Five Phrases Good Fundraisers Don't Say
Words make a difference! Your potential donors cannot read your mind. Think through ahead of time what you will say. Here are five phrases to avoid:
We have a need. "Need" connotes desperation. Beggars have needs. Give your people an invitation to join you in the greatest enterprise on earth—advancing the gospel. Say, “To do all God is calling us to do, we must complete our financial goal of $____ by September 1.
Give to me (or us.) This implies the gift is horizontal. Help your partners see their giving is first of all to the Lord—vertical.
Any amount is fine. Really? Suggest an amount or range you’d like your potential partner to pray about. Being nebulous does not help them make a stewardship decision.
This phrase borders on desperation. However, I close my appeals with 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Would you prefer to give monthly or annually or just pray for us? Too many choices. Which is it? Ask for prayer after you make your appeal.
I want you to consider joining our finance team. Missionaries are in the habit of giving instructions, but don’t do it now. This phrase is a command, not an appeal. Instead, "Will you pray about joining our support team for $75-150 per month?"
Matthew 10:19 says, “But when they hand you over [to authorities] do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say.
When you are arrested and expected to give an answer for your faith, don’t plan your words ahead of time. But for a funding appeal—plan your words!
