Top 10 Ways Christian Fundraising Can Be Different (CSA Survey Results)

Mike Buwalda, CSA Stewardship Connections Editor

Does Christian fundraising look any different than secular fundraising? You will be amazed at the outpouring of passionate and insightful responses I received when I asked your CSA peers this question recently.

Although there was some acknowledgment that often the tools of fundraising are similar in the Christian and secular arenas, there were at least 10 important differences. I've summarized those differences for you below, but if you really want to get inspired and challenged, I'd encourage you to read the full responses from your CSA peers.

When you get a chance, I'd suggest printing the article, grabbing your favorite drink, and then letting the Lord use these insights from the "front lines" to inspire you, challenge you, and encourage you as you serve Him.

Top 10 Ways Christian Fundraising Can Be Different

1. The Development Person's View of God. God owns it all and supplies the increase. Development is a way to apply the Word of God. Development requires dependence on God, not skills and techniques.

2. The Donor's View of God. Believers are giving to the Lord Himself, not merely an organization. Investing in God's purposes gives donors an opportunity to watch God use their gift and multiply it. 

3. The Development Person's View of the Donor. This is discipleship. The Bible places great emphasis on the giver and their need to give (sometimes not even mentioning the cause). People are stewards of what God has given, and that believer's have been called to certain good works. 

4. The Development Person's View of their Job. Bathe your work and donors in prayer. Following the lead of the Holy Spirit in your organization and in the lives of donors is important. Again, depend on God, not skills and techniques. 

5. The Message Delivered. Deliver hope in Jesus' name. Share the Word of God with people. Pray with people and ask for prayer. Ask God to use your communications to help people grow in faith and closer to Himself. 

6. The Methods Used. Although some tools are common to nearly all fundraising efforts, the methods used should emphasize God over the goal—transformation over transactions, eternal reward over temporal recognition, and the Creator over the cause. 

7. The Audience Reached. Churches share a special affinity with Kingdom causes here and around the world. The body of Christ has a responsibility and a calling to reach lost and suffering people in Jesus' name.

8. The Standards Maintained. Some Christian nonprofits have adopted written policies prohibiting certain fundraising activities that they believe would be in conflict with biblical values (e.g., serving alcohol at public events, promoting the names of donors).

9. The Internal Motivation of Donors. When people realize that God owns it all, that we are His money managers (stewards), and that God blesses us to bless others, giving becomes a path to joy, peace, freedom, and purpose. 

10. The External Purpose of the Organization. Christian nonprofits exist to glorify God and ultimately reach lost and hurting people in Jesus' name. There is an eternal dimension to ministry, built on faith and rooted in love.

CSA Survey Responses: Does Christian Fundraising Look Different Than Secular Fundraising?

I've made a 17-year career out of asking people to donate their blood, time, and money while working for the American Red Cross, United Way, and Junior Achievement. Since joining Lancaster Bible College (LBC) as the director of the scholarship fund 3 months ago, I have seen many differences in the way the Christian community handles "fundraising." Honestly, I believe it is a very subtle difference, and I'm not sure if it's just a change in me or if there is truly a difference in the way both types of organizations operate.

At LBC, everything we do is bathed in prayer (individual and team prayer). Whereas, with the three organizations mentioned above, it was always about "finding the right match" for the fundraising opportunity. I guess it's as simple as seeking God's lead versus working on my own strength. So, again, I think it may be about the individual versus the organization they are working for or the environment they are working in.

Kimberley A. Woods,
Lancaster Bible College

I've only done fundraising in the Christian world, but I've had a lot of contact with secular fundraisers. Trans World Radio’s (TWR's) approach is based on being on the schedule of the donor. We spend large quantities of time trying to find out as much as we can about them, their family, and what they believe God is asking them to do for Him. We then try to find ways to help them with the 50-year experience TWR has and/or tap some of our 200 partnerships to make sure their plans are engaged and accomplished. Most of the secular contacts I have had mainly focus on the projects and needs of the fundraiser. It seems they find a minor handle to grab onto with me and then they proceed to explain how I can help them rather than what they bring to the table to help me partner with them to accomplish a win-win for both of us.
 
Tim McElhaney
Trans World Radio

Yes, fundraising for a secular organization looks different from Christian fundraising. I have experience fundraising for both the American Cancer Society and The American Heart Association, then moved to fundraising for a private Christian high school. The two biggest differences are that Christian fundraising is eternal both in its mission and level of commitment. It is not selfish, and Christians usually can see the "bigger picture" as the fundraising process goes forward. In my opinion, I have found many volunteers involved in secular fundraising as a result of an unpleasant experience or even guilt. Of course I was with health organizations so that may be different as many had lost loved ones. Christian fundraising also seems more proactive rather than reactive. There are many scriptures in the Bible offering Christians their responsibilities. In the secular world it is often just a reaction, such as joining an organization to meet friends or achieve a certain social status. While I am able to do both, my choice will always be Christian fundraising.

