0
0
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.

Yellow background with silhouettes of people raising their hands in shadow, featuring bold text 'SHADOW DONORS' and vertical text 'PSALM 39:6
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Shadow Donors

by Ron Haas
November 20, 2024

In truth, each of us journeys through life like a shadow. We busy ourselves accomplishing nothing, piling up assets we can never keep; We can’t even know who will end up with those things. (Psalm 39:6, The Voice)

Scripture describes our lives as a “mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14), grass springing up new in the morning “but by evening it is dry and withered” (Psa. 90:6), a passing breeze which does not return (Psa. 78:39), a swift weaver’s shuttle coming to an end without hope (Job 7:6), and a fleeting shadow (Eccl. 6:12).

David observed in Psalm 39 most people live busy lives but don’t accomplish anything of eternal value. They accumulate assets they can never keep and have no idea who will finally end up with all their things. Who will inherit your possessions? You only have three options: the government, your children, or charity.

The Government
New York Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner, died from a heart attack on July 13, 2010, at age 80. Many people think the Steinbrenner family hit a home run with estate taxes when he passed away. Why? In 2010 there were no estate taxes. In fact, 2010 was the only year with no estate taxes. If he had died in 2009 or 2011, his widow and four children would have paid an estimated $500 million to $600 million in estate taxes.

Your Children
Your ministry partners have no guarantee their children will make wise financial decisions or, like the prodigal son, squander their wealth in wild living (Luke 15:13). Solomon bemoaned leaving his inheritance to those who would follow him, “And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish?” (Eccl. 2:19). Today’s donors also question how much to leave their children—some don’t need the money, others would waste it, and sadly, some have wandered from the faith.

Charity
It makes logical sense someone who has been generous to your ministry throughout their life, would be generous in their death. Unfortunately, many people don’t even think about including charity in their estate plans. One easy way is to encourage your donors to tithe their estate. Another creative approach is to encourage your donors to adopt a child named, “Charity.” A donor with three children would typically divide their estate in thirds, by adopting “Charity,” each beneficiary would receive 25%.

We shy away from planned giving conversations because we perceive them as complicated. Your job is to keep it simple. Don’t worry about structuring a gift. Instead, focus your efforts on telling your ministry story and asking your donors to make a gift that will last beyond their lifetime. We often rely on literature to present giving opportunities, but the strongest approach is to ask face to face.

Think About This: McDonald’s heiress, Joan Kroc, left more than $200 million to NPR. Her transformative 2003 bequest wasn’t because of a major gift officer’s strategy, it was because she remembered meeting with NPR’s then-president, Kevin Klose, who had hoped Kroc would give at the $25,000 level. Go meet with your planned giving prospects and ask!

Response: Lord, give me boldness to personally ask my donors to remember our ministry in their estate plans.

Fundraising Verse of the Week

Growing Major Gifts

by Ron Haas
November 13, 2024

“This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” (Mark 4:26-29)

Jesus shared this parable of the growing seed to illustrate how God causes the Gospel to flourish in peoples’ hearts. When the seed starts growing it doesn’t stop until it produces a harvest. Some people new to major gift fundraising think they can plant the seed and immediately harvest a $1 million gift but asking and receiving requires patience and faith. Consider these steps:

Scattering Seed
The farmer sows the seed but is not responsible for the outcome. His role in the process is very limited. All he can do is plant the seed and wait. The only human act in the Gospel is telling the story. Evangelists can’t make someone place their faith in Christ, they can only present the Gospel and trust the Holy Spirit to change hearts. As a fundraiser, you can’t make someone give to your ministry, you can only share the story, ask for their partnership, and trust God to prompt their generosity.

Sprouts and Grows
The seed has all the power within it to reproduce itself which is why your ministry story is a critical aspect of fundraising. Your story must convey eternal results. The farmer doesn’t understand how the seed grows. Likewise, you can’t read a donor’s heart to know what might take root, so you need to sow many varieties of seed. Your giving opportunities should include people, property, and programs.

Stalk, Head, Full Kernel
Donors rarely give a seven-figure first-time gift, in fact many initial gifts are $100 or less. Stretch your donors by presenting them with greater opportunities. As your donors’ confidence in you grows, their gifts will increase. An eager major gift officer boldly asked for a $5 million dollar gift from someone who had the ability but no relationship to the ministry. The donor responded, “You need to give me more of an onramp. Ask me for a project that can start our relationship.”

The Harvest
Farming and fundraising are hard work. Both require knowledge of what, when, where, and how to plant, and both require reliance on God’s favor. The fundraising harvest comes after you’ve invested the hard work of relationship building and asking. The hardworking farmer does what he does so he can enjoy the harvest. If you faithfully tell your story and ask, God will bring a bountiful harvest. He is ultimately responsible for providing for your ministry.

