How to Get Donors to Say “Yes” Every Time

Let’s be honest, if you’ve been begging donors, over-explaining, or trying to convince people to give to your nonprofit, you’ve probably realized by now that it doesn’t work. And it’s exhausting.

The truth is: you don’t have to beg. You don’t have to convince. You don’t have to over-explain.

What you need is a process, a fundraising process that helps donors see the value your organization provides, builds a real relationship with them, and naturally leads them to want to fund your mission.

That’s what I want to share with you today: the what and the why behind successful fundraising. If you want the how, the actual system, templates, and step-by-step process you can plug into your organization, I’ll show you where to get that at the end.

 
 
Why Most Fundraising Fails
Here’s the biggest mistake nonprofit founders and fundraisers make:

On the very first outreach, you’re already asking for money.

Now think about this for a second. If a friend you haven’t spoken to in years suddenly texts you asking for money, how would you feel? Suspicious. Guarded. Probably saying “no.”

That’s the exact way donors and funders feel when you reach out for the first time with your hand out.

The truth is, people only give to people they know, like, and trust. You cannot withdraw from a relationship you haven’t invested in. If you try, the answer will almost always be “no.”

 
 
The Formula: Know, Like, Trust
If you want donors to say “yes,” you have to follow this sequence:

Get them to know you. Introduce yourself and your organization. But don’t stop there, show them you’re valuable by providing value first. Share striking statistics, insights, or a simple framework that highlights the need you’re addressing.

Get them to like you. How? Ask for advice. Ask for feedback. When people give you their perspective, they feel invested in your success. And when they feel invested, they start to like you.

Get them to trust you. This is where you close the gap. Take the advice they gave you, apply it, and then circle back to show them the results. Acknowledge their input, express gratitude, and then invite them into partnership, whether that’s attending a program, co-developing something, or simply being present in your work.

By the time you reach this point, making the ask feels natural. Because now, you’re not some random person asking for money, you’re a trusted partner inviting them into something meaningful.

 
 
Why This Works
This process works because it flips fundraising on its head. Instead of chasing donations, you’re building relationships. Instead of begging, you’re creating partnerships.

And even when you get a “no,” the process doesn’t stop. With the right follow-up, stewardship, and continued value, many of those “no’s” eventually turn into “yeses.”

 
 
Here’s the Truth
Fundraising doesn’t have to be hard. It’s not about manipulation, convincing, or desperation. It’s about following the right process, every single time.

I’ve just given you the what and the why.

If you’re ready for the how, the proven system I’ve used to help fundraisers and nonprofit founders raise six and seven figures, then head over to my offer page here:

https://idealfunders.com/the-ideal-funders-funding-pathway

That’s where I’ll walk you through the step-by-step strategy, give you the tools, and show you how to put this process into action for your nonprofit.

Because the truth is, once donors know you, like you, and trust you, saying “yes” becomes the easiest part.