Bill Wigley
Touchstone Real Estate Group

The case for Christian fundraising is certainly different, and we function under Christian stewardship principles of Gospel motivation for giving, but the mechanics and processes are the same as secular fundraising. Acquiring new donors and moving them up the donor pyramid happens using similar techniques. At the estate-planning level there can be differences in our definition of "leaving a legacy." Christians move toward their treasure (eternity with Christ), whereas secular givers are often moving away from their treasure (everything that they will leave behind). This makes a big difference in how people view an estate gift.

Ronald Nelson
Director, World Mission Support
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

Yes, Christian fundraising does look different than secular fundraising for several reasons. These are not necessarily in order of priority:

1. Biblical fundraising does not display the name of the donor prominently on a plaque, building, etc.
2. Christian fundraising seeks to empower donors to fulfill their calling, not manipulate them to contribute to "your" cause.
3. Christian fundraising has an "eternal" dimension that secular fundraising can never have.
4. Christian fundraising should appeal primarily to the spirit of a person, not their emotions.
 
J. Mark Horst
Heralds of Hope, Inc.

I think it "does" look alot like secular fundraising, which isn't surprising because the church and, by association, Christian agencies, are tragically becoming more and more like the culture. An example was articulated in the recent CSA conference. One of the speakers brought out the example of Paul's fundraising letter to the Corinthian church. Paul emphasized the Corinthians' need to give, and hardly mentioned the "cause" to which they were to give. These days it seems that Christian agencies hardly mention the givers' need to give, but instead focus on the cause or product that will result from the gift (even producing "giving catalogs"). This is taken directly from the secular (consumerist) model of fundraising.
 
Robert Wall
Director of Lending
Mennonite Brethren Loan Fund

I would say that Christian fundraising has several distinctions that differentiate it from secular fundraising. Many basic principles remain consistent regardless, but there are both challenges and opportunities unique to Christian organizations. First, any organization presenting itself as "Christian," whether that word is in their title or not, must overcome perceptions that a Christian organization is only engaged in "religious" or "sectarian" causes. Many foundations and donors cannot or will not support these perceived religious funding needs. On the other hand, Christian organizations have a unique opportunity to attach a message of hope and faith to their case for support that can lead potential donors to a new level of philanthropy and stewardship in their own giving, and can provide donors with a chance to see God move miraculously to multiply their giving.

Steve Glavan
Development Director
Grace Community Church
Horizon Christian High School
Community Christian Schools

Many of the methods are alike. Both use direct mail, special events, personal visits, etc. However, I believe the purpose is different. The secular fundraiser is raising funds. The Christian development officer or representative is trying to help raise Biblical stewards who increasingly embrace and model the giving nature of Christ.

Anonymous by request

Yes, we tend to believe that our job is to be faithful to plant and water, but it's God who gives the increase. We do not rely on worldly manipulative methods, overly aggressive fundraising efforts, persuasion and overt persistence; rather, we depend on knowledge of our organizations, passion for our cause, and belief that "God's Work done God's Way never lacks God's Supply." As one of my most astute mentors once told me, "God pays for what he orders," and we must be diligent to discover but not to manufacture the resources.

Harold Hazen
Taylor University

Absolutely, however, most Christian ministries I've experienced to date don't see the difference. I don't call it Christian fundraising. I call it "stewardship." It looks different because of the following distinctions:

Fundraising     Stewardship
"Get by"     God-sized!
It's a Job     It's Ministry - Educate on Why.
Rooted in Need     Rooted in Love
Donor Reactive     Partner Proactive
Doing "Bless my plans"     Being - "Where now, Lord?"
Take the $ and run!     Donor-focused, relational
Concerned about amount     Concerned about the heart
Tells     Listens
Manipulates     Builds Trust
Glorifies Donor     Glorifies God and Disciples Donor
Controls Costs     Invests in Equity
Little Accountability     Accountability is a Command
Short-term Impact     Kingdom Impact

William D. Jacobsen
Richmond, VA

There are some differences and some similarities between Christian and non-Christian fund-raising. The main difference of course is that non-Christians not-for-profits (NFP) have a much wider audience. However, this can work for and against them. It works for them in the sense that they are not limited to Christians, and against them in that they do not have an audience that is necessarily sympathetic or that has a natural affinity to their work as do Christian NFPs.

