A To-Don’t for You: Let That Donor Go

Hey, fundraising friend! 👋🏻 How are you feeling today?

If you’re anything like the fundraisers we talk with every week, the answer might be: a little overwhelmed. We hear it in your voices. We see it in the 5:30 a.m. emails. We feel it in the energy you’re carrying. You’ve got appeals to send, donors to call, events to plan, grants to submit, a database that needs love, and a budget season bearing down on you. Oh, and on top of that? A chaotic political landscape that donors (and you!) are wondering how to navigate.

Take a breath. 💨 Seriously. Right now. We’ll wait.

Fill your water bottle. 🥤 Step outside for a few deep breaths. 🌳 Close your eyes for 60 seconds. 🧘🏾 Stretch. You do you.

(Welcome back. You look a little lighter already.)

Now, let’s really lighten your load.

Take Something Off Your List

Today’s message is simple: It’s time to trim your one-to-one fundraising portfolio.

Yes, you read that right. You can lovingly, strategically let some donors go.

Here’s the thing: not every donor needs — or wants — a personal, one-to-one relationship with you. And that's okay.

Take a close look at the people you're trying to connect with individually. Whether it’s three people or 30, ask yourself:

Are they really major donors?

Let’s define that. A major donor is someone who:

• Gives financially at a personally significant level, and

• Invests time in your mission (by reading, signing, volunteering, showing up), and

• Has an authentic, active relationship with you, the fundraiser, and

• Is committed to helping create change alongside your organization.

If someone doesn’t fit this description? It’s time to let them go.

Signs it’s time to say goodbye:

⛔ It’s been too long since their last financial gift.

⛔ They don’t show up when you invite them to engage — no newsletter opens, no events, no petitions.

⛔ They aren’t responding to your personal outreach.

And remember: It’s not personal. There are a million reasons why someone may not want or be able to engage closely with your organization right now. Life happens.

Add This to Your "To-Don’t" List

You don’t have to carry the weight of trying to connect with someone who isn’t showing up as a major donor.

Put that energy elsewhere. 🌱

Let them go. Release them into your organization’s one-to-many communication streams — emails, newsletters, annual appeals. Now you have one less thing to do, one less "should" weighing you down, and more headspace for what truly matters: raising money for your mission from people who are excited to be in real partnership with you.

How Did That Feel?

Scary? Refreshing? Satisfying?

📩 We’d love to hear. And if you’re not sure who stays and who goes, schedule a free coaching session with us. 📅 We’re here to help you build a portfolio that feels manageable and joyful and moves more money to mission.