Think About This: Mark 4:28 says, “All by itself the soil produces grain.” This phrase uses the Greek word automatē, from which we get the English word “automatically.” It’s divinely automatic. Fundraising is a divine-human cooperative, but mostly divine. Tell your ministry story well, ask boldly, and leave your results to God.

Response: Father, please help me faithfully tell our ministry story, ask for support, and trust you for the outcome.

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 three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising

The image shows two people shaking hands against a bright blue background. White text above the handshake reads, "A Donor Handshake," and below it says, "or a Hug?" To the right, the biblical reference "Luke 7: 37-38" is also in white text. The image implies a question about the nature of donor relationships, encouraging a deeper connection than a formal exchange.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

A Donor Handshake or a Hug?

by Ron Haas
October 31, 2024

“A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” (Luke 7:37-38)

Simon, one of the Pharisees, invited Jesus to his home for dinner. A sinful woman learned Jesus was there and came to worship him. Overwhelmed by his presence, she began to cry as she poured an expensive bottle of perfume on his feet and wiped them with her hair. Simon was appalled at her display of love for Jesus, and that Jesus would allow her to touch him. Jesus knew Simon’s thoughts and taught a parable about two people who owed money they couldn’t repay. One owed a lot, the second owed a little, but the moneylender graciously forgave both debts.

Jesus turned the question toward Simon, “Who loved the moneylender more?” Simon got the point. Those who have been forgiven much, love much; those who have been forgiven little, love little. Simon had not offered to wash his feet, but the woman washed his feet with her tears. Donors who have been greatly impacted by your ministry tend to respond generously. How do you recognize how much your donors love your mission? Let’s apply Gary Chapman’s five love languages to donor relationships.

Words of Affirmation
Kevin, the executive director, was under fire for a biblical stand his ministry took. When the controversy hit the media, Jeff, his key major donor immediately texted to encourage Kevin. Texts turned to phone calls and then to meetings. Jeff ultimately backed up his words with a substantial gift.

Quality Time
We strive to spend quality time with our donors. One indicator your donors value your friendship is when they offer to spend quality time with you.

Acts of Service
The contrast between Simon and this woman was stark. She loved Jesus and wanted to serve him in humility. When donors volunteer to serve in meaningful ways, they love your ministry.

Receiving Gifts
This woman poured out an expensive bottle of perfume on Jesus’ feet. Some would see it as a waste, she saw it as worship. Jesus taught, “Where your treasure is, there is where your heart is also” (Matt. 6:21). When people love your ministry, they give liberally. The opposite is also true.

Physical Touch
Simon didn’t offer a servant to wash Jesus’ feet, but this woman cried on them, wiped his feet with her hair, and kissed them. It’s the glaring difference between a donor handshake and a hug. We desire our major donors to embrace our vision and mission, but some just want to hold us at arm’s length.

Think About This: Everyone’s love language is different. If you give gifts to a donor who’s love language is words of affirmation, you are not connecting to their heart. Know your major donors intimately so you can speak his or her love language.

Response: Father, please help me love my major donors with sincerity. Help me discern when they are ready for a significant ask.

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 three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

Fundraising Verse of the Week

Is This the Time to Take Money?

by Ron Haas
October 28, 2024

But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? (2 Kings 5:26)

Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, had a big leprosy problem. A servant girl shared good news with his wife that Elisha would heal him. So, Naaman searched for the prophet and took along 750 pounds of silver (worth approximately $230,000), 150 pounds of gold (worth approximately $4.2 million), and ten new outfits. Elisha didn’t even come to the door but sent him to wash seven times in the Jordan. Naaman was offended but his servant finally convinced him to obey the prophet and he was miraculously healed. Naaman was so grateful, he rushed back to thank Elisha with silver and gold, but Elisha refused his gifts and sent him home.

Gehazi believed Elisha had let Naaman off too easy, so he chased after this major donor to ask for a gift for himself. Gehazi shared a cover story about needing seventy-five pounds of silver and some new clothes for two young prophets. Naaman joyfully gave him twice as much as he asked. Gehazi hurried back, stashed the loot in his tent, then went to work like nothing had happened. Elisha caught him red-handed. Unfortunately, all too often, someone in Christian ministry gets caught embezzling funds. How can you protect your heart against greed? Consider these three safeguards:

Contentment
“The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim. 6:10). Like many in ministry, Gehazi felt underpaid and undervalued, so he took matters into his own hands. You’ll never get paid what you’re worth—or so you think. The defense against covetousness is contentment. Paul “learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Phil. 4:12). Have you learned the secret of contentment?

Others-Focused
It’s not wrong to be compensated fairly for your work. “The worker deserves his wages” (1 Tim. 5:18). Paul instructed, “the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor” (Gal. 6:6). Elisha could have taken a gift, but he was more concerned about Naaman’s spiritual growth than his own financial needs. He didn’t want Naaman to be confused by thinking he could pay for God’s grace.

