“For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action” (2 Corinthians 9:2).

When Paul raised relief funds for the Jerusalem church, the Corinthian believers were the first to respond and promised to give more. Paul shared their eagerness with all the other churches in Achaia and their generosity encouraged most of them to get involved. There is no stronger endorsement of your project than committed donors sharing your story with their friends. Hebrews 10:24 teaches, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” How can you encourage your board members to encourage their friends to give?

Eagerness
Many times, major donors seem reluctant, not eager, to ask their friends to support your ministry. Perhaps they don’t want their friends to return the favor. Perhaps they think encouraging generosity will harm their friendship. Perhaps deep down they are people-pleasers. Paul warns, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10).

Ready to Give
Strike while the iron is hot. The time to ask the networking question is when your donor gives. If your ministry is worthy of your donor’s support, it’s worthy of their friends’ support. The problem with the Corinthians was their initial fire for the project cooled off a little. Paul rekindled their passion by explaining how others got involved because of their generosity. It’s kind of a reverse matching gift challenge. The Corinthians gave first prompting others to give. The generosity of others prompted the Corinthians to follow through with their pledges.

Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm begets more enthusiasm. Tell your ministry impact stories with zeal. Then when God blesses you with a major gift, celebrate your donor’s generosity testimony. Encourage your donors to spur on their friends to join them in supporting your compelling case. Many people need a gentle nudge to part with their resources; a sacrificial gift inspires others toward generosity. The most effective fundraisers on your team might not be those with professional skills, they might simply be those with passion.

Stirred to Action
Peter served as a board member of a youth ministry launching a capital campaign. The ministry leaders asked him to chair the major gifts committee. Peter responded, “I’m not good at fundraising.” Instead, he committed to match every gift dollar for dollar. Then Peter contacted his friends and asked them to join him. His first friend gave $200,000; the second gave $300,000. Soon they reached their $3 million goal. Peter’s ministry friends teased him, “You’re a pretty good fundraiser after all. In fact, you’re better than all of us combined.”

Think About This: Mark Twain observed, “Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.” Generous giving from your board members makes a powerful statement.

Response: Lord, please ignite our board members with contagious enthusiasm for our ministry. Give them courage to be our champions!

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword” (Exodus 17:10-13).

The lesson from Joshua’s battle against the Amalekites is crystal clear: when you pray, you win; if you stop praying, you lose. Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of the ridge for a strategic view of the battlefield. Moses stood with his arms raised holding the staff of God to intercede for Joshua and the Children of Israel. When Moses prayed, Joshua won; when Moses’ arms fell, so did Israel’s army. This story has direct fundraising applications.

Pray

Fundraising is spiritual warfare. At what point do you think they realized the position of Moses’ arms impacted the outcome of the battle? Recruit a team to fervently pray for open doors, great donor conversations, and God’s favor. Paul asked the Colossian believers, “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message” (Col. 4:3).

Help

Just like the disciples, Moses’ spirit was willing, but his flesh was weak. As much as he wanted to hold his arms high in prayer, it was too difficult for him to continue. So, they pulled up a stone for Moses to sit on while Aaron and Hur stood on each side holding up his arms. Ask for help from some trusted confidants. Send out regular prayer emails. You don’t need to share details about your donor visits, just ask for prayer.

Fight

Your organization needs soldiers on the field telling your story. You recruit an executive director, development director, or fundraising staff with the expectation they can raise money. But even the most talented team members will fail if they attempt to fundraise in their own human efforts. Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with his sword, but the Lord was his banner (Exo. 17:15).

Tell

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it’” (Exo 17:14). Joshua would face many battles and needed this reminder of God’s faithfulness. We are quick to ask for prayer, but sometimes we forget God’s amazing answers. Paul invited his prayer partners to join him in the battle so they could enjoy the victory, “many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Cor. 1:11).

Think About This: Who was the MVP of this battle? Would you vote for Joshua wielding a sword, Moses lifting his staff in prayer, or Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ arms? The correct answer is everyone. Fundraising is a team sport. The people on the front lines won’t succeed without a prayer chain supporting them.

Response: Lord, give us perseverance to pray fervently for our fundraising needs.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus” (John 1:40-42).

Some organizations schedule time in each board meeting encouraging members to identify prospective donors. Andrew would have been a great board member! He believed John’s message and made a life-changing decision to follow Jesus. Andrew was an evangelist whose first response was to find his brother Peter and tell him about Christ. Your board members must become your greatest evangelists telling everyone they meet about the incredible things Christ is accomplishing through your ministry. Encourage your board members to take these four action steps.

