“…Fund-raising must always aim to create new, lasting relationships….”

This week, I’m reading a quote from The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen, originally presented in 1992.

Reflection questions:

• Which campaign donors do you need to offer communion, belonging, and friendship to this week?
• Thinking about the case for support, is it just an ask for a donation or is it also an offer for authentic giving and belonging?

Reflection on quote:

Last week, we discussed the scenario when the donor treats their donation as a transaction.  Often times, the root of transactional giving by donors is loneliness.  In an authentic giving approach, we offer donors a relationship and an opportunity to belong. Henri Nouwen spoke about this approach and his words have shifted the mindset of many working in capital campaigns across various mission types and not just faith-based organization.

When donors approach us with a transactional gift, we offer an opportunity for friendship and belonging in return.  The real, person to person opportunity to belong and to make a difference.  Instead of seeing the conversation as a transaction, we invite donors to belong and seeing their money as a way to join with others to create a vision and life together that is fruitful beyond just the building that will built.  The building itself changes to a place of community for both the donor and the constituent. 

To purchase: The Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen

Used with permission from Upper Room Books.

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Music credit: Woeisuhmebop