Other differences would be the methods used for soliciting funds, which are sometimes different, although these lines often become blurred. It's hard to tell the difference between methods used by either group. Some methods, such as door-to-door canvassing and street canvassing would not work for the Christian group but do work quite well for the non-Christian NFP. Donor acquisition by telemarketing to cold lists works reasonably well for non-Christian NFPs, if one is willing to make the long-term investment, but would not be profitable for Christian NFPs.

I've found too the affiliations amongst the non-Christian NFPs to other NFPs tends to be more prevalent, and they are more likely to put links on their Web sites to help others than do Christians—interesting don't you think?

One other thing that's different is the approach to churches and church groups, which is not an option for most non-Christian NFPs. Of course the motivation for giving is somewhat different, although depending on the type of organization, can be the same. For instance an appeal for emergency relief is an appeal to the heart and to compassion. Christians might add a religious component to squeeze a little more out of the donor. The appeal to major donors in a non-Christian NFP is of course directed more to the general need to be philanthropic and to be perceived as being a good citizen or corporate citizen. There is also the appeal to vanity in the naming of buildings, etc. The need for tax receipts to offset excess income is also a considerable motivator for non Christians—not really the best reason to support a cause one believes in. However, I find that this can be also be a strong motivation for some Christians.

Similarities abound of course. The excessive use of direct mail is a big one, and there is little difference in the way they are written, other than the mention of the need for "prayers" and support. Also telemarketing and monthly giving programs are very similar in terms of major gifts and capital campaigns. I believe the process is very similar in both cases. There are other forms of giving that a non-Christian organization may become involved in that are in the gray areas of fundraising, where the sole reason for giving is to get a profit from the gift as in the case of "buy low donate high" tax schemes. These are often considered unethical even by non-Christian NFPs, but some do participate and make big money in the process.

Peter Montgomery
Director of Development
Tyndale University College and Seminary

You know here is one big difference we run across here in Wyoming and maybe many other groups do to. Even though I think fundraising for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Boys and Girls Clubs are noteworthy—the one thing that absolutely blows me out of the water is this: Our Central Wyoming Rescue Mission works extremely hard to put on a nice banquet and auction. A couple speakers come and there is some entertainment. We do not serve alcohol, and our programs are all very well thought out and well organized. We are up against these other two banquets, which as I said above serve a real need but they serve alcohol and what we have noticed is these fundraisers can bring in $190,000 and $150,000, and we are lucky to bring in a quarter of that amount—I think that is a sad commentary so that is one thing we compete with and yet we are not changing our standards so we just have to do more than one campaign a year. 
 
Brenda Hurless
Raymond James Financial

My opinion is that Christian fundraising is a more "one on one" approach, whereas secular fundraising approaches individuals from a "mass marketing" approach. Christians may be approached through seminars, presentations, et al., but the communications usually come down to, as I mentioned, a "one on one."

Bud Barger
Grace Brethren Financial & Estate Planning

Thanks to your [CSA] earlier teleconference with Rich Haynie and my attendance at his presentation at the CSA meeting, I do see Christian fundraising as very differently from secular. Rich's materials show the difference and I am thankful I had the opportunity to hear him! I've only been fundraising for 5 1/2 years and wish I would have known about his works 5 years ago. It recognizes that He owns everything, and he is the fundraiser and to totally trust God for the results.

Bruce McIntosh
Development Director
The Salvation Army

The techniques are somewhat the same for Christian and secular fundraising, however, the motivations of donors are often much different. Donors to secular causes may respond because of their beliefs, just as Christian donors, but often they have other motivations. It may be because they have received benefit from the cause. For example, a cancer survivor gives to cancer research because of treatment received. Some donors to secular causes give because of social benefit. That is the donation secures their place in the community. For example, their gift places them with others of stature in the community at events, or their name is listed next to people with whom they want to be identified. Some have very little charitable intent.

The above differences are reflected in some different tactics used in Christian versus secular fundraising. Donor recognition is very valuable in secular fundraising. In Christian fundraising we have to use care as to not offend some donors who see it unBiblical to receive recognition.

Our motivation as Christian fundraisers is different. We understand that God owns all our financial resources, and we must depend on Him for the results and not on our own skills. That doesn't mean that we don't need skills, but it puts our skills into prospective. In Exodus 25:1-2 (NIV) we read, The Lord said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give." In this passage we learn that as was required of Moses, we are required to ask for resources to meet the needs of our ministries, however, it is God who prompts them to give.

