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Communication, Fundraising Verse of the Week

Cultivating Bumper Crops

by Ron Haas
September 17, 2020

“Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds’” (John 12:23-24).

Seeds are miraculous. Farmers and gardeners know that it requires the proper soil, water, temperature, and light conditions for seeds to germinate. In simple terms the seed must die to reproduce. In this verse, Jesus used seeds to picture his death and resurrection. Because of Christ’s death—the one seed—“many will be made righteous” (Rom. 5:19). Jesus invites believers to follow in his steps. “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25). God calls us to work in his harvest field, but first we must die to ourselves.

Sowing and Reaping. The dying seed principle applies directly to generous giving. The money we give becomes dead to us in the sense that we give up our control. God takes our seed and works a miracle to produce a harvest of righteousness in others. The sowing and reaping principle means that you reap in proportion to what you sow. If you sow with caution, you will reap a poor harvest. If you sow with abundance, you will reap a bumper crop. This truth should compel us to give as much as we possibly can—and then give more!

Multiplication Factor. Communicate your needs to your donors by emphasizing the eternal results their gift will produce as they partner with you. Help them understand how your ministry will multiply their gift in the lives of the people you serve directly, and how the chain reaction of one changed life will impact many others. The students you educate today will be leaders tomorrow. The homeless person you feed, clothe, shelter, and retrain now will become a productive community member in the future.

Eternal Impact. Often colleges and universities conduct an economic impact study demonstrating their value to the community. Frame your appeals with an “eternal impact” perspective proving your value to your constituency. Donors want to know that your ministry is a good investment that will produce a spiritual return on their gift. Tell your “many seeds” stories to encourage your donors to plant their single seed.

 

Have a Spirit-led fundraising 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.

Donor Relations, Fundraising, Fundraising Verse of the Week

The 4 Little Foxes Of Donor Relationships

by Ron Haas
July 5, 2020

“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom” Song of Songs 2:15.

It’s the little things that drive wedges between you and your donors. The Bridegroom warned his Bride to catch the little foxes that would spoil their vine. In a marriage, the little differences that drew you and your spouse together can become huge annoyances if you neglect to apply love in liberal doses.

Your donor relationships are susceptible to these four little foxes:

Poor Communication.

Lack of communication is at the heart of every failed donor relationship. The problem really is lack of listening. Stephen Covey said, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Listen to your donor more than you speak. You will learn something important about their heart.

Unmet Expectations.

Donors believe that you will use their gift for what you say you will. Unfortunately, when budgets get tight ministry leaders are often tempted to find ways to apply designated gifts to undesignated budget items. These gymnastics may cover short-term needs but will often create long-term donor problems.

Lack of Empathy.

We focus on our program and our financial needs so much that sometimes we forget to show love and compassion. A donor shared the sad story that his employee had just embezzled $150,000. Wisely, the donor representative, who was prepared to ask for $150,000 gift, kept his proposal in his folder for another day and focused on encouraging the donor in his loss.

Taking Donors for Granted.

If every conversation you have with your donors is to ask for money, you will quickly burn your relationships. Don’t treat your donors like ATM machines; just push a few buttons and out pops money. Donors know when you only appreciate them for what they have and what they can give, instead of who they are.

The best way to keep these little foxes in check is with two little words: time and love. Spend time with your donors and genuinely love them. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

Have a Spirit-led fundraising week!

Ron Haas, Vice President of The Timothy Group, has also 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.

Donor Relations, Fundraising, Major Donors

Low Pressure vs. Passive Donor Communications

by Kent Vanderwood
June 2, 2020

As non-profit leaders, we all know the importance of good, ongoing communication with our supporters and friends. Communication of our message in a meaningful way is an essential part of the fundraising formula. It is important that we keep our vision out front. During this challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic, how and when we communicate to our donors is more than just important. It is critical.

Sensitivity & Scale

Most of the non-profit ministries we work with have scaled back their communication in some way. Since we are not doing face to face donor meetings, we have turned to other means – phone, mail, email, and even virtual meetings like Zoom or Go-to-Meeting. Some would ask, does this require that we also change the message? The urgency? The frequency? Most ministries have realized the need to be sensitive to donors during this time. Many have lost money or investments and are not as prepared to make gift decisions. Some have been directly impacted by COVID in their family. Others are fearful or worried about the future.

Care Over Solicitation

 At TTG, we have discussed the need to pivot from making direct “solicitation” calls to “care” calls or thank-you calls. Sharing what is going on at your ministry in a low-pressure manner is a good practice as we move through these uncertain times and look forward to a season of recovery. People need to know you are still there.

Low Pressure vs. Passivity

But we should not be passive in our approach. Being passive means that you do not take action, but instead let things happen to you. Passive activity involves watching, looking at or listening to things without taking action; being inactive. This is not how we want to communicate with our donors. Being low pressure in your approach does not mean you are being passive. It simply means you are adjusting your approach to the current situation. 

One of our school clients described how they are calling their regular donors and saying, “We are still here. God is faithful. Even though we are closed to students, we still have operational needs.” No direct ask was made, but they shared the need in a low pressure way. Many would respond, “How can we help?” This school saw increased giving over a year ago and met their annual fund goal in the midst of COVID-19. God is faithful.

Another client, a rescue mission, reported that as they increased their focus on thank you calls, they saw a parallel increase in the number of unsolicited donations to the ministry; this included some very large gifts that were unexpected. What if they would have been passive and didn’t reach out to these donors?

Donors who love your ministry will stay faithful if you communicate in a sensitive and loving manner. Being low pressure in your approach is fine. If they can’t give today, they will when they are more able.  

Recommended complimentary reading: “Ask For A Fish”. Order here.

Article submitted by Kent Vanderwood, Vice President for The Timothy Group. Kent currently resides as a board member for the West Michigan chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Through his work as Development Director for The Potter’s House, Gospel Communications International, and Mel Trotter Ministries, Kent brings a wealth of experience in fundraising and development. His passion for seeing Christian stewardship principles applied in a systematic way helps the non-profit organization or ministry be successful in fulfilling its mission.

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