“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:8-11).

Paul’s self-disclosure in his letter teaches us four important truths about donor communication.

Transparency
Would your marketing department post on social media all the troubles you are facing as a ministry? Probably not. We strive to manage our public image to make the best impression possible. Yet, Paul communicated raw, unvarnished reality about his situation. The pressures he faced pushed him far beyond his ability to cope—even to the point of giving up. It’s really refreshing to read how transparent he was about his struggles. Self-disclosure builds deep and trusting donor relationships.

Hope
The beauty of Paul’s communication is he gave God the glory for delivering him time and time again. His trials forced him to rely on God and not himself. When times are good, we tend to trust in ourselves, but when things fall apart, we rush to God to find hope in our time of need. This is true on an individual level and as a ministry. Are you trusting in God for direction through the murky times, or are you relying on your own human understanding? (see Prov. 3:5-6).

Help
Your relationships with donors will become tighter as you share more and more information. Paul draws the Corinthians into his struggles, “as you help us by your prayers.” He considered the Corinthian believers to be partners in his work and wanted them to know everything he was going through. If you simply share general prayer requests, your donors can only pray “bless the missionaries” prayers. But if you share specific needs with urgent deadlines, your donors can wrestle with you in prayer.

Prayer
Your newsletter or website are probably not the right platforms to share intimate requests. Create an insider’s prayer email and invite your key major donors to join in your spiritual battles. Do you ask for prayer or only for money? Paul asked for both. The more fervently someone prays with you, the more generously they will be prompted to give. Then, when God answers, they will give thanks with you because they are your true partners in ministry.

Think About This: Can your donors relate to you? Are you aloof and distant or warm and personal? Sharing your struggles and your joys will draw your donors closer to your heart.

Response: Lord, thank you for giving me hope through our trials. Help me learn to trust in you and not my own ability. Thank you for our ministry partners who walk with us in tough times.

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.

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.

Suppose one of you goes to a friend in the middle of the night and says, “Let me borrow three loaves of bread. A friend of mine has dropped in, and I don’t have a thing for him to eat.” And suppose your friend answers, “Don’t bother me! The door is bolted, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up and give you something.” He may not get up and give you the bread, just because you are his friend. But he will get up and give you as much as you need, simply because you are not ashamed to keep on asking Luke 11:5-8 (CEV).

Jesus taught this parable to teach his disciples to pray boldly. This passage also reveals four lessons about fundraising.

Our friend was asking to meet an urgent need.
What was so urgent that couldn’t wait until morning? Perhaps his visitor hadn’t eaten in days or had small children who were crying from hunger. Whatever the situation, our friend asked his friend because he couldn’t solve the problem by himself. You probably can’t write a personal check to accomplish all your ministry goals. What essential programs won’t be accomplished without help? Why should a donor make a significant gift to your ministry now? How desperate are you?

Our friend turned to his friend for help.
He didn’t approach a total stranger; he went to the person with whom he had cultivated a close relationship. People give to people they know and trust. A generous donor has a vision to develop hospitals in third world countries and made this interesting comment, “I don’t have enough money to build these by myself, so I have to ask my friends for help.” Sometimes we dream about gifts coming from people we’ve never met, but we must ask those who know and appreciate our ministry.

His friend wasn’t interested in helping.
The friend had many excuses. “The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.” Notice that he didn’t say, “I don’t have anything to give you.” He had the capacity to give; he just wasn’t motivated. It wasn’t a matter of “I can’t” but “I don’t want to.” That didn’t deter our friend, and it shouldn’t slow you down, either. You can’t make anyone give, but you can pray boldly that God would compel them.

His friend finally gave only because our friend kept asking.
His friend didn’t give just because he was a friend, which goes against all we know about friendship fundraising. “He may not get up and give you the bread, just because you are his friend. But he will get up and give you as much as you need, simply because you are not ashamed to keep on asking” (Luke 11:8 CEV). Asking is the key. Friendship might get you in the door but asking gets a gift. One of the most admirable qualities for a fundraiser is persistence.

