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A person’s hand giving a thumbs-down gesture in front of a dark chalkboard background with large white text that reads “When Your Donor Says No” and a smaller Bible reference “Luke 14:16–18.”
Fundraising Verse of the Week

When Your Donor Says No

by Ron Haas
October 6, 2025

Jesus replied: A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, “Come, for everything is now ready.” But they all alike began to make excuses (Luke 14:16-18).

Stanley Weinstein opined, “Successful fundraising is the right person asking the right prospect for the right amount for the right project at the right time in the right way.” When donors reject your invitation to partner with you, something is off in the fundraising equation. You need to discover the underlying reasons. Consider these giving variables:

Wrong Asker
The number one reason people give is because of who asks. Assign the right person to solicit your prospect. Choose someone your prospect is comfortable with and will have the greatest likelihood for success. Be humble and realize that you might not be the best choice.

Wrong Prospect
Some nonprofit organizations have broad donor appeal because they serve a wide constituency. Ask yourself why would someone consider giving to your ministry? Your prospective donor must have some connection—the closer the better. However, any solicitation is a nonstarter if your mission doesn’t align with your prospective donor’s values.

Wrong Project
Everyone has giving motivations and interests. Some love education. Some have compassion to care for the poor and needy. Some only give to international missions. Donors reject our proposals because we haven’t listened. Gifts grow in size and frequency when you align with your donors’ hearts.

Wrong Time
A donor might support your mission and your specific project, but still not give because of timing issues. Be flexible and offer giving options. Could they give a small gift now to show their support for the project, and give the balance of their pledge later?

Wrong Amount
A large request should never be a surprise. Active listening will help you identify the right gift range. There is no exact science for determining what to ask. What has your donor given in the past? If you are asking for an annual gift, you can ask 2 to 10 times over their previous gift. If you are asking for a capital campaign commitment, you can stretch them 10 to 25 times their annual gift.

Wrong Way
A major donor shared that in the past few years she has been getting phone calls, letters, and personal visits from ministry directors and development staff who literally demand that she give a gift to their organization. They don’t ask, “Would you consider a gift of $50,000?” or “Would you pray about giving a gift of $100,000?” Their actual words are, “You must give a gift of $250,000 to this project.” That’s not biblical boldness; it’s just plain rude.

Think About This: The man in the parable of the banquet wasn’t deterred by those who rejected his invitation. Instead, he instructed his servant to, “Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full” (Luke 14:23). When your prospects say no, keep asking until others say yes!

Response: Father, forgive me for being discouraged when donors reject my ask. Help me discern what went wrong so I can hear a “yes!”

Campfire burning brightly by a lake at sunset with the words “Fired Up Donors” and “2 Timothy 1:6” written on the left side.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Fired Up Donors

by Ron Haas
September 22, 2025

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6).

Starting a fire by rubbing two sticks together takes dry wood, incredible patience, and high pain tolerance. First, gather some small twigs for tinder, some slightly larger sticks for kindling, and some bigger chunks of wood. Rotate a spindle stick between your hands repeatedly on a piece of wood until the friction makes embers at the base of the stick. Once there’s a glowing ember transfer it to your tinder nest. Blow gently on the ember to ignite a flame. Slowly build your fire with kindling then add some fuelwood and marshmallows.

Every believer has a spiritual gift to kindle into a raging fire for the glory of God. The privilege of sharing is one of them, “if it is giving, then give generously” (Rom 12:8). Consider these four ways to spark a fire in your heart so you can ignite generous giving in the hearts of your ministry partners, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7).

Not Timid
Paul admonished Timothy to not fear man but to boldly proclaim the word of God. Fear is a major hindrance to successful fundraising. We worry about how a prospective donor might respond to our proposal. Will they be offended? Will they get angry? Will asking for a gift harm our friendship? Some respond to this fear by talking around a gift instead of clearly asking what you want your donor to consider. Don’t heavenly hint, boldly ask!

Power
The phrase, “do not be afraid” is mentioned 365 times in the Bible. As a fundraiser you should take this promise to heart, “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psa. 118:6). What’s the worst that could happen when you ask for a gift? The donor might refuse. However, a “no” is empowering because it gives you important feedback. Did they say no to the project? the gift amount? or the timing? Discover the underlying reason for their response and address their concerns.

