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Two workers building a stone wall, each holding large concrete blocks, with the title Managing Donor Expectations overlaid on the image.
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Managing Donor Expectations

by Hannah Davis
November 24, 2025

“I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem” (Nehemiah 2:11-12).

Nehemiah was on a mission from God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He asked King Artaxerxes for help and the king miraculously gave him time off, safe passage, and timber to make beams for the gates. He even sent along army officers and cavalry (see Neh. 2:7-9). Nehemiah could have marched into Jerusalem with pomp and circumstance; instead, he arrived unassumingly. We can learn much from Nehemiah about communicating vision and creating buy-in.

Listen
Leaders have many voices vying for their attention, especially when it comes to fundraising. Everybody has an agenda and wants to fund their pet project. It’s easy for leaders to become people-pleasers and attempt to make everyone happy, but the most important voice to hear is God’s. Nehemiah was keenly aware of what God called him to do and he wasn’t going to let anything, or anyone stand in his way. What is God telling you to accomplish for his glory?

Learn
After three days in Jerusalem, Nehemiah decided to inspect the walls for himself. He didn’t tell “the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work” (Neh. 2:16). Instead, he took a few confidants on a night vision tour around the wall. Nehemiah was careful not to raise expectations before he had a clear understanding of what needed to be accomplished. Don’t cast a vision before you have a solid plan to carry it out.

Lead
When Nehemiah finished his due diligence, he preached a three-point sermon: (1) We have a serious problem, (2) God has already provided our answer, (3) Now is our time to respond (see Neh. 2:17). Share this same appeal with your donors—the problem, your solution, God’s provision, and a call to action. Perhaps Nehemiah sounded something like William Wallace’s rousing speech in Braveheart, “they’ll never take our freedom!” His pep talk worked because all the people replied, “Let’s start rebuilding” (Neh. 2:18).

Look Out
When you take a stand for the Lord, your enemies will spring into action. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were quick to mock and ridicule Nehemiah and the people. As an anonymous WWII bomber pilot said, “The flak only gets heavy when you’re over the target.” Nehemiah didn’t let criticism paralyze him. “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it” (Neh. 2:20).

Think About This: Creating buy-in is ultimately about influencing others, not making demands on them. Nehemiah invited the people to join him in the work, “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace” (Neh. 2:17). Don’t demand a gift from your donors, invite them to partner with you in the great work God has called you to accomplish.

Response: Lord, help me listen to your voice so I can inspire our donors to accomplish the tasks you’ve marked out for us (see Heb. 12:1).

Silhouette of a person fishing from a small boat at sunset, with the sun low over calm ocean waters and a golden reflection across the sea. The text reads: "Vision Casting and Catching – 2 Samuel 23:15."
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Vision Casting and Catching

by Ron Haas
July 17, 2025

David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” (2 Samuel 23:15).

The Philistines were a constant thorn in David’s side. To add insult to injury, they set up shop in his hometown, Bethlehem (1 Sam. 16:1). David dreamed of a different future and commented how wonderful it would be to again enjoy a cool drink from the well by the city gate. He didn’t have to say it twice. His three mighty men heard his desire and executed a flawless extraction mission to retrieve a skin of water from behind enemy lines. When they presented the water to David, he realized the risk they took to fulfill his dream and poured it out to the Lord as a drink offering. How can you cast a compelling vision to inspire your ministry partners to action? Consider these four principles.

Leadership
In his book Start with Why, Simon Sinek shares the story of two stonecutters. One hates his job and complains about lifting stones every day in the hot sun. Another replies, “I love my job! Sure, it’s backbreaking work but I’m building a cathedral!” Why do these two men with the exact same job have opposite perspectives? One caught the vision, one didn’t. David inspired his followers to a higher cause. Are you inspiring your donors to accomplish something that will last beyond their lifetimes?

Relationship
David didn’t release a statement to the press; this was quiet conversation with his close friends. Have you ever had a dream conversation with your close major donors to let them know what God is laying on your heart? Don’t take your ideas to your major donors wrapped up nicely in a bow. Invite your key friends into the conversation while you’re still formulating your ideas. Let them imagine the future with you.

Stewardship
David had proven himself on the battlefield and earned the respect of his followers. Trust is a critical component of leadership and followership. People must believe that you will do what you say you will do. Leadership is influencing others. As Spider-Man learned, “With great power comes great responsibility.” As a leader you have great influence over your donors’ giving priorities. Make sure your vision is worthy of their sacrificial giving.

Worship
These men risked their lives to bless David with a remarkable gift. The only thing David could do was to reflect the glory back to God. This is exactly how we should respond when people give sacrificially. “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else” (2 Cor. 9:13).

Think About This: John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Inspire your donors to dream more, learn more about God’s vision for your ministry, give more, and become a vital part of your future.

Response: Lord, please help me understand your vision for what you want us to accomplish. Help me share it effectively with my ministry partners.

A modern, minimalist desk setup with a potted plant, books, a coffee mug, and office supplies neatly arranged. At the center is an open laptop displaying the words "1 Peter 3:15". Above the desk, large text on the wall reads "Donor Preparedness".
Fundraising Verse of the Week

Donor Preparedness

by Ron Haas
May 13, 2025

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

If you live in tornado country, you are used to the monthly siren test of the emergency alert system. This one-minute signal encourages everyone to stay aware and respond accordingly if an actual emergency occurs. Occasionally, a major donor will surprise you with, “What are your plans and how can I help?” Will you be prepared with an answer, or will you be caught off guard? Peter gives us five thoughts to consider.

In your hearts revere Christ as Lord
Your organization’s plans should not just be what your ministry leader, board, or key donors want to do. Instead, your strategic plan should emerge from a prayerful consideration of what you believe the Lord wants you to accomplish. Solomon reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Compare how much time you spend planning with how much time you spend praying.

Always be prepared to give an answer
Your strategic plan should outline your vision for the future and the resources it will take to turn your dreams into reality. Define the gray boxes on your master site plan by focusing on programming. Renowned architect Louis H. Sullivan, coined the phrase “form follows function.” Programs should drive your building needs. Your next new building won’t inspire donors, but what happens in the building to impact lives.

To everyone who asks
Sometimes leaders don’t like to face hard questions, so they avoid them. It’s easier to push ahead with your plan than to pause and consider other options. Don’t see questioners as your enemies, but your friends. People ask questions because they care. You may question their motives, but their questions will force you to clarify your arguments and strengthen your case.

Give the reason for the hope that you have
Your strategic plan must address your “Why.” Simon Sinek in his book, Start with Why encourages leaders to first communicate their Why—motivations and purpose. Then focus on How—the specific actions to realize the Why, and finally turn to What—the results which prove your Why. Don’t tell your donor what you want to build, but why this new facility will support and fulfill your mission.

Do this with gentleness and respect
Some leaders announce their plan as written in stone brought down from the mountain with no opportunity for feedback. Peter gives us important advice about the way we share our story. Perhaps your major donor has a better idea and is willing to fund a different direction. Approach that person with an open heart.

Think About This: One Christian school asked a major donor to support their remodeling plans. He declined to give anything toward the existing facility, but was interested in a major gift toward a new building on a new campus. His lead gift launched their campaign and rallied other key donors to partner with him.

Response: Lord, help me hold my plans loosely and listen to my major donors to hear their passion for our ministry.

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