72: Generosity or Transaction

Reflections on Generosity

"...the potentially world-changing and life-giving power that may be present in or working through the goodness of the donors' hearts and souls; if only someone would acknowledge it, call it forth, and nurture it!"
This week, I am reading a quote from Growing Givers’ Hearts: Treating Fundraising as Ministry by Thomas Jeavons and Rebekah Burch Basinger. 2000 edition.
Reflection questions:

• Where are there areas that we are failing to recognize the world-changing and life-giving power that resides the donors’ hearts and souls?

• How are you giving space for donors to share their desire to be world changing and life giving?

Reflection on quote:
As we prepare for year-end giving or any fundraising campaign, how we message matters. Are we selling a transaction or inviting generosity?
This quote reminds me of a conservation nonprofit client and their experience with a donation. The donor planned to give appreciated stock for their donation. When the donor was told how to avoid capital gains tax, they refused and instead insisted on selling the stocks, paying the capital gains tax, and donating the proceeds. This donor cared more about the world-changing and life-giving power that was present in or working through the goodness of his heart and soul than the tax break. When we consider our fundraising messages in our fundraising materials, we should avoid focusing on the tax deductions and other transactional benefits and instead we invite and nurture the generosity of donors who want to be a part of our missions.
To purchase this book: Growing Givers’ Hearts: Treating Fundraising as Ministry by Thomas Jeavons and Rebekah Burch Basinger.
Copyright permissions granted for use of this quote.

What do you think?

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Music credit: Woeisuhmebop