Support Raising as Ministry vs. Transaction
Problem with the wrong mindset:
- Viewing fundraising as a necessary evil puts donors in a difficult position.
- Leads to only contacting supporters when money is needed.
- Donors begin to feel like ATMs/money machines.
- Without genuine community-building, organisations fall into a cycle of relying on donors to fix problems.
- This environment can lead to manipulative fundraising, where donor value is based only on giving level.
Better approach:
- Reference: The Redemptive Nonprofit (by Praxis) → a Christian manifesto for treating people well, operating with integrity, and staying mission-focused.
- “Engage donors as people with needs and interests we can serve, not just as sources of resources.”
- Listen to their passions and aspirations.
- Invite them deeper into the mission if aligned, or connect them joyfully to other organisations better suited.
Core principle:
- Fundraising should be approached as ministry and shepherding, not hunting for donors.
- This shift transforms fundraising from a dreaded task into an opportunity to love and serve the community.