Here are a few questions from ministry leaders that Redina answered.
When we talk about fundraising, it’s easy to think only in terms of money. But in a polycentric approach—where giving and leadership happen from everywhere to everywhere—we’re reminded that God has blessed His people with many kinds of resources. And they all count.
Here are a few types of non-financial support that ministries can (and should!) recognise:
1. Time and Skills: Sometimes the most valuable thing someone can give it’s their time and expertise. Volunteers who offer to help with admin, tech support, mentoring, children’s work, cooking, or building repairs can make a real, lasting contribution to God’s mission. Especially in places where cash is scarce, time and talent are priceless.
2. In-Kind Gifts: From providing chairs or a free space for meetings, or Bibles, food, or even a cow or some chickens, practical gifts can help a ministry run without spending a penny. In many cultures, people can give in this way, and it’s just as generous and effective.
3. Relationships and Connections: Local networks are gold. Someone might not give financially, but they can introduce you to a church leader, business owner, or local councillor who can help your ministry. Often, who someone knows is as valuable as what they can give.
4. Buildings and Transport: Got an empty room? A car or minibus that can be borrowed? A sound system no longer in use? Offering space or transport can save ministries huge amounts and help them stretch limited funds even further.
6. Prayer and Spiritual Support: It might sound obvious, but it needs saying: prayer is not a ‘lesser’ gift. A praying auntie in Uganda, a group of young people fasting in India, or a quiet intercessor in Colombia they’re fuelling ministry in powerful, unseen ways.
In short: Polycentric fundraising isn’t just about shifting where money comes from. It’s about recognising that the whole Body of Christ has something to give—and that includes time, wisdom, space, relationships, and spiritual support.
When we value all these forms of generosity, we move from dependency to partnership and we being to see a fuller picture of what God is doing through His people around the world.
A highly recommended resource for your team is The Realities of Money and Missions: Global Challenges and Case Studies, edited by Jonathan J. Bonk, Michel G. Distefano, and J. Nelson Jennings. This book is a publication of the Korean Global Mission Leadership Forum (KGMLF) and offers a comprehensive look into the complexities of funding in global missions.And, it has some brilliant theological reflections and case studies too.
Yes, there are some noticeable trends in how people are giving to ministries globally. however, they often vary by region, generation, and ministry type. Here’s a quick overview:
1. The Rise in One-Off Giving: In many places, especially during times of economic uncertainty (like post-COVID or during inflationary periods), we’ve seen a shift from regular monthly giving to more spontaneous, one-time donations. Donors want to respond to urgent needs, campaigns, or stories that touch their heart—but may feel hesitant to commit long-term.
2. Donors Responding to Specific Stories or Projects: Today’s donors are more impact-driven. They like to see where their money is going. Ministries that share specific needs or stories of transformation often see better results than those just asking for general support. This trend is stronger among Millennials and Gen Z, who want transparency and emotional connection.
3. Monthly Giving Still Matters: While one-time gifts are increasing, monthly giving remains a key source of stability, especially for local ministries trying to build sustainability. The challenge is that many ministries haven’t updated their monthly donor communications or “stewardship journey” in years.
4. Digital Giving Has Shifted Patterns: With the growth of digital platforms (mobile money in Africa, QR codes in Asia, donor portals globally), people are giving faster—but often in smaller, occasional amounts. This changes the dynamic of monthly giving, especially where bank debit systems are weak or mistrusted.
So, yes, there’s a definite move toward one-off giving, especially in response to specific, well-communicated needs. But monthly giving still plays a vital role—it just requires more intentional relationship-building.
When your organisation doesn’t have a local base—or you're working in a region that’s different from where your supporters live—it can feel challenging to build strong engagement. But there are creative, effective ways to connect people deeply to your mission even without a shared geography.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Lead with Storytelling: People may not live near where you serve but they can still feel close if you tell compelling stories. Share the journeys of individuals impacted by your ministry. Let supporters "meet" people through video, photos, voice notes, or short updates that bring your work to life.
Tip: Use first names, quotes, and “day-in-the-life” glimpses. The more specific and personal, the more connected people will feel.
2. Host Virtual Gatherings: You might not be able to invite people to visit—but you can invite them in. Run online prayer meetings, supporter briefings, or “behind the scenes” Zoom events. Let your team or local partners speak. People love seeing the heart behind the work. Make it two-way: Include time for Q&A, live prayer, or group reflection.
3. Create a Community of Support: Even without a shared location, you can foster a shared identity. Invite people to become “friends of [your ministry]” or “partners in mission” and explain the spiritual and practical difference they make. Give them a name and a purpose to rally around.Include regular updates, insider news, and special prayer points.
