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A sunrise over four distinct paths—dry cracked ground, a dirt road, a rocky path, and thorny terrain—stretching into the distance, with the text “Four Fundraising Volunteers” and “Matthew 13:8” displayed in the sky.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Four Fundraising Volunteers

by Ron Haas
April 7, 2026

“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop, a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (Matthew 13:8).

Choosing who serves on your volunteer fundraising team is one of your most important leadership decisions. The right people multiply your impact; the wrong ones drain your energy and stall progress. Jesus’ parable of the four types of soil teaches how people receive the gospel, and it offers surprising insight for recruiting volunteers. Just like the farmer encountered different soil conditions, you’ll discover people respond very differently when asked to help with fundraising.

Hardened-The path
The first type of ground Jesus mentions is the hard-packed path where birds eat the seeds before they can even sink in. In volunteer recruitment, these are people whose hearts are closed to your mission or who want nothing to do with fundraising. Their first response is, “I can’t ask people for money.” Maybe they just don’t see asking for money as ministry. Don’t take it personally. Not everybody is wired for fundraising.

Shallow-The rocky ground
The second type is rocky soil with just a thin layer of dirt. Seeds sprout quickly but die fast when the heat comes because their roots can’t go deep. These volunteers sign up enthusiastically and make big promises, but when the work gets hard or takes longer than expected, they disappear. They lack the deep commitment needed to finish. Experienced leaders learn to look past initial excitement and discern whether someone truly understands what they’re signing up for.

Distracted-The thorny ground
The third type is thorny ground. Seeds grow here, but weeds choke them out. These volunteers genuinely care about your mission and want to help. But their lives are just too crowded. Work pressures, family needs, and a dozen other commitments squeeze out their ability to serve well. They show up to meetings occasionally but can’t really dig in. The problem isn’t their character, it’s their calendar. Leaders need to help these folks make an honest assessment if this is the right time for them to serve. Perhaps you could suggest other ways they can support your work instead.

Fruitful-The good soil
Finally, Jesus describes good soil that produces a huge harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times what was planted. These volunteers have a “Here am I. Send me” attitude. Their commitment is real, and they have time to serve. They don’t just show up; they go all in. They don’t just complete tasks; they multiply your impact by bringing others along and modeling what generosity looks like. Pray that the Lord of the Harvest will send these types of workers to you.

Think About This: The farmer’s job isn’t to create good soil; it’s to find it and develop it. Smart leaders invest most heavily in people who show they’re ready rather than spreading energy equally across everyone. This doesn’t mean you’re unkind to those who can’t commit. It means you’re stewarding both your time and theirs well.

Response: Lord, please help me recruit the right people for our fundraising team.Give me wisdom to recognize who is ready to serve and grace to release those who aren’t. Help me build a volunteer team who will cultivate an abundant harvest.

Blurred silhouettes of a group of people against a light background, with the text “Dear Anonymous” and “Isaiah 43:1” displayed on the right side.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

“Dear Anonymous”

by Ron Haas
March 31, 2026

“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.

Two men seated in a church pew, one placing a supportive hand on the other’s shoulder as he bows his head, with the text “Stewardship is Ministry, Not Marketing” and “Philippians 4:17–19” displayed across the image.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Stewardship is Ministry, Not Marketing

by Ron Haas
March 23, 2026

“Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:17-18)

When you write a thank-you letter to a donor, what’s going through your mind? Are you checking a box, or are you engaging in genuine ministry? The Apostle Paul provides the clearest biblical model for donor communication in his letter to the Philippian church. Paul isn’t just saying thanks. He’s ministering to these givers in these four ways.

He acknowledges their gift personally and warmly.
Paul names Epaphroditus, the person who brought their gift. He uses specific words like “amply supplied” and “more than enough.” These aren’t generic phrases from a template—they’re genuine and heartfelt. This isn’t merely a stylistic preference, it’s a theological necessity. Your ministry partners aren’t merely funding your organization. They’re investing in God’s Kingdom through your ministry. Your communication must reflect that reality.

