Fear and Loathing in Fundraising

Okay maybe not loathing, but fear of face-to-face nonprofit fundraising is a struggle for many askers.

Where does this fear come from?

For nonprofit fundraisers who wrestle with a fear of the ask, its origin typically falls into four main categories.

Money

Lots of people are never taught how to discuss money. Many of us don't talk dollars and cents with our families, let alone with someone we are connected to via our work as fundraisers. You may find some relief in this simple fact - your prospect is fully aware you are going to discuss money at some point.

Public Speaking

As the most common social fear, public speaking can be challenging, to say the least, for many. Much of a fundraiser's job involves communicating with groups large and small. Even a one-on-one visit with a prospect is, in a very real way, a form of public speaking.

Rejection

Hearing "no" never feels good in our professional or personal lives. However, the more you hear it, the easier it becomes to deal with. Take it from someone who has heard his fair share of "no" - it gets easier. Honestly acknowledging rejection as one potential outcome while keeping yourself from obsessing over it helps to lessen the blow of a "no."

Vulnerability

Admittedly, this one can require a bit more digging and can be difficult to deal with. It may help to remember there is something in us as humans that is drawn to vulnerability. We've all felt the discomfort of finding ourselves in an emotionally or socially vulnerable position. This familiarity is exactly what gives a sense of vulnerability its power. Sharing a bit of vulnerability appropriately and respectfully can help someone - say your prospect - feel closer to you.

Fear of failure, embarrassment, or rejection can negatively impact your asks if not derail them all together. The irony is, when these cringeworthy feelings crop up it is exactly the time to lean into them rather than retreat. This is often the space where magic happens in fundraising work. Leaning into these feelings can feel scary, risky. But you know what they say...the higher the risk, the higher the reward.