Cover Story: Faith-based Fundraising

Embrace the high road! Use self-disclosure and speak frankly with donors about the challenges faith-based organizations face. The outpouring of financial assistance after the Dec. 26 tsunami in South Asia was a turning point for donor trust and remains an inspiration to all fundraisers.

3. Competition
Many faith-based organizations, even those within the same denomination, compete with each other. Donors often confuse groups with similar names and might not understand that a gift to their local church might not be a gift to a church ministry. Parent churches frequently will not allow local ministries to borrow their mailing lists, and vice versa.