He frames their gift in spiritual terms.
Paul describes it as “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” He doesn’t talk about their gift as fuel for his ministry machinery. He describes it as worship—something that rises to God like incense from an altar. Your ministry partners need more than receipts and reports. They need a pastor’s heart that helps them see their giving as part of their discipleship journey. This means slowing down, being personal rather than efficient, and thinking theologically about what giving means.

He focuses on their spiritual benefit.
Paul writes, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” He’s more concerned about what’s happening in their hearts than what’s happening in his bank account. Their generosity is building treasure in heaven and shaping them into the image of Christ. In light of eternity, your donors have more to gain from their gift than you do.

He links their obedience with God’s blessing.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (v. 19). Paul connects their giving to God’s provision, teaching them that you can’t out-give God. When you treat donor communication as ministry rather than marketing, everything changes. You’re not managing a database; you’re shepherding souls. You’re not crafting appeals; you’re inviting others into the joy of Kingdom partnership.

Think About This: Did your last donor thank-you letter sound more like Paul or more like artificial intelligence? Did it minister to the giver, or did it simply acknowledge a transaction? Paul got this right two thousand years ago. Will you follow his example?

Response: Lord, help me reflect You in every donor communication. Help me genuinely thank our ministry partners for their sacrificial gifts.

Man in a suit walking forward with a flowing red superhero cape against a dark, dramatic background, with the text Making Your Donor The Hero and a scripture reference displayed on the left.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Make Your Donor The Hero

by Ron Haas
February 16, 2026

“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get’” (Luke 18:11-12).

The contrast between the Pharisee’s prayer and the tax collector’s is stark. The tax collector could only pray, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner” (Luke 18:13). The Pharisee’s prayer was all about him: all the bad things he didn’t do and all the great things he did. He almost broke his arm patting himself on the back. Unfortunately, many nonprofits make the same mistake. Their emails and letters focus on their accomplishments instead of humbly expressing thanks to their donors who give generously to fuel their mission.

Positioning your donors as the hero (rather than your organization) is powerful because it emphasizes their partnership and impact. Here are some suggestions:

Stewardship & Kingdom Work
Peter reminds us we are stewards. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). Try phrases like: “God is using your generosity to…” “Through your faithful giving…” “You’re stewarding God’s resources to…” “Your kingdom investment is…” “You’re being the hands and feet of Christ when you…”

Biblical Partnership Language
Paul considered the Philippian believers to be partners. “I thank my God every time I remember you… because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3,5). Here are some ways to begin your sentences: “You’re partnering with us in God’s mission to…” “Together in Christ, we…” “You’re joining God’s work of…” “As you sow into this ministry…” “Your obedience to God’s call is…”

Impact Rooted in Faith
Jesus reminded us of our ultimate motivation: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Express your heart like this: “Your gift allowed us to share Christ’s love by…” “You brought hope in Jesus’ name to…” “You’re answering God’s call to care for the least of these…” “Your sacrifice is reflecting the heart of the Gospel…” “You’re living out Matthew 25 when you…”

Blessing & Calling Language
Solomon taught, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). Share these thoughts: “God is multiplying your seed to…” “You’re blessed to be a blessing…” “You’re responding to God’s calling by…” “Your faithfulness is bearing fruit in…”

Direct Attribution
James reminds us about true worship. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27). Use these phrases: “Your $50 provided meals and shared the Gospel with…” “You gave a widow dignity and demonstrated Christ’s compassion.” “You sent a child to Christian school where they’ll hear about Jesus.”

Think About This: Frame giving as faithful response to God and participation in His work, not just charity. Donors are heroes because they’re being obedient and allowing God to work through them.

Response: Lord, forgive us for taking the credit for what you are doing through the generosity of our ministry partners.

Wide banner image of a sunlit vineyard with rows of grapevines heavy with dark purple grapes, green leaves filling the foreground, and the text “A Fundraising Pruning Guide” and “John 15:1–2” overlaid on the image.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

A Fundraising Pruning Guide

by Ron Haas
February 9, 2026

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:1-2).