Love
“Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). Where is the love in fundraising? First, your love for the Lord as you seek to serve him. Then, your love for the people your ministry serves. Finally, your love for your ministry partner as you help fan their flame to lay up treasures in heaven and take hold of the life that is truly life (1 Tim. 6:19). Focus on how your donor benefits.

Self-discipline
What does self-discipline have to do with fundraising? Brian Tracy author of No Excuses says, “Your ability to discipline yourself, to set clear goals, and then to work toward them every day, will do more to guarantee your success than any other single factor.”  You need self-discipline to keep asking!

Think About This: Fundraising isn’t manipulating your donor to do something they will regret. Fund Raising School Founding Director Hank Rosso defined fundraising as “the gentle art of teaching people the joy of giving.”

Response: Father, please help me “spur (donors) toward love and good deeds” (Heb. 10:24) so they experience the joy of generosity.

Silhouette of a person kneeling in prayer at sunset by the ocean, with the words 'James 5:16 P.U.S.H. Fundraising' overlaid on the image.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

P.U.S.H. Fundraising

by Ron Haas
September 4, 2025

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

Elijah prayed and it did not rain for three and a half years. Imagine forty-two months without rain—rivers dwindle to a trickle, lakes evaporate, crops fail, livestock die of thirst, and hope slowly fades. Elijah prayed again and “the heaven gave rain and the earth produced its crops” (James 5:18).  It wasn’t a quick “bless the missionaries” prayer. Seven times he prayed and asked his servant to look to the sky for answers. Six times the servant saw nothing, but the seventh time he saw “a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea” (1 Kings 18:44). God opened the windows of heaven because of Elijah’s persistent prayer.

Are you experiencing a budget drought? You need P.U.S.H. Fundraising—Pray Until Something Happens. Often, we stop praying after one or two anemic prayers, but God answers when we persevere. Sure, you pray to meet your budget, but do you pray for the individuals who can help you meet your budget? If you only know your donors by their I.D. numbers, you can only pray in generalities. But if you know your donors intimately, you can pray with understanding. Paul prayed these requests for the Colossian believers (see Col. 1:9-10).

Know God’s will. “We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (v. 9).
Knowing and doing God’s will is top of mind for every believer who wants to wholeheartedly serve the Lord. Your ministry partners need knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to make good stewardship decisions.

Live worthy. “Live a life worthy of the Lord” (v.10).
To walk worthy means our actions match our words. Sincere believers don’t say one thing and do another. Wealth comes with many temptations. Unfortunately, many “have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Tim. 6:10). Pray for your ministry partners to live their faith, not merely profess it.

Please God. “Please him in every way” (v. 10).
In the last days, people will be “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:4). Pray your donors will not be swayed by “the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things” (Mark 4:19). Your donors need wisdom to please the Lord in their money management, especially their giving.

Bear fruit. “Bearing fruit in every good work” (v. 10).
Jesus taught, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Pray your ministry partners will remain in Christ and bear fruit that lasts. Hudson Taylor said, “The Lord’s work done in the Lord’s way will never fail to have the Lord’s provision.” In response Francis Shaefer observed, “The Lord’s work done in human energy is not the Lord’s work any longer. It is something, but it is not the Lord’s work.”

Think About This: If God answered all your prayers, would it change the world and your ministry partners, or just your budget?

Response: Father, please help me pray specifically for our donors to seek your will and bear much fruit through their generosity.

Image of a golden sunset with rays of sunlight streaming through clouds, overlaid with the text Fundraising Angels? Exodus 23:20.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Fundraising Angels?

by Ron Haas
August 28, 2025

“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared” (Exodus 23:20).

As Moses embarked on his journey to the Promised Land, the Lord sent his angel to ensure they arrived safely at their destination. God was very intentional about Israel’s steps forward and he’s also concerned about your next ministry steps. It’s important to have a clear vision, a sound strategic plan, and strong follow through, but how do you know you’re headed in the right direction? God sends his angels to guide you to where he wants you to go.

Send
God’s billions of angels stand ready to serve him (Psa. 103:20). One of their assignments is to serve the redeemed, “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?” (Heb. 1:14). The Lord sent an angel ahead of Israel to keep them on the right path. If his angel guided Israel corporately, you can be assured his angels are actively involved in your mission. He will lead you to the right ministry partners and prepare them to give generously.

Guard
You are in a spiritual battle with many adversaries. Praise the Lord, he didn’t leave you to fend for yourself. His unseen soldiers are protecting you from spiritual attacks. Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den for his obedience, but God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions (Dan. 6:22). God has an eternal purpose for every trial your ministry faces. You might feel surrounded by enemies, but God can silence their voices.

