If you’re working in face-to-face fundraising then, at some point, rejection is going to be part of the job. Not everyone is going to say “yes” the first time you ask. What’s important in this role is to be able to understand the donor’s point of view, and how that can empower you within your charity fundraising journey.

Embrace Concern Handling

The best way to deal with rejection in a fundraising environment is to reframe how you see what is actually happening. Instead of taking a “no” to mean a personal rejection of you – which can feel hurtful and disempowering – see this as a chance to simply handle any concerns. That kind of mindset shift separates what’s happening from your worth as a person and means that you can access a whole range of concern-handling tools to keep you focused on the end goal of achieving more in the future.

Move Away from the Objective – Have a ‘Chat’

Objections can be demotivating but it’s also important to remember that if someone is communicating then the conversation is still open. Over time as a fundraiser, you might start to see many of the same types of concerns arise. Arguing with these and trying to resist them isn’t helpful when you’re fundraising. Instead, it’s much more effective to take a conversational approach and learn more about the potential donor’s opinions.

A Compassionate Model for Charity Fundraising

Exploring your conversational techniques can help to empower your charity fundraising performance. Utilising this compassionate model, you can create a better space for discussion:

• Align with your donor so that understand their position. It’s important to show you are listening to, and respect, how they feel.
• Understand why you’re getting the message of rejection – this is all about creating the opportunity to go deeper into why they are not interested. It opens the opportunity to learn and develop your skills as a charity fundraiser.
• Reframe. Opening the potential donor to different perspectives can change their point of view. This is where it is key to take on the previous two points. If you can align yourself to them, and understand their thoughts and feelings – perhaps you can open up room for positive discussion around the topic.
• Ask is the final step in the process – this is where you can ask if any more information is required to explore further options.

Using this, you allow yourself to build up a larger portfolio of information around concerns for your cause. This allows you to adapt, but more importantly, means you can take positive learning regardless of whether or not they donated.

Grow with Wesser

If you want to build unparalleled resilience through charity fundraising, we welcome you to apply! Every day is an opportunity to not only develop skills and learn how to navigate conversation effectively, but you will grow as a person and reach new heights. Get in touch today and achieve empowerment through your work.