president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.
The Philippian believers faithfully supported Paul from his early days in ministry on his mission to share the gospel with the Gentiles. He appreciated their partnership, “it was good of you to share in my troubles” (Phil. 4:15). In fact, they were the only church who supported him (see Phil. 4:15). More than once they sent him gifts to meet his needs. For some reason, their support lapsed but finally they were able to give again. Paul wrote the Philippians to thank them for renewing their concern for him. How can you re-engage donors who’ve stopped giving?
LYBUNTS and SYBUNTS
LYBUNT (pronounced “lie-bunt”) are donors who gave Last Year But Unfortunately Not This. SYBUNT (pronounced “sigh-bunt”) refers to donors who have given Some Year But Unfortunately Not This. Call your lapsed donors and love on them, “We’ve noticed you haven’t given in a while. If you don’t mind, could you let us know why? Your feedback can help us better serve donors like you in the future.”
No Opportunity
When donors lapse, we immediately assume they’ve lost interest in our ministry. Perhaps that’s true, but in this situation the Philippians wanted to give but had no opportunity. We tend to look at lapsed donor reports without considering why our donors have stopped giving. Perhaps they are struggling with their health, experienced a financial downturn, or simply overlooked your appeal.
Opportunity
How did Paul know the Philippians were concerned, but couldn’t give? He prayed for them regularly, perhaps he heard news from the brothers and sisters traveling to and from Philippi. When your donors don’t hear from you, they forget you. It boils down to a communication problem—out of sight out of mind. Lapsed donors present you with an opportunity to reconnect.
Unsubscribers
You can be notified when someone on your email list unsubscribes. It’s a good indication that a donor may be losing interest. How do you respond? One ministry emails their unsubscribed donors asking if anything is wrong. It seems a little big brotherish, but you may rewin a friend. Here’s how one person responded, “To be honest (I regret to admit this, ha) I was mindlessly just cleaning up some email when your message came through, so I promise it was not an overly intentional unsubscribe on my part.”
Renewing Lapsed donors
When you’ve tried to reach a lapsed donor but haven’t connected, write a handwritten note thanking them for their contributions and the impact they have made. Express your hope that they will join you in the future and how deeply appreciative you are of everything they’ve given.
Response: Father, forgive me for not making the extra effort to reach out to my lapsed donors. Prompt me to show love and concern for their well-being.
Think About This: People stop giving because they feel distant. Paul wrote, “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.” The Philippian believers weren’t giving to a ministry or a cause, they were giving to a person. How can you become a real, live person to your donors?
Have a Spirit-led week!
Ron
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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.
The church in Jerusalem was suffering under persecution and famine, so Paul organized a relief effort and asked all the churches in Asia to share with their brothers and sisters. The believers in Corinth were quick to give and promised more. Paul told of the Corinthians’ generosity everywhere he went. The Macedonian churches were so motivated by the Corinthians’ gift that they surprised Paul with a generous gift of their own.
Major donors want to partner with your ministry, but they don’t want to feel that they are the only ones. Matching, challenge, and leadership gifts are effective tools to encourage others to give. Sometimes ministries incorrectly use these terms interchangeably and cause donor confusion.
Matching Gifts
Donors often wonder if matching gifts are real, or if the donor will give the entire amount anyway. Major donors often propose to match the total gifts raised within a certain time frame, effectively doubling their gift. The donor typically offers a maximum amount they will match. One major donor frames his gift this way, “I’m happy to send you $50k this year. Just tell me what projects you want me to designate and whether you want me to make my contribution contingent upon a match.”
Challenge Gifts
A matching gift is conditional upon the gifts of others; gifts can be matched until the goal is reached. Challenge gifts are given when the entire challenge is met—it’s an all or nothing scenario. One foundation only gives challenges gifts and gives the ministry exactly twelve months to achieve the goal or the challenge grant is withdrawn. If a match creates urgency with donors and gift officers, then a challenge grant is a match on steroids.
Leadership Gifts
It’s important to be accurate in your terminology. If the donor plans to give the match/challenge gift regardless of what other donors do, then their match/challenge is illusionary. On the other hand, leadership gifts are given no matter what others do. Major donors give generously to set the pace hoping that others will catch the vision. These key seed gifts are critical to your capital campaign success. When someone shows courage to lead; others follow.
Follow Through
Meanwhile, back in Corinth, the church was slow to follow through with their promised gift, so Paul penned 2 Corinthians to spur them into action and sent the brothers to collect (2 Corinthians 8:16-24). The Corinthians didn’t give their gift to prompt others, but Paul spoke of it everywhere he went and generated enthusiasm and generosity. Some major donors see match/challenge gifts as manipulative and refuse to participate; others only give this way. These strategies can motivate your major donors to inspire generosity in others.
