Stop Begging for Donations & Start Inviting Powerful Partnerships For Your Nonprofit

If you know me well, there’s one thing you’ll notice quickly: I hate asking for help. I like to feel self-sufficient, capable of handling things on my own.

So when I first started fundraising, it felt awful. I felt like I was begging, trying to convince people to give, lowering myself to a position I wasn’t comfortable with. And to be honest, that mindset almost crippled my efforts.

But everything changed when I realized something powerful: fundraising isn’t begging, it’s inviting.

That shift in perspective took me from struggling to raise a few dollars to raising over $5 million, and later working with other fundraisers across the country to raise hundreds of millions.

Here’s what made the difference.

 
 
Step 1: Know Who Already Has a Reason to Give
The breakthrough came when I stopped trying to convince people to care and started focusing on people who already had their own reasons to give.

Because when someone already sees the value in your mission, you don’t need to twist their arm. All you need to do is tap into that reason and invite them into partnership.

Think about it:

A homeless empowerment organization doesn’t need to “beg” real estate companies. Real estate agents benefit directly when people move from the streets into homes. Supporting your work means future clients for them.
City council members or housing reps don’t need to be convinced either. Partnering with you makes them look good in front of their constituents.
When you align with someone’s existing reasons to give, your role shifts from persuader to partner.

 
 
Step 2: Speak Their Language of Impact
This is where most founders miss the mark. They discuss their financial needs, rather than demonstrating how the funder’s goals align with their mission.

Instead of:

“Please donate, we’re struggling to fund this program…”
Try:

“We help move people off the streets so they can become your future clients. Let’s partner to make this happen together.”
That’s not begging. That’s partnership.

 
 
Step 3: Look for Alignment, Not Just Money
The biggest fundraising mistakes happen when you chase people or businesses who aren’t aligned with your vision. That’s when it starts to feel like begging.

However, if your nonprofit empowers children and you approach children’s brands or corporations that already serve kids, you don’t have to convince them. You’re showing them how your impact expands theirs.

The secret? Alignment creates momentum.

 
 
The Shift That Unlocks Millions
The day I stopped begging and started inviting was the day fundraising became natural. That’s when I stopped chasing scraps and started closing six and seven-figure partnerships.

And here’s the truth I want you to take with you:

Fundraising is not about convincing people to give. It’s about inviting the right people, those already aligned with your mission, to a partnership.

When you find those people, you don’t feel like you’re asking for help. You feel like you’re building something powerful together.

That’s how you raise six or seven figures, not by lowering yourself, but by stepping up as a partner in impact.

P.S.: Struggling to raise money. Let's talk. I will be happy to provide you with clarity and show you how to raise 6 to 7 figures for your nonprofit over the next 12 months. Pick a convenient time here: https://calendly.com/meetwithrooney/introductory-call