With professional fundraisers (of which I used to be one, and still am sometimes), they get used to hearing “No”. Of course, they are paid to make the most thoughtful, compelling ask possible, but understand that there are factors out of their control, and sometimes people are going to say no. They will not be offended if you turn them down.

When the ask comes from a more personal connection — a friend or family member doing a charity run or walk, or fundraising for a cause close to their heart — it can be more difficult for us to say no. We understand their own passion and support of the cause, and we don’t want to offend them. Here, again, honesty is always best. A simple, “no I’m not going to be able to give at this time” is sufficient. You are welcome to give more details, but are not required to share all the details of your personal giving decisions.

There are a million organizations deserving of our funds, but obviously we can’t give to everything, or give all the time.

And that’s okay.

Fundraising is a business of asking for what is needed. But it is not mandatory for everyone to say yes, or yes to exactly the number that was asked for.

The truth is, as any fundraiser will tell you, that the people who avoid calls, stop responding or allowing an ask or follow up to be made are actually putting an unnecessary strain on the organization.

Read the source article by Sarah DeLuca (@delucasarahjane) at medium.com