Accountability
Financial audits usually catch embezzlers, but Gehazi’s sin was asking for his own benefit and taking advantage of the donor’s generosity. This greed is much harder to detect. As a fundraiser, you have the privilege of befriending many wealthy people. One can easily become envious of their lifestyle. Always put the interests of your ministry above your own. Don’t ask for yourself.

Think About This: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). The results of greed are not worth the price. Gehazi was struck down with Naaman’s leprosy. Guard your heart!

Response: Father, please forgive me for being discontent with my wages (Luke 3:14).

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 three books: Ask for a Fish – Bold Faith-Based Fundraising, Simply Share – Bold, Grace-Based Giving, and Keep on Asking – Bold, Spirit-Led Fundraising. He regularly presents fundraising workshops at ministry conferences and has written fundraising articles for  Christian Leadership Alliance’s Outcomes magazine.

Donor Relations, Major Donors

Do They Love The Gift or Me? A Guest Meditation by Jim Devries

by The Timothy Group
September 30, 2020

“The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold as pure as glass… the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.” Revelation 21:18-21

Does God need our money? Of course not! He makes it clear that man’s standard of wealth, precious metals and jewels in this case, is of so little value that in the new heaven and earth it will be used for building purposes. They will be used to construct buildings and will be trod upon in the streets. What God wants first and foremost is a vital living relationship with us.

Unfortunately, human relationships can go awry when money comes into the picture. Material success brings with it loneliness. You may sense a growing discomfort and even separation from former friends who wonder why you were blessed with riches and they were passed by. Members of your church may question your spirituality—particularly if they haven’t taken the time to get to know you. After all, the Bible says it’s easier to get a camel through the eye of a needle than it is for a wealthy person to enter heaven, so some people believe that being wealthy is evil.

The hardest relationships for me to sort out, however, are the ones that give me mixed signals. I find myself wondering, “Does this organization or person really want my advice, or is this some kind of mating dance so that they can get their hands on my wallet?” I can’t read people’s minds, but I do know what is on God’s mind. He clearly loves me just as I am, not because of my possessions.

Response: Thank you, Lord, for Your wondrous gift of your Son. Help me to value myself so that I can understand your unconditional love for me. Help me to put the right perspective on those who desire my wealth and don’t value me. Help me forgive: ______, who has hurt me by valuing me for what I can do for them.

Think About This: Wealth often brings pride along with it. Who do I know that is wealthy and humble? Do I need to spend some time with them in order to discover their secret?

About the Author: Jim DeVries graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in mechanical engineering. In 1979, he began a medical device company, DLP Inc, which he sold to Metronic Inc. in 1984. The company at that time had operations in three European countries and sold products to open heart centers worldwide. While working in the medical field, Jim receive over 50 patents in the areas of open-heart surgery and cell separation.

Jim’s devotional e-book, Work, Wealth, Wisdom & Worship: Meditations for Leaders, is available on Amazon.

 

Donor Relations, Fundraising Verse of the Week, Major Donors, Stewardship

Determined Generosity

by Ron Haas
September 29, 2020

“But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.” Isaiah 32:8 NLT

Sometimes people who receive think that giving is easy, but that’s not true. Satan doesn’t want God’s kingdom to thrive, so he hurls many fiery darts at believers to discourage them from overflowing with generosity. Even when someone is inclined to give, many barriers stand in the way. Consider these three:

Family. People often use family obligations as an excuse for not giving. The friend at midnight’s friend even said, “my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything” (Luke 11:7). Parents and grandparents are squeezed to pay tuition—sometimes even through post-doctoral studies! Some are legitimately focused on providing critical care their children; others fixate on supplying “the cares of this world.” Giving becomes even more challenging when children oppose their grandparents’ or parents’ charitable decisions. However, generous people view their family needs in light of eternity and make room for generosity.

Finances. You may think that wealthy people should be more generous because they don’t have to worry about money. They might not worry in a sinful sense, but often they are concerned about making wise stewardship decisions. There are times when a donor may want to give, but simply cannot. Fred was asked if he would consider supporting a campaign, he initially indicated he would give $25,000, but after prayer and reconsidering his other obligations he decided to give $10,000. Our proper response is gratitude, not disappointment.

Fear. Satan throws his ultimate weapons of fear and doubt at generous people. “If I give, will I have enough to meet my needs (Matthew 6:33)?  “How can I be sure that God will ‘throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it’” (Malachi 3:10)? Giving requires immense faith no matter your net worth. Fear can surprise even a well-intentioned donor at any time in the giving process, even after they have verbally agreed to support your ministry.

Thankfully, generous people stand firm in their generosity, but that doesn’t make their giving decisions simple or easy. Pray fervently that your donors would stand against the devil’s excuses. Satan knows that if he cuts off your supply lines, he will weaken your ministry. Surround your ministry partners with your shield of faith to help extinguish the flaming arrows aimed at their hearts. Pause right now and pray for your key friends seeking God’s wisdom for what to give, to whom, and when.

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.

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

No comments to show.
support@exponentthemes.com
123-456-7890
Cart Overview