Think About This: Yes, some are prompted to give on their own, but others need encouragement. Keep praying boldly! Keep asking boldly!

Response: Father, please help me boldly ask everyone I know for a generous gift to meet urgent 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.

“I will answer him and care for him… your fruitfulness comes from me” (Hosea 14:8).

In fundraising, you can work hard, you can even work smart, but you won’t accomplish what God wants you to accomplish without his power. Jesus taught, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). That’s a sobering comment. We think if we only work harder, longer, or smarter we will eventually achieve success. But the reality is apart from Christ you will accomplish nothing of eternal value. Sure, you might go through the motions and appear to have worldly success, but all your efforts will still add up to a big, fat zero. Let’s apply Jesus’ formula for fruitfulness to our fundraising efforts.

No Fruit
True Christians bear fruit. John the Baptist proclaimed, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8). If a person doesn’t change on the outside when they trust Christ, they must ask themselves if they really changed on the inside. According to John 15:2, branches that don’t bear fruit are cut off. You can apply several metrics to gauge fundraising success, but the bottom line is, “do you raise money?” If not, perhaps it’s time for a change.

Minimal Fruit
A little fruit is better than no fruit (see John 15:2b). It takes time to produce fruit just as it takes time to cultivate relationships with your donors. Luke records the parable of a man looking for fruit on his fig tree and not finding any. He was ready to cut it down and plant something else, but his servant asked for one more year to cultivate and fertilize it. “If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down” (Luke 13:9). Give your staff time to be effective.

More Fruit
The goal of your vineyard is not to grow leaves but to grow grapes. You must prune the new shoots, so they don’t suck the life out of the vine. Pruning creates a strong root system, improves the health of the vine and most importantly, increases the yield. Likewise, your development efforts might look lush and green but not raise a lot of money. If you want more fruit, you must cut any activity not directly related to identifying, cultivating, and asking donors.

Much Fruit
Remaining in Christ produces much fruit (John 15:5). To remain means to stay, abide, live, to live in union. Jesus is saying, “Live like you are at home with me.” Is Jesus at home in your fundraising department? Do you invite him into your strategic planning process or is he an afterthought? Do you ask him to help you identify potential donors? Do you pray fervent or feeble fundraising prayers? Fervent prayer is key to your fundraising success. Consider amping up your fundraising prayer effort. Start today by praying for each donor who contributed last month.

Think about this: If you spent more time in prayer for your fundraising efforts than implementing your strategies, would you have greater results?

Response: Lord, forgive me for working like it all depends on me and not praying as though it all depends upon you.

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.

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

We take great care when selecting the perfect gift for that special person, but nothing compares with our Heavenly Father’s gift of his only Son to be “an atoning sacrifice for our sin” (1 John 4:10). Praise God for his generous, sacrificial gift of salvation! Without God’s generosity to us, we would be eternally lost and without hope. Paul responded to God’s gift with this doxology of praise. How should you respond to the generosity of your donors? Gifts from your ministry partners accomplish four results.

Practical
Henry Ford said, “Nothing happens until someone sells something.” In ministry, nothing happens until someone gives something. Generosity starts a chain reaction of blessing. “This service that you perform is… supplying the needs of the Lord’s people” (1 Cor. 9:12). Gifts solve real problems and enable you to serve others. With a balanced budget you can educate more students, feed more hungry people, and reach more people with the Gospel. More money means more ministry.

Personal
Your ministry benefits when donors give, their generosity also demonstrates the genuineness of their faith. “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves” (2 Cor. 9:13). Giving is an expression of “the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ” (vs. 13). James warns us that faith without works is dead. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?  Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:14-16). Giving transforms mere talk into action.

