Talking Leadership

Generous Giving

Youth For Christ Foundation’s Nathan Jones shares perspective

Christian Leadership Alliance President and CEO Tami Heim recently interviewed Nathan Jones, President, Youth For Christ Foundation.Christian Leadership Alliance President and CEO Tami Heim recently interviewed Nathan Jones, President, Youth For Christ Foundation.

By Outcomes Magazine

Thought Leader

Capturing Hearts and Minds

The secret to a healthy fundraising program

Many years ago, a mentor convinced me that fundraising is ministry. That changed everything. I no longer viewed asking for money as uncomfortable, awkward, or saw development work as “a necessary evil,” as some would term it.Many years ago, a mentor convinced me that fundraising is ministry. That changed everything. I no longer viewed asking for money as uncomfortable, awkward, or saw development work as “a necessary evil,” as some would term it.

By Mike Meyers

Lead Story

The Shrinking Middle

Why nonprofits need to start treating every donor like a major donor

Collectively, middle-income households have been the backbone of charitable giving for most of the past century. Unfortunately, giving from this critical segment of donors has been shrinking for over a decade, and is on the verge of collapse.Collectively, middle-income households have been the backbone of charitable giving for most of the past century. Unfortunately, giving from this critical segment of donors has been shrinking for over a decade, and is on the verge of collapse.

By Derric Bakker

Biblically Speaking

Will God Give Us What We Need?

A conversation with Tim Keller yields insight

Several years ago, Tim Keller, co-founder and chairman of the board of Redeemer City to City, who recently went to be with the Lord, said in conversation, “God is going to give us exactly what we need, no more, no less. So what are you worried about?Several years ago, Tim Keller, co-founder and chairman of the board of Redeemer City to City, who recently went to be with the Lord, said in conversation, “God is going to give us exactly what we need, no more, no less. So what are you worried about?

By Doug Thorson

Feature

Generational Generosity

Inviting the next generation to participate in generosity

Generosity is a foundational principle in our family. From a young age, we were taught that everything has been given to us by God, so we need to give back to him and to others as he gives to us.Generosity is a foundational principle in our family. From a young age, we were taught that everything has been given to us by God, so we need to give back to him and to others as he gives to us.

By Aaron McDaniel and Olivia Peebles

Reflections

Fundraising Wisdom from Ecclesiastes

Biblical insight that has guided my career as a fundraiser

Fear God and keep his commandments. I took these words of wisdom from Ecclesiastes, and from my mom, into the world to begin my illustrious career as a fundraiser.Fear God and keep his commandments. I took these words of wisdom from Ecclesiastes, and from my mom, into the world to begin my illustrious career as a fundraiser.

By Douglas Shaw

Emerging Trends

Major Donor Giving Trends

Adapting and innovating using industry best practices

Generous gifts from major donors play a vital role in fulfilling the vision and sustaining the mission and impact of ministry organizations. However, as the philanthropic landscape evolves, so do the expectations and preferences of major donors.Generous gifts from major donors play a vital role in fulfilling the vision and sustaining the mission and impact of ministry organizations. However, as the philanthropic landscape evolves, so do the expectations and preferences of major donors.

By Bruce Scott

Power Source

It’s Not About You

Connecting the hearts of supporters to something greater

Supporters will give token offerings to a variety of ministries just because they are asked. If we want to foster long-term relationships, however, we must connect with their hearts.Supporters will give token offerings to a variety of ministries just because they are asked. If we want to foster long-term relationships, however, we must connect with their hearts.

By Heather Day

Empowering People

Gratitude for Givers

Reaching hearts and forging lasting partnerships

In this sacred realm of philanthropy, gratitude is the foundation for transformative donor relationships. By embracing the spirit of gratitude, we can reach the heart of the giver and forge lasting partnerships...In this sacred realm of philanthropy, gratitude is the foundation for transformative donor relationships. By embracing the spirit of gratitude, we can reach the heart of the giver and forge lasting partnerships...

By Brad Layland

Raising the Bar

The Fundraising Board Member

Seven fundraising responsibilities for your board

Many board members are not aware of the full extent of their fundraising responsibilities. If you could write the perfect fundraising job description for your board members, what would you include?Many board members are not aware of the full extent of their fundraising responsibilities. If you could write the perfect fundraising job description for your board members, what would you include?

By Ron Haas

Foundations

Navigating Tempests of Change

Fundraising lessons from the COVID crisis

Given the turbulent and often frightful events of the COVID pandemic and its fallout, it is helpful to consider what changed for nonprofits and the impact of these changes on organizations, particularly those that are faith-based.Given the turbulent and often frightful events of the COVID pandemic and its fallout, it is helpful to consider what changed for nonprofits and the impact of these changes on organizations, particularly those that are faith-based.

By Dr. Lilya Wagner

First Person

Transformative Donor Relationships

A development officer reflects on cultivating lasting donor partnerships

Are you grateful to the donor for their commitment, guided by God? Donor partners desire for their contributions to hold purpose.Are you grateful to the donor for their commitment, guided by God? Donor partners desire for their contributions to hold purpose.

By Cathy Allgood

Sources & Resources

Books for Fall 2023

12 great reads on giving, fundraising and Christian leadership

Christian Leadership Alliance recommends 12 great Fall 2023 books that will help you to grow giving to ministry while honing your leadership acumen and skills.Christian Leadership Alliance recommends 12 great Fall 2023 books that will help you to grow giving to ministry while honing your leadership acumen and skills.

By W. Scott Brown

Christian Financial Resources Giving Fund. Simplify your giving, be tax smart, leave a legacy. CFRministry.org
Dallas Theological Seminary logo next to a smartphone displaying a better route notification.  Time sensitive option highlighted.
HighGround Advisors: Your Most Devoted Fan.  Championing your mission through expert asset management and gift planning for 95 years.
Help keep Haitian families together. Over 80% of children in orphanages are not actual orphans. My Life Speaks.
Brand for Impact, Grove9.com.  Strategic branding for meaningful results.
Are you ready for your third turn? Maestro-level leadership training. Learn more at maestrolevelleaders.com.
2025 Donor Experience Scorecard.  Download now. Douglas Shaw & Associates Fundraising Counsel.

Membership Exclusives

Join CLA | Member Exclusives

Alliance 
Community

Collaborate with peers to share strategic advice, solve challenges, and develop new approaches. Safe, secure and available 24/7!

Outcomes 
Academy Online

Outcomes 
Academy Online

Home of the CLA Center for Online Learning, discover professional development that includes 10-week facilitated cohorts, high impact self-paced courses and short form on-demand inspirational content.

Join CLA Member Exclusives

Credential Christian Nonprofit Leader Program (CCNL)

Enroll in the CCNL credential program and gain a proven multi-disciplinary understanding of nonprofit leadership. Earn this distinction through online courses and attending the Outcomes Conference.