Fall 2023 | Giving

Talking Leadership

Generous Giving

Christian Leadership Alliance President and CEO Tami Heim recently interviewed Nathan Jones, President, Youth For Christ Foundation.

By Outcomes Magazine | Youth For Christ Foundation’s Nathan Jones shares perspective

Thought Leader

Many years ago, a mentor convinced me that fundraising is ministry. That changed everything. I no longer viewed asking for money as uncomfortable, awkward, or saw development work as “a necessary evil,” as some would term it.

By Mike Meyers | The secret to a healthy fundraising program

Lead Story

The Shrinking Middle

Collectively, middle-income households have been the backbone of charitable giving for most of the past century. Unfortunately, giving from this critical segment of donors has been shrinking for over a decade, and is on the verge of collapse.

By Derric Bakker | Why nonprofits need to start treating every donor like a major donor

Biblically Speaking

Will God Give Us What We Need?

Several years ago, Tim Keller, co-founder and chairman of the board of Redeemer City to City, who recently went to be with the Lord, said in conversation, “God is going to give us exactly what we need, no more, no less. So what are you worried about? [...]

By Doug Thorson | A conversation with Tim Keller yields insight

Feature

Generational Generosity

Generosity is a foundational principle in our family. From a young age, we were taught that everything has been given to us by God, so we need to give back to him and to others as he gives to us.

By Aaron McDaniel and Olivia Peebles | Inviting the next generation to participate in generosity

Reflections

Fundraising Wisdom from Ecclesiastes

Fear God and keep his commandments. I took these words of wisdom from Ecclesiastes, and from my mom, into the world to begin my illustrious career as a fundraiser.

By Douglas Shaw | Biblical insight that has guided my career as a fundraiser

Emerging Trends

Major Donor Giving Trends

Generous gifts from major donors play a vital role in fulfilling the vision and sustaining the mission and impact of ministry organizations. However, as the philanthropic landscape evolves, so do the expectations and preferences of major donors.

By Bruce Scott | Adapting and innovating using industry best practices

Power Source

It’s Not About You

Supporters will give token offerings to a variety of ministries just because they are asked. If we want to foster long-term relationships, however, we must connect with their hearts.

By Heather Day | Connecting the hearts of supporters to something greater

Empowering People

Gratitude for Givers

In this sacred realm of philanthropy, gratitude is the foundation for transformative donor relationships. By embracing the spirit of gratitude, we can reach the heart of the giver and forge lasting partnerships...

By Brad Layland | Reaching hearts and forging lasting partnerships

Raising the Bar

The Fundraising Board Member

Many board members are not aware of the full extent of their fundraising responsibilities. If you could write the perfect fundraising job description for your board members, what would you include?

By Ron Haas | Seven fundraising responsibilities for your board

Foundations

Navigating Tempests of Change

Given the turbulent and often frightful events of the COVID pandemic and its fallout, it is helpful to consider what changed for nonprofits and the impact of these changes on organizations, particularly those that are faith-based.

By Dr. Lilya Wagner | Fundraising lessons from the COVID crisis

First Person

Transformative Donor Relationships

Are you grateful to the donor for their commitment, guided by God? Donor partners desire for their contributions to hold purpose.

By Cathy Allgood | A development officer reflects on cultivating lasting donor partnerships

Sources & Resources

Books for Fall 2023

Christian Leadership Alliance recommends 12 great Fall 2023 books that will help you to grow giving to ministry while honing your leadership acumen and skills.

By W. Scott Brown | 12 great reads on giving, fundraising and Christian leadership