Response: Lord, give me wisdom to know if I should present a match, challenge, or leadership gift opportunity to my major donors to encourage others to give.
Think About This: Encouraging others to give is a two-way street. Both large and small donors can encourage each other by their generosity.
Have a Spirit-led week!
Ron
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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.
president of advancement of a Bible college, a Christian foundation director, a board member and a fundraising consultant. He’s authored two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.
You don’t typically see an appeal letter pleading with you to help your local attorney. They don’t seem to have the same needs as widows or orphans—but here it is. Paul wrote Titus and the church in Crete to help Zenas the lawyer (and Apollos) who were on a mission from God to accomplish something significant. This passage teaches four important fundraising principles:
1. People Give to What You AskPaul instructed Titus to urge the people to give anything and everything they could to help Zenas and Apollos on their journey; the people responded. Your ministry partners will respond to your specific asks. If you ask for capital needs, they will respond. If you have an urgent budget need, they will respond. Even if you have a debt need, they will respond. Your job is to clearly tell your story, ask for what you need, and allow the Holy Spirit to prompt your donors’ hearts to give generously.
2. People Give to PeopleApollos was a dynamic preacher who was Paul’s co-laborer and friend (Acts 18:24). Zenas was probably a Jewish scholar who had converted to Christianity. Paul had recruited them to help him in an urgent matter. Paul didn’t ask the church to give to a fund; he asked them to give to people. You are not asking your ministry partners to give to a building; you’re asking them to give to the people who serve other people inside and outside the building.
3. People Give to Urgent Needs.There is nothing like a sense of urgency to motivate donors to part with their hard-earned cash. Urgency is why people give so generously when a natural disaster occurs. Help your donors understand the consequences of not giving. What key ministry opportunities will be lost if your project isn’t funded right now? Use words like “today” and “now” to covey urgency. Let them know the immediate impact their gift will make.
4. People Must Learn Generosity.We are all called to give, but some have the spiritual gift of giving and are divinely wired to give. All of us need to learn how to lay up treasures in heaven and “take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19). Paul charged Titus to teach his people how to give by giving them a tangible project. Generosity, like every other spiritual discipline, requires intentionality and simple obedience.
Response: Father, teach me how to be generous. Show me how I can teach others to be generous. Give me boldness to ask them for everything we need.
Think About This: Generous giving produces at least two outcomes: 1) it meets urgent needs, and 2) it provides an opportunity for the giver to grow in the grace of giving. Paul plainly states that those who don’t learn generosity will lead unproductive lives. You have an urgent need to ask and receive, and your ministry partners have an urgent need to give.
Have a Spirit-led week!
Ron
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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.
For 40 days and 40 nights, God brought judgment on the earth. Rain poured down from heaven and the waters of the deep were released. When it stopped, Noah opened the window he had built and dispatched a raven for an aerial reconnaissance mission. The raven flew back and forth across the waters and never returned. Then Noah sent out a dove to see if the waters had gone down; it could find no place to perch so it returned. Seven days later, Noah again released the dove to see if the water had receded. This time the dove brought back an olive leaf in its beak—a small symbol of hope. This amazing account can teach us four truths about the major donor doves who support your work.
Donor Doves Test Your Assumptions.How do you know when to move forward with your strategic plan? What indicators do you look for? One important strategy is listening to your key major donors. These people know and love your ministry and your constituency. They listen to the Spirit and they listen to those who are impacted by your ministry. Their feedback about the timing and circumstances for stepping out of the boat is invaluable.
Donor Doves Are Loyal.Some donors and even board members act like the raven Noah released. He got out as quick as he could and never came back. When you’re ready to launch a capital campaign, you will discover who your friends really are. Some leave because they know your new initiative will cost them time and money. “They left us, but they were never really with us. If they had been, they would have stuck it out with us, loyal to the end” (1 John 2:9, MSG).
Donor Doves are Honest.Be wary of “yes men” who rubber stamp your every idea. Winston Churchill declared, “If two people agree on everything, one of them is unnecessary.” Gather people around you who will speak truth into your situation. The dove returned with nothing. Honest feasibility studies are a gift. If you don’t have the financial support for your idea, it’s critical that you know before you start a campaign so you can correct your deficiencies.
Donor Doves Give Hope.The second time Noah released the dove, it returned with a fresh olive leaf in its beak. Imagine the joy and hope Noah and his family felt after spending 150 days in the ark! Donor doves give you a little ray of hope when you face the future. Maybe they give seed money to underwrite your feasibility study or pay for your initial architectural drawings. Their early support can give you confidence to move forward.
Response: Father, I praise you for those key donors to our ministry that come alongside and give us hope when we need it.
Think About This: The presence of Holy Spirit is depicted as a dove (Matthew 3:16). Find donors who will encourage you to listen to the Spirit’s voice about the right next step for your ministry.