Praise
Generous giving prompts “many expressions of thanks to God” (vs. 12). Great news about a generous gift spreads like wildfire. “Others will praise God for… your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else” (2 Cor. 9:13). Share with your donors how their gift is making an eternal difference and how your whole team is thanking God because of their generosity. Tell an impact story that would not have happened without their gift. Thank them for sharing with you and the other ministries they support.

Prayer
We are encouraged to pray for missionaries who are sharing the gospel throughout the world. Many donors don’t realize that those who benefit from their generosity are also praying for them. “And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you” (vs. 14). The greatest way to thank your donors is to pray for them. Ask for their prayer requests, spend time praying for them, and follow up to hear how God has answered.

Think About This: So many great things happen when donors give generously. You have the privilege of asking your donors to partner with you to accomplish eternal work. This week thank your donors for their generous, sacrificial gifts to your ministry.

Response: Father, I am so thankful to you for our donors. Please help me express my gratefulness to my donors in ways that give you all the glory.

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.

“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri… and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills” (Exodus 31:2-3).

God gave Moses the intricate plans for the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the covenant, and all its furnishings. He also assigned Bezalel to create all these holy items. In today’s vernacular we would call him a “maker.” Bezalel knew everything about everything—a jack of all trades. He was a master metalsmith, stonecutter, woodworker, seamster, leatherworker, and a perfumer (see Exo. 31:4-11). Bezalel became this gifted artisan because the Holy Spirt filled him with supernatural wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill. The Spirit can also fill you with fundraising know how.

Wisdom
God came to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon could have asked for long life, wealth, or the death of his enemies. Instead, he asked for wisdom. If you were answering for your ministry, how would you respond? Would you ask for a balanced budget? New buildings? More staff? More people to serve? Most ministry leaders would ask for a huge endowment. Instead, you should seek God’s wisdom to fundraise well.

Understanding
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). You make decisions every day, how many of those decisions do you pray about? How often do you inquire of the Lord about your right next fundraising step? The tribe of Issachar were “men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chron 12:32). Some nonprofits understand their financial needs but don’t seem to understand that they must cultivate relationships with donors who could help meet those needs.

Knowledge
Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and data that you acquire through study, research, investigation, observation, or experience. How have you increased in your general fundraising knowledge? More importantly, how have you increased your knowledge about your key donors? Fundraising is about relationships. Who do you know? How are you connected? What are your donors’ giving interests? When is the best time to ask? What projects get them excited? Get to know your major donors.

Skill
Solomon hired Huram to work on the Temple. He also was a skilled craftsman who “was filled with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge to do all kinds of bronze work” (1 Kings 7:14). It takes practice to become a skilled craftsman. Likewise, it takes practice to become a skillful fundraiser. The best learning is not in a classroom but in the field talking with major donors. Asking is the most important skill a fundraiser must develop. Refine your asking skills by asking more.

Think About This: Fundraising wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill starts with being filled with the Spirit. God gives you the same opportunity he gave Solomon. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

Response: Father, when it comes to my fundraising efforts, please “fill me with the knowledge of your will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Col. 1:9).

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 in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

The Golden Rule teaches us to actively treat others the way we ourselves would like to be treated. This principle applies directly to fundraising. You want to be treated with kindness and respect, so do your donors. You appreciate good communication, so will your donors. There’s another unspoken golden rule in fundraising—”He who has the gold, makes the rules!” Each major donor has individual giving interests and should be approached in a personal way. However, there are some basic principles that apply to every donor. A foundation director shared these four secrets to a successful grant.

Define the problem.
What problem are you trying to solve? Donors want to make an eternal difference, but they must first understand the need. Are you raising money to help an underprivileged child receive a Christian education? Are you helping a family rise from poverty? Are you facing a budget shortfall that will severely impact your programs? Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, the former lead engineer at Lockheed Skunk Works responsible for the S-71 Blackbird spy plane, coined the phrase “keep it simple stupid.” Your job is to communicate a complex problem in a way your donors can grasp.

