Exploring The Squirrelly Intersection of Faith and Fundraising

Senior Consultant - Design Group Intl. * Co-Founder - The (POP) Fundraising Lab * My Digital Contact Card (Office EST) * My LinkTree  * 14 April 2023 Free Virtual Workshop Registration

Faithful Friends,

I hope all is well with each of you. You are a gift!

Let's get after it, shall we? I'd feel honored, after a decade of coaching hundreds of people in fundraising, to propose A NEW WAY FORWARD:

The Four Seasons of Stewardship and The Path of Faithful Friendship

As we have thought in circles, and treated relationships like a means to an end (raising the budget), we notice that we tend to treat donors like ATM machines at times - only making withdrawals whenever we are together. 

We long for a more authentic practice of fundraising. And so do our supporters. 

Or we feel that the bottom line (raising the money) is the most important and only goal we have for our relationships. We wonder “Am I in this relationship only so I can get something from a donor? After they give a gift, when will I start plotting a course for an even bigger gift next year?”

A lack of authenticity and humanity is everywhere in fundraising. 

Our bodies, our minds, our souls, and our calendars feel it, don't they?

Making Goals

I had a goal when I started calling people on the phone as a fundraiser 25 years ago. I did not want anyone to see my name on the Caller ID (remember that?) and think “Oh golly - it’s Kevin Eastway again. He only calls when he wants something!”

I wanted to know them, to build trust with them, to build relational capital, and to care about their life as much as I did for my goal of raising money.

Here is what happened:

• I was able to engage my meager (yet generous) network without making them feel slimy.
• I received more engagement from people as a result of this authenticity - instead of people running away, they ran (mostly!) toward me.
• People were PUMPED when I called, and I am still friends with many of these people to this day.
• We all had more energy, more joy, and even more money for the mission!

What if this could be an aspect of your story as a fundraiser? 

• What if centering transformation was a goal of yours as you realize that you have plenty to offer the donor relationship as well?
• What if you noticed increased transformation in multiple directions as a result of walking down this path? Transformation in your mission, in your community, in your supporters, and in your very being?
• What if fundraising could help meet our (and our supporters) internal needs for deeper connection, more transparent community, conversation, and a shared mission or goal?
• What would happen if you could learn to make deposits into their lives more frequently?
• What if the most important part of fundraising was sharing your life and mission with the supporter, and valuing transformation over transaction in your relationship?

It takes time, it takes letting go of "how it worked in the 1900s" and a willingness to care deeply for the wellbeing of others. Being a fundraiser isn't really about money - have you noticed that yet? It's about inviting people into the wonderful story of God's work in the world.

That's why we don't stop asking when we hit our goal. That's why, when we have plenty, we share.  That's why we pause for celebrations and practice daily gratitude.

Keep going! I believe in you! Wholeheartedly!

Lead with Love,

Kevin A. Eastway

PS - This planner (I wrote it for you!) has space for you to reflect upon your fundraising journey, places to plan, to set goals, and re-imagine what fundraising might look like for you in the future. So when you get it in the mail, spill coffee on it, rip out pages, take it everywhere you go, enjoy it!