Fundraising Bright Spots
Fundraising Bright Spots
Rob Woods, Bright Spot
When Funders Say No: Shamime's Answer
28 minutes Posted Aug 5, 2026 at 5:00 am.
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Most fundraisers know the frustration of hearing a funder say no to something you believe in. After years of this, Shamime decided to stop asking funders to fit her vision into their boxes - and started building her own system instead.

She created Bollyfit Active to solve a real problem: giving women a safe, culturally affirming space to enjoy exercise. But funding challenges tested her resolve. This episode captures the moment she shifted from grant dependency to earned income and found a better strategy. It's a lesson in trusting your vision, telling your story and adapting your approach until it works.