Another concept that may apply to secular fundraising, but is vital to Christian fundraising is "Donor Care." In secular fundraising I always cared about my donors, but in Christian fundraising it takes on a new dimension. I need to show love for my donors in ways that I would not of thought of in secular fundraising. Praying for and with donors is one example of this expression of love.

Jim Schlottman
Quiet Waters

The big variables are:
First, many organizations refuse to contribute to Christian organizations for fear they will “offend” someone. Second, the power and need of prayer by us to discern who to talk to and what to say is crucial.

Mike LeMay
Q90 FM

As I observe the fundraising spectrum, some Christian fundraising resembles secular fundraising and some does not. However, where the two look similar, the question to ask is, “what are the values that drive the fundraising activity?” I would suppose that some would look at how the Apostle Paul raised money in I and II Corinthians and equate it with secular fundraising, but his motive and values were different from those of the Jewish world in which he lived.
 
The book of Philemon is basically an “ask” for a donation of Onesimus the slave. If one were to ask the value of Onesimus, I would imagine that it would have been a large donor request. Paul is asking Philemon to give forego large monetary value. In examining the rational that Paul uses with Philemon when asking he is very bold. If Paul’s letter were set in our world of today he might receive criticism for the presuppositions in his ask!
In executing a fundraising program in the world of ministry, one key question to ask is, “Why are we doing what we are doing?” Are we just seeking to get a high rate of response and a high ROI, or are we honestly believing God will provide for legitimate needs in His Kingdom?

After a personal 7-year search of the scriptures on the strategies and methods of biblical fundraising, I concluded that resource recruitment should be predicated upon the call of God, integrity, clarity and honesty. This begs the question, “Are we setting strategy and raising money with Kingdom values?” Kingdom fundraising may resemble secular fundraising because even the secular world realizes basic human motivational patterns that God has created in humans from natural observation. Hopefully, the values that drive resource recruitment in the Body of Christ will give off a different “tribal smell.” When we move away from biblical values and motivations we can be on shaky ground.

Lauren Libby
Navigators

I don’t believe there is such a thing as “Christian fundraising.” I believe there are Christians seeking funds. I believe some are doing so without compromise of God’s Word. Yet, I believe there are others that are caught up in the things of this world and follow some secular practices that are questionable, if not blatantly sinful. Our role is to engage people with like-minded convictions and demonstrate to them that the organization for which they serve is a worthy “conduit” for channeling resources to meet the need of people through the local congregation, international missions, caring for the poor, reaching out to widows and orphans, providing God-honoring education, medical care, and more. Yes, we should look different from secular fundraising. However, I too often see compromise among some so-called, “Christian” ministries. Certainly we can use some of the same tools and techniques that secular fundraisers use. The question is whether or not we are using the tools in the proper manner for a God-ordained purpose. Our focus should be to glorify God and not simply do whatever we can however we can to get dollars. If a Christian is serving with a secular organization to raise funds to find a cure for a disease and is doing so in a manner that does not compromise biblical standards is that person not involved in “Christian fundraising”? I see this person more of a “Christian fundraiser” than I do a person working for a charity organized for Christian purposes yet is dishonest in their fundraising tactics and stewardship responsibilities. TRUTH is foundational in all fundraising. Organizations like CSA and ECFA can help us maintain TRUTH-focused practices.

Bob Dewhurst, CFRE
Director of Development
Alabama Baptist Children's Homes & Family Ministries

Secular fundraising and Christian fundraising are very different. Secular fundraising often merely takes a transactional approach to raising up gifts, whereas successful Christian fundraisers take a transformational approach to raising up givers. The goal of secular fundraising is to advance a mission. The goal of Christian fundraising is to advance God's mission.

Gary Hoag
Denver Seminary

It is my opinion that in a few Christian organizations fundraising is different than in the secular nonprofits.

However, my experience is that some faith based "Christian" organization do fundraising very closely related to secular organizations. I receive contribution requests from several Bible-based organizations, and one stands out to me as secular in their approach. I would like the opportunity to speak with the Biblical leader and find out if in this organization (which is large) this individual has approved of how the fundraising is done in that organization. For example, I sent a contribution because I believed in the mission. It took nearly 4 weeks to receive a receipt, and prior to receiving a receipt three other requests for contributions were received. Another organization sends me contribution and incentive requests two and three times a month with four-color brochures, DVDs, calendars and other items. I did contribute but stopped because, while I agreed with the proclaimed mission, I do not believe their fundraising practice is good stewardship of my gift to serve God's people. Because there is so much blending of fundraising practice between Christian organizations and secular organizations, it is difficult sometimes to see a difference.

