The number one complaint I hear from development directors is that they don’t have enough time to do their job. They have too many responsibilities and not enough hours in the day.
Sound familiar?
What if you could say “no” to some of the things currently on your to-do list?
People-Pleasers Lose Productivity
One common character trait among those of us who work in the nonprofit sector is that we like to help. We’re people-pleasers. We just don’t like to say no.
Therefore, it’s more than likely you’ve said “yes” to things that are preventing you from doing your job well.
Assess Your Current Fundraising to Be More Productive
To determine the best use of your time, and when to say yes and no, do an assessment of your current fundraising. Ask yourself:
- How many events are you planning this year?
- How many grants are you writing?
- Which of those net less than $10,000 and take up time and mental energy?
Adopt a Monetary “No” Threshold
What if you said “no” to any one fundraising task or activity that generates less than $10,000?
For example, are you writing any grant applications for $10,000 or less? Are you planning any events where the budget is net $10,000 or less?
Of course, I’m using a random threshold of $10,000 — that might not be the number for you. If you’re thinking, “I wish I could do anything that would generate $10,000,” then pick a lower number. Likewise, if $10,000 seems too low, pick a higher figure, like $25,000 or more.
3 Examples of When to Say “No” at Your Nonprofit
Here are a few examples of when you might say no to improve your productivity and, inevitably, raise more money for your nonprofit.
Example #1:
Your boss asks you to attend a girl scout dinner because they’ve collected $3,000 for your charity and want to present you with a big check and take a photo.
Don’t simply say “no.” Let them know you’re unfortunately unavailable and see if someone on your board would like to attend in your place. If you don’t find anyone to attend the dinner, ask the girl scouts to send a photo to include in your next newsletter.
Example #2:
One your board members suggests a golf outing. The volunteers on the committee get excited by this idea. You can’t simply say “no.” However, you can lead a discussion on time and money. If you are going to add an event, something needs to come off your plate. And, it’s important to consider the upside.
Ask the board member to put together a budget for the event over the next few weeks. The budget needs to be specific with realistic expenses. The revenue side must include specific sponsorship amounts with names of prospective sponsors and people on the committee who will be responsible for soliciting those sponsorships.
If the prospective net income of this event is more than other events you are currently doing, determine which other activities to cancel before saying yes.
Example #3:
The local high school invites you to come speak about volunteer opportunities to their service club. Thank them for the opportunity and point them to the volunteer page on your website.
In other words, protect your time. Stop trying to do it all and saying yes to everyone and everything.
Saying “No” Doesn’t Mean Being Unkind
Saying no doesn’t mean you should be rude or unkind.
Thank the person for thinking of you and for the opportunity. Explain that unfortunately, you can’t do what they’re asking. There’s no need to go into much detail. If you can point them in another direction and be helpful in another way, go ahead.
What can you say no to at your nonprofit? Give it a bit of thought and leave a comment below.
Thank you. I needed this right now!