Every step in our fundraising planning and execution has to be bathed in prayer. If this is the Lord’s ministry, then it’s important that we consult with Him—regarding our need for funds, and to praise him for the successes we experience.

Let’s think through some of the many ways prayer needs to intersect with your fundraising.

1. As You Build Your Prospect List
   Pray that the Lord will go before you, quickening and preparing the hearts of your prospects, as we set out to make the connection with those who may become part of your team.
2. As You Call to Set Up Appointments
   You will find it natural to pray as you set out to make calls. Your nervousness or fear will drive you to seek help from above.
3. As You Conduct the Visit
   I love the story of Nehemiah. It must have taken great courage for Nehemiah to share his vision for the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Like Nehemiah, there will be countless occasions when you will be plain scared when confronted with an issue or a question. Do like Nehemiah. Stop and pray, right then and there.
4. As You Speak and Share in Public Meetings
   Ask God to help you be discerning about when and where to present your ministry in public. You will pray before, during, and after these public presentations of your ministry. Acknowledge that God is the one who will prompt listeners to become supporters of your work, and trust him for the outcome.
5. As You Experience Disappointment
   In a perfect world 100 percent of the people you call would not only give you an appointment but would also make a financial commitment. That is not going to happen. At times of discouragement, turn back in prayer, asking for God’s continued direction.
6. As You Celebrate
   Every time you conduct a successful donor appointment, every time you receive a positive response, every time you accept a generous gift, take the time to stop and pray and give God the glory.
7. As You Minister to Your Donors
   Your donors’ lives are like yours, filled with ups and downs. They have their own problems and heartaches. Your prayer on their behalf is essential.
8. As You Travel
   Your fundraising will involve some travel, whether the distances are short or long. For some, travel means going thousands of miles by car and by air. So pray for safe passage.
9. As You Drop the Ball
   There are going to be times when you find yourself regretting your own failures. Maybe you will fail to put in the effort in raising funds, or maybe you will neglect to thank your supporters. These times also call for prayer. Talk to your heavenly Father and confess your shortcomings.

Prayer is so vital and needs to be part of the DNA of a fund raiser. May the Lord bless your efforts.

Get your personal copy of the new and expanded version of People Raising and learn more about the role of prayer in fund raising (chapter 23). Get so much more practical advice from Bill Dillon here on PeopleRaising.com, as he provides fundraising tools and conferences to help you reduce the fear and time it takes to raise needed funds.

Let me set the scene. You’re meeting with a donor and you really need their help in identifying people that you could add to your prospect list and follow up. You need to signal that this is important to you. One thing you want to do is pull out a pad of paper as you ask them to think of people that you need to be in front of. That very action on your part will signal to them that you are seriously looking for them to provide you names.

According to a major donor I interviewed in the new and expanded version of People Raising, there are 5 things that make a good ask.

1. It has a one- or two-page summary document clearly outlining the reasons for the project and its benefits.

2. It includes information as to who the beneficiaries are and what they have done to help the project.

3. There is information on what the “insiders” (board, staff, community, etc.) are sacrificially doing for the project.

4. There is a clear ask that is reasonable and specific.

5. There is a definitely opportunity to say “No” without emotional consequences.

You can read my interview with this major donor on pages 185-188 in the new and expanded version of People Raising – you can order your personal copy here. Also check out quantity discounts for your staff.

There are 4 key insights that can make a difference in your fund raising. The new and expanded version of People Raising being released April 1st touches on these insights and much more.

1. Confronting the fear factor You all too well know whether beginning your fund raising experience or a long time veteran that fear can paralyze you. This is an excellent chapter that will give you a great overview.
2. Use of social media When it comes to communicating our vision and raising needed funds we live in an age of expanded use of technology. As fundraisers we need to use those means of communication to connect with prospects and donors in the fund raising process. But there is right way and wrong way and People Raising will address that.
3. A donor’s perspective on fund raising As we meet with prospects and donors wouldn’t it be interesting to know what goes on in their mind as they are approached for funds? You have this unique opportunity to sit with me as I interview a major donor. You don’t want to miss this!
4. Coaching can make the difference. Grasping the People Raising strategy is one thing but executing it is another. In this chapter I talk about what is involved in coaching. Whether a coach or simply a person raising funds there is so much that you will pick up in this new and valuable section.

You’ll find more information on the new and expanded version of People Raising, including endorsements, right here on the peopleraising.com website.

Don’t miss the special pricing:

• Retail price $19.99
• 1-24 books $12.59 ea. – order online now at peopleraising.com
• 25-39 books $10.39 ea. – call us for quantity orders
• 40 -319 books ($9 ea. 55% off) (40 books per case) - call us for quantity orders
• 320 or more ($8 ea. 60% off) (40 books per case) - call us for quantity orders

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