“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” I Corinthians 3:6
Paul recognized that the church is not built upon the efforts of only one person, but the contributions from many and the blessing of God. Paul was the evangelist that shared the Gospel calling people to repentance. Apollos was a teacher who grounded new believers in the Word. God used them and many others to build his church.
Likewise, fundraising is a team effort. Your president sets the pace by casting vision and inviting your key major donors to partner with you. Your board members have incredible influence representing your ministry to your community and constituency. Your marketing team crafts your message and keeps your website looking sharp. Your staff manages the database, appeals, receipting and donor communications. And you have the joy of identifying, cultivating and soliciting major donors. Everyone plays a critical role in creating a culture of philanthropy.
When I served as Vice President for Advancement many times while visiting donors, a sweet little lady would show me an engraved bible that the former president had given her. Every time that happened, I said to myself, “Thanks Gordon.” He planted the seed that I had the privilege of harvesting. What seed can you plant or water today in your donors’ hearts that will yield fruit long after you’re gone?
God bless,
Ron
