People Give for Projects. They Give Generously for Life Transformation.

People give for projects. They give generously to see lives changed forever.

That simple truth has shaped much of my work in fundraising and philanthropy over the decades. Yet is is surprising how often people lose sight of people and become focused on the project. Most ministry and non-profit leaders I meet are passionate about seeing lives changed. That is the very reason they entered into ministry. Then the time comes for them to raise money and they stop talking about transformed lives and begin talking about buildings, budgets, classrooms, and offices.

Recently, I was reminded of this while visiting a project in Zimbabwe. Our company had helped fund the installation of a new solar system at a school serving hundreds of deaf children. It was an inspiring project, and everyone on our team was doing what people naturally do. They were taking pictures of the buildings, the solar panels, and the equipment while discussing the wonders of new technology.

Then I asked a simple question.

“When do we get to meet the kids?”

No one had thought about it. In fact, it wasn’t even on the itenerary. Someone hurred ahead to make arrangements, and before long we found ourselves surrounded by smiling children. With the help of a translator, the boys eagerly taught us some words and phrases in sign language in an impromptu gathering. There was laughter, there was joy, there were tears—as we talked about how “light” allows children to “talk” in the “dark.”

As we walked away, I gathered the team and said, “What made you smile today.” Everyone gave the same answer. “When we spent time with the kids.” I smiled and said, “That’s what this story is about—now go write a really good one.”

Don’t misunderstand me. The solar panels matter. The buildings matter. Without them, those childen would not have a place to say, no electricity to power their classrooms and no way to “talk” to each other in the “dark.” But this project was about people. The real story was always the lives that were being transformed because of the project.

Interestingly, research is beginning to confirm what many experienced fundraises have observed over the years. A recent article from the Yale School of Management found that donors are more likely to give when they understand how their generosity will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. People want to know that their giving matters. They want to participate in life transformation. The want to see deaf children smile!

That conviction shapes the way CGS has worked with clients for more than 60 years now. It is so important that we coach leaders through a process that helps them envision the life transformation that will happen in their buildings.

If you are building a worship center, help people see worshipers lifting hands in prayer or praise. If you are expanding a foyer, help them see life-transforming conversations over coffee. If you are expanding your camp facilities, help them see a student whose life has been changed forever by the gospel. We often tell our clients, borrowing from an old leadership adage: “Help people see what you are saying.” Even debt-elimination campaigns, annual-fund planning and remodeling projects are about changed lives!

Every sanctuary, classroom, camp cabin, medical clinic, or solar panel exists for one purpose: To become an instrument through which lives are transformed. When leaders communicate vision—when they talk about what they are passionate about all along—fundraising comes naturally. And that is why Henry Nouwen said that “fundraising is helping bring about the kingdom of God.” It is about transforming lives forever.