I have attended a few training sessions on Christian fundraising and I viewed the information as secular in nature. It is easy for the spiritual and the natural to become mixed in philosophy. I see this as a question that will have as many variations of answers as the spiritual maturity of the individual looking at the process. Christian has a different level of meaning to different individuals.

Diana Watt
Bedrock Computers

Secular fundraising is secondary to Christian stewardship. As Christians we have an obligation to return a portion of what the Lord has given us to him as an act of worship. In the secular world we have an obligation to support those less fortunate than we are by responding to secular fundraising calls. Unless Christians put their obligation to the Lord first, they can easily become swamped by secular fundraising requests which flood the mailbox!

Norman Vaughn

Yes I do believe it is different. They have different motivations/convictions. I would suggest that a good resource on this question especially as it pertains to women is Joyce Brooks at Biola.

John West
Seattle Pacific University

Yes, very different, since I was a professional fundraiser for American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. There's no God in secular fundraising and people often give for very different reasons.

Dawn Duty
Kids Alive

In the past, Christian fundraising has maintained a “pass the plate” mentality. (If we all pitch in, we’ll do OK.) Secular nonprofits, on the other hand, use a more scientific approach in developing fundraising strategies (i.e., “95% of our goal will probably come from 5% of our membership”). Also, ironically, secular organizations tend to put more emphasis on “stewarding” donors—thanking them, recognizing them, acknowledging what they have done, and showing them how their gifts are making a noticeable difference.

Scott Stevenson
Stevenson, Inc.

Please forgive my lengthy answer but ABSOLUTELY there are two key aspects to fundraising as ministry. First, in Christian fundraising we are inviting our donors to a totally new (for them possibly) way of thinking toward biblical stewardship. It is in giving them this spiritual vision that is transformational biblical stewardship. I believe that Jeavons and Basinger have it right when they say that stewardship is almost a synonym for discipleship. We must view our donors with this intent, knowing that not all the donors whom God has entrusted will be willing to venture down those avenues with us.

Second, is similar to the first. It views what we do as ministry. We must know that any activity we do in development / transformational biblical fundraising / ministry to donors is (relational [pastoral / shepherd]). At the heart of the relational aspect to the ministry is it is up to the Lord brings the people. If you look at John 10, Jesus uses the illustration of the shepherd and in this context there are some interesting applications for the major donor development officer. For example, the “robber” is the fundraiser who takes the transactional approach to fundraising. Next, the watchman and the gate is the development officer who has been entrusted with the major donors with a transformational approach to ministry to donors. No donor will enter the ministry without a contact by the development officer (v.7-10). Finally, the good shepherd knows his sheep by name. The development officer will know who his donors are by name, just as the shepherd knows his sheep. The main objective to foster a relationship with a side note the shepherd does not beat his sheep! In Ezekiel 34 there are also some further examples applicable to the development officer. The question is asked if the passage if “the shepherd is to care for his flock.” The answer is yes! Then how? We are to “search for my sheep and look after them” and when found share and encourage our donors with transformation biblical stewardship principles that have eternal perspective (v.11). This chapter in Ezekiel is a great example of how development officers are to handle all major donors (as a pastor would handle his congregation).

How does this apply to us? With the Lord’s entrustment of major donors we commanded to be faithful and obedient (Acts 8:5-7, 26)—the “Lord told Philip to go south…” We must be submissive to whomever the Lord brings and to do His will. We believe if transformational ministry is to take place with major donors this equation is true: obedience + faithfulness = Gods Results. The work of Development Officer is up to us, the results are up to God. God is the Fundraiser. We’re to be obedient and faithful. Mother Teresa said, "God has not called me to be successful. He called me to be faithful." Knowing this I can only then be faithful. Next is to be totally submissive to my employer (Ephesians 6:5-8). Submission to the Denver Rescue Mission will bring glory to the Lord. What happens to all my efforts will be honored and all the results will be His results, not mine. This is all I can do. Now try to carry that off at a secular nonprofit! What I wrestle with is how do I wade through the tracking and measuring of what we do?

Mike Breeden
Denver Rescue Mission

Beyond a shadow of any doubt Christian fundraising is different than secular fundraising. Although secular fundraisers deal with issues of stewardship and responsibility to society, the Christian fundraiser has far deeper issues to address including but not limited to: stewardship, obedience, spiritual gifting, Jesus’ instruction that our hearts will be where our resources are, and Paul’s statement to Timothy that by generosity we lay up treasures in heaven. It goes on and on. I welcome further dialogue.

