Why Fundraising is a Spiritual Practice

Generosity is at the foundation of every major religion.

There aren’t many things that can say that — the world’s religions are very different. There's only a few things on this list: ritual, for example, or prayer. To me this means that generosity is one of the fundamental building blocks of human nature.

But even if you’re not religious, it’s still important. Talk to your therapist on your next rough day — I’d be shocked if she didn’t encourage you to volunteer and help someone else. Giving helps you get outside of yourself.

As a fundamental virtue, generosity transcends cultural and geographic boundaries embedded in our culture. Altruistic acts of kindness, benevolence, and charitable giving are universally acknowledged as markers of spiritual progress, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and compassion among adherents.

For instance, Christianity espouses the significance of charity through the principle of agape love, emphasizing selflessness and concern for others’ well-being. Similarly, the Islamic concept of zakat, one of the Five Pillars, mandates giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need, reflecting the religion’s commitment to social justice and communal support. In Buddhism, the practice of dāna, or generosity, is considered an essential means to cultivate detachment from material possessions and develop loving-kindness towards all sentient beings. Hindu scriptures, such as the Bhagavad Gita, extol the merits of giving without expectation of reward or recognition, thereby purifying the act of charity and aligning it with spiritual growth. Furthermore, the law of karma, which governs the cycle of cause and effect, dictates that deeds of generosity and kindness result in positive outcomes for the giver, both in this life and future incarnations.

Even ancient religions, such as Norse and ancient Greek, also acknowledged the importance of generosity in their belief systems. In Norse mythology, hospitality was highly valued, with a strong emphasis on providing for travelers and guests, often as a demonstration of social status and honor. The gods were portrayed as generous hosts, and acts of kindness and reciprocity were essential to maintaining balance and harmony within the community. In ancient Greek religion, the concept of xenia, or hospitality, was a central tenet, encompassing generosity towards strangers and observing social protocols. In Greek myths, the gods favored those who practiced xenia and punished those who neglected their duties as hosts. Zeus, the king of the gods, was also known as Xenios, the protector of travelers and guests. This divine endorsement of generosity reflected the significance of altruistic behavior in maintaining social cohesion and promoting positive relationships among individuals and communities.

The central role of charity in the world’s major religious traditions underscores its universal importance as a cornerstone of moral and spiritual development, highlighting the inherent human propensity towards empathy, cooperation, and self-transcendence.

And this is the oh so spiritual job of a fundraiser. We professionally encourage this fundamental human spirit - the spirit of generosity. As fundraisers, we are enabling this fundamentally spiritual practice.  

Most of us think of fundraising as a practice that benefits our communities and program areas, but this is only half the story. When we approach fundraising with a mindful and compassionate heart, we seek support for our causes and invite others to experience the joy and interconnectedness that arise from giving. We are enabling our donors' self-actualization. It’s our unique opportunity to create a space for generosity to flourish. Generosity is a profound expression of our interconnectedness.

As fundraisers, we must embrace the spirit of generosity within ourselves first to effectively inspire it in others. This is easier said than done. We all have money stories that are holding us back — perhaps we were taught bad lessons about asking for things by the people who raised us, or we feel guilt and shame about not having enough (or having too much). Recognize that unpacking this is often a lifelong project.

We must also recognize that, in our role as fundraisers, we are not merely asking for donations but offering an opportunity for others to participate in the transformative power of generosity. In enabling this spiritual practice, we facilitate a sacred exchange that nurtures both the giver and the receiver. The giver experiences the joy and fulfillment of contributing to a meaningful cause, while the receiver benefits from the support that enables their work to continue.

If the only reason we ask is to support our community, we will get burned out of this profession quickly. There are only so many times you can ask a donor to “save the lives of starving children”, only to have him refuse because he just bought a new yacht. It's gross and it sucks.

That's why it's critical to understand that our work can transform the donor too. By inviting other people to participate in this spirit of generosity, we can help them actualize their higher purpose. We’re fighting with them against the powers of greed (buy the yacht) and fear (what if I can’t buy yachts anymore?). What I know, because I’ve seen it up close and personally, is that the billionaire who gives away a fortune is far happier than the billionaire who accumulates more wealth.

The ancient Greeks had a lovely word, eudaimonia, a term rooted in ancient Greek philosophy that embodies living a flourishing, fulfilled life. This well-being transcends mere fleeting happiness, as it represents a more profound sense of contentment and purpose that arises from living in harmony with our most authentic selves and the world around us.

This is my goal for each of my donors and prospects. It won’t surprise you to learn that a powerful avenue through which we can journey towards eudaimonia is through the practice of charitable giving. This act of selflessness and compassion allows us to transcend the boundaries of our ego and experience a profound sense of oneness with others. That is what we enable when we fundraise. We allow it for ourselves, our donors, and the programs we support. I cannot imagine a higher calling.

Hank Rosso, a member of the Mount Rushmore of fundraising (and my teacher’s teacher), famously said, “Fundraising is the gentle art of persuading people to experience the joy of giving.”

Let Hank be your guidepost. If you do, fundraising will be the most excellent tool you can imagine for unlocking change in them, and in the world.