Have a Spirit-led week!
Ron
If this devotional encouraged you, please forward it to a friend!
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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.
David banished his son Absalom from Jerusalem for killing his stepbrother Amnon who had raped his sister Tamar. Three years passed. Joab, David’s general, knew David wanted to reconcile but couldn’t bring himself to welcome Absalom home. So, Joab sent a wise woman to David who made up a story about her two sons who got into a fight. One son killed the other and her whole family was demanding that the living son be stoned. She pleaded with David for mercy. When he granted her request, she turned the story to David’s broken relationship with Absalom and urged David to forgive him. This incredible verse can guide you in repairing broken donor relationships.
Like water spilled on the ground…We live in a broken world with broken people. There’s lots of banishing going on everywhere. Think of struggles in your own family. It’s no surprise when donors get offended and stop giving because of something you did or did not do. Sometimes it’s a simple misunderstanding that can be easily resolved. Sometimes the rift is severe. This verse paints a vivid picture; you can’t reclaim water that’s been spilled on the ground.
So we must die…Pride, anger, jealousy, greed, and many other sins sever relationships. Perhaps you’ve tried to reconcile, but your relationship is on life support. To quote Miracle Max from Princess Bride, “Mostly dead is slightly alive. With all dead, well, with all dead there’s usually only one thing you can do… Go through his clothes and look for loose change.” As long as your donor is still breathing, there’s hope for reconciliation.
But this is not what God desires…God loved us while we were still sinners and sent Jesus to reconcile us to himself through his death on the cross. God has given us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). God desires to revive your donor relationships, but we live in a world where, “A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel” (Proverbs 18:19).
Rather, he devises ways…This beautiful promise gives us hope. You may have tried everything you can think of to heal your relationships, but nothing has worked. But God devises ways. He can turn hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. He applies the balm of Gilead on wounded souls (see Jeremiah 8:22). God can change your donor’s heart—and he can change yours.
So that the banished are no longer banished.Commit your broken donor relationships into God’s hands and ask for a miracle. Even when you can’t see it, he’s working. He never stops working! Watching God restore friendships is a gratifying experience. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm133:1).
Response: Lord, please heal my fractured donor relationships. Please forgive me and devise ways to bring reconciliation.
Think About This: Joab’s wise woman courageously confronted David and encouraged him to reconcile. Is God prompting you to reconcile with a major donor?
Have a Spirit-led week!
Ron
If this devotional encouraged you, please forward it to a friend!
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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.
Perhaps you’ve seen this funny poster, “Everyone brings joy to this office. Some when they enter. Some when they leave.” Major donor work involves face to face visits in people’s homes or offices. We all bring joy to our donors, but is it when we arrive or leave? Are they glad to welcome you, or do they hide behind the curtains hoping you will think they’re not home? What can you do to make sure you bring joy to your donors? This simple verse shares four key insights.
I have put my hope in your word.No matter what your mission statement is, the reason your ministry exists is to be the hands and feet of Jesus. You are not just providing a quality education; you are instilling principles from God’s word. You are not just feeding the hungry, you are hoping your guests will respond to God’s kindness. You are not just caring for physical needs; you are caring for souls. Your ministry partners love you because you have put your hope in the Word and are attempting to do what it says.
May those who fear youYour commitment to the Bible limits your potential donor pool. Some secular donors may appreciate the temporal work you do even though they don’t resonate with your eternal work. Should you take money from those who don’t align with your faith? Salvation Army founder William Booth is often quoted as saying, “the problem with tainted money is there t’aint enough.” Yet, recent scandals from high profile donors are prompting some nonprofit organizations to have difficult conversations.
RejoiceGenerosity stirs emotions of the giver and the receiver. “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). You think you’re excited to receive a large gift, but your donors are even more excited to give it. The Macedonians gave a sacrificial gift to Paul so he could share with the poor believers suffering in Jerusalem. Paul was amazed at their generosity, “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2).
When they see meFace to face fundraising is the gold standard strategy for connecting with your ministry partners. Many ministry leaders find it very difficult to visit with their donors. A very successful grandparent was identified in a feasibility study. He loved his grandchildren and had given, but the school’s development director had never visited him. The director even said, “If you lined him up in a crowd, I couldn’t identify him.” Unfortunately, the donor had no idea what the development director looked like either.
Response: Father, forgive me for not spending quality time with my key donors. Help me make personal visits a primary strategy for engaging our donors.
Think About This: Follow Paul’s example, “And they praised God because of me” (Galatians 1:24). In your desire to visit your donors, don’t overstay your welcome. A pastor had a reputation for making long hospital calls. He thought spending enormous amounts of time showed how much he cared, but he didn’t understand the law of diminishing returns.
Have a Spirit-led week!
Ron
If this devotional encouraged you, please forward it to a friend!
