I’m a relational guy. On any personality index, I fall so far out on the extravert scale that it’s kind of frightening. In my role as a leader and encourager of fundraising for a Christian organization, the principles of developing and maintaining relationships take on a unique significance. Our work goes beyond securing financial support; it involves fostering connections based on love, compassion, and shared commitment to the organization's mission. This perspective not only promotes good stewardship but also aligns with Christ’s call to love and serve one another.
Christian fundraising is fundamentally rooted in the concept of stewardship—responsibly managing and utilizing resources in alignment with God's purposes. The Bible emphasizes the idea of giving generously and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), and this principle extends to the relationship between fundraisers and donors. Building meaningful connections becomes a means of encouraging donors to joyfully contribute to the work of the ministry, understanding their role as stewards of God's blessings.
Principles for Developing Meaningful Donor Relationships
- Unconditional Love and Appreciation: Just as believers are called to love unconditionally, fundraisers should approach donors with genuine appreciation and acceptance. Recognizing and valuing donors for who they are, irrespective of the size (or timing) of their contributions, fosters a sense of belonging and purpose with the individual.
- Empathy and Compassion: Understanding the donors' passion for the organization's mission requires empathy and compassion. By acknowledging their unique perspectives and motivations, fundraisers can build a connection that goes beyond the transactional, resonating with the donors' heartfelt commitment to fulfilling God’s purpose in their lives.
- Forgiveness in Philanthropy: The Christian virtue of forgiveness also finds application in philanthropy. Fundraisers should approach donor relationships with grace, acknowledging that donors, like everyone else, may have their own challenges and imperfections. The willingness to forgive and move forward strengthens the bond between fundraisers and donors.
- Transparent Communication: Effective communication is crucial in building and maintaining donor relationships. Fundraisers should communicate the organization's needs, successes, and challenges transparently. This transparency builds trust and allows donors to feel actively engaged in the impact they are making through their contributions.
Maintaining Mutually Respectful Donor Relationships
- Understanding Donor Intent: Fundraisers should prioritize understanding donors' intent behind their contributions. This involves actively listening to donors' desires, expectations, and preferences, ensuring that their generosity aligns with the impact they hope to achieve through their support and even being willing to help donors find other avenues for their stewardship if their goals don’t align with the goals of your organization.
- Respecting Donor Boundaries: Acknowledging and respecting the boundaries set by donors is essential for maintaining a mutually respectful relationship. Fundraisers should seek consent, especially when it comes to communication preferences, recognition, and involvement in organizational activities. Trust is essential in this relationship, and the respect of appropriate boundaries fosters that trust.
- Servant Leadership in Fundraising: Applying the principle of servant leadership, fundraisers should view their role as serving donors in their journey of stewardship. By facilitating opportunities for donors to express their faith through philanthropy, fundraisers embody humility and mutual respect within the donor-fundraiser relationship.
Benefits of Mutually Beneficial Donor Relationships
- Enhanced Stewardship: Building relationships with donors based on Christian principles enhances stewardship. Donors who feel connected to the organization on a personal and spiritual level are more likely to approach their giving as a faithful stewardship of God's blessings. For healthy mature fundraisers, revenue becomes secondary to seeing donors grow in their faithful stewardship.
- Community of Philanthropy: The establishment of meaningful donor relationships contributes to the creation of a community of philanthropy. Donors become part of a collective effort to support the organization's mission, sharing in the joys and challenges of making a positive impact. Frequently, that means being willing to facilitate relationships between donors and get out of the way. Too often, fundraisers feel like they need to be at the “center” of the donor’s stewardship.
- Witnessing God's Work through Giving: Fundraisers, as stewards of the organization's mission, become witnesses to the transformative power of God's work through giving. The relationships cultivated with donors serve as a testament to the broader Christian community, demonstrating the impact of aligning financial resources with God's purposes.
The rewards of this journey include not only securing financial support for your organization, but also cultivating lifelong relationships that reflect Christian values. By applying the principles of love, empathy, and transparency, fundraisers can promote good stewardship, ensuring that donors joyfully and faithfully contribute to the organization's mission as stewards of God's blessings.
