Ep. 92 | No One Donating? 2 Tips to Spark Ministry Donations Now

Jun 29

Have you ever gone through a season where donations seem to dry up?

You keep serving. You keep showing up. You send another newsletter, post another update, maybe even have a few donor conversations. Yet nothing seems to move.

When that happens, it’s tempting to assume people just aren’t generous right now.

Sometimes that’s true. More often, though, the issue is much simpler: people aren’t being invited into the story in a way that naturally leads them to act.

Here are two changes you can make that can immediately strengthen your fundraising conversations.

1. Start With the Problem, Not the Solution

One of the biggest mistakes I hear is missionaries opening with what they do.

“We run a Christian school.”

“We plant churches.”

“We disciple young adults.”

Those statements explain your ministry, but they don’t create curiosity.

Instead, begin with the problem your ministry exists to solve.

What is the biggest challenge the people you serve are facing?

Keep it simple. One problem. One clear need.

When you start with the conflict, a few things happen.

First, the people who already care about that issue immediately lean in. They recognize the problem because it’s something that’s already on their heart.

Second, you’ve opened what storytellers call a “story loop.” Our brains naturally want resolution. Once we hear about a problem, we want to know how it will be solved.

If you jump straight to your solution, you’ve already closed that loop. The story feels finished before your listener has had a chance to participate.

Let the problem breathe for a moment. Build the tension. Then show how your ministry is responding.

2. Give People a Clear Way to Help

The second mistake is ending with an unclear invitation.

Many ministry presentations finish with something like:

“If you feel led to support us…”

While those words come from a sincere place, they’re often too vague.

People aren’t always deciding whether they care. Sometimes they’re deciding what to do next.

If your invitation isn’t clear, people hesitate.

Instead, tell them exactly how they can respond.

Maybe it’s becoming a monthly partner.

Maybe it’s giving a one-time gift.

Maybe it’s scanning a QR code that provides meals for children or supports Bible translation.

The more specific you are, the easier it is for someone to take the next step.

Clarity isn’t pressure.

Clarity is kindness.

Great Storytelling Creates Momentum

These two ideas work together.

The conflict creates urgency.

The invitation provides direction.

Without the conflict, people don’t feel why the ministry matters.

Without the invitation, they don’t know how to participate.

That’s why effective fundraising isn’t about becoming more persuasive. It’s about making it easy for people to understand the problem and step into God’s work alongside you.

Ready to Clarify Your Message?

If you’re struggling to explain your ministry, identify your core conflict, or create a fundraising message that moves people to action, I’d love to help.

Book a one-on-one coaching session, and we’ll work together to clarify your message so supporters immediately understand why your ministry matters and how they can make a difference.

Schedule a 1:1 Call