Type Nine: The Cheerful Donor
Synopsis: In this article, we define The Ninth and Last Type on the Enneagram Test: The Cheerful Donor. Find out what the most common traits are for this personality so you can help them on their giving journey. Find out how and why they give to your mission and what you as pastors and church leaders can do to encourage them to be long-term donors.
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Type Nine personalities, also called The Cheerful Donor Type, are receptive folks. They are the ones who listen to your sermons with open hearts, and having them in your congregation, supporting your non-profit is reassuring. However, this type can be complacent and resigned.
If there is a mission project or cause that benefits their social circle, they are likely to get on board. This is because they genuinely want to help others live more peacefully and in greater abundance. Pastors should try to help the Cheerful Donor Type to see this bigger picture when asking for donations. When the fundraising campaign is presented in this way, you can be sure that the Type Nine cheerful donor will be fully supportive.
Using the right emotional and social skills that are most effective at influencing the Cheerful Donor, you will soon understand why they choose to give or to hold back. The same goes for all the other eight personality types. You must seek to recognize certain character traits and adapt your fundraising style accordingly. When your communication with the Cheerful Donor Type is based on strong respect and trust, they become one of your greatest givers.
The Following Terms Describe a Cheerful Donor Best
- A wonderful friend
- A listening ear
- Contented
- Loving
- Down-to-earth
- Modest and trusting
- Stubborn
- Social
- Open-hearted
- Sympathetic
- Cheery
What Motivates the Cheerful Donor?
The Cheerful Donor places a lot of importance on their social networks, both online and offline. They are motivated by the needs of close friends and family, but also the greater needs of the church.
It is possible that this type of donor is very active on your church social media pages and loves interacting with other church members this way. This is because all kinds of communication interests them. Knowing that they have a strong community in the church gives them this peace of mind.
You can further motivate the Cheerful Donor and strengthen their inner stability by constantly assuring them that their voice and presence matter to God. Their gifts to the church benefit others and the world. Help them honor themselves by encouraging them in whatever way they decide to support the church.
What Are Cheerful Donors Most Passionate About?
These are folks who are naturally gifted at creating peaceful environments. You may notice some of the Cheerful Type on your Church Management boards. They are passionate about making solid relationships and connections. Cheerful Donors know and appreciate those who also work to make the world around them more beautiful and comfortable for others.
They will be the ones to get behind environmental campaigns, looking for practical ways to help and serve.
How Can You Engage the Cheerful Donor?
To engage the cheerful donor during church services and Bible studies, encourage them to find the balance between giving and receiving. Because they are such generous givers, they sometimes give to their own hurt.
Type Nine Cheerful Donors often accommodate others and end up forgoing their own desires. However, with time this may make them unhappy. Teach them that they can still pursue their passions and serve the world simultaneously. It doesn’t have to be just “one or the other.”
Teach them to strive for a balanced life, to find happiness even when things are unstable. Train them to also seek out strong connections in their social circles—those who can help them stay grounded spiritually.
Practical Ways to Encourage and Thank Cheerful Donors
A natural peacemaker and mediator, The Cheerful Donor type often has a large social circle. Giving comes naturally to them and they want to see others safe and stable. Pastors and leaders should encourage these kinds of connections and thank them for being instrumental in the church community.
Make sure that you also convey thanks to their friends and family about how their giving has furthered the missions. They are encouraged when they feel their values are seen and appreciated.
Acknowledge their love of beauty and their ability to make other lives feel more beautiful as well. When inspired, they will use their influence to keep being beacons of hope and light in the world.
Character Example of a Cheerful Donor
One of the most generous celebrity donors is Jon Bon Jovi. Not only known for his musical craft, he is also a very generous celebrity.
He founded the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, which exists to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair. To date, Bon Jovi has supported over thirty charities around the world. And—you guessed it—he always does so cheerfully!
He famously said:
“Miracles happen every day; change your perception of what a miracle is and you’ll see them all around you.”
Scripture on Giving to Inspire You as You Lead Cheerful Donors
The Bible talks often about giving from the heart, and the following verse was written for this type of donor:
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully] will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Getting to know the various types of donors will get easier with time and experience in fundraising.
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For more tips on leading and finding more donors, check out our extensive digital library of digital giving resources. Schedule a Discovery Call with us at DonorWerx today and improve your church’s fundraising strategies.