Share your solution.
Your problem needs to be solvable. Donors respond when you present a problem that can be solved today. Reaching the remaining five billion unreached people is an incredible vision but a complex problem. A donor will see their gift as just a drop in the bucket that won’t make a meaningful difference. If you frame your solution in small achievable steps, their gift becomes relevant. Both your problem and your solution must be easy to understand.

Show data to prove your plan works.
Great storytelling creates donor empathy, but storytelling is not enough, you must share relevant data to support your plan. Foundations are particularly interested in outcomes. Like your high school algebra teacher, they want you to “prove your work.” A major donor responded to a feasibility study by saying, “I don’t know what you accomplished with my last gift.” He was not interested in the new facility but wanted to know how many lives were impacted by the programs because of the new facility.

Ask for a specific gift.
Your donors don’t know as much about the problem as you do because you’ve been studying it for years. Don’t make the mistake of saying, “How much would you like to give to solve this problem?” A foundation board chair shared, “You are the expert, not me. Don’t make me guess what my gift should be to help solve your problem. We may or may not give that amount, but we want a number.” Asking for a specific gift is a kindness because it lets your donor know what level of support they should consider.

Think About This: Ask yourself how you would like to be asked and apply those standards to your fundraising. Share the problem, your solution, the supporting data, and a specific gift amount.

Response: Father, please show me how to improve my storytelling with compelling data that will inspire generosity in my ministry partners.

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.

“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet” (Matt. 10:14).

Jesus commissioned the Twelve as the first missionaries to proclaim the message of the Kingdom to the lost sheep of Israel. Their assignment was to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons” (Matt. 10:8). We don’t have the apostolic power to physically raise the dead, but your ministry is changing lives for eternity because the power of the Gospel breaks chains setting people free from their sin. We can learn four important fundraising principles from Jesus’ instructions to his disciples as we identify, cultivate, and solicit donors to partner with us.

Search
How were his disciples supposed to find these generous patrons? Jesus commanded his disciples not to take any money with them for their journey but to seek out “some worthy person” in whatever town or village they entered. They were learning to trust God to meet their every need. God provides through his people because “the worker is worth his keep” (Matt. 10:10). Jesus told them not to go to the Gentiles or to the Samaritans. As you search for major donors, focus first on people of faith whose worldview aligns with yours.

Stay
When the disciples found a worthy person, they were to stay in their house until they left the town (see Matt. 10:11). Some fundraisers apply this literally and stay with their major donors. When your donor offers hospitality, it’s a wonderful relationship-building opportunity. The fundraising principle is this: the best way to cultivate major donors is face to face in their homes. It takes time to build trust and develop lasting friendships.

Share
The disciples preached the redemption message to everyone who would listen. As they entered their host’s home, they shared a greeting and peace (see Matt. 10:11-12). Jesus had taught them many things, so they had many lessons to share and many stories of the wonderful works he had done. “Freely as you have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8). You have many transformational stories to share with your prospective donors. Tell them of the all the wonderful things God is doing in the lives of those you are serving.

Shake
If someone wouldn’t welcome a disciple or listen to their words, Jesus instructed them to “leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet” (Matt. 10:14). We hate to give up on a donor, but if they haven’t responded after you’ve made repeated efforts to share your story, perhaps it’s time to move them to the inactive file and focus on those who are interested. It’s not your job to convince someone to give to your ministry, it’s only your job to share the message and ask for a gift. The Holy Spirit will prompt those he wants to supply your needs.

Think About This: Jesus sent out his disciples with nothing, but he provided everything they needed through people he had prepared to receive their message. God will provide everything your ministry needs to accomplish his purposes.

Response: Lord, please give me faith to trust you for donors who will meet our 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.

“I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem” (Nehemiah 2:11-12).

Nehemiah was on a mission from God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He asked King Artaxerxes for help and the king miraculously gave him time off, safe passage, and timber to make beams for the gates. He even sent along army officers and cavalry (see Neh. 2:7-9). Nehemiah could have marched into Jerusalem with pomp and circumstance, instead, he arrived unassumingly. We can learn much from Nehemiah about communicating vision and creating buy-in.

