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
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