Believe
Do you have enthusiastic board members? Enthusiasm comes from two Greek words “theos” meaning god and “en” meaning in. It means “God within.” Andrew was convinced the Messiah had come and he enthusiastically told Peter the good news. Your board members must be fully convinced your ministry is meeting critical needs, so they will enthusiastically share your mission. The social proof theory suggests people tend to adopt the opinions or actions of people they trust. One of the most effective forms of advertising is word of mouth recommendations from friends and family.

Find
“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him” (John 1:41). Networking is the best way to expand your major donor prospect list. An executive director had a “Who do you know?” conversation with her board member using an ABC filter to prioritize prospects. They identified people who had the Ability to give, Believed in their mission, and had a Connection with their organization. After two hours, they had complied a list of seventy-four prospects including a plan for next steps.

Tell
Your ministry meets many human needs, but donors want to know how your ministry leads people to Jesus. If your mission is feeding the hungry, share how you provide both physical and spiritual food. If your mission is teaching the next generation, share how you are preparing your students to find success in this life and the next. Providing people with clean water is a wonderful mission, providing the Living Water quenches their eternal thirst. Ignite your board’s passion by equipping them with stories of changed lives.

Bring
Andrew did more than share the good news with Peter, he physically brought him to Jesus. Encourage your board members to bring their prospective donors for a tour, a special event, or lunch with your executive director. Andrew didn’t know it at the time, but he brought the person whom God would use to bring many into the Kingdom. Perhaps God will use the friend your board member brings to bring many to your ministry and many more into the Kingdom.

Think About This: In 1854, Edward Kimball visited a 17-year-old boy from his Sunday School class and led him to Christ. His name was D.L. Moody who became one of the greatest preachers and evangelists of all time.

Response: Lord, please help me encourage our board members to share our story with everyone they know.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“‘For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you…’ Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel… a Levite and descendant of Asaph… He said: ‘Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s…’ Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army” (2 Chronicles 20:12-21).

King Jehoshaphat was in serious trouble. A vast army from the south was only fifty miles from Jerusalem. He immediately called all Judah and Jerusalem to fast and inquire of the Lord saying, “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” What an incredible prayer for your ministry, your advancement department, and your personal life. Learn these four lessons from Jehoshaphat.

We do not know what to do
No doubt you’ve faced moments in your fundraising career when you don’t have a clue what to do next. It’s a familiar scenario. Building costs rise but your fundraising plan falls short. Humble leaders realize they don’t know everything, so they surround themselves with people who know how to find the right answers.

Our eyes are on you
Life and death situations give you clarity. “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord” (2 Chron 20:3-4). King Jehoshaphat instinctively turned to the Lord for guidance. What’s your first response when you face a budget crisis?

The battle is not yours, but God’s
The Holy Spirit revealed his plan through Jahaziel, a Levite and descendant of Asaph. He was a worship leader. His message was, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army…Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you” (2 Chron. 20:15-17). In an unconventional plan, the choir led the army into battle singing, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever” (2 Chron. 20:21). God blessed Judah and Jerusalem with a great victory!

Listen
Good ideas don’t just come from the top-down, many of the best ideas come from the grassroots. A Christian high school asked the faculty if they knew any potential donors. The science teacher thought his uncle might be interested. The uncle was and eventually gave $250,000. Listen intently for God’s voice for your next good idea. The answer may come from the choir director or science teacher!

Think About This: In 1976, Richard Montañez was a janitor working for $4 dollars an hour at a Frito-Lay plant. One day, a machine on the assembly line broke and made some plain Cheetos. Richard took some home, dusted them with chili powder, and crunched into snack history. His eureka moment became Flamin’ Hot Cheetos which has since made billions of dollars.

Response: Father, help us keep our eyes on you and listen for your plan no matter who shares it.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need” (Acts 4:32-35).

When the early believers faced financial hardships, the church responded with great power and great grace to care for one another. “There were no needy persons among them” because those who had resources sold their possessions and brought the money to the apostles for distribution. What would motivate one of your donors to sell property and give you the proceeds? We can learn four important giving truths from this passage.

One Heart and Mind
Donors must align with your mission and vision. “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” (Amos 3:3). Finding agreement with your donors is not about pleasing them. Paul said, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Gal. 1:10). Don’t please people just to gain donors. When you please the Lord, donors with the same heart will find you.

Great Power
People were attracted to the apostles because of their powerful message. They preached the resurrection and would not compromise. Many voices want you to water down your message, but when you stand strong for what you believe, others who believe the same way will stand with you. Paul encouraged believers in Philippi to, “stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). Communicate to your donors how much you need them to stand with you.

Great Grace
Some of your donors are struggling financially but God has blessed others with abundance. Your needs are great, possibly greater than ever before. Grace abounded in the early church. “And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all” (vs. 33). Paul taught the Corinthians to “excel in the grace of giving” (see 2 Cor. 8:7). Share your ministry opportunities with God’s people and ask them to respond generously.