Pruning your apple tree makes everything better. More air and sunlight get into the tree, which means the apples end up sweeter, prettier, and actually ripen properly instead of staying small and sour. It’s like the tree gets to focus its energy on making fewer but way better apples. Jesus used this same principle when talking about spiritual growth, and it applies perfectly to fundraising. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your organization is not to add more programs or events, it’s to cut away what’s not working.

When Events Become Energy Drains
That annual silent auction your board started five years ago? The one that now requires six months of planning, exhausts your volunteers, and barely breaks even after expenses? It might be time for some pruning. Just because something worked once doesn’t mean it deserves to live forever. Good fundraising events should energize your mission, not drain it. If an event isn’t pulling its weight financially or building meaningful relationships with donors, it’s stealing resources from activities that could actually bear fruit.

The SYBUNT Problem
Every nonprofit has donors who gave “Some Year But Unfortunately Not This Year.” They clutter your database like dead branches on a tree, and you keep sending them expensive mailings hoping they’ll give again. But here’s the tough truth: if someone hasn’t given in three years, they’re probably not coming back through your regular appeals. Instead of letting these dormant donors drain your mailing budget, try one targeted re-engagement campaign. If that doesn’t work, move them to an inactive list. Your active donors deserve your full attention and resources.

Pruning Your Team
Not every development staff member is going to thrive in fundraising. You can measure activity all day long: phone calls made, emails sent, events attended, but at the end of the year, the question is simple: did they raise money? Great fundraisers don’t just maintain existing donors; they bring in new ones. If someone consistently struggles to build relationships and secure gifts, they might be better suited for a different role. It’s not mean – it’s honest stewardship.

Your Most Precious Resource: Time
As a leader, your calendar is like a garden plot. Every plant competes for the same limited space. That weekly report that takes three hours to compile? The committee meeting that goes in circles? The administrative tasks that keep you from actually talking to donors? Prune ruthlessly. Your highest and best use of time is identifying, cultivating, and asking major donors. Everything else should be delegated, streamlined, or eliminated.

Think About This: Remember, pruning isn’t punishment – it’s preparation for growth. When you cut away what’s not working, you create space for what could flourish. Your remaining programs become stronger. Your staff becomes more focused. Your donors receive better attention. Sometimes the most loving thing a gardener can do is make the hard cuts that allow for new growth.

Response: Lord, please give me wisdom to prune everything (and everyone) that’s not working to make us more effective.

Pile of U.S. dollar bills forming a mound under the headline “When the World Offers Easy Money,” set against a dark background, symbolizing temptation and financial allure.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

When the World Offers Easy Money

by Ron Haas
February 2, 2026

“Do not listen to Hezekiah. This is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me” (2 Kings 18:31).

King Hezekiah was in big trouble. Sennacherib had bulldozed through 46 cities of Judah and surrounded Jerusalem. He boasted, “As for him (Hezekiah), I confined him inside the city Jerusalem, his royal city, like a bird in a cage. I set up blockades against him and made him dread exiting his city gate.”1 Sennacherib’s envoys stood before Jerusalem’s walls to negotiate Israel’s surrender. Their five tempting arguments still speak to ministry leaders considering debt to solve their financial problems.

Your Friends Won’t Help You
“Egypt is a splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it” (2 Kings 18:21). Sennacherib dismissed Egypt as unreliable. We’re afraid our donors won’t be there when we need their support. Sometimes the “unreliable allies” excuse masks our own reluctance to make the ask.

We Have What You Need
“Come now, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria: I will give you two thousand horses” (2 Kings 18:23). Sennacherib offered immediate resources to solve immediate problems. Today’s equivalent might be bridge loans, lines of credit, or bond financing promising quick solutions to your cash flow challenges. Consider all your options carefully before “making a bargain” with your lending master.

