“Fundraising is a very rich and beautiful activity. It is a confident, joyful, and hope-filled expression of ministry. In ministering to each other, each from the riches that he or she possesses, we work together for the full coming of God’s kingdom.” (Nouwen, p. 60) Always remember that fundraising is not an auxiliary program of […]
“How do we become people who security base is God and God alone?” “How do we move from perceiving fundraising as an unpleasant but unavoidable activity to recognizing fundraising as a life-giving, hope-filled expression of ministry?” (Nouwen, p. 55) Fundraising as a life-giving, hope-filled expression of ministry is what only can be achieved when we […]
“In the world, those who raise funds must show potential donors a strategic plan that convinces donors their money will help to increase the productivity and success of the organization” (Nouwen, p. 51) Fundraising success must also translate into increased significance in Christ-centered ministry. Success is simply not enough. Ultimately it must express itself in […]
“We have something to offer–friendship, prayer, peace, love, fidelity, affection, ministry with those in need–and these things are so valuable that people are willing to make their resources available to sustain them. Fundraising must always aim to create new, lasting relationships.” (Nouwen, p. 50) Fundraising must involve long-term meaningful relationships where the donor can participate […]
“When fundraising as ministry calls us together in communion with God and with one another, it must hold out the real possibility of friendship and community. People have such a need for friendship and for community that fundraising has to be community-building I wonder how many churches and charitable organizations realize that community is one […]
“When we ask people for money to strengthen or expand the work of the kingdom, we are also inviting them into a new spiritual communion.” (Nouwen, p. 48) Fundraising often must go beyond the idea of raising funds for business-as-usual. Funds must be raised for a God-size vision. If our cause is of God, we […]
“When Jesus fed five thousand people with only five loaves and bread and two fish, he was showing us how God’s love can multiply the effects of our generosity.” (Nouwen, p. 46) God’s love can do things through fundraisers and donors that do not add up from a human perspective. The miracle of sharing can […]
“Asking people for money is giving them the opportunity to put their resources at the disposal of the kingdom. To raise funds is to offer people the chance to invest what they have in the work of God.” (Nouwen, p. 45-46) For fundraisers to fail to ask donors for a financial gift is to deny […]
“Because we approach potential donors in the Spirit of Christ, when we ask them for money we can do so with an attitude and in an atmosphere of confident freedom.” (Nouwen, p. 45) When fundraisers approach donors in the Spirit of Christ, they are free. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep […]
“Once we are prayerfully committed to placing our whole trust in God and have become clear that we are concerned only for the kingdom; once we have learned to love the rich for who they are rather than what they have; and once we believe that we have something of great value to give them, […]