Listen
Leaders have many voices vying for their attention especially when it comes to fundraising. Everybody has an agenda and wants to fund their pet project. It’s easy for leaders to become people-pleasers and attempt to make everyone happy, but the most important voice to hear is God’s. Nehemiah was keenly aware of what God called him to do and he wasn’t going to let anything, or anyone stand in his way. What is God telling you to accomplish for his glory?

Learn
After three days in Jerusalem, Nehemiah decided to inspect the walls for himself. He didn’t tell “the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work” (Neh. 2:16). Instead, he took a few confidants on a night vision tour around the wall. Nehemiah was careful not to raise expectations before he had a clear understanding of what needed to be accomplished. Don’t cast a vision before you have a solid plan to carry it out.

Lead
When Nehemiah finished his due diligence, he preached a three-point sermon: (1) We have a serious problem, (2) God has already provided our answer, (3) Now is our time to respond (see Neh. 2:17). Share this same appeal with your donors—the problem, your solution, God’s provision, and a call to action. Perhaps Nehemiah sounded something like William Wallace’s rousing speech in Braveheart, “they’ll never take our freedom!” His pep talk worked because all the people replied, “Let’s start rebuilding” (Neh. 2:18).

Look Out
When you take a stand for the Lord, your enemies will spring into action. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were quick to mock and ridicule Nehemiah and the people. As an anonymous WWII bomber pilot said, “The flak only gets heavy when you’re over the target.” Nehemiah didn’t let criticism paralyze him. “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it” (Neh. 2:20).

Think About This: Creating buy-in is ultimately about influencing others, not making demands on them. Nehemiah invited the people to join him in the work, “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace” (Neh. 2:17). Don’t demand a gift from your donors, invite them to partner with you in the great work God has called you to accomplish.

Response: Lord, help me listen to your voice so I can inspire our donors to accomplish the tasks you’ve marked out for us (see Heb. 12:1).

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.

Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” ¹¹ So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep” (1 Samuel 16:10-11).

King Saul disqualified himself, so the Lord sent Samuel to Bethlehem to select the next king. Jesse’s seven sons passed by Samuel, but the Lord rejected each one. At the end of the parade, Samuel asked if there was another. David was taking care of the sheep, so Jesse quickly summoned him. When David arrived, Samuel immediately anointed him as the next king of Israel.

Identifying major donors can take a similar path. We look for external indications of wealth—what they do for a living, where they live, what they drive, etc. However, these clues don’t uncover a donor’s heart. Samuel was impressed with Jesse’s good looking sons, but the Lord warned him, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). What qualities should you identify in a major donor?

Heart
God gave David an amazing descriptor, “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do” (Acts 13:22). Listen carefully to your major donors to discover their passion. Some might have great resources, but they might also have a high appetite for the pleasures of the world. Look for people interested in doing what God wants them to do.

Servant
David was not ashamed to get his hands dirty. Thomas Stanley’s book, The Millionaire Next Door identifies seven common traits of those who accumulate wealth. Most millionaires aren’t flashy but tend to be business owners who work hard, save money, and live middle-class lifestyles like you and me. When searching for your next major donor, look for the guy who has owned your local hardware store for the last 50 years.

Hand
Major donors are skilled at what they do. “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them” (Psa. 78:72). Unbelievers are certainly successful. True success is a gift from the Lord and is connected to generosity. “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to” (Deut. 15:10).

Spirit
“From that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David” (1 Sam. 16:13). David had an impressive resume, “He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” (1 Sam. 16:18). David’s dependence upon the Spirit set him apart from all the others.

Think About This: David was Israel’s largest major donor. Solomon built the Temple, but David gave generously from his own resources and rallied the Israelites to join him (see 1 Chron. 29:2-9).

Response: Lord, help me look at the hearts of my potential major donors, not their appearance.

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.