Bring
King Herod threw Peter into prison for preaching the Good News. So, the Lord dispatched an angel to plan a divine jailbreak (see Acts 12). He woke Peter, removed his chains, led him past the guards, and opened the iron gate. The church was fasting and praying but was shocked when Peter showed up at the door. This miraculous rescue emphasizes the important role prayer plays in your success and how angels deliver answered prayers. You must recruit a team of supporters who will faithfully pray for you.

Prepare
God successfully brought Israel to the Promised Land and has an important role for your ministry to fulfill in his kingdom. He has people for you to serve, and donors prepared to partner with you. One of our greatest enemies is discouragement. Elijah experienced burnout from his spiritual battles with the prophets of Baal. He ran away from Jezebel one hundred and fifty miles and fell totally exhausted beneath the broom tree (see 1 Kings 19:1-7). An angel came and ministered to him with food, water, and sleep. Ministry, especially fundraising, can be discouraging. Are you spiritually exhausted? God can strengthen you when you’re too tired to keep going.

Think About This: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Heb. 13:2). Everyone wants a fundraising angel to appear out of nowhere with an incredible gift. Occasionally, God provides miraculous gifts. Love the strangers in your world, one might be an angel.

Response: Lord, thank you for sending your angels to strengthen our team and help us accomplish your goals.

A man in a suit pointing directly at the camera with a serious expression, set against a soft beige background; bold text on the right reads “SAY YOU, NOT ME! 2 Thessalonians 1:11.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Say You, Not Me!

by Ron Haas
August 6, 2025

“We constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith” (2 Thessalonians 1:11).

Thessalonica was a short, but productive stop on Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-8). The unbelieving Jews were so jealous of the gospel’s success, they ran Paul and Silas out of town. Though he left abruptly, he kept thinking about and praying for these friends and sent Timothy back to check on them (1 Thess. 3:1-2). We can learn much about our donor relationships from Paul’s relationship with the Thessalonians.

Donor-Focused
We can hear Paul’s heart for these believers in the language he used. In 2 Thessalonians 1, he emphasized “you” and “your” seventeen times to express his love. He thanked God for them (vs. 3), boasted about their faith (vs. 4), gave them hope in God’s justice (vs. 5-10), and “constantly prayed for them” (vs. 11). Paul’s writing style should prompt us to incorporate more “you” phrases in our writing and conversations. Consider these phrases, “Your help is needed now more than ever,” or “You can fan the flames of revival,” or “We know you want to make a difference,” or “Your gift will last beyond your lifetime.” As you design marketing materials, focus on your donor—not you.

God-Focused
The Thessalonian believers were suffering under great persecution. Twice Paul asked God to make them “worthy of his calling” (vs. 5, 11). What an incredible encouragement it must have been to know that the Apostle Paul was constantly praying for them. Your donors are also experiencing trials of many kinds and you have the privilege of praying for them. Point them to the cross. Pray that God will bring relief and glorify himself (vs. 6, 12).

Donor Success
Paul prayed for God’s favor for his friends. Your donors desire to be good stewards of the resources God has given them. Paul prayed that their every good desire and every deed prompted by faith would become a reality. Know your donors well enough so you can pray effectively for their concerns. Pray for their businesses to thrive, their investments to yield amazing returns, and God’s blessing for a bountiful harvest. As they succeed, they will have more capacity to be generous.

Your Success
When Paul collected money for the poor in Jerusalem, he was reluctant to ask the Thessalonians because they were experiencing extreme persecution and poverty (2 Cor. 8:2). They surprised him and insisted that he receive their gifts so they could join him in serving others (2 Cor. 8:1-4). Generosity is not connected to a person’s net worth, but their heart. Cheerful givers want to make an eternal difference with their gifts (2 Cor. 9:7).

Think About This: Henry Blackaby wrote in Experiencing God, “Find out where God is at work and join him there.” When your donors see God working in your ministry, they will want to join you. Invite them to give, even if they are going through tough times.

Response: Lord, please teach me how to use more “you” language in our materials. May our donors experience the joy of giving through our ministry.

Blurry motion image of a red tram passing by pedestrians in an urban setting, with trees and a white building in the background; overlaid text reads “Luke 16:3 Ashamed to Beg.”
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Ashamed to Beg

by Ron Haas
July 21, 2025

“The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg” (Luke 16:3).