God Told Me
Note Sennacherib’s arrogance, “The Lord himself told me to march against this country and destroy it” (2 Kings 18:25). Perhaps you have a well-meaning advisor suggesting, “God brought us this great deal.” One Christian institution seriously considered bond funding which would have restricted spiritual programming to only 40% of their new facility. Somehow, that doesn’t seem like an answer to prayer.

Take the Easy Way Out
“Then each of you will eat fruit from your own vine and fig tree and drink water from your own cistern, until I come and take you to a land like your own” (2 Kings 18:31-32). Sennacherib’s offer sounded appealing: maintain your lifestyle, avoid the struggle, accept our terms. Borrowed money can build buildings and fund programs, but it often comes with hidden costs, not just financial, but organizational and spiritual.

Everybody Else is Doing It
“Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria?” (2 Kings 19:12). Sennacherib argued that every other kingdom had fallen to his superior resources. Ministry leaders often hear “all successful organizations leverage debt” or that fundraising simply “isn’t realistic” in today’s economy. Financing isn’t necessarily wrong, but it may not be God’s intended path for your organization’s current challenge.

Think About This: Hezekiah took Sennacherib’s letter and “went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord” (2 Kings 19:14). “That night the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the Assyrian camp.” (2 Kings 19:35). The same God who delivered Jerusalem from overwhelming odds can provide for your ministry’s needs.

Response: Lord, give us wisdom to discern between human solutions and divine provision. Help us trust you to meet our financial needs according to your perfect timing and methods.

Resource: 1Inscription on Sennacherib’s Prism is housed at the Oriental Institute Museum, University of Chicago

Nighttime nativity silhouette with a bright star shining over a manger and three wise men on camels, set against a star-filled sky, with text reading The Indescribable Gift.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

The Indescribable Gift

by Ron Haas
December 15, 2025

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

We take great care when selecting the perfect gift for that special person, but nothing compares with our Heavenly Father’s gift of his only Son to be “an atoning sacrifice for our sin” (1 John 4:10). Praise God for his generous, sacrificial gift of salvation! Without God’s generosity to us, we would be eternally lost and without hope. Paul responded to God’s gift with this doxology of praise. How should you respond to the generosity of your donors? Gifts from your ministry partners accomplish four results.

Practical
Henry Ford said, “Nothing happens until someone sells something.” In ministry, nothing happens until someone gives something. Generosity starts a chain reaction of blessing. “This service that you perform is… supplying the needs of the Lord’s people” (2 Cor. 9:12). Gifts solve real problems and enable you to serve others. With a balanced budget you can educate more students, feed more hungry people, and reach more people with the Gospel. More money means more ministry.

Personal
Your ministry benefits when donors give, their generosity also demonstrates the genuineness of their faith. “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves” (2 Cor. 9:13). Giving is an expression of “the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ” (vs. 13). James warns us that faith without works is dead. “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?  Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” (James 2:14-16). Giving transforms mere talk into action.

Praise
Generous giving prompts “many expressions of thanks to God” (vs. 12). Great news about a generous gift spreads like wildfire. “Others will praise God for… your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else” (2 Cor. 9:13). Share with your donors how their gift is making an eternal difference and how your whole team is thanking God because of their generosity. Tell an impact story that would not have happened without their gift. Thank them for sharing with you and the other ministries they support.

Prayer
We are encouraged to pray for missionaries who are sharing the gospel throughout the world. Many donors don’t realize that those who benefit from their generosity are also praying for them. “And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you” (vs. 14). The greatest way to thank your donors is to pray for them. Ask for their prayer requests, spend time praying for them, and follow up to hear how God has answered.

Think About This: So many great things happen when donors give generously. You have the privilege of asking your donors to partner with you to accomplish eternal work. This week thank your donors for their generous, sacrificial gifts to your ministry.

Response: Father, I am so thankful to you for our donors. Please help me express my gratefulness to my donors in ways that give you all the glory.

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Fundraising Verse of the Week

Fundraising Know How

by Ron Haas
December 8, 2025

“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri… and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills” (Exodus 31:2-3).

