--- title: People won't give til' it hurts! description: Sometimes I feel like I should make a list of all the silly things I hear fundraisers say. Here’s one I heard recently that just felt so wrong.. image: https://info.imarketsmart.com/hs-fs/file-3555830922-jpg/blog-files/istock_000011479630_medium1.jpg --- ### Get weekly nonprofit marketing ideas straight to your inbox ** [301.289.3670](tel:+1-301-289-3670) / [888.618.2015](tel:+1-888-618-2015) [**Contact](http://imarketsmart.com/contact-us) [**  Careers](http://imarketsmart.com/careers) - - - [![Imarketsmart](https://info.imarketsmart.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logo-basic-300x451.png?width=300&height=45&name=logo-basic-300x451.png "Imarketsmart")](http://imarketsmart.com/) [Get a Demo](http://imarketsmart.com/request-a-demo/) # Marketsmart Blog # People won't give til' it hurts! ![fundraising tips](https://info.imarketsmart.com/hs-fs/file-3555830922-jpg/blog-files/istock_000011479630_medium1.jpg?width=451&height=296&name=istock_000011479630_medium1.jpg)Sometimes I feel like I should make a list of all the silly things I hear fundraisers say. Here's one I heard recently that just felt so wrong: **"To reach our goal, our donors need to give 'til it hurts."** I've heard this before. "Give 'til it hurts." Such a strange phrase. I can't imagine why anyone would say it. **People never give because it hurts.** People only give because it makes them feel good. It makes them feel alive and connected to others.[![Tweet This](https://info.imarketsmart.com/hs-fs/file-3555829962-jpg/blog-files/tweetthis-e1438355436358.jpg?width=20&height=20&name=tweetthis-e1438355436358.jpg)](http://ctt.ec/L4npa) It makes them feel closer to an infinite power. Or, it provides them with fame or notoriety. Giving also delivers a [bundle of other joys](http://imarketsmart.com/why-your-donors-are-hoping-youll-call-or-visit-them-according-to-science/). **People won't "give 'til it hurts!" Nope! You'll never inspire giving with negative messages, guilt or any other kind of pain.** So next time you hear someone say, "give 'til it hurts" I hope you'll remind them that it simply doesn't work that way. **Instead, help your supporters feel good. Provide value and benefits and you'll get more gifts.** ### Related Posts [Why Your Donors Are Hoping You'll Call or Visit Them (According To Science)](http://imarketsmart.com/why-your-donors-are-hoping-youll-call-or-visit-them-according-to-science/) [Words That Work: Phrases That Encourage Planned Giving](http://imarketsmart.com/resources/webinars/words-that-work-phrases-that-encourage-planned-giving/) [Get Started with 3-to-1 Major Gift Fundraising](http://imarketsmart.com/get-started-with-3-to-1-major-gifts-fundraising/) [12 Questions to Ask Yourself to Avoid Disrespecting Your Supporters](http://imarketsmart.com/12-questions-to-ask-yourself-to-avoid-disrespecting-your-supporters/) [3 Types of Stories Major and Planned Gift Officers Should be Telling](http://imarketsmart.com/3-types-of-stories-major-and-planned-gift-officers-should-be-telling/) [![Tweet This](https://info.imarketsmart.com/hs-fs/file-3555829962-jpg/blog-files/tweetthis-e1438355436358.jpg?width=20&height=20&name=tweetthis-e1438355436358.jpg)](http://ctt.ec/9lduz) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) **Posted by**Greg Warner July 06, 2015 [** Next](https://info.imarketsmart.com/blog/what-your-donors-hear-vs-what-you-tell-them/) [Previous **](https://info.imarketsmart.com/blog/the-3-types-of-planned-giving-prospects/) Tags: [Planned Giving](https://info.imarketsmart.com/blog/topic/planned-giviing), [Major Giving](https://info.imarketsmart.com/blog/topic/major-giving), [Lead Generation](https://info.imarketsmart.com/blog/topic/lead-generation) Search this site on Google Search Google #### Get Weekly Tips ![](http://11034n4348rz28bwol8ogod8.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/majorgiftmotivatorCTA-e1438624761470.png)Get captivating motivational quotes~*hand-picked for major and planned giving fundraisers*~delivered via email every Tuesday.![](http://11034n4348rz28bwol8ogod8.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/majorgiftmotivator-tile-sidebar-image-e1438802110804.jpg) [![Get Motivated](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1716178/3152951d-d234-4e33-8af5-19882b865e06.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1716178/3152951d-d234-4e33-8af5-19882b865e06) ### JOIN THE CLUB Become a better fundraiser! 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