The shrewd manager in Jesus’s parable had mismanaged his master’s resources and was about to lose his job. He devised a cunning plan to offer discounts to his master’s creditors so they would owe him a favor when he was unemployed. His excuse for his scheme was simple—he wasn’t strong enough to dig ditches and he was ashamed to beg. Many nonprofit leaders can rattle off their reasons for not fundraising, “I’m too busy with other responsibilities,” “It’s not my job,” or “I’m not gifted with a fundraising personality.” Perhaps the real reason is, “I feel like fundraising is begging and I’m ashamed to beg.” Fundraising isn’t begging; it’s a higher calling. Jesus taught, “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings” (Luke 16:9).

Worldly Wealth
John Wesley’s simple money lesson was “Make all you can, save all you can, and give all you can.” As a fundraiser, you can influence believers to make good stewardship decisions. Your donors are in various stages of their Christian walk. Some understand their responsibility to wisely manage God’s resources. Unfortunately, others struggle with “the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things” (Mark 4:19). Having money is not a sin, using it selfishly is.

Gain Friends
What does it mean to “use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourself” (Luke 16:9)? Whom are these friends? Jesus explained in Matthew 25:35-36, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” You must introduce the least of these brothers and sisters to your donors.

Eternal Dwellings
What joy to hear the Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21). Imagine all the people in heaven who will thank your donors because of their generosity—those who were given something to eat and drink, had shelter and clothes, were cared for when they were sick, and were encouraged when they were in prison. You can help your donors experience this future blessing by asking them to participate in your mission now.

Love Money
“You cannot serve both God and money” (Luke 16:13). God knows every heart; what he values and what we value can be two different things (Luke 16:15). Asking for a gift prompts your ministry partners to assess their priorities. Are they serving God or money? If they don’t give, it might be because it’s not the right project, the right amount, the right timing, or perhaps the Spirit is directing their gift to another ministry.

Think About This: Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel (Rom. 1:16). We should not be ashamed to ask our ministry partners to help advance the Gospel through their generous gifts.

Response: Father, help me challenge our donors to value what you value.

Person sitting alone at the end of a dock overlooking a calm lake surrounded by mountains at sunset, with the words “WIIFM Donors” and a Bible reference displayed in the sky above.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

WIIFM Donors

by Ron Haas
May 28, 2025

The king asked Ziba, “Why have you brought these?” Ziba answered, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, the bread and fruit are for the men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness” (2 Samuel 16:2).

WIIFM stands for “What’s In It For Me?” Sales professionals know that WIIFM drives most buying decisions, so they create an emotional link that compels a person to purchase their product or service. Should fundraisers pursue WIIFM donors?

David wanted to honor Jonathan by showing grace to one of his relatives. So, he blessed Saul’s grandson, Mephibosheth, with Saul’s estate and invited him to eat at his table (see 2 Sam. 9). He also assigned Ziba to serve as Mephibosheth’s steward. Fast forward to Absalom’s rebellion. David and his household fled Jerusalem for their lives. Ziba went to the wilderness with a gift to refresh David. On the surface, this seemed like an act of selfless generosity, but was it? Ziba demonstrates how difficult it is to identify WIIFM donors.

Personal Benefit
As manager of Mephibosheth’s inheritance, Ziba controlled incredible wealth. “You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master’s grandson may be provided for” (2 Sam. 9:10). Ziba’s betrayal of Mephibosheth reveals his greed. He wasn’t satisfied with just serving, he wanted to own. His story seemed to work because David said to Ziba, “All that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours” (2 Sam. 16:4). Ziba clearly had a conflict of interest. Sometimes your donors also have conflicts of interest. Perhaps their gift awards them with a building contract or a sale of their product or service. Perhaps they hope to leverage their gift to use your donor base for their marketing. Be wary of donors who give hoping to get.

Family Benefit
2 Samuel 9:10 reveals an interesting detail, “Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.” That’s a lot of mouths to feed. Ziba had much to gain from David’s generosity toward Mephibosheth. WIIFM donors are transactional donors. Christian school parents often say, “I’m giving because I want my child to benefit from this new building,” or “I’m not giving because my child is graduating and won’t be able to enjoy it.” That’s a difficult attitude to overcome. No doubt you have a few WIIFM donors. Thank them graciously and ask God to transform their hearts.

