Our thoughts and prayers go out to familes, relatives, friends and any others who have lost loved ones; suffered, or affacted by the effects of the London bombings on Thursday, 7th July 2005, including those who are still unsure about the whereabouts of people who may yet to have been found, or identified.
The exemplary heroism, response and reaction of all those involved, including the emergency services has rightly defied this single act of evil and has inspired numerous acts of private heroism.
The terrorists failed to undermine the institutions, the democracy, and the values of which we are all so justly proud. Instead our government, our citizens and our way of life proved once again resilient in the face of evil. The terrorists failed to divide us one from another.
We all owe it to the victims of the London bombings to remember that terrorists should never profit by their embrace of evil and we should all show our resilience and defiance in a tangible way by continuing our lives routines - business as usual!
Is Fundraising part of God's Plan?
Christian fundraising creates opportunities to involve God's people in God's work
How does this Christian Fundraising work?
1. We acknowledge that God is the provider and the source of everything including finances.
2. God provides partners or stakeholders people who take an interest in our ministry and who offer generous support.
Nehemiah 2:1-8, Luke 8:2-3, Philippians 4:14-19
3. Through their giving donors mirror the generous heart of God and participate in His mission to the world.
Deuteronomy 26:1-15, 2 Corinthians 8:5, 8-9
4. God uses our fundraising efforts to connect His people to the ministries they love and care about.
Acts 4:32-37, 9:36, 2 Corinthians 9:12-15
Some Biblical Examples of Fundraising from Major Donors
A definition of major donor fundraising:
Approaching men and women of affluence and influence to make generous financial contributions to a ministry, project or cause.
Major gifts from leaders of Israel for building the Temple of the Lord God
The leader who did the asking: King David (1.Chronicles 28-29)
The need: A building project
The process:
God has given David a vision and a plan for the Temple 1.Chron 28:12, 19
David encourages Solomon to rise up to the challenge and lead God’s people to build the Temple 1.Chron 28:20
David shares the plans for building the Temple and leads by example with his generous gifts 1.Chron 29: 1- 5
David invites the leaders of the nation and his peoples to bring their gifts 1.Chron 29:6-8
David has the right theology of stewardship 1.Chron 29:10ff He reminds his people and us today that God is the ultimate giver and that their giving is an expression of their love and worship.
David concludes with praise and rejoicing for the gifts given and with prayers of thanksgiving for the givers 1.Chron 29:16-20
A Fundraisers prayer:
O Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Issac and Israel, keep this desire (to give) in the hearts of your people and keep their hearts loyal to you.
Solomon receives major gifts from a shrewd Queen!
No one asked: the major donor wanted to give (1.Kings 10:1-10)
The need To give in an act of worship to the God of Israel
The process:
The queen of Sheba heard about Solomon and his relation to the name of the Lord and she came to test him with hard questions 1.Kings 10:1-2
She spent time with Solomon talking about things that were in her mind and was satisfied by his answers 1.Kings 3-5
Having witnessed Solomon’s wisdom and seen how he treated his servants and his people she bestowed gifts upon him 1. Kings 10:6-10
Some useful Lessons:
1. Sometimes potential major donors will come to test you and find out more about your organisation
2. They would want to spend time with you asking the hard questions and visiting some of your projects
3. If and when they are convinced that you are what you say and your plans are wise and well-thought out they will support you wholeheartedly.
Ezra receives funds and favour from a generous King!
The leader who did the asking: Ezra, the teacher of the Law
The need: To re-built Gods Temple in Jerusalem
The process:
Ezra asked his king to provide money and support for the re-building of God's temple and for returning from exile Ezra 7:6
The king with a generous heart provides plenty of gold, silver and uses his influence to get more support for Ezra from the treasurers of the Trans-Euphrates Ezra 7:13-26
Some useful lessons:
1. God can open doors for his people and move in the hearts of all sorts of people and draw them to support your cause.
2. Winning the respect and support of major donors is a long-term process that requires honesty, integrity and hard work.
