How to Humbly Ask for More Funding
Why do you think you feel as though you cannot ask your most faithful givers to give more?
It's likely because you feel as though you're taking something from them. However, in order to reap the greatest benefits for both you and your donor, you will need to shift your mindset to knowing you're giving something to them, not taking something from them.
We aren't frustrated when we have to work 50 hours a week because the ministry is booming. We're excited! In the same way, a donor who understands their purpose in the ministry can say, "I get to give more and see more impact because of my gift." But it's your job as the organization or missionary to clarify what that impact is for them.
YOUR MISSION AND VISION ARE THE SOLE REASON INDIVIDUALS WANT TO PARTNER WITH YOUR ORGANIZATION AND GIVE TO YOU.
The main reason ministries often ask financial partners to increase their giving would be because their expenses have gone up or overall giving has decreased. But those reasons are likely NOT the reasons that motivate donors to give substantially. You should not ask people to increase their giving simply because you can't meet your budget or finances are dwindling.
Rather, shift your mindset to the reason you started your ministry in the first place. Your mission and vision are the sole reason individuals want to partner with your organization and give to you. Use your vision and mission to proactively raise funds, rather than reactively raising funds on a needs-driven basis.
Asking donors to increase their giving can often be easier when you're saying something like, "There is so much we want to achieve this coming year! And we are inviting 20 of our faithful monthly givers to increase, so that together, we can... disciple _____ people or hold ______ English classes or feed ______ children, and to continue to make this ministry sustainable." One of those is definitely a motivating reason to give.
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Russell Cooper, Co-Founder