Seven Fundraising Traps to Avoid

Robert Bruce Horsfall, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The LaBrea Tar Pits in Los Angeles contain the skeletons of ancient saber-tooth tigers who were lured there by animals trapped in the gooey tar. It seemed like easy prey, but the tigers themselves also became trapped.

Similarly, we can fall for “easy” funding methods, but let us be wiser than the saber-tooths. Here are seven traps to avoid.

1.     Relying on social media, email or letter appeals.

Social media, email and letters are excellent for updates and prayer requests, but for an appeal, their yes response is only 1-10%--tops! Face-to-face or Zoom-to-Zoom appeals are time consuming, but they generate a 50-60-70% yes rate.

Also, you will bond more deeply.

2.     Asking the wrong question. Don’t ask, “Will this person support me?” Instead ask, “Should this person hear my ministry calling-story?” Don’t pre-determine who will support you. That’s God’s job. Give everyone an opportunity.

3.     Talking too much. In my appeals, I determine to talk no more than 40% of the time. It is more important to be interested than interesting.

4.     Not sharing your spiritual journey. Of all you will say about your ministry, your spiritual journey has the most bonding power. Your story is boring?  No spiritual journey is boring if God has done it! Edit your journey to make it engaging. “I was saved in 1995, and I thank the Lord for answered prayer” doesn’t stir the listener’s imagination.

5.     Not asking for their spiritual journey. Lifelong bonding takes place here! One potential donor, with tears in his eyes, told me, “Thanks for asking about my testimony. No one has ever asked me to share it, not even my pastor.”

6.     Not asking for a decision. A missionary told me, “I talk about money all the time, but I never raise much!” Merely talking about money is not fundraising. Ask specifically for monthly or annual support suggesting 2-3 amounts. Even with good friends. And give them a commitment card with a due date.

7.     Failure to call back. Your FR is not finished until you have checked back to get their decision. “They said they will let me know.” Okay, but if they don’t you must take initiative. At your appointment ask, “May I call you in a week to get your decision? I am on a deadline to get my support raised.

Back to the basics of biblical funding! The Apostle Paul reminds us, “The laborer is worthy of his [or her] wages.” And he was quoting Jesus! (Matthew 10:10)