Why Donors Say No: The 5 Real Reasons (And the Fix for Each)
Fri Jan 30 2026
In this episode, Mary Petersen discusses the common experience of receiving 'no' from donors in fundraising. She emphasizes that a 'no' often signifies a need for more information or clarity rather than a definitive rejection. Petersen outlines five key reasons why donors say no, including lack of clarity, misalignment of values, timing issues, decision-making dynamics, and the nature of the ask itself. She provides actionable strategies for fundraisers to address these concerns and turn potential rejections into opportunities for engagement and understanding.
#fundraising #nonprofit #fundraising strategies #fundraising success
Stop having “nice meetings” that go nowhere. If you want meetings that end with momentum (next step + timeline + clarity), start here:
🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery — my step-by-step system for better donor meetings.
📘 Mary's book — grab the framework and major gift ask scripts.
🎥 Momentum Webinar — learn the core strategy in one sitting.
💻 Connect with Mary Petersen
Website: www.heyfundraiser.com YouTube: @heyfundraisers Instagram: @heyfundraiser LinkedIn: Mary Petersen Email: mary@heyfundraiser.com
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In this episode, Mary Petersen discusses the common experience of receiving 'no' from donors in fundraising. She emphasizes that a 'no' often signifies a need for more information or clarity rather than a definitive rejection. Petersen outlines five key reasons why donors say no, including lack of clarity, misalignment of values, timing issues, decision-making dynamics, and the nature of the ask itself. She provides actionable strategies for fundraisers to address these concerns and turn potential rejections into opportunities for engagement and understanding. #fundraising #nonprofit #fundraising strategies #fundraising success Stop having “nice meetings” that go nowhere. If you want meetings that end with momentum (next step + timeline + clarity), start here: 🔥 Major Donor Meeting Mastery — my step-by-step system for better donor meetings. 📘 Mary's book — grab the framework and major gift ask scripts. 🎥 Momentum Webinar — learn the core strategy in one sitting. 💻 Connect with Mary Petersen Website: www.heyfundraiser.com YouTube: @heyfundraisers Instagram: @heyfundraiser LinkedIn: Mary Petersen Email: mary@heyfundraiser.com