Is there a limit to how often a development officer can ask a supporter to give? The answer is a loose translation of James 4, “we have not because we ask not.” You’ll never raise the resources necessary to support your ministry if you don’t ask people directly. But how do you know when it’s too much or too often. “People give to people for people.” Invest in knowing your donors, particularly those of high capacity, so you can invite them to partner with your organization when and how they prefer.
Watch Pat’s helpful webinar here!
https://youtu.be/YAWGNcs5VEU“Angel, must I give again, I ask in dismay.
And must I keep giving and giving and giving it away?
Oh no, said the angel, his glance pierced me through.
Just keep giving ‘til the Lord stops giving to you.”
– Jerald Panas
Let your conversation be always full of grace,
seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:6
People of wealth want to know Why. Why should they give their money to you at this time for this project? When raising money for your cause, understand that the donor is asking four Why questions. Why me? Why us? Why this? Why now? As a fundraiser, your responsibility is to graciously present your cause in an attractive way, that answers these questions helping the donor understand your ministry’s role in the mission of God in the world.
Why me?
Of the 7.9 billion people in the world, or the 331 million in the United States, why are you asking this person to make a gift to your cause? The answer to the question varies from donor to donor. Usually the answer lies in an affinity with the mission and vision of your ministry. Other times there is a historical reason. Sometimes it is a practical reason. And often it is simply the relationship that you have cultivated well over time. Whatever the reason, answering this question for the potential donor is paramount to receiving the gift.
Why us?
The impact of your mission in God’s world is important. What is the eternal impact of your mission, vision, and strategic direction? How is the face of heaven changing because of your work and service? Why should the donor choose to support your ministry? What is unique about your ministry and how are you making a difference in this world and the next? Both the temporal and eternal dimensions of your ministry are important in answering this why.
Why this?
Answering how the project you are presenting is a part of what God is doing in the world is crucial to the donor deciding if they will become involved. Does your vision, mission, values, and strategic direction further the work of His kingdom? When the project becomes a reality, would the vision and values of the eternal be infused in society? If this project would not happen, what would be missing in the world? The anticipated outcomes of your project, both temporal and eternal, are central to the donor making a decision to make a gift.
Why now?
Urgency communicates importance. Timing is often one of the most significant factors in a successful project. When a donor hears an urgency, they are motivated to make a gift.
Jules Glanzer served as a pastor and church planter for 25 years, a seminary dean at George Fox University, and the college president at Tabor College. While at Tabor, God used his efforts to raise more than $53 million with no gift over $2 million. Jules serves as an adjunct professor, mentor, senior consultant with the Timothy Group, and recently authored Money. Money. Money. Actions for Effective Fundraising.
Cultivating friendships with ministry partners is vital, but fundraising is more than friendship. The friend at midnight had an urgent need and turned to his friend for help. His friend was reluctant, but our friend kept asking until he got results, “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).
Likewise, you need to ask your friends to participate in your ministry. They might not give because of your friendship but they are more likely to give if you boldly ask.
Watch Pat’s helpful webinar to move your friendships to fundraising by your persistent asking.
Teams play for 60 minutes, but the last 2 minutes seem to more important. Shouldn’t they be just as focused for the other 58 minutes? We focus on our year end strategy, but what about the rest of the year?
Watch Pat for your fundraising pep talk in “2:00 Minute Warning”
https://youtu.be/MAtfGNQxRm4The last few days of December are here. It’s not too late to reach out to your key ministry partners and ask for a year-end gift! What last minute things can you do to encourage your donors to give?
Watch Pat McLaughlin as he makes his list and checks it twice in “Twelve Days of December”
https://youtu.be/5L6RLCkrIbEYour 2021 fundraising marathon is almost over. There are many strategies you could implement in these last few weeks but what are the best strategies that will make the greatest impact? Just like a long-distance runner, you need to end with a finishing kick!
Here are some tools talked about in the Webinar!
Sprint to the Finish! (PDF)
Slides from the Webinar (PDF)
Watch Dr. Jules Glanzer and Ron Haas as they talk about “Sprint to the Finish! Ending Your Year-End with a Kick!”
https://youtu.be/zaEKJNmWe4UDo you get tongue-tied when talking with major donors? Pat’s been having major donor conversations for years and has several tips on what to say and how to say it.
Here are some tools talked about in the Webinar!
DCPI Leadership Proposal (PDF)
DCPI Ask Sheet (PDF)
Successful Major Donor Conversations (PDF)
Watch Pat McLaughlin as he talks about “Major Donor Conversation Starters and Closes”
https://youtu.be/W44XKG8wuiAJonathan Helder joins Timothy Group as our newest consultant. Jon is a numbers guy who understands fundraising metrics. You need a detailed analysis to make an actionable plan to improve your fundraising efforts. Luckily, you can achieve a thorough analysis with key data points from either your CRM or accounting software. Watch this lively conversation with Ron and Jon about this important topic!
Here are some tools talked about in the Webinar!
Turning Data into Donors 8.25 (PowerPoint Presentation)
Timothy Group Fundraising Metrics Tool (Excel Sheets)
Watch Ron Haas and Jonathan Helder as they talk about “Turning Data into Donors”
https://youtu.be/OfwthvVKFbs
