Each of us receives solicitations for support from several or many non-profits. As we open these (as do our donors) what messages are contained?
Typically, we mention (in passing) how God has blessed the school and wonderful it is to have dedicated supporters (like you!).
Then, we launch into the "ask" where we explain the reasons for our need; you know, the one that sounds like we are almost desperate, but not quite. We don't want to start a panic or have the rumors fly that we are going to close. Sometimes we show specific items that need to be funded to make a connection between a favorite item and a donor's interest.
Lastly, we pull out the "big gun", scholarship aid for needy families. That always "works" if the other items don't connect. Scholarship, like poverty, can tug at heart strings - then, we hope, someone feels sorry for us and throws us a gift.
This is not biblical stewardship; it is manipulation in using guilt or shame to solicit a gift.
Our roles are to remind our donor friends of their blessings from God and to boldly make our case saying why our school is a great investment in Kingdom building. We can and should remind them that each of us are stewards of blessings and how we should give as directed by the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 9:7 "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Look over your letters and see what messages are coming out loud and clear.
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