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A silhouette of a woman and young child holding hands on a beach at sunset against a vivid red and orange sky, with the text Restoring SYBUNTs and the scripture reference 1 Kings 8:6 in white lettering.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Restoring SYBUNTs

by Ron Haas
June 8, 2026

“Restore all that was hers, together with all the produce of the fields from the day that she left the land until now” (2 Kings 8:6).

Every nonprofit database is filled with SYBUNT donors (Some Year But Unfortunately Not This Year). These are people who once gave generously and then stopped. Is there any hope of winning these former partners? Or do we simply move on? The Shunammite woman’s remarkable journey back home gives us four lessons worth considering.

Remember Why They Were Engaged
The Shunammite’s encounter with Elisha was lifechanging (see 2 Kings 4:8-37). She was a woman of means who showed great kindness to the prophet by regularly inviting him for meals and even building him a private room on her roof. In gratitude, Elisha promised her a son even though she was childless and her husband was old. The boy was born a year later. When the child suddenly died years later, her unshakable faith led her to rush straight to Elisha. Through prayer and a miraculous act, Elisha restored the boy to life. Your key donors were once deeply engaged with your ministry because your work touched their family in a real and personal way. Never forget that the connection mattered.

Understand Their Reasons for Leaving
Elisha warned the Shunammite that a famine was coming and advised her to leave for her family’s safety. She was gone for seven years. Donors leave for all kinds of reasons. Perhaps they had a bad experience with a staff member. If you lead a K-12 school, their interest naturally moved on when their children graduated. Sometimes life circumstances simply prevent them from giving. A health crisis. A business downturn. A season of personal hardship. Understanding the reason matters before you reach out.

Trust God for a Divine Appointment
When the woman returned, she discovered her land had been taken over by others who assumed she was never coming back. She went directly to the king to appeal for what was rightfully hers. Meanwhile, inside the palace, Elisha’s servant Gehazi was telling the king about the miracles God had done through Elisha, including the story of the widow’s son being raised to life. And right at that instant, she walked through the door. That was no coincidence. There are no coincidences in God’s plan. He orchestrates divine appointments, and He can bring a lapsed donor right back into your world.

Ask the Lord for Full Restoration
The woman’s land was restored completely. The king assigned an official to her case and said, “Give back everything that belonged to her, including all the income from her land from the day she left until now.” Two applications stand out in this detail. First, assign your key lapsed donors to a portfolio and follow up intentionally. Second, notice that her restoration was both financial and relational. God can uncover lapsed donors and lead them back to partner with you again.

Think About This: You need to cultivate and maintain close relationships with your top donors because relationships left untended quietly drift away.

Response: Lord, thank you for your divine appointments that help us re-engage with our key donors. Restore what has been lost, for your glory and the advancement of your ministry.

A dramatic wide-angle view of a packed basketball arena with bright overhead lights and two visible hoops, with the text Love the Fundraising Game and the scripture reference 1 Peter 5:2 in white lettering.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Love the Fundraising Game

by Ron Haas
June 1, 2026

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them, not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve” (1 Peter 5:2)

Maybe the reason Michael Jordan was the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) is that basketball wasn’t just a game to him. He loved it so much he had a “love of the game” clause written into his contract. It meant he could jump into a pickup game anytime he wanted, and even if he got hurt, his contract was still guaranteed. That’s what it looks like when you love what you do. Peter describes that same kind of passion in his instructions to elders. Here are four lessons to keep your fundraising fervor alive.

Care for Your Donors
We talk about knowing our donors, but it goes beyond that. It means caring for them as people. Scott called Bill to find out why he hadn’t responded to his emails or voicemails. When they finally connected, Bill shared that he had been caring for his wife Marilyn, who had fallen and undergone back surgery. Thankfully, she was on the mend. Scott offered encouragement and prayed with them right there on the phone. That call had nothing to do with a gift. It had everything to do with shepherding. And their relationship is stronger today because of it.

Not Because You Must
Fundraising can feel like a grind. You’ve got a full to-do list with donors calls and visits every week. Your activity matters and will transform your results. But here’s the key. When we start viewing each conversation as a chance to help someone experience the joy of generosity, our whole perspective shifts. It goes from “I have to make this ask” to “I get to invite this person into something meaningful.” That’s the difference between obligation and calling.

Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain
Peter warns against dishonest gain, and that should hit close to home for every fundraiser. This is one reason why fundraising is not commissioned-based. When your paycheck depends on how much money you bring in, it creates a conflict of interest. Instead of doing what’s right for the donor, you might focus only on getting the biggest check possible right now. A shepherd of generosity does the opposite. You’re stewarding the relationship, not just closing the deal.

Eager to Serve
Eagerness to serve means doing your homework. Learn your donor’s giving history, what they care about, and why. Eagerness shows up when you make a thank you call and send a handwritten note. But the truest sign of eagerness is listening more than talking. An eager servant pays attention to what God is doing in that person’s life and looking for where the mission intersects with the donor’s calling.

Think About This: You’re not a solicitor. You’re a shepherd of generosity. When you see it that way, fundraising stops being something you have to do and becomes something you get to do.

Response: Father, thank you for calling me into the ministry of fundraising. Give me a shepherd’s heart for every donor you’ve entrusted to my care. Help me love this work the way you love your people. Amen.

An empty wheelchair sitting on a long empty road disappearing into a foggy horizon, in black and white, with the text Fundraising Paralysis and the scripture reference John 5:6 in white lettering.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Fundraising Paralysis

by Ron Haas
May 26, 2026

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6 NIV)

Jesus went to the pool of Bethesda where dozens of blind, lame, and paralyzed people were waiting to be healed. He saw one man who had been lying there for 38 years and asked a probing question, “Do you want to get well?” The man shared reasons for his hopeless situation, to which Jesus commanded, “Get up! Take up your mat and walk.” Immediately, the man was healed and began to walk. This miracle teaches four truths about fundraising.

The Question
Why would Jesus ask the man if he really wanted to be well? It seems obvious. Of course he did. But the same question can apply to you and your ministry. Do you really want fundraising success? All ministry leaders and boards want the results of fundraising, but few are willing to take the time to identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors. How many of your top 25 donors have you visited in the last 90 days?

It Requires Humility
The invalid was helpless because he had no one to carry him to the pool. In one sense, your ministry is helpless unless others help you. You must rely on the generosity of others. Being a successful fundraiser starts with humility. Many ministry leaders will do events, write letters, and send emails, but they won’t sit across from a donor and make a direct ask because that requires vulnerability. That’s where humility really lives.

Take the First Step
Jesus simply commanded, “Get up! Take up your mat and walk.” Many organizations lie around waiting for the Lord to open the windows of heaven and pour out his blessing. Thankfully, the Lord does provide, but he also asks us to get up and get going. If you never pick up the phone and call your donors, they will never answer you. Sometimes ministries are stuck in fundraising complacency. Write down the name of one donor you’ve been avoiding and put a call on your calendar for this week.”

Don’t Turn Back
Later, Jesus saw the newly healed man in the temple and gave him this ominous warning, “Stop sinning or something worse will happen to you” (John 5:14). Spiritually, we all have a tendency to fall back into our old ways. Jesus prompts him to keep walking by faith. In fundraising, the most effective strategy is to schedule face-to-face donor visits, cultivate a relationship with your donor, and ask for a specific gift. It’s too easy to fall back into a let’s-just-send-a-letter mentality.

Think About This: When Jesus asked, “Do you want to get well?” the man could have responded, “No, I’m good.” Are you passive or active in your fundraising efforts? Many ministry leaders are just lying around waiting for someone to help them. The best fundraisers get up and go talk with donors. Be proactive and schedule that donor meeting today.

Response: Lord, forgive me for depending on others more than I depend on you. Thank you for giving me a new lease on my fundraising life. Help me move forward with your power and purpose. Amen.

A young red-haired girl laughing joyfully while holding a white flower outdoors in warm golden light, with the text Joyful Fundraising and the scripture reference James 1:2 in white handwritten lettering.
Uncategorized

Joyful Fundraising

by Ron Haas
May 18, 2026

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2).