Kingdom Benefit
Search for kingdom-focused donors. These men and women are motivated by the eternal impact of your mission—whether they benefit or not. They understand the spiritual rewards of generosity and are not looking for earthly rewards. They give generously to “lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Tim. 6:19).

Think About This: Mephibosheth finally shared his side of the story with David (see 2 Samuel 19:24-30) but it was too confusing. David told him and Ziba to split the property. It’s difficult to read a donor’s motivations, so don’t try. Simply be grateful for every gift.

Response: Lord, help me motivate my WIIFM donors by What’s In It For You!

Several neatly wrapped black gift boxes with matching black ribbons are arranged against a dark background. The bold white text overlay reads, "The Gift That Keeps on Giving," conveying a message of lasting generosity and impact.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

by Ron Haas
April 8, 2025

“She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Mark 14:8-9).

The most remembered gift ever given lasted for only a moment. Six days before Passover, Simon the Leper invited Jesus to his home for supper. The guest list included the disciples, his recently resurrected friend Lazarus, along with Martha and Mary. As they reclined around the table, Mary approached Jesus with a bottle of expensive perfume, broke it, and poured it on his head and feet. Her act of worship is a beautiful lesson in generosity. Donors give estate and endowed gifts because they want their legacy to last for generations. We still remember Mary’s extravagant gift and everyone’s reactions to her generosity.

The Disciples Questioned
Sacrificial giving sparks opinions and everyone has one. All the disciples criticized Mary, not just Judas (see Matt. 26:8). They felt her extravagance could have been used in better ways like giving to the poor. Giving is spiritual warfare. Satan hates generosity and will throw flaming arrows (even comments from friends) to discourage donors from giving. Pray for your ministry partners as they consider significant gifts, because others will try to talk them out of it.

Judas Coveted
Judas voiced his opposition, but he didn’t care about the poor. He was looking out for himself as he held the bag and had embezzled many times (see John 12:6). Sadly, some adult children don’t want their parents or grandparents to be generous because more money for ministry means less for them. Encourage your ministry partners as they navigate difficult family dynamics. Be wise when you sense opposition from family members and encourage your donors to include their own attorney in any gift decisions.

Jesus Defended
Jesus rebuked his disciples for criticizing Mary’s extravagant gift. “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me” (Matt. 28:6). Some donors give because you offer to name something in their honor. Mary wasn’t looking for praise, she gave lavishly because she realized how much God had lavished on her (1 John 3:1). Inspire your donors to give beautiful gifts that will last beyond their lifetimes.

Simon Worshipped
Simon the Leper hosted Jesus in his home. That’s unusual because lepers lost all their possessions and were forced to live outside the city. Jesus healed Simon and restored every aspect of his life. One of the side effects of leprosy is the loss of smell. When Mary broke her perfume flask, the house was filled with its fragrance (John 12:3). Simon could smell and enjoy her generous gift. Help your donors realize all the lives they touch through their generosity.

Think About This: “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial” (John 12:7). Mary saved this special gift for this special occasion. Donors are saving to give a special gift. Why will they give it to you?

Response: Father, help me communicate our ministry story in such a compelling way that our ministry partners will be motivated to give an extravagant gift.

A lush green farm field stretches into the horizon under a partly cloudy sky, illuminated by the warm glow of the setting or rising sun. The text "Fundraising Lessons from Farming" is prominently displayed at the top in bold black letters, with a Bible reference beneath it. The image conveys themes of growth, cultivation, and patience, symbolizing the parallels between farming and effective fundraising.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Fundraising Lessons from Farming

by Ron Haas
March 19, 2025

“When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually?
Does he keep on breaking up and working the soil?” (Isaiah 28:24)

Fundraising and farming share many similarities. Farmers must sow seed on fertile ground, provide the plants with plenty of sunshine and water, remove life-sapping weeds, and patiently wait for the harvest. Isaiah portrays God as a heavenly farmer who plants and brings forth an eternal harvest by his great wisdom. His parable applies to fundraising in three ways:

Know when to stop cultivating
When farmers prepare the ground, they are careful not overwork the soil. Modern farming techniques such as low-till or no-till, keep soil disturbance to a minimum. At some point, a wise farmer stops plowing the ground and sows the seed. Yet some fundraisers are always in cultivation mode. They look for one more conversation, one more visit, one more event before they are ready to ask. It sounds spiritual to keep preparing the ground because you think the donor needs more time, but if you don’t plant seed, you won’t reap a harvest. If you don’t ask, you won’t receive.

