Ep. 18 | Hate Fundraising? 3 Things to Get Rid of the Shame of Asking

Oct 9

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Ever thought, “I hate fundraising” “it feels icky” “it’s the worst”? Many women ministry leaders feel the same way. It feels awkward, shameful, and disconnected from the heart of what you really want to do—serve people and share the Gospel.

But guess what? It doesn’t have to be this way. I believe God wants to shift our mindsets about fundraising and bring a lot of freedom!

In this post, we’ll walk through three mindset shifts to help you remove the shame and start seeing fundraising as part of God’s ministry work—not separate from it.

1. There Are Donors Who Share Your Heart

Even though sometimes it feels like it, you’re not the only one who cares deeply about the people you serve.

God is already stirring hearts in people who long to be part of His work through your ministry. They might not know your organization yet—but they’re out there. And when you communicate clearly about the need and the impact, those people light up because it resonates with what God is already doing in their hearts.

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul describes how the Macedonian believers “pleaded for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.” They didn’t need convincing; they were eager to give because they saw it as an honor.

When you reframe fundraising as connecting with those God is already preparing, the pressure to “convince” disappears. You’re not begging—you’re inviting.

2. Donors Aren’t Outsiders—They’re Part of the Team

Many ministries accidentally separate “those who give” from “those who serve.” But I don’t think that division was ever God’s design.

Your donors are part of your ministry team. Their role just looks different. Some go, some give, some pray—but all are working together toward the same mission.

When donors feel like insiders rather than outsiders, loyalty grows. They stop seeing their contribution as just another check and start seeing themselves as essential to God’s work through you.

Ask yourself: Does the way I communicate help supporters feel like part of the team? When you include them in your updates, share stories of impact, and speak with gratitude and partnership, you invite them to share in the joy of what God is doing.

3. It’s Not About You

This might sound harsh at first—but it’s actually freeing.

Fundraising feels heavy when we make it about ourselves: “I need support. I need funding. I’m tired of asking.”

But when you take yourself out of the center and focus instead on connecting donors with the people you serve, everything shifts. You become the bridge—the guide connecting two groups of people who both want to glorify God.

You’re not taking; you’re giving—offering donors the opportunity to experience transformation through generosity and partnership.

The Freedom of Fundraising

When you adopt these three perspectives, fundraising becomes less about shame and more about sharing. You’re offering others a front-row seat to what God is doing—and that’s something worth celebrating.

So as you write your next ministry update or prepare for a donor meeting, remember:

You’re not convincing people to care.
You’re not interrupting their lives with an ask.
You’re giving them a gift—the opportunity to participate in what God is already doing.