Fundraisers needn’t be intimidated by complaints from donors. Not when you can answer with the truth.

By Jeff Brooks

A well-run fundraising program won’t be complaint-free. In fact, complaints often signal that you’re doing something right. Why? If your stuff is boring, you get few complaints. Imagine a complaint like this: Your letter didn’t get my attention, and I was unmoved by what you said.

But if your stuff grabs people by the collar and forces them to pay attention, you’ll make some folks uncomfortable — and some will complain.