When our boys were younger, I wanted them to see how much we were giving to our church. I wanted to model cheerful generosity, and to demonstrate that this was normal and very intentional. If the truth be told, IRead more…
Why This Data Nerd Isn’t Sold On Effective Altruism
The Effective Altruism cadre wants to tell you where to donate your money. They claim these recommendations are based on rationality, effectiveness, and efficiency and that any thinking person would agree with their rankings. It is easy to believe theyRead more…
A Post-#GivingTuesday Reflection
#GivingTuesday, a creation of the 92nd Street Y in New York City, is intended to bring together individuals, communities and organizations to celebrate generosity and giving. Now in its fourth year, #GivingTuesday takes place on the first Tuesday following Thanksgiving, Black FridayRead more…
The laboratory for philanthropy
I am just back from the annual European Venture Philanthropy Associationconference, this year in Madrid. I have attended most of the organisation’s fifteen conferences – because venture philanthropy is at the cutting edge of all of Europe’s philanthropy. The conference isRead more…
Top 10 Tips to Catapult Your Major Gift Fundraising
Here’s a special list of my FAVORITE ideas, tips and strategies that I’ve developed over 30 years in fundraising. It’s some of my best wisdom. Some of these ideas are short-cuts. Some are out-of-the-box. And some are my magic keysRead more…
What Does the Bible Say about Borrowing?
You’re working hard at your calling but you don’t have enough money to pay for something—a car, a coat, a computer. Should you borrow money for that purchase? Should your ministry borrow money? As with so many matters of practicalRead more…
Praying for a Good Time
I don’t know that any of this will make sense. But, if it’s going to have chance, you’ll have to read this quote slowly and carefully. “We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but God wants it to beRead more…
How to Recruit a VIP Volunteer Who Will Close Major Gifts and Make Their Own Gift Too
VIP Volunteers are essential ingredients to many major gifts efforts and capital campaigns. We need these individuals for their networks and connections – and access to large donors that we can’t reach. But they are difficult to enlist! Here is aRead more…
God Loves Rich People
Who among us wouldn’t enjoy a little bit more money? And yet when we come across people who have that little bit more, it can be far too easy for our hearts to whisper things like, “Well that’s not how IRead more…
Christian Change Makers
As Christian change makers, you’re all about making and doing – it is in your name, by definition, and in your DNA. You make things happen – a lot of things, all year long. The daily role you play toRead more…