to be sought in order to revert the "no" or disappointments.

I learned from the rejection that it is never final, until the donor let you know that. You still may find ways to cooperate or get contribution in future from that donor

Nice recommendation!

Thank you for such useful insights

Nice strategy

One of the key lessons learned from a donor's rejection or "no" is the understanding that rejection is not necessarily an indication of disinterest in the project. This may be due to personal or financial circumstances on the part of the donor. This experience taught me to maintain positive relationships even after rejection, to recognize individual constraints and to remain open to other forms of support beyond monetary financing.

Another valuable lesson is to always seek to maintain open and honest communication with donors, even after a rejection. This helps cultivate lasting relationships and stay in touch for possible future opportunities. By understanding the reasons behind the refusal and expressing gratitude for their consideration, it can build trust and possibly open the door to further potential support or referrals to other donors.

If 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.

One important thing I've learned from a "no" is to keep going. Rejection doesn't mean the project isn't good—it could be about timing or other reasons. So, staying positive, learning from it, and trying different ways to get support is key to success in the future.

Ask them if this is the right time to ask for a donation, perhaps a different time of year would work better so the no isn't definite.

I learnt that a "No" is never the end of a negotiation but the opportunity to convince

It's hard to accept a no, but live goes on and maybe a better oportunity is waiting.

Negative opinions can have various meanings, so it is important to imagine and investigate the reasons. Depending on the reason, you may want to consider whether to keep it on the list or leave it.

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?

No's are always an opportunity to reflect, learn, and improve. I have received no from organizations during one cycle that led to successful fundraising later on after gathering feedback and pivoting the ask to better align with the funder's interests and needs. It can be challenging when a funder isn't receptive to inquiries and conversation attempts, which I have found to happen fairly often with foundations.

Absolutely! It's important and difficult to follow up a negative response with questions. It can feel more natural to simply end the conversation when hearing "no" but that doesn't leave any room for learning or growth.

New donor even if is for heritage, is a new person with his own dreams, wills and goals. As so, you need to know him and get the trust to participate in your organizations fundings.

That no's might not be permanent, but that I must be thoughtful and careful with the way in which I approach the donor in order to understand why they said no, and strengthen my case for a better time.

I have learned how to deal with a negative situation and to prepare the next steps.

I have learnt how to take the initial no and turn it into data driven feedback for future decisions. The no is never easy, but the why behind it can provide critical insight to improve your organization or relationship buildings in the future.

I find that it is a great opportunity to engage in feedback and learn more about how the process could improve. Once we received a no but it had nothing to with any person but more about the type of event we were still running and how it felt stale to the donor. This lead to our next year revamping the event, adding in new activities and rebranding the entire flagship event

One thing that is certain is the fact that this incorporation of families of the donors is majorly the duty of the donor not you request for sponsorship.

a no doesnt meant you cant get funding you need.

No is not always a long-term answer. Listen to the donor more and make another ask in the future.

Everything is ok.

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.

I learnt how to be honest with my support systems and try again with a more effective means.

The aspect of seeking the donor's advice on how do it more better by the next time is quite beautiful.

I like your idea

Hmm, finding out why. Great lesson

A no might be an opportunity to learn more and stand better chances.

Patience and consistent

A "no" is a means to improve

A no is a key to next step

Well, it's definitely awkward to be turned down. Especially, if you thought that the person was going to say yes or had said yes in the past. I learned to always have it in my mind that the answer could be no.

Sometimes a no provides an opportunity to learn/ grow. No's are not always just negative.

I learned that a no is not always a closed door. It can give an opportunity to set up communication and solicit advice

absolutely, it can help you develop your ask

When you receive a "no" from a donor, I find a way to convince them again. If they insist, I suggest to see them at a later time

When you receive a "no" from a donor, I find a way to convince them again. If they insist, I suggest to see them at a later time

When I receive a "NO" from a donor, I try to convince him but if he insists, I seek for a better time to see him

When I receive a "NO" from a donor, I try to convince him but if he insists, I seek for a better time to see him

When I received a No from a donor, I first appreciated the donor for her time. I asked to see her at a better time

Useful and important tips

One thing I've learned from experiencing rejection or receiving a "no" from a donor is the importance of resilience and perseverance in fundraising. While rejection can be disheartening, it's essential to view it as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. By analyzing the reasons behind the rejection, I can identify areas for improvement and refine my approach in future fundraising efforts. Additionally, rejection serves as a reminder to maintain a positive attitude and to continue reaching out to potential donors with confidence and determination. Overall, each "no" brings me one step closer to finding the right donor and achieving fundraising success.

One thing I've learned from experiencing rejection or receiving a "no" from a donor is the importance of resilience and perseverance in fundraising. While rejection can be disheartening, it's essential to view it as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. By analyzing the reasons behind the rejection, I can identify areas for improvement and refine my approach in future fundraising efforts. Additionally, rejection serves as a reminder to maintain a positive attitude and to continue reaching out to potential donors with confidence and determination. Overall, each "no" brings me one step closer to finding the right donor and achieving fundraising success.

