A Spirituality of Fundraising (#9 Mental Model Reflections)

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,

Model #1 "Wait by the Mailbox and Pray” Fundraising Model

• Spend lots of money, time, and energy on “The List” and sending mailings.
• God knows what we need! 
• We show up, pray, minister to our audience, and God will move people’s hearts to give.
• We ask for support, but from a safe distance (the mail!), and do little to no relational follow up.
• This model finds roots in the theology and practice of George Mueller and also J. Hudson Taylor. 
• Example: Tell great stories of impact, but never disclose the needs of the mission to a supporter. See Mark Dillon’s Giving & Getting in the Kingdom.
• Where have you seen this model work well? What is lacking in this model?
• Are Social Media campaigns or Crowdsourcing the “new” wait by the mailbox and pray in some ways?
• What feels good about this model and what feels off?

Model #2 “Event Based” Fundraising Model

• Banquets, Auctions, Golf Tournaments, etc
• Can be an entry point to giving.
• Can feel more transactional in nature.
• Bring large groups together to create energy around the mission.
• A temporary emotional connection is often experienced. 
• Lots of “Wining and Dining”
  • Where have you seen this model work well? What is lacking in this model?
  • What feels good about this model and what feels off?

Model #3 - “Advancement/Development Department” Fundraising Model

• It is “their job” to raise the money. Not mine!
• The Rolodex - “I can raise money as long as I do not know the people or have to ask people I know”.
• Employs more business tactics, resulting in a relationship that has a more transactional feel.
• Can feel inauthentic at times and not relational as a result.
• Their whole job is raising money for the organization.
• Often raise millions of dollars for big projects or buildings . 
• Where have you seen this model work well? What is lacking in this model?
• What feels good about this model and what feels off?

Model #4 - "The Missionary that Lives on Support" Fundraising Model

• Fundraising is an aspect of the role and calling and is viewed as a spiritual act of community building and worship.
• Fundraising is the annoying work we have to do in order to accomplish our mission.
• We hear things like “I would love that job if I didn’t have to fundraise!”
• Where have you seen this model work well? What is lacking in this model?
• What feels good about this model and what feels off?

Model #5 - “Tent Making” aka “The Un-Fundraising” Fundraising Model

• Get a day job to pay the bills, and then practice mission as a volunteer with our audience. 
• Usually there is little invitation into deeper commitment and community in this model.
• I never need to ask for support because I support myself through my "day job”.
• PHEW! At least I don’t have to talk about money with anyone!
• Where have you seen this model work well? What is lacking in this model?
• What feels good about this model and what feels off?

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!