Build a Bold Community
A Fundraiser's Guide to Access and Relationship.
I have stood before church and community groups more often than I can recall. I am nervous each time because I want those listening to love what I love. I want them to “see” the hurting people I believe they can help and become curious about pain I want them to help alleviate.
How do you reach hearts, build trust, and create a meaningful, philanthropic community—one person at a time?
This challenge is not different from what we see in scripture. In Hebrews 4:16, we're encouraged: "Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence (parrēsia), so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Just as we have bold access to God through Jesus, fundraisers are called to approach donors confidently—not because of who we are, but because of the importance of the mission we carry.
Fundraising is more than transactions; it's about relationships. Here are ways you can take inspired action based on biblical truths about bold access and build a supportive donor community, one conversation at a time.
1. Bold Access Requires Intentionality
Access doesn't happen by accident. Think about the veil in the temple. Before Christ's sacrifice, only a select few had access to the Holy of Holies. But when the veil tore, access became available to everyone who believed (Hebrews 10:19–22). This transformation reminds you that intentional action opens doors.
As a fundraiser, gaining access to donors requires intentionality. Start by making a list of prospects to contact each week. Keep it manageable—maybe 10 names—and commit to reaching out. Relationships with donors always begin with a first step. Do something today. Make that call. Send the text, email, or handwritten letter. There is no better time to begin a new friendship.
I once worked with a new fundraiser who was hesitant to call a donor who had given sporadically over the years. She finally picked up the phone and left a message, thanking the donor for their past gifts.
Two days later, our staff member busted into my office filled with excitement. The donor had sent a check for $10,000, grateful for the personal touch. That phone call unlocked generosity and taught me a valuable lesson. Saying thank you is not just the right thing to do; it can also be the fun, inspiring, amazing thing to do.
2. Build Trust Through Bold Conversations
Boldness (parrēsia) is not about forcing a conversation but about speaking with authenticity and courage. Just as Jesus approached people with compassion and clarity, fundraisers must approach donors with the same spirit.
Calls: Begin with gratitude. You can share a story of the impact their generosity helped create. Be authentic—donors can sense when you're more interested in their money than their partnership.
Texts: A short, thoughtful message can go a long way. For example, "Hi [Donor Name], I just wanted to thank you for your support. Because of you, [specific impact]. Let me know if you'd like to hear more!"
Emails: Share updates that connect donors to the change they are investing in. Include photos, quotes, and stories. Instead of focusing on the "ask," highlight the difference they are making.
Notes: Sharing impact and saying thank you is the fun stuff. Every day, you get a chance to witness the private joy you see when people are getting help because a donor decided to bless a person they may never meet. Share that joy. Send a note.
3. Start Building Community One Person at a Time
When approaching a donor, remember Ephesians 3:12: "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him." Your cause is worth the effort, and your courage can inspire others.
Jesus didn't build His community overnight. He started with 12 disciples and invested deeply in their lives. Similarly, fundraisers must work relationally, not transactionally. Relationships take time, but the investment is worth it.
Focus on One Person: Take the time to listen to each unique person and their story. You will enjoy the opportunity to understand their passions and motivations. Ask great questions: What inspires them to give? What challenges do they face?
Celebrate Small Wins: Did a donor give their first $50 gift? Call them and celebrate! It's not about the amount; it's about the relationship.
Connect Beyond Giving: Invite donors to visit your organization, attend an event, or participate in a volunteer opportunity. Relationships grow through shared experiences.
4. Embrace your Calling
As Mother Teresa said, "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." Building community begins with one ripple—the one person you connect with today.
Fundraising is more than a job; it can be an all-consuming pursuit of improving the world. You know it is a race you won't win, but you have decided to run anyway. You are not just asking for money, but inviting people into a story that matters. Bold access and relationship-building are the key to starting a community around a shared mission.
5. Take Time to Say Thank You
A small nonprofit I worked with had a passionate executive director who wrote personalized thank-you notes to every donor, no matter the gift size. They enlisted staff to call people and offer prayer and service to the donor. People loved it. One donor, touched by the gesture, increased their giving and brought their friends to an event, multiplying the nonprofit's impact.
Remember, your intentional act of gratitude will bless donors, and many of them will become lifelong members of your community.
6. Take Time to Rest in God’s Grace
Fundraising can feel overwhelming. What if they say no? What if they don't respond? Remember, just as God grants bold access to His throne, He also provides grace for every step of the journey.
7. Don't Fear. Keep Going.
Isaiah 41:10 reminds us,"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you." Trust that God will guide your efforts and use your boldness for His glory.
Start Today
Refuse the excuses. Call one donor today! Thank them.
Send a thoughtful or funny text.
Write a heartfelt email with a story of a life changed.
Mail a photo of a person who was helped. Write a thank-you note on the back of the photo.
Fundraising takes faith. Your journey will need a resilience that believes in something bigger than yourself. Be humble and be willing to invite others to walk with you. Don’t be afraid to start small—every conversation, text, and note builds a bridge to lasting relationships. Remember, it is not about perfect words but genuine connection.
Make friends. Reach out boldly. Trust that your faithfulness will lead to great things. I have found that God’s grace will fill the gaps. With faith, resilience, and humility, you are creating a community that will transform lives—one person, one conversation, one prayer at a time.