God’s Provision
This is the first time we meet Barnabas who “sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:37). Is it any wonder his name means “son of encouragement?” Share your financial situation with your donors and you will discover who is one with you in heart and mind (vs. 32). Perhaps God will lead a first-time ministry partner named Barnabas to encourage you.

Think About This: Build donor loyalty by keeping them in the loop. The more connected donors feel to your ministry, the more likely they are to give—and keep giving.

Response: Lord, please help me clearly communicate to our donors how much we value their partnership. 

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“Then he prayed, ‘Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master’” (Genesis 24:12-14).

Abraham’s servant faced a challenging assignment to find a bride for Isaac. His instructions were clear—don’t look among the Canaanites, but only among Abraham’s relatives. So, he traveled to Abraham’s native land and stopped at the well outside of Nahor. Many daughters of the townspeople were coming to draw water, but how could he identify the right one? Four applications emerge about finding new donors.

Right Prospect
Finding a bride was a little like looking for a needle in a haystack. Identifying new donors seems similar. Consider scanning your donor database with an asset screening service to identify hidden major donors. It compares your donors with public information to identify those with capacity. Another effective way to discover new prospects is by word of mouth. Encourage your board members to network within their circles of influence.

Right Profile
Abraham’s servant loaded up ten camels with gifts and traveled more than 450 miles to find the right person. It was worth the effort. He walked by many wells until he found one with the best prospects. Non-Christians might give to your ministry because they have similar values, but you must find your main support among God’s people. John writes about missionaries of his day, “For they are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers” (3 John 1:7 NLT).

Right Preparation
Prayer is key to finding your next major donor. The servant knew he would only be successful with God’s intervention. He prayed three requests: (1) for success—not for his own glory—but to serve Abraham, (2) for God to schedule a divine appointment, and (3) for this young woman to go above and beyond to fulfill his request. There are no coincidences. God opens incredible doors if you ask.

Right Time
When the servant arrived in Nahor, he parked his camels “near the well outside the town; it was toward evening, the time the women go out to draw water” (Gen 24:11). He went to the right place at the right time to look for the right person and prayed. Before he finished praying Rebekah showed up with her jar; he ran to her and asked for a drink. Here’s a great fundraising principle: God will lead you to the right donors, but you must ask for their help. Start your relationship by asking for a small gift.

Think About This: As you review your donor list, ask God for success, open hearts, and a generous response. Then go the well, ask, and listen for opportunities.

Response: Lord, please lead me to the right prospective donor at the right time. Give me boldness to ask.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Matthew 13:3-8).

The parable of the four types of soil reveals different heart responses. Jesus’ message of forgiveness was the same for everyone, but not everyone could receive it. Your ministry faces these same reactions from potential donors.

Path
This donor doesn’t resonate at all with your mission. Your message bounces off their heart and never takes root. A donor interested in athletics may not be interested in fine arts and vice versa. You can share all the benefits of your new fine arts building, but your words literally will fall on deaf ears. There is also a spiritual component. The birds came and devoured the seed on the path. The devil will blind your prospective donors to prevent them from giving.

Rocky
This donor makes an emotional response to your appeal but has no genuine connection to your ministry and their support quickly fades. They show promise and may even get involved for a while but when it becomes difficult to give, they lapse because they weren’t committed to your mission. John makes an interesting observation, “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us” (1 John 2:19).

Thorns
This person receives your message and responds but has too many other concerns distracting them from generosity. “The worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful” (Matt. 13:22). Unfortunately, many of your donors are like the rich farmer. “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:20-22).

Good
This donor receives your message and responds generously. Some produce thirty, some sixty, and some one hundred. How should this inform your major donor strategy? You can spend lots of time cultivating relationships with those along the path, on rocky soil, or infested with thorns – yet none of these soils produce fruit. Instead, focus your efforts on donors whose heart connects with yours.

Think About This: One Christian university analyzed their million-dollar gifts and discovered in almost every situation, the donor’s first gift was small, but their gifts grew as their relationship grew. Spend your time in the right soil cultivating gifts which are thirty, so they grow into sixty, one hundred – or even a million.

Response: Lord, please help me discern which donors to invest more time in cultivating.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally” (Colossians 2:1).

The Apostle Paul planted fourteen churches in his lifetime. There is no biblical record that Paul ever traveled to Colossae and yet he had an incredible influence on the believers there. Presumably, the church was established by Epaphras, one of Paul’s friends and coworkers (Col. 1:7). How did Paul make such an amazing impact on people he never met face to face? How can you influence donors you haven’t met yet? Consider these four goals:

Encouraged in Heart
Paul’s desire for the believers he knew and those he didn’t know was “that they may be encouraged in heart” (Col. 2:2). He was serious about this, “I want you to know how hard I am contending for you” (Col. 2:1). How do you encourage people you don’t know? You do it by serving the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Mitch was interested in church planting and did an internet search to find a mission that was accomplishing something of eternal value. He found one and sent an initial $1,000 gift.

