It’s been 15 years since the publication of Growing Givers’ Hearts: Treating Fundraising as Ministry and although I’ve tried to keep up with the organizations… Read More »Re-claiming a one-time commitment to fundraising as ministry
On the day that the faith-based charity giant World Vision (US) announced it had shifted its employment policies in the direction of same-sex marriage, the… Read More »Organizational narcissism, World Vision, your ministry, and donor response
A commentary on the Gospel of Luke wasn’t where I expected to find affirmation of a key essential of fundraising as ministry, specifically the importance… Read More »Finding fundraising as ministry in Luke’s Gospel
Donor-centered fundraising has never been as important as it is now. Or so goes the buzz among development gurus. I’ve said as much myself – first in Growing Givers’ Hearts: Treating Fundraising as Ministry and then again (and again and again) in my interaction with clients. When it comes to nurturing loyal giving, nothing beats meeting donors where their hearts are.
And truth be told, that is how it has always been.
We modern-day fundraisers may think we’ve happened upon a “new truth,” but the best of our tribe have been at this donor-centered thing for years. Centuries in fact, as I was reminded via a most unlikely of sources – the 1872 biography of Sarah B. Judson, the second wife of Adoniram Judson.Read More »Two century-old fundraising wisdom from the second Mrs. Judson
When fundraising is treated as ministry, organizational leaders don’t worry about the proliferation of good causes to which people can give their time, talent, and treasure. In Kingdom company, there’s no hint of a competitive spirit. In fact, the fast growing community of organizations operating under the banner of Christ is heralded as a benefit. Or as Pam Reist, pastor of the Elizabethtown (PA) Church of the Brethren sees it, as opportunities for “symbiotic mutualism.”
When looking for proof texts in support of their craft, fundraisers of faith know they can depend on the Apostle Paul. The Old Testament prophets,… Read More »The very reason for fundraising as ministry
The following reflections on money, faith, and fundraising as ministry come from Don Meyer, a Buffalo, NY businessman whose generosity is well-known in Christian circles.… Read More »Reflections from a generous giver on asking, thanking, and growing donors’ hearts
If you can have just one of the following from members of your board or others who care deeply about your organization, which would it… Read More »It’s about time.
Over the years, I’ve been blessed by stories of godly parents and grandparents who both talked the talk and walked the walk of generosity. This… Read More »Remembering my father, who taught me well that generous matters.
The last thing CEOs or board members of faith-based nonprofits want to see is their organization in a consumer advocate’s hot seat. But that’s exactly… Read More »When fundraisers do the darndest things