I Do “Little Things” in Funding
©The Navigators. All Rights Reserved. Do not use without permission.
Early in my ministry I failed to understand that successful fundraising involves “little things”—behind-the-scenes activities that no one will ask about.
I wish I had known about these little things when I began fundraising. I stumbled into them by God’s grace. 😊
Little things I’ve learned to do:
Stay up to date on my mailing list addresses—data hygiene. Saves confusion later (cartoon).
Identify the exact amount of my monthly budget and pray for it daily. Jesus taught us to ask for “daily bread!”
Limit my newsletters to one page or one screen. Giving partners thank me today for my mercifully short letters.
Edit my newsletters four times before I push “send.” Because I noticed typos, spelling errors and wordiness in newsletters from my fellow missionaries, I assumed my readers did too.
Personally thank a new donor or lapsed donor within 48 hours of hearing about their gift.
Discuss funding plans with my wife. We’re a team!
Phone monthly partners who skip two consecutive months. I say, “Is everything okay?”
Rehearse exactly what to say during a fundraising appeal. This is not the time to stumble or ramble. I make my appeal and then I stop talking!
Fill out my Up Till Now Report twice a year. In the beginning I was afraid of metrics. But metrics told me the truth! Now they’re my friend! This report helps me follow up on “undecideds” and gives me ideas for my next phase of fundraising.
“Many of us are willing to do great things for the Lord,
but few of us are willing to do little things.”
For who has despised the day of small things? —Zechariah 4:10
Prayer: Father in Heaven, please help me become more self-aware so I can do the little things in funding. Give me the discipline to take these small steps to honor You with excellence in my funding activities. Amen.