Every fundraiser should be humming:
I still got joy in chaos
I’ve got peace that makes no sense
And I won’t be going under
I’m not held by my own strength
‘Cause I’ve built my life on Jesus
He’s never let me down
He’s faithful through every season
So why would He fail now?
He won’t

Do you have joy in your fundraising chaos and peace that makes no sense? Fundraising is a stressful job with sometimes impossible expectations. James encourages us to approach every situation with joy because God is in control.

Testing Produces Perseverance
Remember Murphy’s Law? “If anything can go wrong, it will.” You’ve heard war stories: the banquet where the keynote speaker canceled two hours before start time, the direct mail appeal with a catastrophic typo no one caught until 10,000 pieces went out, or the awkward moment your executive director asked your million-dollar donor a question that was a little too personal. You can give up and walk away, or you can lean in and learn endurance. Each challenge builds your fundraising muscles and deepens your trust in God’s provision.

Perseverance Makes You Mature and Complete
Stick-to-it-iveness brings maturity. You learn that the donor who said “no” three times might say “yes” the fourth. You discover that God’s timing rarely matches your campaign calendar, but His timing is always perfect. Perseverance grows your faith. You stop trusting in your efforts and start depending on the Spirit to prompt your donors to be generous. Billy Graham observed, “It is the regular exercise of patience and long-suffering in the small day-to-day frustrations and irritations which prepares us to endure when the great battles come.”

If You Don’t Know What to Do, Ask for Wisdom
We all have a tendency “to lean on our own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5) but we’re not smart enough to succeed in fundraising by ourselves. That’s why James says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God” (James 1:5). Wondering what fundraising events to plan or eliminate? Ask for wisdom. Preparing a proposal for a major donor meeting. Ask for wisdom. Trying to decide how to use AI? Ask for wisdom. Discerning how to engage a lapsed donor? Ask for wisdom. God promises to give generously without finding fault.

Don’t Be Double-Minded
Fundraisers make dozens of decisions every day. Should we approve this email? Change the event venue? Order different swag for the golf tournament? Push back the campaign launch date? Decision fatigue is exhausting. James warns against wavering between two opinions. Ask the Lord for direction even in minor situations, make your decision, and move forward with confidence. Good decision-making brings clarity to your entire team and momentum to your mission.

Think About This: Put your fundraising situation in perspective. You have the best job in the world because you have the privilege of inviting people to invest in something that will last for eternity.

Response: Lord, forgive me for reacting with worry, doubt, or anger when I struggle to reach my fundraising goals. Please help me respond with joy no matter the circumstances. Amen.

Holy Drill. “Joy in Chaos.” Joy in Chaos (Extended), 2023. Spotify.

A cup of black coffee on a saucer surrounded by scattered coffee beans against a cream background, with the text The Coffee Club and the scripture reference Romans 16:3 in bold brown lettering.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

The Coffee Club

by Ron Haas
April 28, 2026

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3).

In 1948, Bob Arrol bought a small-town drugstore. Every morning, he made coffee for his friend Horace Clark. To save on dishwashing, Bob wrote Horace’s name on a cup. Word spread fast. Soon, everyone in town wanted their name on a cup too. Bob set a rule: drink 100 cups of coffee first. At a nickel per cup, that’s five bucks and a lot of mornings showing up. Eventually, 162 named cups filled a cabinet Bob built himself. The coffee club became so popular that the only way to join was if someone moved away or died.

Bob Arrol’s drugstore became the beating heart of Arcola. Twenty people packed into 13 stools and surrounding booths every morning. They read newspapers, discussed community news, and caught up on life. Bob and his wife Betty “fostered a sense of belonging.” People didn’t come just for coffee. They came because they had a place where somebody knew their name.

Know Your Donors’ Names
In Romans 16, Paul mentions at least 26 people by name. Phoebe, the letter carrier. Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their necks for him. Mary, who worked hard. Andronicus and Junia, outstanding among the apostles. Urbanus, his fellow worker. Stachys, his dear friend. Apelles, who stood the test. Paul named individuals and highlighted what made each person special. Why? Because people aren’t interchangeable. Because names matter. Because belonging matters. Because when someone takes the time to know you specifically, it transforms everything.