One important lesson learned from the experience of rejection or receiving a "no" from a donor is the value of resilience and perseverance. Fundraising is inherently a process that involves facing numerous rejections and setbacks before achieving success. Each rejection provides an opportunity for learning and growth.

Instead of being discouraged by a "no," fundraisers can use it as a chance to reflect on their approach, refine their pitch, and identify areas for improvement. By embracing rejection as a natural part of the fundraising journey, fundraisers can develop resilience and determination to keep pushing forward despite obstacles.

Moreover, experiencing rejection can also help fundraisers develop empathy and understanding towards donors' perspectives. It reminds fundraisers that donors may have their own constraints, priorities, and reasons for declining support, which may not necessarily reflect on the worthiness of the cause or the fundraiser's efforts.

Ultimately, learning from rejection enables fundraisers to become more effective advocates for their cause, build stronger relationships with donors, and increase their chances of success in the future. It teaches them to persevere, adapt, and approach fundraising with a positive mindset, knowing that each "no" brings them one step closer to a "yes."

Very well said. That is right attitude to have. Every no is a learning opportunity. Persevere and you will come out on top. Never give up. The worst people can say is no.

i have learnt to understand the dynamics of recieving a NO.....a No brings to me the reality of my possibility of success....if i can concieve it ,then it is doable.

with this mind set i deal with disappointment easily with a view that it is a stepping stone to the dream.

yes never give up ,i share with you in that believe ....no shouldnt be a barrier to our dreams.

My name is Fernanda Mitchell, I am from Las Vegas, NV, I am passionate about mental health and education in teenagers and children, I think that mental health and education is essential for a better future in our society, unfortunately my city lacks health services mentally and our state does not receive as many benefits for education as the rest of the country does, our city needs a lot of support, despite being a world-known city.

I remember my first experience with fundraising in high school, although at the time I just thought "I need to ask for money. I stood outside of a supermarket asking for strangers to help me fund my educational trip to Europe and it scared me to be rejected. My first rejection was a fast no and rude comment, "Get a job!" and once I heard that comment it actually prepared me for the other no's and comments. However, once I got a yes that feeling over took the disappointed feeling and I learned that I had to be quicker with my ask because they wanted to leave or enter the supermarket. I learned a lot in that experience for my future in fundraising that for every no there is a lesson and for every no there is also a yes coming your way!

Hi @Dom!

I think this is a great mindset to have! I agree with you that we can't take a no as stop everything but just as a stepping stone in the process to the overall goal. Really great advice/post!

I have learned that it is not often a no because of something I have failed at, but because they just aren’t ready.

One thing I've learned from experiencing rejection or receiving a "no" from a donor is the importance of resilience and perseverance in fundraising. While it can be disheartening to face rejection, especially when you believe strongly in your cause, it's crucial not to let it deter you from continuing your efforts. Instead of dwelling on the rejection, I've learned to view it as an opportunity for growth and reflection. By analyzing the reasons behind the rejection and identifying areas for improvement, I can adapt my approach and refine my fundraising strategy for future interactions with donors. Ultimately, learning from rejection allows me to become more resilient and better equipped to navigate challenges in fundraising, ultimately increasing my chances of success.

In response to another learner, I agree that maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on building relationships with donors are key factors in overcoming rejection. By approaching fundraising with optimism and sincerity, and by nurturing connections with donors based on mutual respect and shared values, we can cultivate a supportive network of supporters who are invested in our cause. Additionally, I appreciate the emphasis on adaptability and flexibility in fundraising strategies. Being willing to adjust our approach based on feedback and lessons learned from past experiences can help us refine our techniques and improve our effectiveness in securing support for our organization or cause.

No is not always no as it might sound!

In fundraising when you face no, remember that no is not always no

what I got is that even if you receive an emphatic No all hope is not lost there is a way to still go about

The rejection I experienced was when 2 ladies from my church agreed after my presentation to them individually that they would support me with a certain amount of money monthly, I never heard anything from them ever again even though we still go to the same church all the time.
What I have learned from this is that just because someone is interested and sees value in what you do will they give as they promised, but this must not discourage you from making more appointments, starting new relationships and networks or even giving up.

Totally agree, and that both no and yes can result in a positive way for you. You leave richer or wiser every time you engage with a donor.

The key take away from me is keeping the potential donor engaged if they cannot donate at the moment due to their circumstances. Maintaining regular contact and offering other ways to support my organisation are paramount

No reinforce the ability of each action we undertake once we correct the mistake

Disappointment is natural, but here's the learning opportunity. The rejection highlights the need for me to better tailor my approach. I can revisit the project's presentation, emphasizing how it aligns with the company's specific areas of interest. Perhaps involving immediate family members to be part of our organizational fund-raising strategy for their family members to influence them and fund the project next time.
Understanding a donor's priorities allows for a more targeted pitch, increasing the chance of resonating with them and securing a "yes" in the future.

they might be ready but their priorities did not align with yours

I learnt to handle such moments in a meeting and to always have multiple donors in a waiting list

I learned there are different reasons why donors may say no. It was valuable to see these described with suggested questions to ask and strategies to keep the conversation going.