How to Respectfully Turn Down a Donation Request

Updated September 23, 2024

It can be difficult to decline a donation or sponsorship request. You want to be respectful, polite, and firm.

As a professional, you may get requests from clients for charity. They may ask for donations or sponsorships. Or, they may seek support for a future fundraising event.

“We’re thinking about having a charity auction fundraiser event.

Would you like to participate or donate an item?” or “I’d love for you to support my Kickstarter and share it with your fans!”

Declining a sponsorship request can be difficult. This is especially true for requests to sponsor a blog post to raise awareness for a small company, group, or fundraiser.

This post does not mean to discourage supporting charities. Please donate to a worthy cause.

However, only company policy or corporate giving organizations can do it. This applies to requests for help and charitable donations, regardless of their worth.

Your time, values, position, and finances can help you gauge which opportunities to decline, accept, or refuse.

They can also guide you in politely refusing a sponsorship request.

A plan for giving will help you feel confident and convicted, whether you make a monetary donation or not.

But how do you decline a sponsorship request or charity event invite? You want to be polite but not appear uncaring or rude.

As you write your response on how to decline a donation request with respect, consider these points:

Acknowledge and Appreciate

This person at a charity event has likely worked hard to raise money and awareness for their charities.

You may often get these requests from neighbors, clients, or acquaintances. They may be face-to-face or by phone. You may also get written requests via email, letter, or mail.

Your response will leave a lasting impression on the organization and the recipient. Your empathy, sincerity, and delivery will make it memorable.

Rejection Letters

You must create and use a great rejection letter. It must guarantee your relationship with the company or person seeking financial support if you value it.

Remember that the letter’s purpose is not to be hostile or to discourage.

Please be sure to recognize their efforts in your response.

• “it’s great that you are bringing this issue to the public’s attention and applauding your efforts.”

• “The loss of their home in a fire is tragic, and it’s wonderful that the Parkers have such a caring friend as you!”

• “I’ve been watching your campaign with great admiration for some time.”

• “This is a worthy cause, and I have a deep admiration for your initiative.”

• “Battling cancer has got to be one of the toughest things that someone can face, and my heart goes out to your friend.”

Could you provide a short explanation for why you denied your donation request?

It’s not required, but explaining why you can’t say yes is lovely.

• “Right now, I’m focusing on ___ (insert issue or cause here).”

• “I’m unable to commit my time and financial resources right now, but I will let you know if that changes in the future.”

• “We have reached our corporate giving limit for the fiscal year.”

• “My personal or business situation now precludes me from contributing.”

Alternatives to Saying “No” to a Fundraiser Sponsorship Request

When asked for money or help, some people respond with a quick “yes.”

One way to do this is to say, “Yes, but.”

You may have other valuable resources to offer your client instead of cash. These include a case of Girl Scout cookies, gift certificates, or products that your small business sells.

Close on a Positive Note

You can use encouraging phrases to close out your reply.

• “I wish you the best with your campaign!”

• “I will pass along your request to others in my blogging group.”

• “I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.”

• “Thanks for thinking of me and considering my blog as a potential sponsor for your event.”

• “Although I cannot contribute now, please know that my admiration for the work you’re doing is sincere.”

• And if you want to take part sometime in the future, “stay in touch with us next year as we will be in a better position to support you.”

Note: If you feel guilty after saying “no” again next year, it may mean that charitable giving isn’t your priority now.

That’s something you can change.

As a final thought, this doesn’t mean saying “yes” to everything from now on.

In closing, it means finding causes you care about and donating to them. Help where you can.

Do you have ideas to contribute or share about how to turn down a donation request with grace and respect?

Personal Stories and Testimonials:

• Mary C. “I recently had to decline a donation request from a local school. I used the template suggested in this article, and it worked perfectly. The school appreciated my honest response, and our relationship remains strong.”
• Terry A. “As a small business owner, I receive many requests for sponsorships. Using the tips here, I now politely decline while offering non-monetary support, like promoting their events on social media.”

If you found this article helpful, l may like these related articles valuable: Bloggers Must Learn to Say No, and It’s OK to Say No to Your Kids. More from this Author 

Anne is the creator of the family-oriented Zephyr Hill Blog. A busy homeschooling mother of seven, Anne enjoys cloth diapering and cooking. Anne is still trying to convince her husband to add another animal to the farm.

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