United in Love
Paul’s second goal was they would be “united in love” (Col. 2:2). No doubt you’ve experienced the unity of the body of Christ. Perhaps you’ve had a conversation with a stranger and discovered they are a believer. Immediately, you have a common bond. This is one of the reasons donors who don’t know you yet, can quickly get to know you. You’re not just friends, you’re family. The ministry thanked Mitch for his gift and visited him to share more information. Mitch signed up for $1,000 a month.

Complete Understanding
Encouragement and unity laid the foundation, but Paul’s final goal for the believers was to have complete spiritual understanding. Donor relationships start by being encouraged in heart and grow deeper by being united in love, but the goal is for your donor to have a complete picture of what your ministry accomplishes for the Lord. Mitch learned more about the ministry’s mission, vision, and impact from a gift officer, executive director, and even the founder. He responded with a $60,000 gift.

Christ
What moves a donor from initial gift to major gift? It’s “the mystery of God, namely Christ” (Col. 2:4). When you focus on developing a Christ-centered ministry, those donors who are gospel-focused will find you. Paul connected with these donors three ways: (a) He never stopped praying for them (see Col. 1:9), (b) They learned of him through mutual friends: Epaphras, Tychichus, Onesimus, Philemon, and others (see Col. 4:7-17), and (c) He wrote personal greetings (see Col. 4:15). When Mitch was asked if he would support a capital campaign, he indicated a gift of $100,000!

Think About This: Even though many believers in Colossae never met Paul personally they knew him from their mutual friends and his writing. You will find new donors through your mutual friends and writing. Cultivating them from an initial gift to a major gift depends on how well you tell your story and ask.

Response: Lord, help me work hard to encourage the donors I don’t know yet.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

“Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial” (John 12:7).

One of the most beautiful scenes in Scripture occurs during Holy Week when Mary anointed the feet of Jesus. Lazarus was reclining at the table and Martha was serving when Mary took a pint of expensive perfume and poured it on Jesus’ head and feet wiping his feet with her hair. Immediately, the whole house was filled with its fragrance. Judas Iscariot was indignant and judged her generosity, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor” (John 12:5)? Jesus defended her extravagance and proclaimed she was preparing his body for burial. We can glean at least four applications from this passage.

Saving
The perfume was worth about a year’s wages. Can you imagine giving a gift equal to your annual salary? Probably Lazarus, Mary, and Martha had all been saving for a special occasion. Thrifty people are not necessarily stingy people; they are just selective about when and what they support. A donor who had given $25 a month indicated a $500,000 gift for a capital campaign. When asked what prompted his generous response, he replied, “You didn’t need it until now.” Mary decided this was the perfect time to offer her sacrificial gift.

Giving
Mary gave her elaborate gift to a friend who had walked with her for years. She sat at Jesus’ feet attentively soaking in the Word of God and then witnessed the miraculous resurrection of her brother. Receiving Lazarus back from the dead was worth far more than a year’s wages. Mary’s sacrificial gift was motivated by love for the Lord and appreciation for what he had done in their lives. Have you walked with your major donors through their joys and sorrows? Has your ministry changed them for eternity? Donors give to the degree your ministry has directly touched their heart.

Donor Intent
Some questioned Mary’s generosity claiming her gift could have been used for better purposes. Everyone has an opinion about how others should spend, invest, and give their resources. Donors leave specific instructions to guarantee their estate gifts will fund projects they support. Perhaps you remember the old saying, “Do your givin’ while you’re livin’, then you’re knowin’ where it’s goin’!” As a ministry, you must abide by your donor’s intentions for their gift. Know your donors so well that you can align your needs with their desires.

Extravagance
We remember Mary’s extravagant gift because she anointed Jesus’ body for burial. What compelling reason will prompt your donors to give extravagantly to your ministry? Asking for annual support just to maintain the status quo is a major demotivator and won’t move your donors to tap into their investment accounts. You must present unique giving opportunities which will make an eternal difference. Do you have a significant project worthy of your donors’ legacy?

Think About This: Someone will always be critical of a donor’s motive or their gift. To some, Mary’s perfume was wasted. To Jesus, it was a sweet smelling sacrifice. Don’t let others discourage your major donors from being generous.

Response: Father, I praise you for each sacrificial gift. Help me honor their generosity.

Ron Haas has served the Lord as a pastor, the vice president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.