Donor Objection: “We’re supporting other causes right now.”
Donors give to multiple organizations. Their generosity is largely why we’re talking to them. This objection often has more to do with timing, priority, or how the ask was framed than it does with genuine disinterest in your mission. Don’t concede the conversation before you understand what’s actually going on.
What the donor may actually be saying
- “My giving is already committed for this year.”
- “You’re not at the top of my list right now — but you could be.”
- “I’m interested, but I need a reason to prioritize you.”
- “I want to feel like you understand my full giving picture before asking me for more.”
What not to do
Don’t compete with the other organizations. Positioning yourself against causes the donor already cares about is a losing strategy — and a relationship-damaging one. Donor giving reflects their values. Picking a fight with the other causes is really picking a fight with the donor’s values. You’ll always lose.
Don’t make the donor feel guilty for giving elsewhere. They’re doing good work through those organizations too.
Don’t retreat too quickly. “We’re supporting other causes” is a context statement, not necessarily a final answer.
What to say
Start by getting genuinely curious:
“That’s terrific! May I ask what draws you to those organizations?”
Listening carefully tells you something valuable: what this donor values, what kinds of impact move them, and whether your mission connects. Use what you learn:
“That’s really meaningful. Because you said that, would it be worth sharing specifically how this gift would add to that impact?”
If they’re genuinely at capacity for the year:
“That’s completely fair. Would it be all right if I stayed in touch and came back to you when the timing is better?”
If it feels less like a budget issue and more like a priority issue:
“What would need to be true for us to be a higher priority in your giving?”
The deeper principle
As Marc often puts it: donors don’t give to organizations. They give to outcomes they care about, through organizations they trust. If someone is prioritizing other causes, the most useful question to ask yourself is: have we given them enough reason to see us as something they value? If not, the issue may be communication — not competition.
AI prompt
A donor told me they’re currently supporting other causes and may not have capacity for an additional gift. Here’s what I know about their philanthropic interests and giving history: [context]. Help me think through how to respond with genuine curiosity — and draft a follow-up message that keeps the relationship warm without pushing for a gift right now.
Privacy note: Use initials or a general description rather than your donor’s real name. Avoid including sensitive personal details or information shared in confidence.