4. Use Personalised Communication: Generic newsletters won’t build a connection. But a thank-you video recorded on a phone? Or voice notes from team members? Those small touches make a big difference. Let supporters hear real voices and know they’re seen.
5. Invite People into the Bigger Vision: Remind your audience that they’re not supporting a place they’re part of a global move of God. Talk about Kingdom impact, not just location. People give when they feel they’re investing in eternal things, not just distant ones.
Try language like: “You’re helping the gospel flourish in hard-to-reach places” or “You’re equipping the Body of Christ across borders.”
6. Leverage Digital Tools Well: Use social media, short email videos, WhatsApp prayer updates, and donor portals to stay connected. You’re not bound by place so use the freedom digital tools offer to build rhythm and relationship.
You may not have a local base, but you still can have a committed global community. Focus on relationship over location, and people will walk with you even from miles away.
Tackling the dependency syndrome on foreign funds is one of the most pressing issues in global missions today. It’s encouraging to hear that you’re looking for ways to move from reliance to resilience—especially in the South Asian context, where this challenge is very real.
Here are some practical approaches, along with a couple of examples:
1. Teach and Model Biblical Stewardship: The first step is often discipleship. When leaders and church members begin to see giving as an act of worship, not just an obligation, they shift from dependency to ownership of their mission work and church activities. Churchea and ministries should teach that every believer, regardless of how much they earn, is called to be a generous steward of what God has given.
Example: In rural Nepal, one church taught about generous giving and stewardship regularly. Though most members lived in poverty, they committed to giving small amounts weekly some through crops, labour, or goods. Over time, they raised enough to build a small church without foreign funds. This is a community taking ownership of its mission.
2. Diversify Income Streams: Begin to explore local income-generating activities, like skills training centres, agriculture, tuition programmes, or microbusinesses. This not only reduces reliance on foreign donations but can also offer employment and dignity to the local community.
Example: One ministry in Punjab started a sewing centre for women from poor backgrounds. It doubled as both a skills training programme and a source of income. Some products were sold locally, others through church networks abroad. The profits are being reinvested into ministry programmes, freeing them from depending entirely on overseas funds.
3. Strengthen Local Fundraising Culture: Many South Asian churches don’t have a culture of giving to missions or social outreach often because they’ve never been asked to. Ministries need to start inviting local people to give, using culturally appropriate messaging and methods (e.g. community giving, in-kind donations, story-driven appeals).
4. Engage the Diaspora Intentionally: South Asia has a large, globally scattered diaspora with both capacity and heart for ministry back home. Ministries that build relationships with their diaspora communities (instead of just sending donation appeals) can foster shared vision and partnership, not dependency.
5. Invest in Leadership and Fundraising Training: Many leaders in South Asia feel hesitant about fundraising because they associate it with begging. With the right training, they can learn to see it as a ministry of invitation and partnership.
Breaking the dependency mindset takes time, but it is possible. The key is shifting the narrative: from receiving help to being stewards and senders. With local ownership, creative income strategies, and biblical generosity at the core, ministries in South Asia can thrive—and even become senders to other nations.
Yes, this scenario happens more often than people might expect, especially with donors who are financially savvy or closely follow an organisation’s public financial reports.
Here's how to respond graciously and wisely when a potential donor says: “Why do you need more money? You already have plenty.”
1. Acknowledge the Question Without Getting Defensive: Start by affirming their concern. This shows transparency and invites trust.
“That’s a great question—and I appreciate you asking it. It shows you care about stewardship and impact.”
2. Explain the Nature of the Funds You Have: Help them understand that not all funds are flexible or available for new needs.
“While it’s true that we’ve been blessed with some funding, much of that is already committed to specific programmes, staff salaries, or long-term projects. We also set aside reserves to ensure we can respond to emergencies or sustain our work during low-income seasons.”
Think of it like this: Having money in the account doesn’t always mean it’s available to spend freely.
3. Share Your Vision, Not Just the Budget: Shift the conversation from how much you have to what you're called to do.
“This new initiative is about reaching further, going deeper, and doing it well. What we’re inviting you into isn’t just funding—it’s partnership in something God is doing that’s bigger than our current capacity.”
4. Be Transparent and Invite Dialogue: Offer to show how funds are being used and what the future looks like.
“We’d be happy to walk you through how we steward the resources God has provided so far, and how this new opportunity fits into our long-term vision.”
5. Honour Donor's Perspective Then Reframe the Conversation: Some donors ask these questions because they’re cautious. Others may simply not understand how ministries work financially.
“Your question reminds me why we value partnerships, not just donations. We want our supporters to have full confidence in where their investment is going, and to know they’re helping extend our mission work.”
To sum up: When a donor asks, “Why do you need more money?”—they’re really asking, “Can I trust that my gift will make a difference?”
So, take the opportunity to build trust, share vision, and invite them into what’s next.