Tim Stephenson, ChFC
Assistant to the President for Funding, the C&MA
Vice President for Development, The Orchard Foundation

I would suggest speaking with Butch at TouchPoint Solutions. He has the best take on the difference between fundraising and Christian stewardship that I have ever heard.

Randal Dick
Worldwide Church of God

I definitely believe Christian development should look and feel different than secular fundraising. The question is if the organization or development officer believes that they are different. Secular fundraising has high standards and high ethics. I have many friends in the profession and it is a noble one. But raising funds for ministry is about the steward, not the goal. To answer your question simply, fund raising is fund raising. The intended question is, do stewardship-motivated strategies look different that secular fundraising? I sure hope so. That is what every Christian development officer and consultant is seeking. We teach and work so that the steward's journey results in a lifestyle of stewardship that is pleasing to God. There are many strategies that can accomplish that. But your motivation as the designer and implementor of the strategy is the key.

John R. Frank, MA, CFRE
President
John R. Frank Consulting Group, Inc

I do feel that Christian fundraising is somewhat different than secular, but I think the main principles are the same. On the Christian level, I believe it is all about relationships and getting people engaged in your ministry. Secular fundraising is easier many times, because it addresses immediate needs that we are all familiar about where Christian fundraising is deeper and more personal. These are just my observations from coming from a Foundation into a nonprofit ministry doing fundraising.

Amy Stockdale
Echoing Hills Village

It looks very different. The “world” gives to support good, but “worldly” things. Christians support Kingdom things and give more consistently, more generously, and more faithfully. Christians give by faith; the “WORLD” gives by sight. Amen.

Karl Nudsen
Moody Bible Institute

Christian fundraising not only looks different from the secular nonprofit model, it is or should BE different. Here are the ways, I believe, that the difference should be manifest: The ethical standards spoken of in fundraising circles are not strictly biblically based as is the work of organizations such as ours and many other Christian groups. That ought to be made very obvious in the way we present ourselves, in the ways we relate to our donors, ands in the ways we report to them about the use of their funds. Our standards must mirror God’s Word about money, its use, and our soliciting it from believers. Christian organizations and their development arms should never “sell” or high pressure anyone, but should instead insist upon the potential donor praying for God’s leading in his or her decision to give to any Christian cause. Many of our causes, especially as it pertains to missions, are worthy, but we must insist that people take their time and commit it to God before giving. Yet another insistence we should promote is that our potential donors research us to make certain we are above board, that their money actually is applied to those ministries they designate and that our practices are above reproach. This is different, it looks different and it certainly flies differently to an increasingly jaded donor base when sometimes experiences fraud and deception from secular and, sadly, even some Christian organizations when they fund raise.

John Hart
Arab World Ministries

A quick answer: No I don't think fundraising looks different from secular. Fundraising is fundraising. I think the fundraisers should look different, that would include their ethics, morals and approach.

Brad Stoldt
Development Advisor

Christian fundraising looks different from secular fundraising because we are not the owners of our wealth. We are stewards of that which the Lord has given us for a season. We should use these gifts for the glory of God and to further His Kingdom and Kingdom values. Christian fundraising comes from the Christian world view and not from just doing good for a man-centered reason.

Wayne Gardner, CFRE
President
Toccoa Falls College

I think there is a big difference. First of all integrity. There is more integrity from Christian fundraising. I don't really trust or believe in secular fundraising, I always wonder if it's true or not. Christian fundraisers are geared toward cause and I'm usually touched by it. Secular fundraising is more for personal satisfaction.

Anonymous by request

 
I believe that Christian fundraising does look remarkably similar to secular fundraising with perhaps two exceptions. They are quite similar because I see in both the acknowledgement that people have a need to give and be part of something bigger and more vital than themselves. They use the whole gamut of media options and approaches to communicate the need or the opportunity.

Christian fundraising is different because it ties giving to an ultimate purpose in life—to glorify and obey God. We actually have the advantage over secular fundraising because of the common link we share as Christians who worship and honor the same God. The second difference is in the poor quality that is often seen in some Christian appeals. Much of the appeal is done by laymen who have no experience or understanding of communicating fundraising needs. Often no budget is set aside for such communication.

Phil Turley
Director of Development
Africa Inland Mission

In many ways they are very similar. However, the motivation, the purposes, and the basis of the appeal are usually quite different. The focus is on the Kingdom of God for the basis and the goal. The appeal, for example, should not be based on getting a tax break, but on what it does for the cause of the Kingdom.

Dr. Ron Iwasko
Global University

Yes, Christian fundraising should look different than secular fundraising. As I see it, there are two roads one can take in resource attainment. In the first (secular), fundraising is a matter of simple financial transaction. In the second (biblical), fundraising is an educational opportunity and a chance for spiritual transformation. I have a chart useful in illustrating the differences between these two models. These materials are taken from The Road Less Traveled and Growing Givers Hearts.