Use Your Donors’ Names
Bob Arrol stumbled onto brilliant marketing, but that wasn’t his goal. It wasn’t just the downtown destination of the store. It was the people you’d see and visit with, the conversations you’d have and the welcoming atmosphere. That’s exactly what Paul created in his letters. And it’s exactly what we’re called to create in our fundraising work.

Donors aren’t ATM machines. They’re Horace Clark waiting for someone to know their name. They’re Mary who works hard. They’re Apelles who stands the test. They’re real people who long to belong somewhere that matters. When we send mass emails addressed to “Dear Friend,” we’re missing the point. When we thank “our generous supporters” instead of thanking Jennifer, Michael, and the Thompson family, we’re washing the cup instead of putting a name on it.

Remember Your Donors’ Names
Paul’s list is revolutionary. In a world where most people were nameless slaves or faceless crowds, Paul said: You matter enough for me to write your name. You’re not just “the church.” You’re Phoebe, Priscilla, and Urbanus. Bob Arrol’s coffee club ended when he closed the drugstore in 1984. But the cups that remain at the Arcola Chamber of Commerce tell a story that’s good to the last drop: People will show up, stick around, and invest deeply in something when they know they belong, when someone knows their name.

Think About This: Here’s your assignment this week: Pick up your donor list. Pray their names out loud. Remember they’re not just giving, they’re longing to belong to something bigger than themselves. Just like Paul knew. Just like Bob knew.

Response: Lord, thank you for remembering my name. Help me know, use, and remember the names of our ministry partners.

A lone figure standing on a mountain summit overlooking a sweeping valley at sunrise, with the text God's Role in Your Fundraising Challenge and the scripture reference 2 Chronicles 20:17 in white lettering.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

God’s Role in Your Fundraising Challenge

by Ron Haas
April 27, 2026

“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17).

A vast army was knocking on Jerusalem’s door. Instead of panicking, King Jehoshaphat gathered the people to fast and seek the Lord. He confessed: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (2 Chronicles 20:12). Jahaziel prophesied, “The battle is not yours but God’s… You will not have to fight.” They needed only to take their positions, stand firm, and watch God’s deliverance unfold. From Jehoshaphat’s crisis response, we discover four fundraising principles.

Pray Up
When Martin Luther had much to do, he would spend the first three hours in prayer. How important is prayer in your fundraising efforts? Do you spend more time planning or praying? Do you pray for your major donors by name? Do you pray that God will bless their families, their health, their businesses? Jehoshaphat invited all Israel to pray for their deliverance. You should invite your board, staff, and volunteers to pray for God’s blessing on your fundraising efforts.

Suit Up
Israel was commanded to “take up your positions; stand firm.” Fundraising is spiritual warfare. Satan doesn’t want your ministry partners to give generously because he doesn’t want your ministry to succeed. He will oppose you in every way possible. You’ll schedule the meeting, and your donor will get called away on emergency business. Paul instructs us to “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). Your shield of faith reminds you this isn’t about your effort but God’s provision.

Show Up
“Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17). Fundraising isn’t passive,  it’s active. You’ve got to pick up the phone and call your donors. You might need to call fifteen times before you finally connect. You’ve got to go see your donors face-to-face and share your vision. You’ve got to listen to their hearts and learn what matters to them. Woody Allen said, “80% of success is showing up.” You cannot merely “phone it in” you have to show up.

Look Up
God places you in situations that seem overwhelming so you will learn to rely on him. In this battle, Israel didn’t fight at all. They worshiped their way to victory. When you’ve prayed up, suited up, and shown up, your job is to trust God for the outcome. Judah spent three days collecting abundant plunder. You can’t manufacture generosity. Only the Holy Spirit can move someone’s heart to give sacrificially.

Think About This: Spirit-led fundraising is knowing when to listen and when to speak. Sometimes it’s asking for the gift. Sometimes it’s simply showing up to collect the check God has already prepared.

Response: Lord, help me faithfully pray for my donors. Give me courage to suit up spiritually before every meeting. Help me show up consistently, even when it’s hard. Remind me to look up, trusting you to fight my battles.

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.

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