God gave Moses the intricate plans for the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the covenant, and all its furnishings. He also assigned Bezalel to create all these holy items. In today’s vernacular we would call him a “maker.” Bezalel knew everything about everything—a jack of all trades. He was a master metalsmith, stonecutter, woodworker, seamster, leatherworker, and a perfumer (see Exo. 31:4-11). Bezalel became this gifted artisan because the Holy Spirit filled him with supernatural wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill. The Spirit can also fill you with fundraising know-how.

Wisdom
God came to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you” (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon could have asked for long life, wealth, or the death of his enemies. Instead, he asked for wisdom. If you were answering for your ministry, how would you respond? Would you ask for a balanced budget? New buildings? More staff? More people to serve? Most ministry leaders would ask for a huge endowment. Instead, you should seek God’s wisdom to fundraise well.

Understanding
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). You make decisions every day, how many of those decisions do you pray about? How often do you inquire of the Lord about your right next fundraising step? The tribe of Issachar were “men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chron. 12:32). Some nonprofits understand their financial needs but don’t seem to understand that they must cultivate relationships with donors who could help meet those needs.

Knowledge
Knowledge is the accumulation of facts and data that you acquire through study, research, investigation, observation, or experience. How have you increased in your general fundraising knowledge? More importantly, how have you increased your knowledge about your key donors? Fundraising is about relationships. Who do you know? How are you connected? What are your donors’ giving interests? When is the best time to ask? What projects get them excited? Get to know your major donors.

Skill
Solomon hired Huram to work on the Temple. He also was a skilled craftsman who “was filled with wisdom, with understanding and with knowledge to do all kinds of bronze work” (1 Kings 7:14). It takes practice to become a skilled craftsman. Likewise, it takes practice to become a skillful fundraiser. The best learning is not in a classroom but in the field talking with major donors. Asking is the most important skill a fundraiser must develop. Refine your asking skills by asking more.

Think About This: Fundraising wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill starts with being filled with the Spirit. God gives you the same opportunity he gave Solomon. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

Response: Father, when it comes to my fundraising efforts, please “fill me with the knowledge of your will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Col. 1:9).

The image features a soft pink background with several layered paper-style hearts in various sizes on the left side. On the right, elegant white text reads “Recognizing Donor Loyalty” with the reference “1 Kings 2:7” below it. The overall design conveys warmth, gratitude, and appreciation.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Recognizing Donor Loyalty

by Ron Haas
November 3, 2025

“But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai of Gilead and let them be among those who eat at your table. They stood by me when I fled from your brother Absalom” (1 Kings 2:7).

David was experiencing the lowest moment of his life. His son, Absalom, rebelled forcing David and his household to escape across the Jordan River. They arrived at the little village of Mahanaim exhausted, hungry, and thirsty. There, a wealthy man named Barzillai the Gileadite appeared with many gifts: wheat, barley, flour, roasted grain, honey, and cheese from cows’ milk (see 2 Sam. 17: 27-29). His generosity and David’s response teach us four important lessons about deepening our donor relationships.

Generosity
Perhaps Barzillai had met David previously or perhaps he just knew his reputation. Either way he developed a deep loyalty for David which resulted in rich generosity. A major donor was asked if he would support a campaign and he responded, “I don’t know much about this project, but I’ve known the president for years and trust his judgment. My wife and I would consider a gift of $500,000.” Generosity springs up from a loyal heart. Barzillai’s gifts gave David strength to fight another day.

Humility
On David’s return to Jerusalem, he didn’t forget who helped him win the battle and invited Barzillai to come live in the palace. Barzillai graciously declined the invitation, “How many more years will I live, that I should go up to Jerusalem with the king? I am now eighty years old. Can I tell the difference between what is enjoyable and what is not? Can your servant taste what he eats and drinks? Can I still hear the voices of male and female singers? Why should your servant be an added burden to my lord the king?” (2 Sam. 19: 34-35). Some donors don’t want recognition, but you should offer anyway.

