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…
Money is Nice
Two questions: 1. Have you ever heard of Henry Parsons Crowell? 2. Have you ever eaten Quaker Oats Cereal? Let me guess your answers: no to the first, yes to the second. Or atRead more…
Charity and philanthropy in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
I joined in on a webinar on charity and philanthropy in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS countries). Because of the interest and value to ministries and churches, I decided to post the powerpoints presented and resources mentionedRead more…
Local traditions and global context: understanding Arab philanthropy
Studies on global philanthropy indicate that cultural traditions, religious norms, political histories, and the economic strength of individual countries have profoundly shaped giving in individual countries and geographical regions, creating a rich and diverse global philanthropic landscape. However, some commonalitiesRead more…
Timeline for Planning a Profitable Fundraising Event
Many ministries and churches use events to raise funds. The attached timeline and worksheet might be useful in planning fundraising events.
7 Ways to Kiss Fundraising Goodbye [Slideshare]
Traditional fundraising is broken. It lock nonprofits and charities in an endless cycle of chasing low return activities. A much better approach is to create a sustainable financial model that aligns well with your mission and core competencies. Nonprofits must moveRead more…
Philanthropy has more intrinsic benefits than you think
Children are hungry. Polar ice caps are melting. Injustice and inequality run rampant. The education system is broken. Natural places are diminishing. Arts groups are folding. The list goes on. Any objective person recognizes the urgent need for philanthropy, asRead more…
How Truly Generous People Give More Than Money
Last night, I was at a charitable event on Wall Street. I watched as the people who create money from their brains gave incredibly generous amounts for a great cause. The charity event was for Matt’s Promise, a 10-year-old nonprofit determinedRead more…
Giving It All: Alan Barnhart and his brother Eric owned a $250 million company. Owned. Past tense. Because they gave it away.
In 1986, Alan Barnhart was 25 and planning to go into business with his brother. An evangelical Christian, he wondered what Scripture had to say about the profits he hoped to make. So he combed the Bible for whatever adviceRead more…
Stop Medicating Your Church
A couple of years ago, one of our girls came home with a troubling look on her face. She was flushed and downcast. Her typically joyful seven-year-old attitude was gone. “Daddy, my throat started hurting at lunch time and it’s stillRead more…