4 Reasons You Are Finding It Hard to Raise Money and What To Do For A Change
What I’m about to share with you are the very reasons why many founders struggle to raise money consistently for their organizations. I’ve lived it myself. I used to be confused and overwhelmed by fundraising, unsure of what I was doing wrong. But over time, I discovered not just how to raise money, I went on to raise over $5 million and worked alongside other fundraisers who collectively raised almost a billion dollars in the nonprofit space.
So, if you’re ready to shift from struggling to raising six or even seven figures for your mission, let’s dive into the most common mistakes and more importantly, how to overcome them.
1. You’re Reaching Out to the Wrong Audience
This is the biggest trap. I used to believe anyone and everyone should give to my cause. If people could just see the impact we were making, surely they’d donate, right?
Wrong.
Not everyone is meant to give to your mission. People only give to causes that matter deeply to them. If your cause doesn’t resonate with their story, values, or experience, no amount of convincing will change that.
When you reach out to the wrong audience, it doesn’t just waste time, it chips away at your confidence. Every “no” makes you hesitate, doubt yourself, and sometimes even stop taking action.
The fix? Identify your right audience, people who are already aligned with your cause, who benefit from it, or who have experienced what you’re helping others through. These people have the propensity, affinity, and capacity to give. Build your fundraising foundation on them, not on everyone else.
2. You Don’t Have a Clear Fundraising Strategy
Most organizations reach out with their hands out:
“We need $10,000. We need $1,000. We need $50.”
But here’s the problem, people hate transactional relationships. They don’t want to feel like an ATM. They want to feel valued. They want to know you see them, care about them, and have their best interests at heart.
That’s why you need a fundraising process that builds the know-like-trust factor before you ever make the ask. Think of it this way: you can’t withdraw from a relationship you’ve never invested in.
Even with grants, this principle holds true. Most grantors give to organizations they already know or trust. Building relationships before applying dramatically increases your chances.
The fix? Build relationships first. Show people they matter. Nurture trust before asking for money.
3. You’re Trying to Do It All Alone
The nonprofit world is not a one-man show, it’s a place for collaboration.
When you try to carry everything by yourself, burnout is inevitable. You need a team that helps execute your fundraising efforts:
- Someone to manage emails
- Someone to set up appointments
- Someone to connect with prospective donors
And beyond your staff or volunteers, your board should be a fundraising partner, too. Not by magically asking for huge donations, but by opening doors in their networks. Equip them with scripts, proposals, and cases for support so they feel confident and prepared.
The fix? Stop trying to be a lone wolf. Build and equip a fundraising team, including your board, that multiplies your capacity.
4. You Don’t Have a Follow-Up Process
Here’s the truth: if you reach out to 1,000 people, most will not give on the first ask. And that’s okay. But what separates struggling organizations from thriving ones is the follow-up.
Follow up with those who didn’t give, showing you value the relationship, not just the money.
Steward those who did give with thank-you notes, updates, and stories of impact.
Keep nurturing every connection, because today’s “no” can become tomorrow’s “yes.”
One fundraiser I know even asks for referrals after a no:
“If this isn’t a fit for you, could you recommend three others who might align with our cause?”
That simple shift can turn rejection into opportunity.
The fix? Put systems in place to follow up, steward, and nurture relationships long after the first ask.
Bringing It All Together
If you’re struggling to raise money, it usually comes down to these four things:
- Reaching out to the wrong audience
- Lacking a clear fundraising strategy
- Trying to do it all alone
- Neglecting follow-up and stewardship
Fix these, and you’ll build a fundraising system that funds your nonprofit today and sustains it tomorrow.
I’ll be sharing even more on building a strong team, equipping your board, and reaching six to seven figures in the next 12 months. Stay connected, share this with others who need it, and let’s transform the way your nonprofit raises money.