A Spirituality of Fundraising (#7 The Path of Faithful Friendship)

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,

Have you noticed that Jesus does not fundraise in one city and then head to another city to “do ministry”? He does not hold a fundraising event and say, “My friends, thanks for the dough. When I run out of money, I will be sure to come back and ask for more.” 

Rather, Jesus says to them “Come with me. See me in action and your life will never be the same.” Mary Magdalene, Suzanna, and many others experienced this early in the book of Luke as they supported the mission.

Jesus employs the ongoing presence of “traveling companions” early in his ministry, and neatly demonstrates how “with-ness” is an important part of his model for public ministry. 

Jesus is not merely inviting these friends on a road trip; he invites them into a new community and a life of connection. We have this same opportunity and honor as fundraisers.

I like to call this “The Path of Faithful Friendship”.

This is not some magical or formulaic path to friendship and more money. Rather, it is a path "of” friendship. “Of” makes room for people to come and go on the path while relationships remain intact. One of the best ways to show a supporter you care about them is to keep showing up in their lives - especially when they stop giving! Relationships are organic, fluid, and people come and go.

We long for a more life-giving approach to our donor work that includes things that our bodies (not just our bottom line), our souls (maybe more than prayer?), and our relationships (transformational instead of transactional) need. 

There are times when a path meanders through lush meadows and next to life giving streams. There are times when the path is full of companions, and there are lonely parts full of contradictions. 

There are sections of desert that are steep, rocky, and uphill as we ask people to give. There are missional vistas that we should share with others along the path, and fundraising pits where we need a friend. 

Sound familiar? 

With this in mind, The Path of Faithful Friendship, that meanders through The Four Seasons of Stewardship, might look something like this: 

From Donor

• They give money, we do not know them well, the relationship is mostly transactional - and that is ok - at least in the beginning stages of our relationship. 
• They come to an event related to our mission, and we do not see them until that event comes along next year.
• We are usually the primary initiator in these types of relationships.

To Partner

• This is a person or an organization that gives generously in some ways, but isn’t seeking or “in need of” a deeper or more personal connection with us or the organization.
• Our mutual plenty increases in these types of relationships - mostly in an organizational or professional manner.
• They have something that helps our work, and we help meet some of their organizational needs as well.
• The types of relationships are sufficiently personal, but mostly professional as we support each other’s work, but not necessarily personal lives. 
• Mutual initiation happens in these types of relationships. We stay in touch with them, and they reach out to us as well.

To Supporter

• They give more than money, and the support is increasingly mutual as we get to know them and they get to know us.
• The interactions here are a bit more frequent and personal.
• They show increased interest in the mission, and spending time with us. 
• We notice that we like being around them, and they have so much more to offer than money. They are wise, thoughtful, self aware, and we share mutual interests. 
• We start noticing that we have plenty to offer the relationship as well. See 2nd Corinthians 9.

To Faithful Friend

• Our hope is that people in our community grow closer to Jesus and our mission, start to care more deeply about the things He cares about, and are transformed.
• We notice that the level of mutual care, respect, and shared mission are increasing in our relationship.
• We go on vacations with these people, raise our kids together, walk our dogs together, and love spending time together.
• We are with them when they are suffering and when they are celebrating. They play the same roles in our lives.
• These are the places where we wonder “Am I working right now or hanging out with my friends?!” The answer is "YES!"
• This is where we realize that fundraising is about hanging out with our friends and sharing life in a meaningful and missional manner.
• These people pursue deeper relationships with us, and we reciprocate with glad hearts.
• We love being around each other!

My deep hope for yo is that you find a faithful friend or two. A couple of people that you can talk story with and be really you. I mean really you.

Lead with Love,

Kevin A. Eastway