Much of our fundraising work takes the form of broad communications like appeal letters and email blasts; the authors of The Sower call crop dusting. These forms have their place in providing basic information and a compelling story or "case" for supporting the school, but they do not engage donors at a personal level.
When we get (better yet, make) the opportunity to speak with donors in person we can approach them with intentionality as we share the work of the school.
Gary Hoag uses 5 P's to remember the purpose of the visit:
1. Person - Learn about who they are, not just what they do.
2. Passion - Find out what facet of God's work they are passionate about.
3. Permission - Seek permission to share about our ministry in the school.
4. Participation - Share how stewards participate in Kingdom work.
5. Pray - Encourage them to pray about their response.
I would add that we, too, should pray that the donor has the courage to earnestly seek God's plan for their time, talent, and treasure. We could even ask permission to follow up with them to see how they are doing in their communion with the Lord about these important issues.
During these discussions we must be on guard to check our own motives to be sure we do not slip into manipulation. There is plenty of residual sin in me that this is a constant battle, "Am I really and truly interested in the spiritual well-being of the donor?"
Practicing these conversations helps us to see that growing generous stewards is a long process, and it must begin with each of us. Would others characterize us as generous or thankful as demonstrated by how we return to the Lord the blessings with which He blesses us?
Lastly, while we can and should be winsome and articulate, we cannot do the heart work of convicting; that is the Holy Spirit's alone.
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