Getting a 'no' and making the most out of it

Ugh. Another rejection letter? Unfortunately fundraising requires a tough skin. There’s no magic number as to what your success rate should, or could be, there are far too many variables. But let’s just say I don’t think there is a fundraiser in the world who has won EVERY bid, application or pitch they have put forward!

So when you get that soul-destroying ‘no’, what’s the best way to proceed? Here are my five simple steps to getting the most out of being declined…

1. Don’t hide your head in the sand.  Tempting as it is, let the other relevant people in your organisation know – whether they are project staff who helped you pull the application together, the finance team or your manager.  Everyone played a part, and you all need to work together to be more successful in the future.
2. Re-read your application/proposal.  It may have been a while since you submitted it, and sometimes looking with fresh eyes may make some mistakes glaringly obvious to even you.
3. Check you can receive feedback!  It’s not always possible and some funders make it clear they can’t provide feedback on applications, so remember to take a look at their guidance first.
4. Ask the funder for their views on why you didn’t get funding. Remember to listen with an open mind – you may not agree, but don’t shut your ears to what could be valuable learning for you and your organisation.
5. Make a note of what you found out. Crucial to effective fundraising is great record keeping.  Make sure you note in the most relevant place why you were unsuccessful, and that you, or others use this when preparing future applications.

Of course, you are bound to get the genuine, but frustrating, “your project was fundable but there just wasn’t enough money” comment a few times – but do just take that as a compliment.  

So take the plunge – ask for feedback, use it and as Rastamouse so eloquently tells us; its all about “makin’ a bad ting good”.