Spoiler alert: it might be that your donors aren’t giving—and faith-based organizations have cracked the code.

Hey Nonprofit Leader—What’s Keeping You Awake at Night?

I recently sat in on a fundraising workshop (yes, even veteran consultants sharpen their tools), and the facilitator asked:“Which nonprofit sector raises the most money?”

The room buzzed.“Higher Ed?”“Arts & Culture?”“Animals! It’s definitely animals.”

Wrong, wrong, and still wrong.

The real answer?Faith-based organizations. Cue the collective gasp.

So, what’s their secret sauce? Turns out, they aren’t just praying for donations—they’re boldly asking for them. Often. From everyone.

Here’s what faith-based organizations do that most nonprofits don’t:

They pass the basket—every single week. No guilt. No hesitation. Just consistency. Every gathering becomes a giving opportunity.

They ask everyone. Rich, poor, retired, new member—it doesn’t matter. No one’s pre-screened or judged for their “giving potential.”

They ask for big gifts. In many Christian traditions, a 10% tithe is expected. Imagine asking your donors for 10% of their income. Bold? Yes. Unreasonable? Not necessarily.

They assume giving is the norm. It’s not an awkward add-on. It’s part of the culture. Members are expected to support the mission, and that removes the shame from the ask.

They offer multiple ways to give. Weekly offerings, annual appeals, building funds, mission trips, youth programs, social justice—there’s something for everyone. And everyone finds something that resonates.

They build deep, consistent relationships. Members don’t just drop in once a year. They join small groups, volunteer teams, and community events. Leaders get to know them. So when the ask comes—it’s not from a stranger. It’s from someone they trust.

So, nonprofit leader—what can you steal (I mean borrow) from the faithful?

• Ask consistently.

• Ask broadly. Don’t pre-judge someone’s capacity to give.

• Offer variety. Let donors give to what moves them.

• Normalize giving. Embed it into your culture.

• Build real relationships. Not just transactions.

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Faith-based orgs don't shy away from fundraising—they embrace it as part of their mission. And they’re sleeping just fine, thank you very much.

You could be too.