Fundraising in Tough Times: Learning to Take a Punch

I was reading an article recently about taking a punch — the kind you might get if you accidentally struck up a conversation with someone’s boyfriend in a bar. 

The author suggested signing up for a Muay Thai or boxing class.

As someone who hits the gym regularly and has taken my share of boxing classes, I can tell you: the punches many fundraisers have taken in recent months are far beyond anything you learn at Title Boxing.

I believe in the saying “this too shall pass” — but until it does, many of us have to keep getting back up after each blow. 

That’s the real challenge: staying in the fight long enough for “this” to pass.

The Gift of the Hit

In the ring, getting punched isn’t humiliation — it’s education.

In fundraising, rejection works the same way. Every “no” is an opportunity to learn:

• One “no” can show you where your story, offering, or listening skills need sharpening.

• A donor’s critique can reveal where your stewardship needs more heart.

• A failed campaign can point you toward a better strategy next time.

• Not inviting enough prospects to an event will remind you why your funnel always needs to be full.

Remember: your closing ratio matters. 

The more you tell your story, the more friends you make.

 Just be sure you’re spending time building relationships with people who have both the interest and the capacity to support your mission.

How to Train for the Next Round

1. Expect resistance. It’s not personal — it’s part of the work.

2. Recover fast. Learn what you can, adjust, and re-engage.

3. Keep your guard up but stay open and nimble. Protect your mission but be willing to change tactics.

4. Lean on your corner. Your staff, volunteers, and board are your coaches and cheer squad.

Going the Distance

In today’s climate, you can’t dodge every setback. Sometimes you’ll take a solid shot. But if you’ve built the muscle to absorb it, reset, and keep moving forward, you’ll go the distance while others are still hiding behind their gloves.

Fill your funnel with donors who can respond quickly — usually individuals. At the same time, keep cultivating the slower wins, like corporate gifts and grants.

Take a deep breath, bite down on your proverbial mouth guard, and step back into the fundraising ring. When you fall down, patch yourself up, duck, roll, and get back on your feet, ready to fight another day.

Because to learn to take a punch is to learn to live with everyday surprises and disappointments and to keep going anyway.

And don’t worry you have been punched before and came back like the champ that you are.

Need help strengthening your fundraising “boxing” skills? Reach out to Team Kat & Mouse today.