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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.
How do you approach fundraising? Some trust their education, years of experience, great strategies, or even their winning personality. All these rely on human efforts. Fundraising is spiritual work that requires spiritual tools. 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). If your fundraising work implements the latest, greatest strategies and tactics you might succeed from a world perspective but will accomplish nothing for eternity. Instead, yield your plans to the Lord and seek his guidance for your every move.
Notice how Jeremiah describes fruitfulness:
Planted by the WaterAs a ministry leader, you must pursue a growing relationship with the Lord. Don’t go through spiritual motions; ground yourself in the word. It’s too easy to get caught up with the tasks you believe God wants you to do and neglect who God wants you to be. Are you closer to the Lord today than when you first started fundraising?
No Fear When Heat ComesFundraising is the ministry front line. Have you faced the heat yet? Heat comes from many sources: antagonism from those who oppose your mission, disgruntled constituents who question a decision, board members or staff with different agendas, or miscommunication among your team members. You won’t have all the answers but seek to resolve issues with humble confidence.
Leaves are Always GreenWhen your root system is firmly connected with the living water, you will always have a fresh perspective of your situation. Much of fundraising relies on optimism. Joy and confidence from the Lord can overflow to your donors and staff.
No Worries in a Year of DroughtPerhaps you are experiencing a fundraising drought. Don’t worry. “The pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (Matthew 6:32). Work as hard as you can and pray that God will open “the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:10).
Never Fails to Bear FruitSure, we all want the fruit of more donors and dollars than last year, but what about the spiritual fruit you bore in the lives of your donors? How did you challenge them grow in the grace of giving? How did you encourage them to lay up treasures in heaven? Seek fruit that will last.
Response: Father, forgive me for trying to bear fundraising fruit in my own strength. Prompt me to invest more time in prayer to implement the right strategies that yield eternal fruit.
Think About This: When you face a God-sized goal, be sure to reflect all the glory to him when he enables you to achieve it! “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8).
Have a Spirit-led week!
Ron
If this devotional encouraged you, please forward it to a friend!
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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.
Nebuchadnezzar was knocking on Jerusalem’s door. Jeremiah warned that those who stayed in the city would die; those who escaped would live. Even though he was speaking God’s truth, the city officials accused him of discouraging everyone, “This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin” (Jeremiah 38:4). The officials complained to King Zedekiah, so he turned Jeremiah over to them and they threw him into a cistern. Imagine how desperate Jeremiah felt as he sank into the mud. We can learn five lessons from his dire situation.
When You’re Stuck in the Mud…Do you feel like Jeremiah? He spoke truth, but no one wanted to listen. Perhaps your ministry has taken an unpopular stand. Maybe the media has caught wind of the story and amplified the situation. No matter how much you try to explain your side of the story, public opinion says, “you are not seeking good, but ruin.” Consequently, you’re stuck with few options.
You Need a Friend…Thankfully, Jeremiah had a friend who cared. Ebed-Melek was also a city official, but he was convinced that Jeremiah was speaking the truth. He pleaded to King Zedekiah, “he will starve to death” (Jeremiah 38:9). You need people to speak on your behalf when you don’t have a voice. Stand your ground. Be faithful to your mission. Your donors will notice and respond.
To Recruit His Friends…King Zed gave Ebed-Melek permission to round up thirty-one friends and rescue Jeremiah. Here’s an interesting fundraising application. You might be so deep in the mud that just one donor can’t solve your problem. Fundraising is a team sport. Motivated donors ask their friends to partner with them on projects close to their hearts.
To Pull You Out…Ebed-Melek and his friends grabbed some ropes and old rags, went to the cistern, and pulled Jeremiah up out of the mud. As Chase and Michelle raised missionary support, they challenged individuals to “hold the rope as we go over the cliff!” You need some key donors on the other end of the rope pulling for you.
And Restore Your Voice.Jeremiah’s cistern experience didn’t silence him. Interestingly, the first person to seek his counsel was King Zedekiah himself. Jeremiah was skeptical that the king would listen, but he spoke truth anyway. If the king obeyed God, things would go well for him; if he disobeyed, he would be the one sinking in mud. (Jeremiah 38:20-23). Learn from Jeremiah’s courage. Always speak God’s truth—no matter the cost.
Response: Father, I’m discouraged about our current situation. Please give me courage to speak truth and faith to trust your plan. Please prompt some generous donors to throw us a rope!
Think About This: When the Babylonians breeched the wall, they seized the city officials who had thrown Jeremiah in the cistern, but God enabled Ebed-Melek to escape (Jeremiah 39:18). You never forget those who helped you when you were down. Neither does God (Hebrews 6:10)!
Have a Spirit-led week!
Ron
If this devotional encouraged you, please forward it to a friend!
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 two books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising and Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for At the Center magazine and Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.
