Here’s the thing: people don’t always skip donating because they don’t care. Often, it’s due to small (and fixable!) reasons that get in the way. At Donatefy, we work closely with nonprofits and fundraisers, so we’ve seen some common patterns. The good news? You can overcome most of these with a few smart tweaks.
Let’s break down the top five reasons people don’t donate and what you can do to turn that around.
1. “I don’t know where my money is going.”
Why this matters:
Donors want transparency. If they’re unsure how their money will be used, they hesitate—especially when they have hundreds of other causes vying for attention.
Solution:
- Be crystal clear. Instead of saying “Help our mission,” say “Your $25 helps feed a family of 4 for a week.”
- Break down your budget. A simple graphic or bullet list showing where donations go builds trust.
- Use updates. After the campaign, share results: “Thanks to you, we delivered 300 meals last month!”
2. “The process is too complicated.”
Why this matters:
Long forms, multiple redirects, or clunky pages can turn away even the most generous donors, especially if they’re on the phone.
Solution:
- Keep it simple. Use short, mobile-friendly donation pages.
- Enable quick checkout. Donatefy’s quick checkout is built for busy donors. Just choose an amount, select your payment method, and you’re done in seconds.
- Avoid unnecessary steps. Don’t require account sign-ups unless absolutely necessary.
If it takes more than 1-2 minutes to donate, it’s time to streamline.
3. “I can’t afford a big donation, so why bother?”
Why this matters:
People often underestimate the value of small donations, assuming only big gifts make a difference.
Solution:
- Emphasize that every dollar counts. Use phrases like “Even $5 helps us take one step closer.”
- Offer preset donation amounts. Include a $5–$10 option so donors don’t feel like they have to give more than they can.
- Highlight collective impact. “If 100 people give $10, we’ll hit our $1,000 goal!”
Micro-donations are powerful when framed the right way.
4. “I don’t feel personally connected.”
Why this matters:
People give to people not just projects. If there’s no emotional hook or personal relevance, donors may scroll past.
Solution:
- Tell a story. Feature real people your organization has helped. Add names, faces, and quotes.
- Use video or photos. Visuals build emotional connection faster than text.
- Speak directly to the donor. Say “You can change a life today,” instead of “Our organization serves…”
Storytelling can be your strongest fundraising tool, don’t skip it!
5. “I’m not sure this is legit.”
Why this matters:
Scams are everywhere, and donors are more cautious than ever. If your page feels “off,” even slightly, people may hesitate.
Solution:
- Use secure, trustworthy platforms. Donatefy uses Stripe, a globally trusted payment processor, for all donations.
- Display trust signals. Include nonprofit registration info, testimonials, and a contact section.
- Be consistent. Make sure your branding, messaging, and visuals match across your website and social media.
Building trust starts with a professional and secure donation experience.
Final Thoughts
Don’t get discouraged if your campaign isn’t taking off right away. People are generous, they just need the right mix of clarity, convenience, and connection. By removing these common roadblocks, you make it easier for someone to say “yes” to your cause.
At Donatefy, we’re here to help you raise more, stress less, and make every donation count.
Ready to launch your next campaign the smart way?