Wes Willmer
Biola University

Christian fundraising is all about being a conduit between their (peoples) wealth which God has blessed them with and giving back to God and his work which also becomes a blessing. We are commissioned to give and sometimes people need help with that. I can be that kind of helper, a stewardship assistant.

Jerry Malone
Central Christian College of KS

Most of what I see in direct mail is modeled after secular media with God or Jesus plugged into the copy. Same heart-strings being pulled, same appeal language. I want to see more of Partnership Development focus and language. While current direct mail and cultivation messages bring in the first and second gift, we need to transition to development of partners in our ministry. We are more than meals and a shelter . . we provide a new hope and a future to the homeless we serve.

James K. Lewis
CEO/Executive Director
Coachella Valley Rescue Mission

I don’t think Christian fundraising always looks different than secular fundraising, but I believe it should. There is a fine line we walk when trying to balance good business practices with ministry. As we attempt to inspire and encourage donors to excel in the grace of giving, we have to be careful not to cross the line into secular manipulation of God’s people. I think it’s easy for us as Christian development professionals to lose sight of the fact that donors to Christian ministries are giving out of joyful obedience. This is a critical distinction between secular and Christian “fundraising.” The Lord wants us to give cheerfully from the heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion (2 Cor 9:7).
In my opinion, if we send a direct mail appeal without praying over the development of that piece and asking for God’s blessing on the results, we are practicing secular fundraising in ministry. I can remember sitting in my office about 10 years ago trying to think up ways to get a particular donor to give more. I was focused entirely on my skills and needs as a fundraiser with little regard for God’s will or what was best for the donor. After all, I had fundraising goals to meet. This in my mind is another classic example of secular fundraising in ministry. Thankfully, the Lord revealed to me that I was not honoring Him in my work. He showed me that fundraising can truly be a ministry. Now my focus is on ministering to donors and truly serving their needs and letting God work out the giving details. I’m just helping to facilitate what He has called the donor to do. Now, by His grace, I’m raising more funds for His Kingdom than I ever imagined possible and having a lot fun in the process. The reality for me is that I didn’t become successful at fundraising until I stopped being a secular fundraiser.

Guy Burgo
Stewardship Concepts, Inc.

I think Christian fundraising looks the same as secular fundraising. I have been taught that faith is a motivating factor for giving, but not the only one. If Christian organizations only rely on faith as the motivator they will constantly fall short of fundraising goals. I don't believe that faith should be overlooked, but to rely on it solely is a mistake for Christian fundraising.

Alon Banks
Amor Ministries
Director of Development

I think my answer would be, "Yes and No." It seems that Christian nonprofits sometimes use mailings/techniques/events that are similar to secular nonprofits. I don't think this is necessarily a problem, and indeed I think that we can get too "religious" in thinking that we must avoid certain "methods" that don't fit a rather narrow view that tends toward legalism. God is creative and gracious. We can limit Him and alienate nonChristians by using our own narrow constructs. At the same time, we don't want to become manipulative, deceptive, and/or "splashy" in a way that undermines quality or integrity. I think we need to continue asking the Lord for the Holy Spirit's guidance and plan.

Anonymous by request

 
I never did fundraising in my corporate life. My companies just sold stuff. So I don’t know what differences there are, except of course that in corporate you are appealing to the profit motive as opposed to appealing to the prospect’s heart for God and fellow man in Christian fundraising.

Tad Mahan
Urban Family Council

It is quite different. In the secular world you would usually raise funds for humanitarian causes, arts, etc. You are dealing with the temporal. In Christian fundraising, particularly when it comes to the ministry of Medical Ambassadors International, where we seamlessly integrate physical and spiritual teachings, we are saving lives for now and for eternity. So we look at the ministry as dealing with the eternal, rather the temporal.

Henri E. Haber
Director of Mission Advancement
Medical Ambassadors International (MAI)

In Christian fundraising, God is the fundraiser and the development person is just the vehicle through which He works through. In secular fundraising, the emphasis is on the quotas and numbers that the development person has accomplished by himself. What a privilege that I have knowing that He is in control and the burden is not on my shoulders to raise the money...I only need to do the work He directs me to do to accomplish His task.

Karen Fraser
Aldersgate Renewal Ministries

Yes, I believe that Christian fundraising is fundamentally different from secular fundraising. It is a work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of God’s people that drives the efforts of a Christian development officer. It is wrapped in prayer from the beginning of the initial contact until the follow-up on the gift of a lifetime. We are called to encourage and disciple our donors in their efforts to strengthen their faith through their stewardship and their acts of compassion.

