Nearly every day, I come across a billionaire I’ve never heard of who’s engaged in serious philanthropy. But for every one of these donors, there are a couple other billionaires whose giving is paltry, or even non-existent. Just yesterday, we wrote aboutRead more…
Xenophon’s Cyrus the Great
I’m often asked to recommend my top leadership or management book. So, almost on autopilot, I hit play and blather the following: “It’s impossible to pick one leadership book. Everyone’s at different levels of experience and need. That’s why youRead more…
What Every Board Member Needs To Know About Fundraising
If you’re a board member for a nonprofit organization, I bet you are dealing with fundraising issues more often than not. As a board member, you are voting to support (or not support) various fundraising strategies. You are probably allocatingRead more…
75 Ways to Put Your Money to Missional Use
Let’s say you have some money lying around. Maybe it’s, like, five whole dollars! Or, on the other end of the spectrum, let’s just suppose it’s a lot and growing every month. You feel the reality of the Jesus storyRead more…
You Cannot Steward Tomorrow
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 If you are seeking to lead as a steward leader, then this verse from Thessalonians is a powerfulRead more…
The Generosity Boom
When it comes to giving generously, not a lot has changed in the past century. For example, according to John and Sylvia Ronsvalle in The State of Church Giving through 2011 (23rd edition, 2013) in 1921, for every $100 earned, the typicalRead more…
Transforming the economies of Africa
Statistics show that +/- 81% of the South African population is Christian; with 56% of the population attending church at least once a week. If this is so – why is South Africa not reflecting a Christian culture in everyRead more…
Making a Good Ask
As you engage in fund raising (People Raising), one of the most important questions that needs to be answered is, “What does a good ask look like?” To learn the answer to this important question, I asked a major donorRead more…
The 5 W’s of Philanthropy
Too often fundraising appeals emphasize what the charity needs, not what the supporter wants. Customized, strategic communication should focus on identifying and building relationships to increase donations and support. Who are your fundraisers? What is the demographic makeup of your supporters andRead more…
What is Holistic Generosity?
When you hear the word “generosity,” what comes to mind? Finances? If that’s your first thought, you are not alone. Generosity and money are intimately connected. But, what happens when you unleash generosity from the confines of money? Let me giveRead more…