Fundraising is a Family Affair
As coaches, we strive to ask powerful questions to uncover hidden expectations, motives, and mindsets coming into fundraising.
Recently, I coached a couple who, in 5 years of ministry, had never been fully funded- not even close. In our first session, it became evident that their experience thus far left them feeling exhausted and like they were plugging holes that were constantly leaking.
The wife confessed, “If we are not fully funded by the end of the three months we have been given to fundraise, I am ‘done.’ ” When I asked what they saw as each of their roles in fundraising, she said she didn’t really want to be involved. I could see the disappointment on her husband’s face as he listened to her share her feelings. He said he didn’t want to shoulder the weight of the task alone and turned to her and asked her to be involved. This began an honest discussion between the two of them about their expectations of each other- with me in the background.
After listening to her, it was clear that she saw fundraising only as making phone calls, meeting with people and following up with them.
SO I ASKED HER ONE SIMPLE QUESTION- WHAT STRENGTHS DO YOU HAVE THAT GOD COULD USE TO HELP IN THIS PROCESS?
God used that one simple question to help her think outside of the box. Honing in on her strengths, showing her the need for them, and providing her with opportunities to use them all helped her go from not wanting to do anything to being an incredible, invaluable part of the team!
Each week, she embraced her role more and more and it was amazing to see how far they came TOGETHER! And God, in His goodness, provided over and above what they ever could have imagined.
To see this client's mindset shift and actually hear her say her part was fun, coupled with the lavishness with which God provided, literally brought me to tears. She had given up on the dream of ever being fully funded and now, not only does she have a success story to tell, she has faith story to tell as well.
Deb Evans, Fundraising Coach