Sacrifice
Barzillai then made an unusual request and asked David to take his servant, Kimham, to the palace instead of him. David was pleased to respond, “anything you desire from me I will do for you” (2 Sam. 19:38). One important way to honor your major donors for their loyalty is to listen to their ideas and implement them whenever you can. If they ask for a favor, respond with the generosity they have shown to you. This was true friendship. “The king kissed Barzillai and bid him farewell, and Barzillai returned to his home” (2 Sam. 19:39).

Legacy
Every nonprofit wants to know how to reach the next generation of donors. Typically, grandparents and parents have institutional loyalty, but children and grandchildren lose interest. One key way to capture the interest of the next generation is to honor the memory of the previous generation. David told Solomon to honor the descendants of Barzillai because he stood by him when times were tough (see 1 Kings 2:7).

Think About This: Famed L. A. Dodgers’ coach Tommy Lasorda said, “You give loyalty, you’ll get it back. You give love, you’ll get it back.” Sounds like the principle of “sowing and reaping.”

Response: Father, I praise you for our faithful donors who have stood by us in good times and bad times. Help me honor them for their loyalty.

ChatGPT said: A close-up image of three metal keys lying on a smooth brown surface, with the text “Keys to Campaign Success” and a scripture reference displayed in bold letters on the right side. The design has a warm, professional tone suitable for an article about achieving success in fundraising or organizational campaigns.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Keys to Campaign Success

by Ron Haas
October 13, 2025

Then the Spirit came on Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said “We are yours, David! We are with you, son of Jesse! Success, success to you, and success to those who help you, for your God will help you.” (1 Chronicles 12:18).

Non-profit organizations launch capital campaigns to turn their dreams into reality. Unfortunately, some campaigns fall short of the goal. How do you know if you’re ready for a campaign? Should you order confetti and balloons? 1 Chronicles 12:38-40 details seven keys to David’s success that apply to your next capital campaign.

Volunteers
“All these were fighting men who volunteered to serve in the ranks” (v. 38). As David came to power, he was joined by many valiant men who were willing to serve. Fundraising is a team effort. You may think you can tackle a capital campaign all by yourself, but you will be much more successful if you recruit a team of committed volunteers.

Buy-In
“They came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel” (v. 38). Donor buy-in is critical for your campaign success. Your board and major donors must be fully committed to your campaign. Here’s where many campaigns falter. If your leaders are unsure, your campaign will be in jeopardy.

Alignment
“All the rest of the Israelites were also of one mind to make David king” (v. 38). One key reason for conducting a feasibility study is to test your assumptions. You want to believe that your constituency supports your direction, but you don’t really know until you ask. Test your case for support with your closest supporters and listen to their feedback.

Internal Support
“…their families had supplied provisions for them” (v. 39). Leadership gifts start everything moving. Those closest to David believed in his leadership and those closest to your ministry must believe in your direction. You know your donors’ hearts by how they invest their treasure (see Matt. 6:21). Don’t start your campaign without support from your key donors. The top ten gifts will set the pace for your whole campaign.

External Support
“Also, their neighbors from as far away as Issachar, Zebulun, and Naphtali came bringing food…” (v. 40). News about David’s coronation spread like wildfire. People came from near and far to join the celebration. A capital campaign gives you the opportunity to rally your constituency to accomplish something of eternal significance.

Generosity
“There were plentiful supplies of flour, fig cakes, raisin cakes, wine, olive oil, cattle, and sheep…” (v. 40). The people emptied their storehouses to bring their abundance. Be prepared to receive gifts of cash, multi-year pledges, gifts of appreciated assets, estate gifts, and even grain if you live in ag country.

Joy
“…there was joy in Israel” (v.40). One of the great outcomes of a successful campaign is the joy it brings to everyone in your constituency especially to those who participate. Generous people find great joy in giving because “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).

Think About This: You can make all the right preparations but don’t forget—success comes when “God helps you” (1 Chron. 12:18).

Response: Father, please give me wisdom to prepare well for our next capital campaign. Help us succeed for your glory.

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