LESSON 33 – There Are Two Things You Should Never Joke About—#2: Fundraising

Welcome to More Lessons From the Nonprofit Boardroom Blog, a 40-week journey through the new book, More Lessons From the Nonprofit Boardroom, by Dan Busby and John Pearson. Each Wednesday, we're featuring a guest writer’s favorite snippet from the week's topic. Jos Snoep is our guest blogger this week for the second of four lessons in "Part 9: Holy Ground and Other Locations.” And during this COVID-19 era, the role of the board becomes even more critical. We pray that your board will have God-honoring wisdom as you spiritually discern next steps.

LESSON 33 OF 40: There Are Two Things You Should Never Joke About—#2: Fundraising
Flippancy about fundraising is never a good substitute for sincerity.

THE BIG IDEA FROM THE BOOK: In Lesson 33, the authors emphasize that fundraising is a fully integrated part of a ministry. It needs to be taken as seriously as any other activity of a nonprofit. The raising of money is ministry and needs to be a noble and vital part of the ministry. 

Fundraising needs to be embedded in a culture of giving. Ministry leaders are culture keepers tasked to define values and behaviors for the organization and consistently communicate that to board, staff and volunteers.

MY FAVORITE INSIGHTS from Lesson 33, pages 176-179:
• A healthy view on fundraising comes through a definition of the organization’s values and behaviors (culture) in how they relate to biblical stewardship and as an integrated part of the ministry.

• Realize and acknowledge that not everybody involved in the boardroom and your organization has a proper vision on fundraising and stewardship.

MY COLOR COMMENTARY:
In 2 Corinthians 8 the church in Macedonia is introduced to us. The churches are tested by severe afflictions, they are very poor. There is a great joy however! In verse 2 their joy shows an overflowing wealth of generosity. An indication is given to us that other churches or leaders did not want them to give as they were begging (verse 4) to be part of the relief of the saints. 

A wrong perspective on fundraising can easily trouble your relationship with and view of (potential) donors. Our own judgment prevails over the vision of the church or person that desires to give. The churches of Macedonia witnessed God’s grace working through their lives and generating a deep love for God’s Kingdom. Their begging was to be part of the Great Commission, of Kingdom work, despite their poverty. Their culture of giving was grounded in God’s grace on their lives (values) and participation in His work (behavior).

The raising of money is serious ministry. You are not asking for money. You are giving others an opportunity to be part of Kingdom work. Are we facilitating or hindering that noble work?
  
THIS WEEK’S QUOTES & COMMENTARY BY JOS SNOEP:

JOS SNOEP is the CEO of Bible League International. He began his nonprofit career in the Netherlands, where he was born and raised. He is married and together they have four children. He started his work at Bible League Netherlands as a fundraiser and accountant and served in various global leadership roles serving local churches with Bibles and training. As CEO of Bible League International, a major part of his role is to share the vision and mission work with individual donors and churches.

TO DO TODAY:
• Continue to educate and repeat the foundations of fundraising to our board of directors.
• Foster a culture of active participation of board members in fundraising and giving.
• Visit the ECFA Knowledge Center and read and share the short chapter, Lesson 33, “There Are Two Things You Should Never Joke About—#2: Fundraising.” 

NEXT WEDNESDAY: On Aug. 26, 2020, watch for the commentary by Bart Hadder on Lesson 34, “Five Troublesome Misconceptions of Board Members. Understanding board member myths can lead to improved governing effectiveness.”

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