The Process of Giving

What steps do we go through before giving?

First, there is a feeling.

It might be outrage at a wrong that can be put right. Or, compassion might grip our hearts as we see the need and know from personal experience how the victims feel.

Duty can also impress upon us as we take responsibility for others. And there are not so noble motives, like giving our self image a boost, soothing guilt, and gaining public recognition.

But feelings alone are not enough. It’s quite possible to feel deep emotions and do nothing. The feeling has to lead to action. We get close. We are no longer distant.

Then, we give, sacrificially.

The example is the Good Samaritan, told by Jesus in the Bible in Luke chapter 10.

A man falls among thieves. They beat him up, take his money and leave him for dead by the side of the road.

A priest comes by, sees the need and passes by. Maybe he feels something, but he doesn’t do anything about it.

Likewise the religious leader, (Jesus loves picking on religious leaders, doesn’t he! To whom much is given, much is required.)

Then a social outcast comes by. He sees the man, takes pity on him and gets involved. He picks him up, takes him to a place for help, pays the bill sacrificially, and says he will check back later to give more if necessary.

Don’t you love that guy!

In a fundraising mailer we present needs and illustrate them with pictures and stories hoping the reader feels the need. Facts and figures are included only to confirm those feelings that giving is the right and wise thing to do.

We then make it easy for the reader to give with an order card that is so simple to fill out they don’t even have to think much at all to complete and return it.

One more point in the process… The giving experience is complete when the donor sees the fruits of their gift. They need a receipt to confirm their gift arrived. Ideally a video or something like it shows up with dramatic proof their gift made a difference.

Thanks for first thoughts in this area by Mark Fisher, a consultant to non profit leaders, helping build compassionate communities that are fun to give to. You can reach Mark at markfisher.com.

You can reach me, right here rdavis@milwaukeedirect.com.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 at 3:13 pm and is filed under News.
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