Choose the best plants for the soil
A wise farmer knows which plants thrive in which soil type. Are you planting caraway, cumin, wheat, barley, or spelt? (see Isaiah 28:25). Caraway prefers cool weather, cumin requires full sun, and fertile, well-drained soil. Wheat likes lots of sunshine and warm weather. Barley can tolerate somewhat alkaline soils. Spelt can be grown on poorly drained, low fertility soils. Similarly, your donors also have individual interests. Perhaps they are motivated to help the homeless, scholarship an underprivileged child, or give to enhance your technology. Some donors like bricks and mortar projects, some don’t. Ask the right donor the right gift amount for the right project.

Use the appropriate tools
“Caraway is not threshed with a sledge nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cumin; caraway is beaten out with a rod and cumin with a stick” (Isa. 28:27). Caraway and cumin produce delicate seeds that are used as spices. The farmer would crush the seeds if he used a sledge or rolled over them with his cart. Instead, he chooses the right tools to protect the grain for the greatest yield. Cash gifts are not always the best way for your donor to give. Perhaps it would be better for them to transfer an appreciated stock, give real estate, make an in-kind gift of goods or services, or donate tangible property like rare books, works of art, or valuable collectibles. Use the right tools to help your ministry partner maximize their gift.

Think About This: Farming requires great knowledge, so does fundraising. How does the farmer know when to plant and when to harvest? Isaiah 28:26 says, “His God instructs him and teaches him the right way.” How do you know when to stop cultivating and ask for a gift? The Spirit will lead you to say the right words at the right time.

Response: Father, give me wisdom and skill to sow seed and reap a bountiful harvest. I’m grateful for your provision for our ministry because, “All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent” (Isa. 28:29).

Hands holding a red heart against a pink background with the text "Effective Donor Follow-up" and "2 Corinthians 9:3".
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Effective Donor Follow-Up

by Ron Haas
December 4, 2024

“But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be.” (2 Corinthians 9:3)

What do you say to donors who pledge but never give? Perhaps the most difficult concept Paul addresses in 2 Corinthians 8–9 is accountability. Paul had approached the Corinthian church the year before about giving to the believers in Jerusalem who were suffering from persecution and poverty. The church immediately responded with a gift and enthu­siastically promised more. Paul was so pleased with their initial generosity he shared their story everywhere he went. Many other churches were motivated to give because of the Corinthians’ leadership pledge but they never got around to sending their gift. This was unacceptable to Paul. He was counting on their gift, the church in Jerusalem was counting on their gift, and now the churches in Macedonia who gave because of their example were paying attention. Paul writes to prompt the Corinthians to keep their promise.

Action or Inaction
The Corinthians’ good intentions didn’t translate into actions. If your donor doesn’t follow through, should you just forget the pledge? Paul sent a pledge reminder letter to follow up, but then he sent the brothers to check on their gift. John taught, “let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Your donor’s inaction toward you speaks of their character. Your actions to hold your donor accountable demonstrate your love toward them.

Pride or Embarrassment
Paul had told everyone about the Corinthians’ generosity. Paul was proud of their initial leadership, (2 Cor. 8:24), but their reputation and his reputation were in jeopardy if they reneged on their pledge. Now was the time to finish what they started (2 Cor. 8:11). How often you follow-up with these donors is up to you, but it’s important to stay on top of these ministry partners in a kind and caring way.

Urgent or Optional
Two times Paul mentions he was sending the brothers. He was so urgent because he had already counted their gift. Help your donors realize your ministry’s key initiatives won’t happen if they don’t follow through with their promise. When you visit them, be respectful, empathetic, and sensitive to the fact that life happens, occasionally causing donors to fall behind on their commitments.

Obedience or Disobedience
Don’t focus on the negative. Focus on the positive things which will be accomplished when your ministry partner is able to fulfill their pledge. Remind your donors of the people who will be changed for eternity because of their generosity. “Others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them” (2 Cor. 9:13).

Think About This: Paul emphasized we should give generously and cheerfully, not grudgingly, reluctantly, or under compulsion. This means Titus and the brothers did not twist anyone’s arms, but they did share Paul’s message face to face. Perhaps the brothers’ very presence made the difference.

Response: Father, please give me the words to say as I visit our ministry partners who are behind on their pledge.

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