Fundraising as Ministry: Not an Ask, an Invitation

“Fundraising is, first and foremost, a form of ministry.”

— Henri Nouwen, A Spirituality of Fundraising

Most people think of fundraising as a necessary task, something we have to do in order to keep the mission alive. But what if it’s actually part of the mission itself? What if asking for support is just as sacred as preaching the message, feeding the hungry, or sheltering the vulnerable?

Henri Nouwen invites us to see fundraising through a spiritual lens. When we ask someone to give, we’re not pressuring them, we’re inviting them into something bigger than themselves. We’re offering a chance to partner with what God is doing in the world. In that sense, fundraising becomes a form of discipleship. It’s not just about meeting a budget. It’s about building the Kingdom together.

When organizations clearly communicate their vision and create meaningful onramps for people to engage, they offer more than a donation link. They offer a pathway toward generosity, purpose, and transformation. And that’s where true fundraising begins, not in the ask, but in the invitation.