The Spirituality of Fundraising - Henri Nouwen

These seven principles of fundraising pulled from the transcript of a talk given by Henri Nouwen have been invaluable to me in my view of fundraising and my relationships with donors. I hope you find them just as helpful as I have!

The Spirituality of Fundraising - Henri Nouwen
Many of us regard fundraising as a “necessary but unpleasant activity to support spiritual things.”

1. Fundraising is first and foremost a form of ministry, but it is a subject we seldom think about from a spiritual perspective.

• Fundraising is a spiritual as giving a sermon, entering into a time of prayer, visiting the sick, or feeding the hungry!It is a life-giving and hope-filled expression of ministry.
• Are we willing to be converted from our fear of asking or anxiety of being rejected or feeling humiliated if someone says “no” in order to engage in this spiritual activity?
• Fundraising is a very concrete way to help the Kingdom of God come about.

2. Fundraising is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission.

• It is a call to conversation
• It requires a shift of attention in which we set our mind on divine things
• It is asking for what you believe in without apology

3. Fundraising is collaboration between asker and giver that is good for both of their spiritual lives.

• Asker and giver are drawn together by God who is about to do a new thing through our collaboration
• The giver is enriched; it is good for their spiritual health

4. Fundraising is about our relationship with money.

• Asking for money may feel taboo, but that feeling comes from an intimate place in our heart where we need security
• Our need to secure our own future and to control our lives does not come from the Bible
• What is our security base, God or Mammon? Our security needs to be totally from God

5. Fundraising may require that we overcome a prejudice against the rich.

• We equate helping the poor with serving Jesus. Our concern for the poor may carry with it a prejudice against the rich
• The rich have a spiritual poverty, just like us
• If we ask for money from the rich we have to love them deeply
• No matter how polished our approach, if asking comes for anger or jealousy we are not giving the person the means to become a brother or sister

6. Fundraising has to be community-building. It needs to hold the real possibility of friendship and community.

• If we ask for money, it means we offer a new fellowship, a new way of belonging
• Fundraising must always aim to create new, lasting relationships
• We invite people into a vision of fruitfulness and into a vision that is fruitful

7. Fundraising is grounded in prayer and undertaken in gratitude.

• Prayer is the radical starting point of fundraising
• Prayer releases a spirit of gratitude
• God is pleased with us; we can approach all people in freedom and love

-Shared by Rebecca Asper