I believe that we are called on to use the tools of the development trade to make sure our donors have the greatest opportunities to give the best gift for their situation and we should be knowledgeable about the current efforts going on in the industry but we have the challenge of not falling into the trap of running our shops the way they do down the street at the local public not for profit organization. We are Kingdom workers and our first calling is the fulfillment of the Kingdom for the glory of God.

Rick Van Dyken
Exec. Assoc. to the President for Development
Trinity Christian College

Yes! Christian fundraising is considerably different than secular fundraising. There is a whole different set of purposes and values centered around eternal and Kingdom objectives with the Christian organization, as compared to the humanitarian values (still valuable) for the secular organization. While a lot of the organizational and administrative items will be similar, the motivation and approach will be different because you are coming from that different set of values. It is the difference between supporting the effort to prepare souls for eternity, and doing good to your follow man. Both are important, but the heart tug is different. In addition, there is a major difference between the Christian institutional approach, and fundraising in a church setting, because there are many different dynamics at work when people fund their worship and ministry center.

Bob Hallett
TLC Ministries, Inc.

Does Christian fundraising look different? Mostly no—Christianity is more the motivation to minister. Not-for-profits do nearly identical works as faith-based or secular. So the appeal to raise the funds for the provision of human services or to build buildings, whether written or verbal, is similar. If the fundraising endeavor is specifically to enable persons to preach the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ, then sure the words and visuals used would be different and would look different than, let’s say, an appeal to teach character without the biblical roots. The image and reputation of the organization, the people involved, and sometimes the name, usually convey the Christian commitment quite well.

Anonymous by request

Christians are called to Love God and Love Man. That is to drive everything they do. "Christian" fundraising should truly care about the person, more than just their money. That is difficult to obtain though because we know that we are hoping for a financial gift when we build a relationship with a prospective donor. I think we need constant reminders that we are to Love God and Love Man with all we do. That will drive our motives. I don't think that the typical secular fundraiser has the goals of Love God and Love Man. Thus, their perspective is different from the beginning.

Craig Holmquist
Fort Wilderness

Yes, I think Christian fundraising needs to focus on training people to be good stewards of God’s money. It is not just a transaction between the organization and the donor. We are training the donor to use God’s gifts wisely. In turn, the donor is blessing us (personally and as an organization) as an example of good stewardship.

Kevin Kaemingk
Superintendent
Valley Christian Schools

I think Christian fundraising does look different than secular fundraising, as it should. I think the difference is in how we are commanded to treat one another. I was disappointed that in some of the presentations, there seemed to be little regard for the moving of the Holy Spirit or God's leading. God's will should be a primary consideration for us, more so than just closing the deal. A missionary once told me that he'd rather have $25 as a result of someone's obedience to God's will rather than $1,000 that was not directed by God. I don't know that I fully agree, but I would have liked to have that spiritual dimension explored.

Dane Carr
Mount Abarim Baptist Mission International

Since I have only worked in Christian fundraising, I don't feel like I can fully answer your question. However, let me say this, "I sure hope that Christian fundraising looks different from secular fundraising, much different." We should have a spiritual aspect to our fundraising that goes much deeper than any secular organization can hope to have.

Melissa DeMelo
In Touch Foundation

I have been in fundraising since 1982 when I graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA. I was saved in 1990 and left secular fundraising to be in Christian fundraising in 1993.

Here are the differences I see in Christian fundraising:

1. Many feel a clear sense of “calling” in their role within Christian fundraising. In secular fundraising, I felt the importance of my “position” but not a “calling.” Although there are many secular fundraisers that believe this is their “niche” in life.
2. There are times I see less accountability in Christian fundraising than secular fundraising. 
3. We both tend to operate with the attitude of “competition” and “crisis-centered” appeals which could promote donor fatigue. Christian fundraising should be different and operate out with an assumption of the abundance of God’s resources and grace.

The similarities I believe outweigh the differences in many ways:

1. Building relationships with proper cultivation and solicitation are still the basics needed in both the Christian and secular worlds.
2. Asking the question, “What is best for the donor” is still essential in both worlds. I do believe there are times, though, that we both tend to operate with a “pressure-oriented” type development approach versus allowing the donor to follow his or her heart. 
3. Appropriate goal setting is essential. 
4. Leadership of a secular organization or a Christian ministry needs to involve the development department in the process of shaping larger goals with that charity or ministry. 
5. The importance of integrity is similar.

Anonymous by request

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