“I have called you by name” (Isaiah 43:1)
The Creator of the universe knows each of us personally by name. This divine principle has profound implications for fundraising. When we follow God’s example by truly knowing and using people’s names, we’re doing more than just being polite, we’re reflecting God’s heart for personal relationship. We’re acknowledging that each donor is a unique individual with their own story, passions, and reasons for giving.
People Give to People
People don’t give money to causes; they give money to people they trust who happen to represent causes they care about. Treating someone anonymously says, “you’re just a number.” God doesn’t see us as nameless faces in the crowd but knows us individually, so we shouldn’t view our supporters as anonymous check-writers. There’s something deeply personal and powerful about being known, being seen, and being called by your actual name.
Be Specific
When you see your ministry partners at events, instead of generic greetings, try “Maria, thank you for being here tonight.” During phone calls, weave their name naturally throughout your conversation: “John, I remember you mentioning your concern about evangelism and discipleship.” Compare “Thanks to all our donors!” with “Shoutout to Sarah, Mike, and Jennifer for making yesterday’s alumni event possible!” One feels corporate; the other feels like a genuine celebration of real people.
Say Thank You
During donor meetings, use their name when highlighting specific points: “That’s exactly why I thought of you, David, when this opportunity came up.” In thank-you calls, connect their specific gift to outcomes: “Maria, your $500 helped us serve thirty families last month. It’s not manipulation. It’s recognition. It’s saying, “You matter to me more than your checkbook.” Just be careful not to overdo it like direct mail pieces that stuff your name into every other sentence. That feels manipulative and insincere.
Make Connections
Easter morning is perhaps the most incredible example of a name’s power. Mary Magdalene was distraught when she discovered Jesus’s tomb was empty. Two angels appeared asking why she was weeping. Through her tears, she said, “Someone has taken my Lord away, and I have no idea where they put him” (John 20:13).
She turned around and noticed a man nearby. Thinking he was just the gardener, she asked if he knew where they’d moved the body. Jesus could have preached a sermon about the resurrection, offered gentle comfort, or explained the theological significance of what had happened. Instead? He spoke just one word: “Mary.”
That’s all. Simply her name. But something about how he said it, with such familiar love and recognition made her immediately realize who it was. A single word, her own name spoken with intention, transformed her deepest despair into overwhelming joy. The worst day of her life became the most extraordinary moment she’d ever experienced.
Think About This: Dale Carnegie said, “A person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.” Donors who feel personally known don’t just give once, they become invested partners in your mission because they experience the same thing Mary experienced at the tomb: the life-changing power of being truly seen and called by name.
Response: Father, thank You for remembering my name. Help me remember the names of our faithful ministry partners.