3. Major donors can become good ambassadors for your organisation generating interest and support amongst their friends.
Nehemiah the reluctant fundraiser!
The person who did the asking Nehemiah, the cupbearer of the King
The need finances for building the walls of Jerusalem
The process:
Nehemiah becomes aware of the need and starts praying for a solution Nehemiah 1:3-12
The king asks Nehemiah about his sadness. Sometimes people will ask us and we need to speak openly Nehemiah 2:2
The king takes the initiative and asks how he can help and how long will Nehemiah be away Nehemiah 2:4 - 6
Nehemiah asks the King to use his influence with other potential donors and provide for the cause Nehemiah 2:7-9
Some useful lessons:
1. Sometimes potential major donors will ask openly, What is it you want? How long will it take you to accomplish this or that project? ..... Are you ready to respond to their questions?
2. Nehemiah provides a wonderful example of a prayerful fundraiser.
NT examples of major donor gifts:
Wealthy women who supported Jesus’ ministry out of their own means Luke 8:2-3
The widow with the two coins, she gave generously all that she had to live on Mark 12:41-44
Lydia, a gentile from Thyatira and a successful business woman in her region. She extended hospitality and support to Paul and his companions even after their imprisonment Acts 16:6-40
Philemon, a wealthy house church leader who extended hospitality and support to Paul Paul asked for hospitality from Philemon Philemon 22
Theophilus a wealthy individual to whom Luke dedicates the book of Acts Acts 1:1
Some useful lessons:
1. Major gifts followed relationship building and sharing a common faith and new life in Christ.
2. Some major donors gave out of gratitude for blessings received while others gave because they wanted to share their newfound faith with others.
3. Requests for gifts were sometimes made directly and sometimes indirectly when the donor had first hand experience of the ministry.
4. Jesus and the apostles always prayed for their friends and ministered to them in various ways (through prayer, letters, words of encouragement).
Some final conclusions:
1. Baptise your vision and ministry plans in prayer.
2. Identify major donors in your support base and pray for ways of building better relationships with them.
3. Get to know your major donors what makes them tick, what are their dreams and aspirations for the relationship with your ministry.
4. Prepare your case for support and think through all the major aspects of your projects and ministry do not get caught not knowing what to say when a donor asks, What do you want from me?
5. Be prepared and open to respond to hard questions from potential major donors who might be testing your ministry.
6. Provide opportunities for your major donors to gain first hand experience of your ministry projects invite them on trips and events.
7. Encourage your major donors to became ambassadors for your cause and share about it with their friends and relations.
8. Think of ways of blessing your major donors and encouraging them to move forward in their spiritual journeys.
9. Praise God for your donors and their gifts to your ministry they are the real heroes!
10. Do not underestimate the potential of major donors for your Ministry they are people with visions and dreams and they want to make a difference so ask them to support your Organisations'/Groups' work!
Institute of Fundraising Fundraising in Christian Organisations Special Interest Group:
FICO was formed in 1997 as a forum for fundraisers working in Christian organisations. Today there are over 60 members from a wide range of charities.
FICO recognises the special responsibilities, opportunities and challenges facing fundraisers in Christian organisations and seeks to address these issues both positively and honestly.
FICO offers a network of support and advice to its members.
FICO has no denominational affiliations. Membership is open to all fundraisers in Christian organisations.
FICO encourages its members to join Institute of Fundraising. It charges £5 per meeting to cover the costs of room hire, refreshments and administrative costs.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to familes, relatives, friends and any others who have lost loved ones; suffered, or affacted by the effects of the London bombings on Thursday, 7th July 2005, including those who are still unsure about the whereabouts of people who may yet to have been found, or identified.
Is Fundraising part of God's Plan?
people who take an interest in our ministry and who offer generous support. 
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